The Maltese Players Association is categorically against any type of intervention aimed at interfering with football matches. Because of this, it encourages the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations made recently. MFPA hopes that the individual who refused to participate in such interventions is not penalised.

Following the U21 National team cases, months ago, MFPA proposed the introduction of a mobile app by which players would be able to report any corruption incidences anonymously. Unfortunately, this proposal has yet to be accepted. We now have a case, in which a player made the incident public (not anonymously), and still, the first reaction was to point fingers at the player for not reporting within 24 hours. Unfortunately, instead of recognising the courage it takes for someone to come out in the open, we threaten him with penalisation. The only thing this utter lack of flexibility does is further discourage players from reporting.

The fact that an individual declares such incident on social media sites, is clearly a testimony to the fact that the current reporting mechanisms in place are not adequate. MFPA encourages authorities to be more open to new tools for reporting.

Finally, MFPA hopes that the focus of the investigation is aimed at finding the people attempting to manipulate matches illegally, and not repeat the same mistake whereby the player who refused to participate in the illicit acts, is used as a scapegoat.