Paul Mbong’s appeal against Birkirkara FC recent ruling to suspend the player and fine him was thrown out by the Malta Football Association’s Dispute Resolution Body, which upheld disciplinary sanctions imposed by Birkirkara FC following a serious breach of the club’s code of ethics and contractual obligations.
The Dispute Resolution Body, which convened on 18 June 2025 at the MFA headquarters in Ta’ Qali, was chaired by Dr Aldo Vella and included Deputy Chairman Dr Victor Scerri along with members Martin Gregory, Charles Polidano and Mario Debono. The decision was formally signed by Dr Aldo Vella as Chairman and Mario Gauci as Secretary.
The case centred on an incident that occurred in the early hours of 9 May 2025 when Mbong was seen at a nightlife establishment in St Julian’s at around 3:00am, just hours before Birkirkara’s crucial Premier League title decider against Ħamrun Spartans on 10 May. The club deemed his conduct unprofessional and detrimental to team preparations.
A Neutral Body was appointed under MFA Statute Regulation 4.13.2 to review the matter. Chaired by Jonathan Friggieri with Edward Borg as member, the Neutral Body concluded that Mbong had violated Clause 14 of Birkirkara FC’s Code of Ethics and Clause 4.5 of his employment contract. They recommended a fine of six hundred euro and a 27-day suspension, which is the maximum allowed under the relevant statute.
Mbong appealed, arguing that the two disciplinary clauses were overlapping and that he was unfairly penalised twice for the same action. He also alleged a lack of due process and bias from the disciplinary panel. However, the Dispute Resolution Body rejected all six grounds of appeal, stating that the disciplinary measures were complementary and proportionate to the offence. The board also found that Mbong had been notified in advance, failed to bring legal representation to the Neutral Body hearing despite the opportunity to do so, and had signed and acknowledged the club’s Code of Ethics.
The board further ruled that Mbong’s claim of bias lacked any substantiating evidence, noting that he had known the disciplinary panel members for years and had not raised any objections during the initial proceedings. His complaints were described as an afterthought.
Despite the upheld suspension and fine, Mbong has been called up to represent Malta at international level, a decision that has raised concerns. Sources close to Birkirkara FC described the move as undermining the disciplinary standards the MFA claims to uphold, pointing to the contradiction between the player’s confirmed misconduct and his continued selection.
The outcome of the case has reignited discussion around discipline and selection standards in Maltese football and whether a player’s inclusion at international level should be based not only on talent but also on behaviour and professional conduct.
