Footballers’ association says guilty players should be stripped of their honours

The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) has argued that football players found guilty of corruption should be banned against playing football for life and stripped of all local and international honours.

Reacting to the decision taken by UEFA's Control & Disciplinary Body to ban Malta international and Valletta FC midfielder Kevin Sammut 10 years for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing case, the MFPA said it was adamantly against corruption and match-fixing.

"We are against corruption whether it's coming from players or officials or any other third parties who only seek personal gain through a football gain," MFPA official Konrad Sultana said.

Sultana said that any player, individual or official facing such accusations should always be given the right to defend himself before an independent and impartial tribunal.

According to Sammut's defence counsel, the Maltese footballer who stood accused of having been involved in fixing the Euro 2008 qualifier between Malta and Norway in Oslo in 2007, was not granted a fair trial.

"While many have expressed their doubts on UEFA's proceedings, we hope that these are clarified at appeal stage and that the principles of natural justice are adhered to," he said.

The MFPA was however categorical in expressing its position in favour of strict penalties to anyone found guilty of corruption. It added that it would be ready to work with all entities to fight this growing problem in football.

Sultana also said that such cases should always be treated seriously and with sensibility, without speculating on names.