The Malta Football Association has launched an internal investigation over administrative shortcomings during the protests launched following the Premier League matches between Hibernians and Ħamrun Spartans as well as Mosta vs Sirens.
During the past weeks, it has been reported that the complaint launched by Hibernians against the result of their Premier League match against Ħamrun Spartans over the eligibility of defender Christian Rutjens exposed shortcomings by the MFA administration that ended up prejudicating the case.
On the other hand, Mosta lost their protest against the result of their Premier League match against Sirens, which ended in a goalless draw, where they had complained that the St Paul’s Bay side had 15 non-homegrown players registered on their books.
In the past week, it has been reported that several mistakes were committed by the MFA administration over the case.
“The Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo has ordered an internal investigation into the administrative shortcomings flagged by the Association’s Protests Board about two recent protests – Hibernians vs Hamrun Spartans (1st February 2024) and Mosta vs Sirens (9th February 2024),” the Malta FA said in a statement.
“The Malta FA takes issues of accountability and transparency very seriously while fully respecting the autonomy and independence of its various judicial boards.
“It is primarily for this reason that the Association is acting proactively by initiating an inquiry which is aimed at understanding the shortcomings in the procedures followed by the Registrations Department, if any, and identify responsibilities where and as appropriate.
“The Association has appointed Dr Adrian Camilleri, a disciplinary inspector and Malta FA former prosecuting officer, to lead the process and prepare a detailed report.”
The Malta Premier League, the body that represents top-flight clubs, have welcomed the Malta FA’s decision and urged that such investigation is concluded by not later than the end of February.
“The Malta Premier League welcomes the fact that the Malta FA president has ordered an internal investigation over the administrative shortcomings that were confirmed by the Protests Board in the cases relating to the matches Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spartans and Mosta vs Sirens,” the Malta Premier League said.
“The MPL expects the terms of reference of this investigation will be published and that the probe will be held without further delay. It should also be clarified if these case will be referred to the Board of Ethics.
“The Malta Premier League expects this inquiry will be concluded quickly, ideally by not later than the end of February, be made public, and that responsibility is carried where it arises and that necessary remedies are given so that the final result of the championship is not affected.”
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