The reserve doping test on the Valletta FC player Claude Mattocks was again found to be positive. The MFA is now awaiting the report of the Medical Committee before deciding on disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, the player is still suspended.

Maltese FIFA Referees and Assistant Referees have been given very good ratings for matches they controlled in UEFA competitions in recent weeks. These were Marco Borg, Esther Azzopardi, Edward Spiteri and Mariano Debono.

Seven Council members were nominated to form part of the Electoral Commission until 31 December 2008 to conduct the whole process of elections of MFA Officials during the Annual General Meeting. Three others were named as substitutes. This is in accordance with new regulations recently stipulated by FIFA.

The Executive Committee recommended that a set of amendments be introduced to regulate the Nurseries for licensing purposes. The aim of these changes is also to bring the licensing of the nurseries in line with those of the clubs in terms of time frame. These are to be approved during the Council meeting in May. Vice-President Ludovico Micallef briefed the Council about the importance of having a sound basis for our nurseries, and youth football. The overriding principle is that tomorrow’s football depends on today’s youths

The MFA is in the process of assessing the applications from about 30 member clubs to benefit from financial aid under a UEFA programme, to have their facilities upgraded. The funds for this project will total Euros 4,000,000, half of which will be provided by UEFA and the other half by the MFA through loans from local banks. Clubs will also seek alternative sources of funds. The MFA is still assessing the technical details and will decide on the priorities of this aid programme so that there will be optimal use of the financial resources.

The MFA will be holding a seminar next Saturday. The themes covered will be (i) Youth Football, (ii) Players’ Insurance Scheme and (iii) Towards more education on doping regulations. Member clubs and associations as well as club nurseries will be invited to participate in the seminar.

Marsa FC and Gozo FC will be applying to enter a women’s team in the national league next season.

The MFA has congratulated Dr Lawrence Gonzi on his re-election as Prime Minister. Congratulations were also conveyed to Mr Clyde Puli, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Sport.