Match-fixing: Two footballers have lifetime bans reduced
Manuel Xerri and Leonard Camilleri given nine- and seven-year ban respectively
Two footballers banned for life over an attempted match-fixing incident in a Gozo league clash have had their suspensions reduced by the Malta Football Association.
Qala player Manuel Xerri, who was 31 years old at the time of the match, was instead given a nine-year suspension, while then 39-year-old Żebbuġ Rovers goalkeeper Leonard Camilleri was banned for seven years.
The pair were initially handed lifetime bans early last year.
The reduction in their suspension is believed to be linked to a broader overhaul of MFA’s disciplinary procedures, to bring them in line with those of international football bodies.
The case refers to a March 2024 top-of-the-table clash between Qala and Nadur, as the two clubs competed for that season’s GFA Division One title.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Nadur going on to win the title by two points over Qala.
Xerri and Camilleri were accused of attempting to bribe Nadur goalkeeper Steve Sultana to let Qala win the title.
In June 2024, the MFA confirmed it had issued charges against the two players, temporarily suspending the pair.
Later in the same year, a court was told how Sultana was allegedly contacted by Camilleri, a one-time reserve goalkeeper for Nadur, offering him a government job in exchange for throwing the match.
Camilleri was allegedly directed to pass on the message by Xerri.
Pair might face more trouble over the coming months
However, Sultana informed his club’s president, Chris Said, of the attempted match-fixing offer, with Said promptly alerting MFA integrity officer Herman Mula.
At the time of their initial ban, a tribunal ruled that Xerri and Camilleri had committed a corrupt act and had breached the sport’s regulations.
Nevertheless, the pair might face more trouble over the coming months, with a criminal case against the two in Gozo’s courts believed to be approaching its end.
Both Camilleri and Xerri were charged under various provisions of the Prevention in Corruption in Sport Act. The two men pleaded not guilty.
If found guilty, the two could face a three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to €30,000.
The charges come after a joint investigation, conducted by the MFA Integrity Office and the police.
Questions were sent to MFA.