The Court of Appeal upheld a 2007 decision by the Rent Regulations Board last week regarding the lease of the Sliema Wanderers Football Club in Tower Road, Sliema.

Loris Bianchi, who appeared as the executor of Maria Stilon De Piro Bianchi’s will, complained the club had been late in paying its Lm500 rent every three months twice in 2004 and wanted the premises back.

On behalf of the football club, president Robert Arrigo, secretary John Bugeja and treasurer Robert Dingli objected, saying they had never received any reminder and, as soon as they received the court papers, offered to pay any rent due.

The Rent Board heard that Mr Bianchi did not register any communication he had with the club and, when asked to offer a copy of the reminder he said he had sent, provided a blank one.

Besides, he said, he had met Mr Arrigo at an election party in 2003 and reminded him of the unpaid rent. However, the club representatives pointed out that the rent due dates back to 2004, that is, after the 2003 election, not before. The Rent Board had subsequently found in favour of the football club.

The Appeals Court, presided over by Mr Justice Philip Sciberras confirmed the decision.