Kevin Sammut

Kevin Sammut (born 26 May 1981 in Sliema, Malta) is a former professional footballer who played for Maltese Premier League side Valletta as a midfielder. He is currently serving 10 year ban for match-fixing.

Playing career

Sliema Wanderers

Kevin began his playing career with his local side Sliema Wanderers of the Maltese Premier League. His first season was the 1998–99 season. He only made one appearance during that season, as Sliema Wanderers recorded a 3rd place finish in the Premier League.

Sammut started to make the first team on a more regular basis for the 1999–00 season. He helped Sliema Wanderers finish in 4th position in the Premier League that season, making nine appearances, but failing to score in the process.

Hamrun Spartans

For the 2000–01 season, Kevin was loaned out to for the season to fellow Premier League side Hamrun Spartans. Kevin was an integral part of the squad with Hamrun Spartans, making 25 appearances and scoring five goals, as the club recorded a 6th place finish in the Premier League.

Sliema Wanderers

Kevin returned to Sliema Wanderers for the 2001–02 season, a revitalized player, he went straight into the first team squad, over the season he made 24 appearances and scored four goals, helping Sliema Wanderers to a 3rd place finish in the Premier League.

Sammut went into the 2002–03 season hoping to win some silverware with Sliema Wanderers, Kevin achieved this as the club recorded a 1st place finish in the Premier League. Over the course of the season Sammut made 26 appearances and scored six goals.

For the 2003–04 season, Kevin and Sliema Wanderers continued to emulate the successes of previous season. Sammut made 21 appearances and scored four goals, as Sliema Wanderers completed the domestic double, finishing in 1st position in the Premier League and winning the Maltese Cup.

Msida Saint-Joseph

Despite the success of the previous season, Sammut’s days at Sliema Wanderers were numbered, and he was sent out on another season long loan for the 2004–05 season, this time with Msida Saint-Joseph. He helped the club narrowly avoid relegation with an 8th place finish in the Premier League that season, making 16 appearances and scoring three goals.

Marsaxlokk

Following the conclusion of Kevin’s loan with Msida Saint-Joseph, the midfielder was sold to Marsaxlokk for the 2005–06 season. Sammut began to capture his best form with his new club, and helped Marsaxlokk to a 3rd place finish in the Premier League. Kevin made 24 appearances and scored one goal during his debut season.

Kevin and Marsaxlokk made history during the 2006–07 season, as Marsaxlokk won the Premier League title for the first time in the club's history. Kevin played a big part in winning the title for Marsaxlokk, scoring nine goals from midfield, making 26 appearances in the process.

Sammut went into the 2007–08 season hoping to help Marsaxlokk win more silverware, however following the previous seasons triumph, many of the clubs star players moved on to pastures new, the likes of Daniel Bogdanovic, Luke Dimech and Justin Haber to name a few. This left the club short of talent, Sammut however stuck around and despite the clubs loss of players, they still managed to record a very creditable 2nd place finish in the Premier League, with Kevin making 27 appearances and chipping in with six goals. Kevin also received the very prestigious Maltese Player of the Year trophy.

The 2008–09 season proved to be Kevin’s last at Marsaxlokk. The club had an extremely disappointing start to the season by their own high standards, and only managed to gain a place in the championship pool by beating Sammut’s old club Msida Saint-Joseph in the final game of the first round. Kevin made 21 appearances and scored one goal during the season and despite the clubs extremely disappointing start to the season, they managed to finish the season in 4th position in the Maltese Premier League.

Valletta

On 7 August 2009 Kevin Sammut joined Premier League side Valletta, where the midfielder signed a five-year contract with the club.

Sammut became the second Maltese International to join Valletta during the summer 2009 transfer window, following Terence Scerri, who had joined the club from Hibernians.

Controversy

In August 2012 Kevin Sammut was found guilty by UEFA of match-fixing in the Euro 2008 qualifier between Norway and Malta, a game which ended 4-0. However he was substituted half way in the game at 1-0. The player was given a 10-year-ban by UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary body. UEFA said it would also be requesting FIFA to extend the ban, to give it a worldwide effect and he cannot play any football matches like clubs and international friendly and league.

In December 2012, Sammut was landed with a life ban on all football-related activities by UEFA, which has also been extended by FIFA.

Honours

Sliema Wanderers

Winner

• 2002–03, 2003–04 Maltese Premier League
• 2004 U*Bet FA Trophy

Marsaxlokk

Winner

• 2006–07 Maltese Premier League
• 2007–08 Maltese Player of the Year

Valletta FC

Winner

• 2009–10, U*Bet FA Trophy
• 2010, National League 100th Anniversary Cup

Career statistics

Statistics accurate as of match played 9 August 2009.