In one of the most tense elections in recent years, Dr Joseph Mifsud was yesterday re-elected to the post of MFA president for another three-year term. At the end of it he would have been MFA president for a record 18 years.

The result showed Dr Mifsud winning narrowly by just three votes: 52-49. It was so close that the final decision came on the 100th vote as Dr Mifsud obtained the overall majority at 51-49.

The decision was received with applause by those present. When Dr Mifsud arrived back in the hall, he was greeted by another round of applause as he was swamped by the TV and newspaper cameras.

Three years ago, he had beaten former Valletta FC president Joe Caruana Curran by 57 votes to 41.

All the delegates eligible to vote in yesterday’s election – 101 – were present and all of them cast their vote.

In a short speech after the election, Dr Mifsud thanked the delegates for showing confidence in him and requested the help of God and Our Lady in his efforts to lead the association to further success.

He said he needed the help of all to be able to implement the programme which the association has pledged to work upon.

When he later talked to the press, Dr Mifsud said he was satisfied with the result. “It was a difficult win. After so many years at the helm of the association, I predicted it would be difficult, but it is an honour for me to be re-elected even if the result was close. Now we have to unite and work harder so as to continue with our work in the best interests of football,” he added.

Dr Mifsud dedicated his win to his family. “They have rarely seen me at home, either because of my football duties or due to my professional work.” He also thanked all those who had supported him throughout the campaign.

And speaking at the end of the meeting, Dr Mifsud promised to do his best in order for the MFA to keep moving forward for the good of the game.

He remarked that these elections was proof enough that the MFA is a democratic institution where everyone had the right to have a different opinion. He also referred to the photo depicting him as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and said that this was the work of someone who did not know him and he way he works.

He said his conscience was clean and that he had worked honestly for the association over the past years.

On his part, the other presidential candidate, Norman Darmanin Demajo, said he was obviously disappointed to have lost by such a narrow margin, but added he would be the first to respect the wishes of the majority.

He thanked all those who had voted for him and said he would still work to see Maltese football improving. However, when asked whether he would consider another try in three years time, he said: “Right now, I would say no, but anything can happen,” he said.

The election for the posts of three vice presidents followed. Here, Michael Cutajar and Bjorn Vassallo withdrew their nomination in the vice-presidents’ election, leaving six persons to contest for the three posts. These were Carmelo Bartolo, Ludovico Micallef, Alex Manfre, Joe Hedley, Dr Peter Fenech and Pippo Psaila.

At the end, Carmelo Bartolo and Ludovico Micallef finished on top with 82 votes and 61 votes respectively out of a total of 100 who were eligible, thus confirming their place for another tenure. The third place was taken by newcomer Dr Peter Fenech who polled 53 votes, ahead of Alex Manfre who obtained 49 votes, Pippo Psaila 26 and Joe Hedley 5.

Dr Fenech will be taking the place of John Farrugia, who had suspended himself in June after being investigated by the police in a case involving the Malta Maritime Authority.

After his election, Dr Fenech thanked all those who had voted for him and pledged to work hard in collaboration with all the clubs to see an overall improvement in the game of football.

Alex Manfre, was confirmed treasurer for another term as he topped the vote with 66. George Micallef obtained 31 votes.

As for the ordinary members, the following were elected:

Premier clubs: Jesmond Abela, Joseph Sammut

First Division: Redeno Apap, John Vella.

Second Division: Joe Mifsud

Third Division: Joseph Farrugia

Council members in representation of members clubs in general: R. Micallef, J. Gauci.

Member Associations: C. Calleja, J. Cassar Naudi

Youth FA: Joe Micallef