The stench of corruption in national sport

The stench of corruption in national sport

Since British sailors and soldiers from naval fleet ships and army regiments first kicked a bouncing ball around the Maltese islands late in the 19th century, a bonfire of desires was ignited in the hearts of Maltese and Gozitans alike. The game of Association Football was swiftly adopted and gave birth to the first clubs like St George’s (of Cospicua), Floriana and, later, Sliema Wanderers.

The Maltese have since then been described as “football fanatics” and as being “football crazy”. The rivalry went on to develop into blind support for various global club and national sides, the World Cup competition every four years holding most of Malta and Gozo spellbound.

However – and, sadly, it has always been a very substantial however – the stench of bribery and corruption has throughout the decades been closely associated to the national game itself. This was generated by the rivalry of the clubs themselves but, mostly, as a fertile field of speculation for illegal gaming and gambling.

In the past, the lure of temptation was “explained” by the very limited financial return for successful footballers, making them easy prey for shady speculators offering considerable “rewards”. Nowadays, this has changed, with more substantial and legitimate financial returns for players. Yet, the stench continues to linger and strongly hang over the sport.

Unfortunately, most instances have buzzed with rumours and allegations without any form of substantial proof. Periodically, a few cases come to light of players or club committee members “approaching” other players and, in recent years, a Maltese FIFA standard referee was banned for life in connection with a UEFA club competition game and a Maltese club.

Now, the whole basis of our national football game has been shaken by the revelations outlined by Malta Football Association president Norman Darmanin Demajo who, holding a 500-page dossier, said there was “overwhelming” evidence of match-fixing involving some national team players in connection with a game against Norway in 2008, which Malta lost 4-0.

Even more damagingly, Mr Darmanin Demajo expressed concern there was a probability that other games may also have been tampered with. The findings of an MFA internal investigation into the matter has been sent to the European ruling body UEFA and Malta awaits the outcome of their final decision, expected by the end of May.

Based on these statements, it is inexplicable that no action whatsoever has been taken against the players in the frame. They have not even been named and shamed. If the evidence is “overwhelming”, what else is necessary for a legal and disciplinary conclusion to the outcome of the investigation?

One is justified to conclude that the “tainted” players have presumably been allowed to continue forming part of the Malta national team and/or of their clubs. This can only mean that all subsequent fixtures involving these players – and perhaps others – may be a total sham and invalidates all national and local games in which such players have participated. How can the MFA allow this to happen?

Mr Darmanin Demajo declared that as the match in question fell under the jurisdiction of UEFA then it is up to UEFA to reach a final conclusion. Still, the suspects should have been suspended from all football activities forthwith pending UEFA’s conclusions.

The MFA must be praised for having immediately launched an extensive inquiry but the public, especially football fans, will find it difficult to understand why, as yet, no appropriate remedial action has been taken.