In a decision that has raised serious concerns within Maltese football circles, Paul Mbong has been included in the latest Malta men’s national team squad despite what his club, Birkirkara FC, claims was an admission of gross misconduct by the player just days before the call-up.
Birkirkara issued a pointed public statement accusing the Malta Football Association of ignoring facts and information regarding the player’s internal disciplinary case. Although the club did not name Mbong directly, several sources close to Maltasport confirmed that he is the individual in question. The club stated that they had initially attempted to keep the matter private, but felt compelled to speak out after the player’s inclusion in the squad.
According to these sources, Mbong admitted to gross misconduct in an incident that occurred in May and was fined the equivalent of a month’s salary. The player, through the Malta Football Players Association, has appealed the fine. However, the appeal reportedly contests only the amount of the fine and not the behaviour itself. This distinction has become central to the current controversy.
In response, the MFA released a statement confirming it had been informed of the disciplinary proceedings and that the player had formally lodged an appeal with the club on 30 May 2025. The association said the matter is still under review and therefore sub judice, stressing that any public comments that could influence the outcome should be avoided. A date for the hearing has yet to be set, and the MFA said it will make no further comments until the disciplinary process concludes.
The core issue is not whether Mbong is a talented player, as few doubt his ability. The real concern, raised by several sources within the football community who spoke anonymously to Maltasport, is whether the MFA is applying consistent disciplinary standards.
Comparisons have been drawn to the 2022 case of former national team coach Devis Mangia, who was suspended immediately following allegations of misconduct. Mangia’s case, which was admittedly far more sensitive, was met with swift action and public explanation as MFA President Bjorn Vassallo immediately spoke to the media about the case.
“In Mangia’s situation, the MFA acted within hours. In this case, the player isn’t denying what he did, just disputing how much he should pay for it,” one source said. “So why wasn’t he suspended or left out until the appeal was concluded?”
Another football insider noted, “This sets a worrying precedent. If a player can commit gross misconduct, admit to it, and still wear the national shirt before the case is closed, what message does that send to clubs trying to uphold discipline?”
“This is a two-weights, two-measures situation,” said one senior official within Maltese football. “How is it that a player who admits misconduct can still be deemed fit to represent his country before the matter is resolved?”
Another source questioned the timing of the appeal. “It looks like a technical loophole. The appeal stops the process, but it doesn’t mean the misconduct didn’t happen. The club acted, the player admitted, and yet he is still called up. It’s a serious credibility issue.”
There are also concerns about how this incident reflects on the club’s authority. If disciplinary actions by clubs can be overlooked or set aside by the national federation during ongoing proceedings, it could undermine internal governance and player accountability.
This situation highlights a deeper issue in the governance of Maltese football. Without clear and consistent disciplinary standards, confidence in decision-making is at risk. Clubs that impose internal discipline expect those decisions to be respected at a national level. When they are not, it sends the wrong message not just to clubs and players, but to the Maltese National team supporters and the wider football community.
As the appeal process continues, many are watching closely to see whether this incident prompts a reassessment of how such cases are handled moving forward. Trust in the integrity of Maltese football depends on it.
