Hibernians wing-back Clayton Failla, 26, has been provisionally suspended by MFA, after testing positive for banned substances, during a Euro Cup match in June earlier this year.

Failla, the 2012 Footballer of the Year, was tested by NADO (National Anti-Doping Organisation) at the end of Hibernians’ match against Valletta on 26 June. The Paolites had won 1-0.

NADO monitors athletes who benefit from government grants. Being a member of th National squad, Failla can be asked at any time to be tested, even when no competition is ongoing.

Failla will appear before NADO’s tribunal in the coming weeks, where if found guilty of the offence, he could face up to two years completely banned from football.

It appears though, that the banned substance found in Failla’s sample could have been absorbed from over-the-counter anti-flu medication.