National football coach Devis Mangia denies improper conduct claims

Malta football coach Devis Mangia on Wednesday night denied accusations of misconduct, hours after the board of the Malta Football Association asked its Safeguarding Board to investigate the claims.

Mangia was suspended by the FA on Tuesday after a player reported him over alleged sexual misconduct. 

A second national team player later came forward alleging similar behaviour.

The Malta Football Association on Wednesday announced that it had launched an internal inquiry.

Mangia broke his silence on Wednesday night, telling the Italian media  through his lawyer that he was categorically denying all accusations.

“In relation to the news published on national media, it is my duty to clarify that I have never, now or in the past, shown harmful conduct towards the personal or sexual dignity of any person, not least a football player or any other member of the federation,” the statement said.

“This is all unfounded and false news that seriously damages my personal dignity and my professional reputation.”

Mangia, who is assisted by lawyer Fabio Pinelli, insisted that “contrary to what has been published by the media, this kind of behaviour has never been disputed by the federation...