Well-informed sources have told Lovin Malta that at least two others want to come forward since the claims were made public. 

The Malta Football Association, which is holding an executive meeting today to discuss the claims, confirmed that it has received a notification that another person is willing to provide further information.

However, it is yet to receive such information.

“The Association reiterates that any information it may receive will be referred to the appropriate bodies,” it said.

“The course of action taken will be communicated following the Executive Board meeting scheduled to take place later today.”

Police are also reportedly investigating a recording of Mangia’s advances. 

Lovin Malta is informed that MFA was aware of similar allegations levelled against Mangia in his previous position before appointing him as head coach of Malta. The MFA did not respond to questions over this claim.

It has sent shockwaves through the island’s sporting community. However, his questionable past raises major questions, particularly given Mangia’s access to entire lists, from the minors to adults, of football players in the country and those trying to break into the national set-up.

Mangia’s coaching past reveals a lot about a man who was once considered a rising star in Italian coaching.

From 2007 to 2019, Mangia did not remain at any club for more than a year or two, oftentimes for just a few months.

In Italian football, coaches are replaced regularly, typically after a run of defeats and poor performances. However, in Mangia’s case, his teams would often be performing well… only for him to then be dismissed for personal reasons.

In 2021, Romanian media also reported that Mangia had made sexual advances on players.

Italian media had reported on “rumours” swirling around Mangia’s conduct all the way back in 2016.

Il Centro reported on an incident that happened back in May 2016, where a number of Ascoli players complained about “the behaviour of the coach”.

Mangia did have massive support in the country and among the team, with stand-in coach Davide Mazzotta claiming that the players dedicated a recent win to the embattled coach.

Should MFA be held responsible for the appointment of Mangia?