Maltese football, already so low in the world rankings and lacking credibility, was dealt another blow a few days ago when it was reported that four Maltese national team players were allegedly involved in a match-fixing scandal that has made the headlines across Europe.

The court testimony in a trial taking place in Bochum, Germany, has revealed that the Norway-Malta clash that was played in the qualifying round of the Euro 2008 championship was allegedly rigged. It was reported that four Maltese players were approached in their hotel to lose by four goals or more, and lose by four goals they did. The Norway-Malta match is one of 47 games that are listed in the scandal.

The Malta Football Association has immediately launched an investigation into the allegations.

It is yet another sad chapter for Maltese football. Our results in international competitions have rarely been good, but these allegations further dent the integrity of the local game. Having Malta’s name exposed in this way does not help improve the image of Maltese football.

This report follows other match-fixing scandals that had rocked the game two seasons ago – this time at local level – and which had led to drastic action being taken by the MFA, as well as the suspension of the Premier League for a few weeks.

It is a great pity that Maltese football – and Maltese sport in general – has once again been dragged into a story that is shameful. While we eagerly await the conclusion of the MFA investigation, it is sincerely hoped that the association will be harsh with the perpetrators.

It is understandable that the current administration of the MFA would like to distance itself from the story, since the matter took place under the previous management, but at the same time it must be made clear that it is now responsible for the national team and that, if it is proven that the alleged match-fixing really did take place, it should leave no stone unturned to punish the culprits and try to clear Malta’s name.

The Maltese national team, in spite of its poor results, has often attracted large crowds to the National Stadium. Its games are an occasion for rare shows of national unity. Such stories do not help add to one’s confidence in the team.