MFA Executive Board to discuss Devis Mangia’s suspension on Wednesday

Italian coach temporary suspended after being accused of sexual misconduct by two national team players

The Malta FA Executive Board is set to meet on Wednesday afternoon to discuss Devis Mangia’s temporary suspension as Malta national teams’ head coach.

On Tuesday, the MFA issued a statement to announce that Mangia had been temporary relieved of his duties after ‘a breach in the policies’ of the local governing body of football.

Later the Times of Malta revealed that the MFA moved to ban the Italian coach after it received a report from a national team player of sexual misconduct.

The case took a further twist on Wednesday, morning when a second player has come forward alleging sexual misconduct by Mangia.

Times of Malta is informed that a report was filed by lawyer, MP, and former Birkirkara FC president Adrian Delia on behalf of the player on Tuesday night with the Malta Football Association.  

The Malta FA Executive Board will now convene in an urgent meeting on Wednesday afternoon, during which president Bjorn Vassallo is expected to inform the EXBO members with all the details related to the case.

It is understood that the MFA chief will seek the backing of the EXBO to open an investigation on the case.

To this end, the Malta FA is expected to appoint an independent disciplinary board that is expected to investigate the case in the coming weeks.

Mangia, whose contract with the Malta FA expires at the end of December 2023, is not expected to attend the meeting but has put himself available for the facts of the matter to be established.

On Tuesday, the national team, under the charge of assistant coach Davide Mazzotta, gave something to cheer to the Maltese fans when they came from a goal down to beat Israel 2-1 at the National Stadium, with Alex Satariano and Ferdinando netting Malta’s goals.