MALTESE FOOTBALLER JURGEN PISANI JAILED 15 MONTHS OVER MATCH-FIXING ATTEMPT

A Maltese footballer has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of attempted corruption linked to a top-flight match between Santa Lucia FC and Birkirkara FC played on 3 May 2024.

The court heard that Jurgen Pisani allegedly offered €2,000 to Birkirkara player Maxuell Maia in an attempt to influence his performance during the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw. At the time, Birkirkara had already secured European qualification, while Santa Lucia were fighting to avoid relegation.

The investigation was launched by the Malta Football Association after Maia reported the incident to the Birkirkara club president. Maia later testified in court, confirming the alleged approach and stating that he was asked not to perform at his best.

Pisani denied the allegations throughout the proceedings, claiming there was no wrongdoing and presenting video evidence from the televised match. He also rejected claims of any agreement to manipulate the result.

However, Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech ruled that the prosecution’s version of events was credible, accepting Maia’s testimony as honest and consistent. The court also referenced WhatsApp exchanges and rejected the defence’s argument that Maia may have misunderstood due to language barriers.

The court concluded that Pisani and another individual allegedly attempted to exploit personal connections in an effort to influence the match outcome, but Maia chose to report the incident instead.

As a result, Pisani was handed a 15-month prison sentence, a lifelong general interdiction, and a 10-year ban from participating in sporting events. The court also ordered a police investigation into Steve Pisani. The prosecution was led by Inspector Wayne Rodney Borg.

#MaltaDaily