Speculation has been rife in the past few days that the Malta FA were probing allegations of match-fixing in relation to the top-of-the-table Premier League clash between Birkirkara and Valletta, played on March 17 at the National Stadium.

Sources have told The Times that officials from the Malta FA Integrity Office have already questioned a number of persons, including two players, after a member of a club committee filed a report.

It has emerged though that the MFA are not expected to take disciplinary action, for the time being at least, as the allegations are essentially based on hearsay and the interrogations failed to yield concrete evidence to back the claims.

Birkirkara won their match against Valletta 2-0 to move four points clear of their rivals, now trailing in third place, with only six matches remaining.

It is believed that the allegations came to light after a person, who has close connections with one of the two clubs, claimed to have overheard a conversation in which a man boasted of bribing two high-profile players before the Valletta-Birkirkara game.

The alleged whistleblower informed a committee member who duly reported the matter to the MFA who have since summoned several persons for questioning.

It remains to be seen whether the police will be asked to investigate these match-fixing claims.