These felicitations to Dr Abela, a former MFA President, are mingled with the MFA’s gratitude to HE President Emeritus Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, who was the Association’s patron for the past five years.

In a statement, the MFA said it was very proud that Dr Abela had sports, particularly football, very close to his heart, and indeed rendered invaluable service to this sport, as he did in other spheres of society in our country.

This affable and humble man, who is at the same time endowed with intelligence and a deep sense of vision, did a lot to enhance Malta’s standing in the football world during his tenure of office as the Association’s President between 1982 and 1992.

The MFA said it was the time when Dr Abela laid the groundwork for more progress through important changes in Maltese football, changes which the man now occupying the highest post in our football hierarchy, Dr Joe Mifsud, successfully continued to build on.

When he was at the Association’s helm, Dr Abela also imbued unwavering affection amongst the Maltese for our national team, something which the MFA feels sure will now be mirrored in the commitment of the Presidency to continue to instill in Maltese citizens a sense of belonging to their country.

The statement added that the big football family in our islands is again proud that Dr Abela also emerged from the ranks of the MFA, apart from other spheres of social and political activity in Malta, and that at this point in time he is the symbol of a country which will continue to treasure noble values all men stand for.

Heartfelt best wishes to his H E Dr George Abela, President of Malta.