Bogdanovic inquiry report concluded, to be published upon Muscat’s return

The report on the release of footballer Daniel Bogdanovic from police custody soon after he was arrested, in order to play a football match, has been concluded and sits in the Prime Minister’s Office, awaiting the arrival of Joseph Muscat from his European tour.

Former army commander Carmelo Vassallo, who headed the internal inquiry, told MaltaToday that he delivered the report to the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday but would not reveal its conclusions. 

An OPM spokesperson confirmed that the report was consigned on Monday and said that it was sealed in the Cabinet’s office.

“As previously stated, the report will be published but the Prime Minister is currently abroad,” the spokesperson said, adding that once Muscat returns the government will publish the report and announce its decisions. 

Last week, MaltaToday journalists Saviour Balzan and Matthew Vella were summoned to testify before the internal inquiry, launched after MaltaToday revealed that Xewkija Tigers midfielder Daniel Bogdanovic had been released on police bail so that he would be able to play a football match. 

The player had been arrested for threatening his wife and being in possession of a gun outside his residence, a day before he was expected to play against Kercem in Gozo. 

MaltaToday also revealed that it was Police Assistant Commissioner Carmelo Magri who personally contacted the Gozo police station to talk to senior officers about Bogdanovic’s arrest.  

It was Bogdanovic’s wife and her brother – Ghajnsielem footballer Ferdinando Apap – who filed a criminal complaint with the police on threatening mobile phone messages that Bogdanovic allegedly sent her, and which led to the player’s arrest. 

The internal inquiry was expected to hear how Bogdanovic, arrested on Saturday, 29 October, was released on police bail the following day, Sunday, to allow him to play at 3pm that day.