A Maltese international footballer has received a 10-year ban from UEFA after being found guilty of match fixing. Kevin Sammut is accused of being involved in the scam that took place during a Euro 2008 qualifier between his country, Malta, and Norway. The match ended 4-0 to Norway and suspicions were raised after three goals were scored in the final 18 minutes of the game and a number of large bets placed on the outcome. Summut was actually substituted at half-time and is intending to appeal against the ruling claiming he knows “nothing” and “did nothing”. €200,000 was bet on the match and Malta’s FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo is of the belief that more players must have been involved, adding: “The whistleblower in this case originally claimed that four players were involved. I personally believe you can’t fix a game with one player.”
UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Board cleared two other players as the governing body didn’t have enough evidence to convict either of Kenneth Scicluna and Stephen Wellman.
Juventus boss Antonio Conte has appeared in court to appeal against a 10-month ban for failing to report fixing. Conte, and his assistant Angelo Alessio, appeared with the backing of their club and are looking to be fully acquitted of the charges. The two were given bans by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after failing to report two incidents that took place whilst they were in charge of Siena. The charges first came to light after Filippo Carobbio, who played under Conte at Siena, accused his former boss of not reporting the fixing. Prosecutors support Carobbio’s comments and it therefore seems unlikely that Conte’s appeal will be successful. Results are expected on Wednesday.
