MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo said yesterday in his concluding speech that the Maltese game needed to have its infrastructure developed.
He said the MFA has been having talks with government over a master plan for Ta´Qali. “We are sitting on a big piece of land which has to be developed if we are to consolidate our future.
“There is no chance of moving forward if there is no further investment in the infrastructure and I am glad that finally, even the government seems to be inclined to change its mentality on this issue.
“Changes at Ta´Qali need to be done both at club and association levels,” he said.
He added it is not enough to continue relying on the guaranteed UEFA and FIFA income as well as the centralised TV rights for international games.
He also spoke about the continued professional development of the Technical Centre. “We are still far away from having really good coaches at club level. Even here, we need more investment with mentality needing to change, making an emphasis on player development.
“I am convinced that if we are to improve the level of our coaches, then there will also be an improvement in our players´ levels,” he said.
Darmanin Demajo also said another challenge for the association was the strengthening of the competitions.
“I am pleased that the clubs have finally agreed to change the format of the Premier League – our flagship - as from the coming season. I think such a move will add interest and increase competition.
“I am not fully satisfied with the league format, especially with the division of points at the end of the second round. However, I respect the opinion and will of the majority of the clubs,” he remarked.
He also said there were various other important issues which include club finances and Financial Fair Play, regulations regarding the transfer of players, transmission of live Premier League matches, season tickets, match day hospitality and sponsorships.
He said: “We need to take courageous decisions for the overall benefit of the game. I am not here to win votes – I am here to do the job that you elected me to do – to continue working to improve the level of our football and our leagues. Do not be afraid to move away from your comfort zones – it will be for the better - trust me,” he said.
Before concluding his speech, Darmanin Demajo announced that after football received so much, he felt it was time for football to give something back on its part.
“We have had discussions with HE Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic, over an initiative which should see the Community Chest Fund and Puttinu Cares benefiting from an increase in the adult admission tickets for Premier League and First Division matches,” he said.
These will now cost €1 more than in the past, but that €1 will go towards these two entities which he described as national medical insurance policies. “Let our football clubs, our spectators and the football community at large set an example of what we can do when we channel the power of football in the right direction,” he concluded.
Earlier, he announced that Dr George Abela, former MFA president, was appointed Honorary President of the Association. Dr Abela was a former President of the MFA and recently concluded his term as President of the Republic.
Alfred Vella Borg, Joe Farrugia, Joe M. Cassar Naudi (in absentia) were all presented a token gift as an appreciation for their long years of service to local football.