The Malta Police Force is believed to have concluded its investigation into allegations of corruption at an international game involving a Maltese club and will be arraigning some people “in the coming hours”, sources said.

Last Monday’s In-Nazzjon claimed the game in question was the Marsaxlokk – Slaven Belupo game in the UEFA Cup competition played at Ta’ Qali last July. It said that a foreign coach long living in Malta and two important officials on the local football scene are being investigated. However, sources told this paper there were some mistakes in that report, without clarifying what the mistakes were.

The CMRU (the police press office), when questioned by this paper, failed to reply.

Speaking on 30 July, MFA president Joe Mifsud told club members and delegates at the Centenary Hall that an attempt to influence the outcome of a UEFA club match played in Malta in the season just started has been uncovered.

Dr Mifsud told the astounded audience that the Malta FA has discovered an attempt by foreign individuals and their Maltese accomplices to rig a match involving a local team.

The startling revelation about the botched match-fixing attempt in Malta was the cue for Mifsud to issue a stern warning to those perpetuating corruption in Maltese football.

“The spectre of corruption in local football must be eradicated,” Dr Mifsud warned.

“There is a lot of talk about Maltese football being dogged by bribery but the rumour often turns out to be unfounded. Nevertheless, we can’t turn a blind eye to this malady. We need to be more vigilant and step up our efforts to rid Maltese football of match fixing.

“Referees, coaches and all those involved in Maltese football have been reminded of their responsibility to play fair.

“The MFA will show no mercy towards anyone found guilty of bribery. We are ready to go all the way in our fight against corruption.

“Club officials have a sacrosanct duty to report to the MFA any information or suspicions they may have about match-rigging cases.”