MFA amends rule after San Gwann protest

MFAThe Council of the Malta Football Association rejected a request by St. Patrick to annul a decision by the MFA Protests Board and refer the case back to the board after a protest San Gwann had filed over the result of the BOV Second Division match which was played on March 2. The game ended in a goalless draw.

San Gwann had filed a protest over the ineligibility of Keith Muscat as St. Patrick had listed the wrong MFA ID and date of birth on the official line-up. The MFA Protests Board awarded San Gwann the three points, although St. Patrick argued that this was a genuine mistake.

A Protests Board’s decision is unappealable and the only remedy is to refer a case back to the board if it results that such decision was taken in blatant breach of the rules and regulations.

Following a discussion, the Council voted in favour of an amendment to rule 18 in order to avoid loss of points in future cases.

St. Patrick secretary Manuel Gauci argued that the Board was wrong to decide against the club and the Council was also wrong to decide against giving the chance for another hearing by the MFA Protests Board. He also said that the Council for wrong for the third time when it decided to amend rule 18 as this confirms that the Board’s decision was wrong.

The committee will be meeting on Friday in order to discuss the Council’s decision.