Ruben Hayrapetyan, the president of the Armenian Football Federation, has strenuously denied rumours that he rigged the World Cup qualifier between Armenia and Malta.

Malta sprang a surprise last Friday after beating their more-quoted opponents 1-0 courtesy of Michael Mifsud’s eight-minute goal.

The outcome caused shock in Armenia as they expected an easy win over a Malta side who had failed to gain a point in their opening five qualifiers.

Malta’s first competitive away win in 20 years triggered speculation in the social media that the game may have been manipulated with some sug-gesting that Hayrapetyan had influenced coach Vardan Minasyan’s team selection.

“I’m ready to step down if people demand my resignation,” the Armenian FA president was quoted as saying by news website panarmenian.net.

“I propose that those who are making these accusations meet me personally so we can discuss the issues of concern.

“I saw some posts on social network sites suggesting that I was the one who picked the line-up for the game against Malta and that I fixed the match.

“If I can harm Armenian football in any way, let those people tell me so personally.”

Hayrapetyan told a news conference that Armenia were punished for overestimating their abilities ahead of their Group B qualifier against Malta at the Republican Sta-dium in Yerevan.

Armenia bounced back from their defeat to Malta with an eye-catching 4-0 victory away to Denmark on Tuesday.