The Times of Malta reported on Thursday that a Malta Premier League player has been arrested and held in custody in connection with an alleged attempt to bribe a Gżira United player ahead of last Saturday’s FA Trophy final.
The final, played at the National Stadium, saw Valletta beat Gżira United 2-1 to lift the trophy for the 15th time.
According to the report, the day before the match, a Gżira United player told his club that he had been approached by another player, who does not play for Valletta FC, and offered money to throw the game.
The suspect has not been named as no charges have yet been brought before a court.
Upon being informed by their player, Gżira United and Valletta FC jointly contacted the Malta FA Integrity Officer, who opened an investigation and referred the matter to the police.
Over the following two days, officers examined all available evidence and spoke with the Gżira United player and officials from the Premier League club involved. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, interrogated and kept in custody while the investigation continues.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring formal match fixing charges against the suspect in court.
