Msida St Joseph are urging the Malta FA to come up with a final decision on the dragging issue involving Marsaxlokk who are facing charges of match-fixing in a case being heard by an independent board to investigate corrupt practices.
A Marsaxlokk official and player were handed suspended jail terms and fined in March after admitting in court to offering a bribe to an opposing team's goalkeeper in a Premier League match last season.
However, the MFA board is still conducting its own investigation into the case and failed to reach a verdict after two hearings following charges against Marsaxlokk who could face demotion to Division One if found guilty.
Robert Farrugia, the Msida SJ president, told The Times yesterday that his club had written to the Malta FA urging the board to speed up the hearing process before the new season gets underway.
The Saints were relegated from the Premier League in May and Farrugia is contending that if Marsaxlokk had to lose their status, Msida will regain their place in the top flight.
"The situation has created a lot of tension in our club," Farrugia said.
"This case has been going on for several months but the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices is still to reach a verdict and the case has now been deferred to August 20.
"We think this issue has dragged far too long and now it is time for someone to decide. The Premier League season starts on August 21. So, we don't really know what will happen if we're told that instead of Division One we will be back in the Premier League in 2009/10."
Msida could be caught unawares if they are asked to play in the top flight again as the squad has lost eight first-team players from last season besides the services of coach Joe Abdilla.
"We have just started pre-season training and our new coach is Mark Marlow. However, we had some key players seeking pastures new after losing our place in the Premier League in May.
"Among those who left are the three foreign players and regulars Stacey Vella, Matthew Camilleri and captain Dino Cachia. We made no signings as yet and our squad is mainly composed of players from our youth ranks. We know they could be valid in future but this squad is not strong enough to compete in the Premier League."
Farrugia also said that Msida are engaged in talks with potential new sponsors but those willing to give their backing are now postponing negotiations until the club's position is made clear.
"Two established firms have shown interest to become our sponsors this summer," the Msida president said, "but we could lose their backing if the match-fixing case in front of the MFA board drags without a decision.
"The same applies to new signings. Some foreigners have shown their interest to play for us in the Premier League next season but the transfer window wraps up at the end of the month so there's little time left.
"Indeed, this has been a very difficult summer for Msida SJ, putting us in an awkward situation before the new season gets underway."