On the occasion of the last Council meeting of the calendar year, president Dr Joe Mifsud addressed the Council members. He said that 2006 was a positive year in many aspects.
Increase in attendances, smooth running of competitions, work of clubs and nurseries, the start of new projects, including the mini-pitches under the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches Project and a number of satisfactory results by our National Teams in the different categories, culminating in our historic 2-1win against Hungary in a European Championship qualifying match last October, were all positive signs of a fruitful year.
He also mentioned the difficulties which were encountered, particularly the dispute over TV rights with PBS and two Private TV Stations. Alternative arrangements were made, since BOV Premier matches are being televised, and it is hoped that these will be extended to other divisions.
Dr Mifsud thanked all the football family for working so hard and unselfishly to keep promoting football in Malta. Finally he conveyed the Christmas and New Year greetings to all Council Members, MFA Officials and staff and all club committee members and technical personnel.
Council Members were informed of the progress of work at the Millennium Stand which is planned to house the new MFA Headquarters, and of the discussions to be held between the MFA and the tenderers re-the laying of the new turf at the Centenary Stadium. Work on the pitch resurfacing is to start in June next year.
Information was given regarding the programme of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta’s first ever international match against Austria in February 1957.
FIFA informed the MFA of the complement of Maltese Referees and Assistant Referees on its lists – four referees, eight assistant referees, two Futsal referees and one woman referee. FIFA Badges were presented to the referees and assistant referees by the MFA President, Dr J. Mifsud.
Members of the MFA Licensing Board and of the Panel of Experts for calendar year 2007 were appointed by the Council. There were only minor changes.
Vice-president John Farrugia reminded clubs of the need to abide by the newly-approved licensing regulations for Top Division clubs to be implemented as from season 2008-2009, especially with regard to presentation of financial statements, and to conforming with deadlines.
Further proposed amendments to the MFA Statute were explained to the Council members. The aim is to relieve the Council of certain functions which had hitherto been at variance with its normal workings. This mostly referred to disciplinary measures which will now be vested to the competent disciplinary bodies of the association. The amendments to the Statute will be discussed at the MFA Extraordinary General Meeting on 9 February 2007 and, if approved, implemented as from July 1, 2007.
The Council was informed that the MFA is committed to participate in the forthcoming UEFA Referees Convention.
The MFA was reminded that WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has issued a revised Doping List for 2007. This will now be circulated to all affiliated clubs so that they will get familiarised with this list.
Vice-president Carmel Bartolo said that a First Aid Course for club officials in charge of nursing their players in case of injuries and other incidents will be held. He stressed the importance of these courses and said that these will be mandatory. Unless these officials are in possession of the necessary certificate in first aid, they will not be issued with a pitch card and hence will not be able to perform nursing duties.