Even if, so far, they remain allegations, the Malta Football Association was correct in reacting swiftly and forcefully to the claims made during a trial in Germany last week linking Maltese players with match-fixing in connection with a European Championship qualifier in June 2007.

Six men, all linked to a notorious Croatian betting syndicate, have just been convicted over a scandal described as the biggest in the history of football. One of them, Marijo Cvrtak, has testified that among the several matches rigged was the Euro 2008 qualifier between Norway and Malta that was played in Oslo.

According to Mr Cvrtak, who yesterday received a five-and-a-half year jail term, three players from the Maltese national football team had accepted a bribe one day before the match, which ended in a 4-0 win for Norway, a result that satisfied illegal punters.

MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo was correct when, without going into the merits of the allegations made because they are still unconfirmed, he warned the association would not be taking the matter lightly. He declared that if it resulted that any footballers were indeed implicated they would be suspended at once. The Maltese FA has opened an investigation, also seeking the assistance of the police.

There is no doubt claims such as those made by Mr Cvrtak negatively affect Maltese football, more so if it turns out that what he is saying did in fact take place. If the allegations are confirmed, the MFA and the judicial authorities ought to throw the book at the players involved, not only to punish them for their despicable behaviour but also to send a clear message that such action is not tolerated. It is bad enough for Maltese football fans to witness poor performances by the national squad; knowing there were individual players who sold the game, cheating their colleagues and their country, is chilling.

Mr Darmanin Demajo was honest enough to admit Maltese football is not immune to corrupt practices. He can hardly be blamed for being shocked and discouraged by such allegations, given that one of his main rallying calls in the MFA presidency election campaign last summer was to see local clubs becoming more professional in their set-ups. Various initiatives were taken, most notably a better share of gate-money receipts. The financial boost is helping Premier League clubs to draw more profits than before and that, perhaps, should see them honouring contract payments with their players, lessening the chance of having the footballers tempted to opt for illicit means to derive extra income.

The world football governing body, FIFA, has its own mechanism in place to monitor betting patterns and tackle the match-fixing problem. Recently, it was announced it will assist Interpol and its Anti Corruption Training Wing in Singapore. FIFA’s contribution will be to the tune of €20 million.

Not an impressive sum, keeping in mind the task at hand and the income derived from football worldwide. Yet, one can only hope it would be sufficient to, at least, set the ball rolling, for the malady of bribery afflicting “the beautiful game” to be addressed in the most effective manner possible. But what is perhaps more crucial than money to ensure all the necessary resources can be employed to put up a strong fight is the will of all stakeholders to stand up and be counted and act without fear or favour irrespective of whether the culprits are top football associations’ executives, club officials, footballers or referees. That is why all eyes are now on the MFA.