The Malta Football Association has referred the allegations made about suspended national coach Devis Mangia to the police.

In a statement, the MFA said that it is actively and constantly evaluating all developments in relation to the case concerning Devis Mangia, the Head Coach of the National Teams who has been temporarily relieved of his duties following allegations of misconduct. 

Mangia was suspended by the FA hours before Malta was due to play against Israel in a friendly match after a player reported sexual misconduct.

A second player later made similar allegations.

Mangia has denied all allegations, and returned to Italy.

The Malta FA stressed that, immediately from the moment reports were filed with it, the Association has adopted a quick and decisive approach, temporarily relieving Mangia of his duties as national team coach.

Furthermore, the Association called an urgent meeting of its Executive Board which ratified the decision to temporarily relieve Mr Mangia of his duties, and the matter was referred to the Association’s Safeguarding Board to investigate.

Although, at the time of writing, this case still revolves around allegations, the seriousness of the claims makes it imperative for the Association to seek guidance from both FIFA and UEFA, adopting the same approach used in cases related to integrity issues in international football.

While the Malta FA has immediately launched an investigation and is comforted by the knowledge that it has the internal structures and processes in place, to tackle such issues, this morning the Association has additionally reported these allegations also to the executive police.

In reiterating its resolve to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of facts, the Malta FA said it is always open to any form of whistleblowing and all reports of this nature are treated very seriously.