The fixture Santa Lucia against Birkirkara which was played on the last matchday of the 2023/24 season is being investigated by the Malta Police this website is informed.
At least two players have been summoned and have been interrogated by the police after being named by a Birkirkara FC foreign player who also featured in the lineup of this fixture. It is understood that the Stripes’ player who is still in Malta had filed a report whereby he alleged that he was approached by ‘a player’ of the opposing team in the days leading up to the game and was asked to either throw away the match or specifically not to score in what was to be a very important game for Santa Lucia FC who were risking relegation. The game was played on May 3rd, 2024 and it ended all square with a 2-2 final score.
Things in that evening were looking good for Sta Lucia as they were leading the Stripes 2-1 courtesy of goals from Gabriel Carlos and Steve Pisani before Birkirkara FC youngster Kaiden Fenech blasted fine strike from the edge of the area to level terms on the 85th minute, breaking Sta Lucia’s hearts and assuring Mosta FC’s Premier League status. Santa Lucia FC were eventually relegated. Sta Lucia were relegated with the 11th spot out of 14 teams, with 30 points after 26 games in which they won eight times.
This website is informed that the Birkirkara player who filed the report named a specific surname of a Santa Lucia player resulting in the police looking into the lineup of Santa Lucia team of that evening where things got complicated. In fact, the surname which was named featured twice in the lineup as Santa Lucia in that game had fielded two players with the same surname (both Maltese) thus instigating the police to summon two players with the same surname and ask them details about their involvement and this match fixing allegation. Both players denied all accusations. Since then both have moved on to sign for two separate Premier League Clubs and are not anymore registered with Santa Lucia FC.
maltasport.mt, is informed that both players cooperated with police inspectors and have signed their respective statements. Both their mobile phones remain in the custody of the police.
The Malta Football Association is following closely the developments of this case and is all set to start its independent internal investigations. Should these investigations start they have to be kicked off by Dr. Hermann Mula who is the Integrity officer and prosecutor of the Association.
This case emerges at a very busy period for the integrity office of the Malta FC since at the moment, Dr. Mula is about to conclude his investigations related to last season’s Gozo Football League first Division match between Nadur Youngsters and Qala Saints FC.
If found guilty of trying to bribe the player of Birkirkara, the ex player or ex players of Santa Lucia will be facing, a minimum of two to ten years ban from football and also a fine if it would be proved that they had acted on their personal initiative. If on the other hand the case leads to the conclusion that Santa Lucia as a Club were involved, the club could face serious consequences limited not only to hefty fine but also a possible deduction of points ahead of the start of the BOV Challenge League 2024/2025 or a relegation to the Amateur League 1. The Malta FA is yet to pronounce itself on the ongoing investigation by the Police.
