Two Gozo Footballers Charged With Corruption After Allegedly Offering Opposing Player A Government Job
A recent development showed that the two players who were accused of fixing matches, offered an opposing team member a government job if he helped them win the match.
Charges were filed against 31-year-old Manuel Xerri of Qala Saints FC and 39-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Camilleri of Żebbuġ Rovers, earlier this summer in June.
The reports were filed after suspicions arose in the lead up to a March match between Qala Saints and Nadur Youngsters, after which a joint investigation between the Malta Football Association’s (MFA) Integrity Office and the police began.
The players appeared in Magistrate’s Court in Gozo this week. During the court hearing, information about the bribery came to light.
In the days leading up the March match, Camilleri, who was a former reserve goalkeeper with the Nadur Youngsters, allegedly contacted current goalkeeper Steve Sultana.
Camilleri was said to have informed the Nadur goalie via WhatsApp that Qala Saints FC, as allegedly instructed by Xerri, was ready to offer him a government job if he threw the game against them on 17th March.
Despite the offer, Sultana informed Nadur club president and lawyer Chris Said about the proposal.
Since then, a suspension was issued and charges of corruption have been put up against the players involved and the Qala football club, with both players pleading not guilty in recent hearings.
Although the case continues, as per the regulations of the Prevention of Corruption in Sport Act, the players could be subjected to “imprisonment for a period of not more than three years and to a fine from €5,000 to €30,000,” or potentially, both.
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Cover photo by Football Ground Map
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