Twenty-one year-old Seyble Zammit was found guilty of match-fixing ahead of the two UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers which Malta played against Montenegro and the Czech Republic last month. However, Zammit escaped punishment after Magistrate Saviour Demicoli applied a provision of the law which states that when a person pleads guilty and reveals information in court related to the case he may be exempted from punishment.

Police inspector Sean Scicluna told the court that Police were informed by MFA Integrity Officer Franz Tabone regarding allegations of match-fixing three days after the game against Montenegro and then a member of the Under 21 national team had been approached regarding the Czech Republic game.

Scicluna said that during the interrogation, Zammit claimed that a foreigner had offered about €6,000 to secure the deal. However none of the players who were not mentioned accepted the offer.

On the request of the prosecution, the sitting continued behind closed door for Zammit to testify. This was done in order not to jeopardise the investigation which is still going on.

Meanwhile the Malta Football Association issued a statement in which it said that it took note of the Court’s decision after it constituted itself as “parte civile” in the case.

“Since the game falls under the jurisdiction of UEFA, the Malta Football Association is in constant contact with the same UEFA disciplinary services, which is informed of all developments related to the case.”

“While pointing that the the police investigation is still under way, the Malta Football Association said that in order not to hinder investigations, the process of sporting justice will open only following the conclusion of the judiciary process.”

“The MFA continues to work closely with both UEFA and local authorities will not and will not give any further comments at this stage.”