The government is closely following the case about the alleged involvement of Maltese nationals in match fixing abroad, it said this evening.

Brothers Adrian and Robert Farrugia are among 50 people being investigated by Italian police over alleged match fixing in Lega Pro and Serie D matches.

The government said it was working closely with the Malta Football Association in a task force that had been purposely set up to protect the integrity of sports and fight corruption in sports.

The task force would be proposing initiatives for the government's consideration.

Italian media this morning reported that Former Msida St Joseph FC president Robert Farrugia was heard telling an Italian national on a wiretap that Chinese gamblers who had lost €52,000 had threatened his brother.

He complained that the reason for an unexpected football game result was the team’s coach fault and demanded that the coach refunds the month lost on the bet.

Read the transcript, in Italian, here.

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