Dr Mifsud informed Council that the surface at the Centenary Stadium has been awarded the FIFA Polythene Turf Two-Star Certificate by FIFA.
Malta was in the 137th place in the latest FIFA rankings. In the UEFA list the Under 19 team was in the 48th position, while the U-17s were placed 39th. These UEFA placings were based on a coefficient worked out over the last three seasons.
Council was informed that Malta will be taking part in the forthcoming Futsal World Cup. They were drawn in a preliminary group with Slovenia, Greece and Albania. Matches will be played between the end of January and beginning of February 2008.
Maltese Referees and Assistant Referees appointed to control matches in European competitions in recent weeks were given very satisfactory assessments by UEFA Referees observers.
The Council discussed and approved the MFA terms and conditions of the proposed contract between member clubs and the full-time and part-time professional players. The proposed contracts are based on a standard UEFA contract, MFA and FIFA Rules and Regulations.
Youth Sector - In a long discussion Council members gave their views on proposals to amend the rules regarding the compensation paid for youth players, and amendments relating to the inclusion of a retained list of players between 10 and 12 years of age. There was common ground for agreement to amend these regulations for the benefit of this sector.
Dr Mifsud said that it is important that youths have adequate playing facilities, which pre-suppose competitions on artificial turf, including training in similar conditions. The general aim is to increase the number of youngsters taking up football as a sport in Malta. Vice-president Ludovico Micallef spoke about this sector.
Council was informed about the project to improve club facilities. This ambitious project, embarked upon by the MFA, will cost about Lm1,000,000. Member clubs will be invited to apply in order to have their facilities improved. Processing of applications will eventually start in due time.
The MFA is planning to have the Association’s Website revamped and make it more in line with modern standards and exigencies.
It was announced that member clubs will benefit from a new sponsorship agreement between the MFA and Melita Cable plc in the amount of EUR51,400. The member clubs and member associations will also benefit from other advantages offered by Melita Cable plc.
The Council paid tribute to Leli Grima, a long serving member of the MFA staff, who decided to retire from service on attaining the age of 80 years. He presented Mr Grima with a memento in recognition of his services to the association.