MFA Presidential candidate Norman Darmanin Demajo yesterday insisted that he will implement his programme if he were to be elected to the top post of the association in today’s elections at Ta’ Qali.

Before starting his news conference, Darmanin said he wanted to condemn those who quite unsportingly, sent pictures involving Dr Joe Mifsud (his rival in today’s election) to all the association’s clubs. “I categorically deny that I have been involved. Shame on those who have used such a tactic. These do not help my quest and neither do I need such people’s help. If ever I get to know who was behind the idea, I will take action and inform the authorities. Personally, I have not seen the picture, but I dissociate myself with such a move,” he said.

The former MFA treasurer told reporters yesterday that he was prepared for any result. “If I am elected I promise to implement my programme. If not, no problem. It would be the delegates’ decision (just over 100 are entitled to vote). Then I just hope to continue with my commitments in local football and hope to see Maltese football in general continue to flourish,” he said.

Darmanin Demajo said he had favourable comments from most of the clubs he had visited during the past three months. “I had some really good feedback and I based my programme on the wishes of the clubs,” he added. However, he said he felt confident that he will be voted in.

He referred to the visits to the clubs as a really good experience. “They were cordial meetings in which I explained my aims to all of them. I also heard their views and got to know that they really wished to be treated with more respect by the association. They also felt that the association had been arrogant in their regard. This is one point which I promise to change if I were to be elected,” he said.

Darmanin Demajo said he has a vision for local football and again reiterated that his top priority will be that of helping the clubs directly (through a Lm3 million bank loan) and immediately to have their own turf pitches and floodlighting systems. “This will enable all Maltese children to play football on much better surfaces than at present,” he added.

He also said that he wanted to make the Ta’ Qali centre more user-friendly. He added that, among other things, he was also in favour of the clubs not being levied further charges, at least in some cases, if they wanted to make use of the MFA facilities. “The MFA today has a guaranteed income of Lm1 million and that should make such an idea possible,” he stated.

The former treasurer said it was a pity that he and those who had been connected with him in some way or another during this campaign, had been attacked personally. “I do not believe such tactics will win votes. I only wanted to work in harmony and with respect for all the clubs," he said.

He added that he wanted to thank Dr Mifsud for his contribution to local football, especially since he was elected president. “No one can deny he has led Maltese football to a lot of progress, but I want to assure him that if I am elected, I will continue working in the best interests of local football with my main challenge being that of giving direct help to the clubs as much as possible.

Answering questions from the floor, Darmanin Demajo said one of the major wishes of the clubs was to see a change in the format of the Leagues and the Trophy competitions. He said many expressed their opinion that they were in favour of having 12 clubs in each division, including the Premier League. “But that would be something for the Council to decide upon. It is not one of my promises,” he said.

And asked what would the future look like if he were to be MFA president and with Dr Mifsud (their good relationship had been broken over six years ago) still occupying top posts at UEFA level, including that of being an Executive Committee member, Darmanin Demajo replied: “I cannot see why this has to be a problem. We have different visions, it is true, but if I am elected my programme has to be implemented - at all costs. That is what I am sure of. I am prepared to sit down on a table and start reconciliatory talks with him. But there have to be no hidden agendas from either side. We have to be men of integrity, be honest and show transparency in all that we do. Even in the case of the vice-presidents, it is simple. If I were to be elected, those known to be on Dr Mifsud’s side would know that they will have to follow my programme. If they think they would have a problem, they should withdraw their nomination. If not, I would be glad to work with anyone so long as it is in the best interest of Maltese football,” he concluded.