Football – MFA Council: No One guilty in GFA inquiry

Malta Independent Sunday, 14 October 2007, 00:00 Last update: about 20 years ago

The GFA’s inquiry into the issue of alleged payments to amateur players in Gozo resulted in no one being found guilty. Payments made were only related to expenses incurred.

There were no objections to the recent amendments of Futsal regulations by the Council. FIFA confirmed that in this matter the MFA has full autonomy over the setting up of internal regulations.

President Dr Joe Mifsud read out a letter written by UEFA President Michel Platini to executive heads of EU member countries regarding the specificity of sports. Platini stressed UEFA’s commitment to uphold this principle and asked the EU governments to support this principle in the new EU Treaty.

The Council was reminded that the MFA is steadfast in abiding by the UEFA and FIFA regulations relating to racism and discrimination. Vice-president Dr Peter Fenech gave details of an anti-racism week due to begin on 17 October. There will be symbolic ceremonies in several football grounds in Malta, planned visits by the Malta national team players to different schools and seminars with guest speakers on the subject.

It is envisaged that besides the Women’s National ‘A’ team, who are already taking part in international competitions, the Women’s U-17 will participate in future UEFA competitions.

The new scoreboard at the National stadium, Ta’ Qali, is in the process of being installed and will be fully operational in the next few days. It is planned to be inaugurated on 17 October when Malta play Moldova in a Euro 2008 Group 3 qualifying match.

The MFA will be setting up its medical centre for the purpose of testing players. This centre is expected to be manned by technicians to operate the equipment and consultants to interpret the tests results.

Live coverage of BOV Premier League matches has been extended for the next two years. Clubs will benefit from the income from TV rights.

Vice-president Ludovico Micallef informed the Council of the statistical analysis he made regarding the nurseries, including the number of youngsters, coaches and helpers. A discussion ensued on how best to improve the nurseries within the Grassroots Charter of which the MFA is a signatory. The MFA is planning to hold a seminar on this subject.