Valletta FC have seen their appeal against the six-match suspension of Portuguese forward Diogo Tavares rejected by the Malta Football Association (MFA).

The Citizens had lodged an appeal with the MFA in an attempt to overturn the punishment imposed on Tavares following his dismissal in the derby clash against Floriana earlier this month. The forward was shown a straight red card after striking Floriana midfielder Zach Scerri during the encounter.

The MFA Board convened on Friday to review the case and ultimately decided to uphold the original ruling, reconfirming the six-match suspension for the Portuguese attacker.

Valletta president Claudio Grech expressed his disappointment with the outcome but reaffirmed the club’s full support for the player during this difficult period.

“Following the confirmation of the suspension, we know how painful this moment is for Diogo – especially after the commitment, work, and pride he brought into his debut,” Grech told the Times of Malta.

The suspension represents a significant blow for Valletta, who will be without the forward for a crucial stretch of matches, but the club remain united behind Tavares as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.