Members of the Maltese delegation which went to Düsseldorf for the Eurovision Song Contest, including singer Glen Vella, this afternoon expressed their support for Joseph Mizzi, the chairman of PBS, after his resignation yesterday.

Mr Mizzi stepped down after video footage showed him in an apparent drunken state at a reception following the final of the concern on Saturday week.

The members of the delegation said that throughout the period leading to the Eurovision Song Contest and whilst in Germany, Mr Mizzi’s work as PBS Chairman was crucial to put Malta’s song forward and he worked relentlessly to build a positive relationship with other competing nations.

"At no time did his actions hinder Malta’s credibility and he showed nothing but great integrity in every situation, sometimes going beyond his duties to make sure that no stone was left unturned.

"The whole team present was united knowing that, irrelevant of the result achieved, the team had done its utmost to put Malta’s name forward.

"We have no doubt that the work done by him and the team this year, although not as immediately apparent in results, will show positively in the years to come."

In his resignation letter Mr Mizzi stopped short of saying that his drink was spiked but said he had been set up by somebody who knowingly wanted to cause harm to PBS.

The letter of support was signed by Fleur Balzan, Paul Giordimaina, Glen Vella, Norman Hamilton, Peter Carbonaro and Daniel D’Anastasi.