Birkirkara FC has issued a scathing public statement expressing strong disapproval at the Malta Football Association’s (MFA) decision to include Paul Mbong in the latest Men’s A national team squad — despite what the club claims was an “admission of gross misconduct” by the player just days earlier.
The statement, published this morning, marked a rare and pointed criticism from the Stripes, accusing the MFA of “blatantly ignoring information and facts” related to an unnamed player — widely understood to be Mbong — who was recently sanctioned internally. Birkirkara said it had attempted to keep the matter private, but felt compelled to speak out after the national team selection disregarded the disciplinary situation.
“It is with deep regret that the Malta Football Association has chosen to blatantly ignore information and facts in relation to one of the club’s current players that resulted in admission of gross misconduct,” the club wrote.
While Birkirkara refrained from naming Mbong directly, the timing and context leave little room for doubt. The winger was surprisingly excluded from both the starting XI and 22-man squad for the Meridianbet FA Trophy final against Hibernians — a move that immediately fueled speculation about his future.
Insiders have since revealed that the club has no intention of renewing Mbong’s contract, which expires on 30th June 2025. “The club is not willing to negotiate a new contract with the Malta international player,” one committee source told local journalists.
Further reports suggest that disciplinary action was initiated over alleged “inappropriate conduct” by Mbong in the days leading up to the final — the nature of which has not been officially disclosed.
The club’s statement also included broader criticism of leadership within Maltese football, calling for those in power to set a better example.
“There are times when, irrelevant of procedures, those in power should lead by example — a fact unfortunately lost on those tasked with taking decisions,” the club noted, adding that “National Team players who represent the country should lead by example.”
Mbong, who joined Birkirkara in 2020, has featured in over 140 matches and scored 14 goals during his time with the club. Despite his contributions on the pitch, his relationship with the Stripes appears to be unraveling swiftly.
For now, the national team call-up remains in place — but the rift between club and association has widened, and Paul Mbong finds himself at the centre of a growing storm that blurs the lines between club discipline and national selection.
