Devis Mangia To Remain Suspended For Three Weeks Pending Investigation Into Alleged Sexual Misconduct
Malta national football coach Devis Mangia will remain suspended for another three weeks pending an internal investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.
The Malta Football Association (MFA) held an executive meeting to discuss the allegations today.
Sports news portal Replay reported that the executive committee decided to set a three-week deadline for the investigation, after which recommendations for Mangia’s future will be drawn up.
Mangia will remain suspended on half-pay during the process.
Replay also reported that MFA president Bjorn Vassallo gave a detailed explanation about the due diligence that was carried out on Mangia prior to his appointment as Malta coach.
This due diligence process reportedly included personal meetings between Vassallo and high-ranking officials within the Italian and Romanian football federations, countries where Mangia used to and where he had also faced similar allegations of sexual misconduct.
Mangia was suspended from coaching duties yesterday following alleged sexual advances on at least one national football player. Well-informed sources have told Lovin Malta that at least two others want to come forward since the claims were made public.
The scandal doesn’t seem to have impacted the morale of the Malta national team, which beat Israel 2-1 last night thanks to two late goals from Alex Satariano and Ferdinando Apap.
Stand-in coach Davide Mazzotta said the players dedicated the victory to Mangia.
Malta’s next game is scheduled to take place on 20th November, a friendly at home against the Republic of Ireland.
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