Hibs and Malta wing-back Clayton Failla has been provisionally suspended by the Malta FA after testing positive for banned substances during a Euro Cup match last June.

Failla, the 2012 Footballer of the Year, was tested by the Kunsill Malti għall-Isport anti-doping agency – NADO – at the end of Hibs’ match against Valletta which the Paolites won 1-0 on June 26.

The National Anti-Doping Organisation monitors 20/20 athletes who benefit from government grants. Like Failla, those in the elite top national scheme can be asked at any time to submit themselves to be tested, even out of competition.

Failla, 26, will be facing a NADO tribunal in the coming weeks. He could face up to two years out of the game if found guilty of the offence even though, it seems, that the banned substance found in Failla’s sample was absorbed from over-the-counter anti-flu medication.

In May, two Mqabba FC players were also found positive for doping.

Marko Potezica was suspended nine months and Julian Briffa will be out of the game until July next year.