Uchenna Anyanwu, a team manager at Pembroke Athletics football club, tried to fix a match by bribing two Mosta FC players before a crucial Premier League match between the two teams, a court heard today

Police Inspector Elton Taliana took to the witness stand as Magistrate Grazio Mercieca started to hear the compilation of evidence in the match-fixing case against Mr Anyawu. The latter is being charged with accusations related to match-fixing which allegedly took place between 1 January and 11 February.

The accused has been living in Malta for a couple of years. He is also married to a Maltese national and they have three kids.

Inspector Taliana explained that on 10 February, at around 4pm, he had received information that the football game between Mosta and Pembroke was fixed. He was informed that a certain Obinna Obiefule had gone to the Mosta football ground with the aim of approaching a number of players, allegedly following instructions given to him by the accused.

The court heard how the man approached Mosta FC player Chinatu Francis Onwindinjo and asked him if the coach had chosen him to play in the upcoming match against Pembroke. Mr Onwindinjo confirmed that he was meant to play and the accused asked him if he would be willing to take an offer so that his team loses against Pembroke. The player had refused.

The police then spoke to another player, a certain Victor Lucky who denied any allegations claiming he was approached by the accused or an accomplice.

This information was passed on to Magistrate Audrey Demicoli who ordered the arrest of Mr Uchanna. He was arrested in his Naxxar apartment. The accused was taken to the Birkirkara police station for an interrogation. He had denied the allegations levelled against him.

The prosecution was led by Inspectors Elton Taliana and Robert Vella. Lawyer David Camilleri appeared for the accused.