Croatian football fans are desperately trying to get their hands on tickets for tomorrow’s European Qualifier against Malta despite a blanket ban from the Malta Football Association.

Earlier today, Times of Malta spoke to a group of Croatian tourists offering locals €10 each to buy them a ticket for the game.

“They’re banning true football fans who love the game,” one Croatian fan, who asked not to be named, told this newspaper.

“This isn’t about racism,” said another. “The mafia that runs football – Blatter, Platini and the rest of them – are scared of Croatian football and don’t want us to get to a higher level.”

The MFA announced last week that following an agreement with the Croatian FA and Uefa, no Croatian fans would be allowed into Ta’ Qali National Stadium for the game.

The Croatian FA is supporting the ban on its own fans in an attempt to prevent racist incidents that could get the national team thrown out of the competition.

Last June, a swastika was imprinted on the pitch in Split's Poljud stadium before a match against Italy and treated with a chemical agent to make it visible during the game.

The fans who spoke to Times of Malta, however, are confident that they will be able to circumvent the ban and cheer on their team. “Don’t worry, we’ll be in the stadium tomorrow,” one said. “You’ll see us on TV.”

In 2005, Croatian fans had caused mayhem at the National Stadium at the end of a 2006 World Cup qualifier which ended one-all.

In order to qualify for next year’s finals in France, Croatia need to win tomorrow’s game and hope that Norway fail to beat Italy.

The Croatia squad arrived in Malta this afternoon.

Tomorrow's game has become crucial for Croatia as they need to win to stay in with a chance of qualifying directly for next year's European Championship in France. Croatia are third in Group H on 17 points, two behind second-placed Norway who are away to already-qualified Italy tomorrow.