Following a recent meeting in Cyprus on certain clauses in the new UEFA Licencing Manual to be implemented as from season 2008-2009, the MFA and other federations from small countries have requested some exemptions, mostly on those relating to Future Financial Information. Such information will now be given by our clubs in a simplified format as the financial criteria will be amended in most parts. A UEFA Licence obtained by clubs will also be valid as a domestic Licence.

The doping infringements of two players who inhaled a banned substance resulted from negligence by the clubs. The clubs were fined, while the players were suspended for one month, with a six-month suspended sentence. In the case of George Mallia whose tests resulted positive, it was confirmed from repeated tests that the substance found to be banned was produced by the body. Thus no punitive measures were taken against the player. Another player found guilty of taking cannabis was banned for six months with a suspended sentence of a further six months.

Dates have been fixed for the home and away ties between Malta and Georgia, valid as a play-off for the UEFA European Under 21 Championship 2006-07, which sees the winner through to the next stage of the competition. Malta’s home match will be played on 12th April, with the away tie to be played on 26th April.

The traditional end-of-the-season seminar which will this year discuss, among others, youth welfare, a programme of education for youths and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, and new regulations, is being moved from the 3rd June to the 15th July. This activity will thus not coincide with the planned friendly international match between Malta and Japan in Duesseldorf, Germany on 4 June.

Hamrun Spartans informed the MFA that they have suspended their player Ivan Zammit for 28 days.

FIFA has changed its regulations with immediate effect with regard to racial abuse. Member associations, including the MFA, will automatically adopt these regulations. Severe sanctions are contemplated against those associations who fail to implement these new regulations.

UEFA confirmed the participation of a Maltese club in the coming season’s Intertoto competition.

Both FIFA and UEFA thanked the Malta FA for its intervention and backing in the legal proceedings instituted by the Belgian club Charleroi regarding claims for compensation to clubs for injured players when turning out for their national team.

In the UEFA Regions Cup Competition for amateur teams, Malta was drawn in the Group comprising regional side representing Germany, Poland and Italy.

All domestic MFA competitions, including the BOV Championships in the various Divisions, the U*BET FA Trophy, the Quick-Keno KO Competition for the Division II/III teams, the Youths Leagues and KO, the Women’s Leagues, the Women’s KO and the Futsal competitions were confirmed for season 2006-2007. The only exception is the Super Five Competition, which has now been scrapped. There will also be a new KO competition for Division I clubs following their request for this additional event in their playing calendar. These clubs will still compete in the U*BET FA Trophy. The scrapping of the Super Five and the new Division I KO competition as proposed by the Executive Committee were approved by the Council.

To protect the integrity of the Game in all its levels, FIFA have prepared a document streamlined under Political, Financial and Competition Issues. The primary aim is to render football clean and transparent in the eyes of the public as far as its competitive, organisational and financial cores are concerned. The salient points of this document were read out to the Council members.

Amendments proposed by the Executive Committee on the regulations regarding the status and licence which each Member Club must have, were discussed and approved by the Council. These rules are applicable with immediate effect.

The Gh.K.S. have been given permission by the MFA to hold a symbolic ceremony at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tom Hedley, who was one of the pioneers of Maltese sports journalism. This ceremony will be held on 14 April.

The MFA will maintain contact with FIFA and UEFA regarding information which may now be passed on to the parent Bodies from the appointed Regulator. This information relates to betting by players and referees and other personnel. However, there are certain provisos in this respect which apply locally.

A new entity embracing local supporters’ clubs as a group, with specific aims to promote healthy and organised backing for our teams, has been recognised by the MFA.

The Malta FA will benefit from a substantial grant from FIFA through its Goal Programme, to offset part of the expenses towards the transfer of its headquarters in Valletta to the Millennium Stand at Ta’ Qali later on this year.

The first eight mini-pitches under the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches Project are due to be installed in various Maltese localities in May.