The government's decision to close gambling halls affected one of the businessmen who accompanied the finance minister on a trip to a football match, Parliam-entary Secretary Jason Azzopardi has told The Sunday Times.

Coming to the defence of Tonio Fenech over his trip on a private jet to an Arsenal match in Spain with two prominent businessmen last April, Dr Azzopardi said somebody tried to "maliciously" harm the minister for taking the courageous decision to close gaming outlets.

"He closed gaming shops that also belonged to one of the businessmen on the trip," Dr Azzopardi told The Sunday Times in an interview.

He did not give any details, but it is understood that he may have been referring to the business interest of Joe Gasan in a number of bingo halls, which were hit by the crackdown.

Mr Gasan had provided the match tickets for free, which he obtained through Ford's sponsorship of the Champions League, though the finance minister said he paid for his one-night accommodation in a hotel.

Both travelled on the private jet of another businessman, George Fenech, who has an interest in casinos and is also bidding for the management lease of the Dragonara Casino.

Describing the affair as a storm in a teacup, Dr Azzopardi said: "He should be applauded for having the courage to take decisions that were long overdue.

He would have done something wrong if his decisions or behaviour benefitted somebody."

ksansone@timesofmalta.com