MFA President Addressing the MFA Council on the occasion of the last meeting for season 2004-2005, MFA president, Dr Joe Mifsud thanked all Council Members for their work and contribution through various MFA Boards. The MFA Council, made up of approximately 60 members and one of the largest in Europe, held 12 meetings during the season.
The President mentioned various points, namely:
MFA has plans regarding the format and work of Council so that these will be more in line with present and future needs.
New MFA initiatives and sponsorships agreements from which the game in Malta would benefit.
MFA TV Programme and plans to continue with such an initiative.
Further development of infrastructure i.e. stadia, stands, refurbishing, pitch re-surfacing of Centenary Stadium.
UEFA Jubilee mini-pitches project to be followed up.
Though the reform of national leagues did not meet the Council’s approval during the season, MFA will strive to make local competitions more attractive.
An increase in attendance for season 2004-05 over the previous period was registered. MFA seeks to improve upon these figures.
Referees’ complement and performances on the domestic and international fronts were satisfactory. Improvement should remain an objective.
Coaches and their preparation through courses and instructional meetings to keep abreast with new developments in this field. This was another objective of the MFA through its Technical Centre.
Participation of national teams at seven levels – ‘A’, U/21, U/17, U/19, Women, Amateur and Mediterranean Games in international competitions testified to the MFA’s aim of upgrading the game in all sectors. However, more was to be done in order to improve local standards, primarily at the level of the’A’ team.
Other news
A one-minute silence was observed in memory of former Malta goalkeeper David Cluett, who passed away on 17th July, and Major A.P. Briffa one of the pioneers of Maltese refereeing, who died earlier in the month.
Club Licensing: Vice-President John Farrugia informed the Council that all clubs have been issued with a Licence to take part in domestic competitions.
Transfer-listed players: Birkirkara: Justin Haber, Chucks Nwoko; Floriana: Steven Wellman, Clifton Ciantar, Joseph Graig Schembri, Claude Mattocks; Valletta: Edward Azzopardi, Karl Bonnici
Pippo Psaila, MOC Director of Sport, wrote to the MFA pointing out his satisfaction at the way Malta’s team performed at the Mediterranean Games 2005, held in Almeria, Spain.
Youth, Women’s and Futsal League Competitions for season 2005-06 were approved by the Council. There will be 44 teams in the Youth competition divided into ten clubs each in sections A, B and C, with the other clubs forming Section D.
The Women’s League will be formed of nine teams – two more than last season. New participants are Sliema and Qormi.
The number of teams in the Futsal League is expected to remain unchanged – 52.
Instructions regarding the presentation of Cups and medals to the winners and runners-up in the various stadia were read and approved. Disciplinary measures are contemplated against those who disrupt these presentations.
Malta will enter its national teams for the UEFA 2006-2007 U/17 and U/19 Championships.