Marsaxlokk FC lawyer Dr Maurice Meli has confirmed in an exclusive interview with Malta Sport that the club firmly believes Floriana’s controversial second goal in the YoHealth Malta Premier Finalissima that ended 2-1 for the greens should not have stood, insisting that the decision goes against IFAB Law 15 regarding throw-ins.
The protest was officially lodged by Marsaxlokk following Saturday’s decisive clash against Floriana FC, with the club arguing that the ball entered the net directly from a throw-in situation and therefore should have been disallowed according to the Laws of the Game.
During the exclusive interview with Malta Sport Editor Christopher Lawrence Francalanza, Dr Meli stated:
“Everyone agrees that a goal directly from a throw in can never stand. In that case the rules are clear. Therefore the outcome cannot be considered correct.”
Dr Meli explained that Marsaxlokk strongly believes the ball was not legally touched before entering the net.
“Marsaxlokk FC firmly believes that the ball was not touched before it entered the goal and therefore unfortunately the outcome of the match is one which is not just because the 2-1 result came from a throw in.”
The Malta Football Association later issued an official statement confirming receipt of the protest.
The statement read:
“The Malta Football Association confirms that it has received a formal protest from Marsaxlokk FC concerning the decisive YoHealth Premier League match played on 16th May 2026 between Floriana FC and Marsaxlokk FC.
In accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures of the Association, the protest will be referred to the MFA’s independent judicial body, the Protest Board, for its consideration and decision.
The Malta FA will refrain from making any further comments while the matter is under review by the competent bodies.”
Asked by Malta Sport what the next steps could be should the protest be rejected, Dr Meli did not exclude further legal escalation.
“The club has nothing against anyone on a personal level. The problem is that they feel an injustice was committed against them and therefore the club will take any necessary step.”
He did not rule out the possibility of the case eventually being brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport if deemed necessary by the club.
Although cautious about predicting the outcome, Dr Meli insisted that Marsaxlokk’s objective remains solely to seek justice through the proper channels.
“It is not my role to discuss probabilities. Our role is to do our utmost so that justice is achieved, nothing more.”
The MFA Protest Board will now decide the case in what is expected to become one of the most discussed legal and refereeing controversies in recent Maltese football history.
Floriana issue official statement following Marsaxlokk protest
Floriana F.C. have issued an official statement following the protest filed by Marsaxlokk F.C. regarding the recent Finalissima.
In their statement, Floriana confirmed that the case is scheduled to be heard before the MFA Complaints Board and acknowledged Marsaxlokk’s protest.
The Greens stated that, in view of the ongoing proceedings, they believe it would be “inappropriate and unethical” to make any comments that could potentially prejudice the process or influence its outcome.
Floriana also confirmed that they have engaged legal counsel who are currently studying the case in detail and who will represent the club as an interested party during the proceedings.
The club concluded by stating that no further statements will be issued until the process is officially concluded.
