The first Maltese Football Museum at the National Stadium was inaugurated on Saturday by Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia Portelli.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima, together with MFA President Bjorn Vassallo and FIFA President Giovanni Infantino were present for the inauguration.
Minister Farrugia Portelli described the MFA as an important link to our country’s glorious history.
The MFA is commemorating the 120th anniversay of its founding with the celebrations culminating together with the new MFA musuem which captures the history of Maltese football.
This history of our country consists of great events that have contributed greatly, despite the small size of our country to European and world history in all its fields. The new MFA museum clearly shows Malta’s contribution to the sport, Minister Farrugia Portelli said.
Whilst expressing satisfaction that the president of FIFA will be discussing bilaterally with the MFA on the development of Maltese football as well as on how our country can contribute more to the international football community, Farrugia Portelli noted that, “football, like any other sport, can serve as a means of expressing the principle of solidarity. The current campaign against racism and the way the sports world has come together in support of Danish player Christian Eriksen are proof of this. "
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima said that the opening of this museum is a testimony that despite the small size of our country, the history of Maltese football is alive and adorned by beautiful events that fascinate people.
He said that “the work of the MFA is not only recognized on a local level as the FIFA president visited our country.”
Grima said “the opening of this museum, on the 120th anniversary of the founding of the MFA, fills us with courage and sends a message to our young people who should be proud of what has shaped Maltese football.”
Grima also remarked that he looks forward to more joint work with the MFA for the good of Maltese football and youth.
In addition, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that this was a special day as MFA is celebrating its 120th anniversary.
He said that “it goes beyond just a football celebration” and described Malta as a “unique” place.
For his part, MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said that the opening of a museum which seeks to look back at its history and Maltese football is a beautiful thing, but when this happens in front of the FIFA president, it becomes even more special.