The Premier League resumes next weekend after a three-week suspension, but questions are still being asked on the chaotic way the corruption cases that have rocked the local game have been managed by the Malta Football Association.

Vittoriosa Stars and Marsaxlokk FC were both relegated from the Premier League to the First Division following their involvement in bribery cases. They have now been replaced by Hamrun Spartans and Msida St Joseph, that had been relegated on the pitch after finishing the season in ninth and 10th place.

The latter two teams have been given just seven days in which to prepare themselves for the top flight. “They were preparing themselves for participation in the First Division, an altogether different matter from the Premier League, but now they have been returned to the top championship. Because of the delays in the administration of justice, they have now found themselves with only one week to prepare for the Premier League, and this after having parted with some key players,” sources told The Malta Independent on Sunday.

The length of time it took for the MFA to solve the corruption cases has punished Msida and Hamrun too, because they now find themselves with an inferior squad to the one they had last season when they were relegated, sources said. “It is not fair on both clubs,” they added.

Secondly, questions have also been raised as to why Vittoriosa Stars were relegated to the First Division, and not to Division Two. Vittoriosa Stars were involved in the bribery case when they were a First Division team, and many are arguing that their true punishment should have been a relegation to Division Two.

“Vittoriosa had a strong side for the First Division, and won the league handsomely last season. Yet, they are now been given the chance to take part in the same league with an even stronger squad,” sources said.

Thirdly, although a decision has been taken to resume the Premier League, this has been done while the Marsaxlokk case is still to be heard at the appeal’s stage. “What will happen if Marsaxlokk win the appeal and are re-instated to their Premier League status?” the sources asked.

Marsaxlokk have asked for the league suspension to continue until their case is heard on appeal, a request that was turned down.

The Malta Independent on Sunday has reported, week after week, about the corruption cases that have given the local game a negative image. The league will resume next week, but the reverberations of this case will be felt for a long time.

“The chaos that has hit the MFA is not over yet,” the sources said.

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