The Malta Football Association has launched an internal inquiry into the disappearance of approximately €18,000 from within its Match Operations department in Ta Qali. The matter, which first surfaced publicly as a point of discussion during the television programme Il-Kampjonat on TVM Sport+, was subsequently reported by Newsbook yesterday, confirming that the Association is treating the case as a serious internal discrepancy.
The missing funds are understood to have been noticed in the days following Malta’s UEFA European Qualifier against the Netherlands last month. While early speculation suggested the amount may have been tied directly to match-related financials, sources close to the situation have stated that the discrepancy is not directly linked to the takings or operational revenue from that match. No further clarification has yet been provided.
Malta Sport has been examining this situation for the past week, gathering documentation, reviewing internal handling procedures and speaking with individuals familiar with the operational chain. Our newsroom has been attentive to the sensitive nature of the situation and refrained from publishing until it had all the necessary comfort and verifications. Several persons close to the matter have confirmed that the incident has prompted a serious review of internal cash control measures and responsibility structures within the Association.
Malta Sport contacted the Malta Football Association with questions sent to the General Secretary yesterday at 16:32, requesting confirmation regarding:
• Whether a sum of around €18,000 is currently unaccounted for
• When the discrepancy was first detected
• Whether a police report has been filed or is being considered
• Whether any employees or officials have been suspended, reassigned, or placed under administrative review
• And whether the MFA wished to provide a contextual explanation from its side
MFA response
This morning, the MFA Communications Coordinator, Matthew Spiteri Gonzi, responded by referring Malta Sport to a press statement issued by the Association approximately thirty minutes after our initial inquiry.
The statement reads:
The Malta Football Association informs that it has commissioned an internal inquiry to establish the facts surrounding allegations of financial discrepancies within the Match Operations department.
The inquiry has been tasked with reviewing all related transactions and interviewing all individuals involved in their handling.
The inquiry report is expected to be submitted to the Malta FA Bureau in the coming days, after which the Bureau will determine the appropriate course of action based on its findings.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, the Malta FA will not be issuing any further comments or statements at this stage.
A broader pattern of governance questions
This is not the first occasion in which financial controls at the Association have come under scrutiny. During the presidency of Norman Darmanin Demajo, managerial questions were raised regarding the administration of funds linked to the Millennium Stand pool, which at the time was administered by Catalin Stan, who is a swimming coach with a significant international background, and who has most recently been appointed the Senior Swimming Coach at Sliema ASC. He has previously worked with the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta and Sirens ASC. Stan is known for his work in developing competitive swimmers and has coached athletes who have competed in the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships
The current situation raises broader questions about financial governance, documentation systems, oversight responsibilities, and transparency within the administration of Maltese football.
Malta Sport will continue to follow the inquiry closely and will provide further verified updates as they emerge.
