Malta set to introduce new match-fixing regulations

VALLETTA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Malta's parliament is set to debate new laws updating the country's outdated match-fixing regulations, the government has said on Thursday. The current rules have been in force since 1976.

The statement comes on the back of a decision by UEFA to suspend six of Malta's under-21 national team players over two cases of match-fixing in international football matches.

According to the government, the new law would be adapted to modern-day realities of football and will give a new definition of corruption in sport, widen the courts' jurisdiction over such crimes and increase the level of punishment to those caught engaging in corrupt practices.

It added that it was committed to ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in sport, while also protecting individuals falling victim to organized crime.

Last year, parliamentary secretary for sport Clifton Grima launched a consultation process on the new law, and appointed a task force to draw up the legislation. Endtiem