Malta FA upholds Valletta striker Diogo Tavares’ six-match suspension

President Claudio Grech said club are firmly behind the player

Valletta FC have lost their appeal against the six-match suspension of Portuguese forward Diogo Tavares.

The Citizens lodged an appeal in front of the MFA to contest the decision to hand Tavares a six-match suspension following his red card in the derby against Floriana earlier this month.

The forward was shown a straight red card for hitting Floriana midfielder Zach Scerri.

The MFA Board met on Friday to discuss the case and decided to uphold Valletta’s complaint and reconfirm the six-match suspension of the Portuguese forward.

Valletta president Claudio Grech was disappointed with the decision but made it clear that the club are fully behind the player.

“Following the confirmation of the suspension, we know how painful this moment is for Diogo – especially after the commitment, work, and pride he brought into his debut,” Grech told the Times of Malta.

“What we want to make clear is this: we stand firmly behind our player. We have reviewed the footage, we know the facts, and we know Diogo’s character: a player who was never sent off in his professional career.

“This outcome does not define him, nor does it change our belief in him.

“Setbacks are part of the game. How you respond to them is what truly matters. Diogo will use this period to grow stronger, stay focused, and prepare for his return – and when that moment comes, he will not walk back alone.

“The club, the dressing room, and our supporters are with him.”

Valletta FC also issued a statement to show their disappointment at the MFA decision and described the suspension as disproportionate.

“Valletta FC was informed by the Malta Football Association Appeals Board that it has decided to uphold the original six-match suspension following the appeal lodged by the Club in relation to the suspension on Diogo Tavares following the Valletta FC vs Floriana FC match on the 10th January 2026,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“Valletta FC is very disappointed with this decision and firmly believes the suspension is not only disproportionate but does not reflect the mechanics and circumstances of the player’s actions.

“Faced with this unjust treatment, in this difficult moment, the Club stands with Diogo and will support him over the next few weeks in his return to play.

“All the squad, technical staff and Club management are now focused on today’s key fixture, against Ħamrun Spartans FC, and we take the opportunity to urge our supporters to turn up and be our twelfth man for these crucial 90 minutes.”