The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr George Abela, and former President of the Malta Football Association between 1982 and 1992, is now Patron of the MFA. This is in line with the Association’s Statute which stipulates that the President of the Republic of Malta is automatically appointed Patron of the Association.

It is indeed an honour for the Association to have Dr Abela, a connoisseur of football and a person who rendered great service to this sport in our country, as its Patron.

Under the able stewardship of Dr Abela and with the indefatigable support of the then vice-President, Dr Joe Mifsud, the MFA made new inroads in football, heralding the start of important changes which completely changed the face of the Maltese game.

Progress was made in administrative matters, in infrastructure of the MFA playing facilities, particularly the upgrading of the National Stadium, and above all a well-needed new vision for the national team as the professional scheme was introduced.

In 1992, Dr Abela decided to serve the country in the political sphere, but left the Association with a lasting legacy, which has since been enriched by Dr Mifsud and his team.

It is against this background that the MFA welcomes back the knowledgeable and highly-respected Dr George Abela as Patron of the Association.