Malta FA’s EU-funded project with youths against match-fixing

Over the past few months the Malta FA, together with the Portuguese Federation, FIBA , the Lithuanian Federation and a number of other organisations have joined forces in an educational project for young players: Sports Against Match-Fixing ( SAMF).

The Integrity Department led by Dr Herman Mula and the Football Social Responsibility Department headed by Peter Busuttil, have over the past two years worked with their European partners to create a number of tools and sessions for young players.

This includes the creation of an App (SAMF) that can be downloaded both of Iphones and also for androids.

The app is in the form of a game and which engages with the user to educate about how to deal with match-fixing situations.

The Malta FA also created a Maltese comic and poster, both of which form part of the educational and prevention process.

Over the past few months, the SAMF project has visited several clubs and schools to promote awareness of how to deal with “match-fixing situations”.

In the first phase of the project, which forms part of the Malta FA’s Integrity Tour, the sessions target youth players.

However, these sessions are not only restricted to football teams, but are also open to institutions and other sports associations.

One of the ambassadors of the project is in fact Stephanie Tanti Desjardins, ex-national team waterpolo goalkeeper and captain of San Ġiljan women’s ladies senior team.

“This project is creating awareness across the board not only to the athletes themselves but also coaches and staff,” she said.

“Education is key and the sole purpose of these sessions is to ensure that the knowledge is spread and the importance of reporting is emphasised.”

MFA Integrity Officer Herman Mula said:  “From my experience, if a player is approached, there is already something wrong, his lifestyle is indicating the possibility of acceptance.”

On his part, Busuttil said the project was very useful in raising awareness of this problem.

“We found this project very useful in helping young players understand that match-fixing is something to be reported and that there are means of doing this in a tranquil and safe environment,” said Busuttil.

“Our long-term objectives are to keep using this project and its legacy over the years to come at all levels and with all persons involved in any way in football”.

For more information one can visit the website www.sportagainstmatchfixing.com and contact fsr@mfa.com.mt about how you can get involved in the project.