Last Monday evening I was watching Smash Television’s Robert Musumeci Talk. Usually this programme is very interesting as the presenter is well-prepared with intriguing questions which are a hard nut to crack to any of his guests.

But during last Monday’s talk show, Musumeci did not seem to be well-versed in the subject of local football administration when he was interviewing Dr Joe Mifsud, MFA president for almost two decades. Most of the initial questions gave Dr Mifsud the great opportunity to boast of his achievements for the local game. In my opinion this was a free advertisement on the eve of next Saturday’s MFA annual general meeting which includes the various elections, most important of them all, that for the presidency.

All those who follow local football know pretty well the rivalry that exists between Dr Mifsud and his challenger, Norman Darmanin Demajo, who once again is running for the post. This rivalry has been going on for years on end and both have taken each other to court over comments made.

The most embarrassing part of the interview was when Musumeci started asking questions about various contracts signed by Dr Mifsud, which are the topic of libel action still to be decided in court. Dr Mifsud repeatedly and blatantly made serious accusations about Mr Darmanin Demajo. Very unethical indeed! The interview came to an end when Dr Mifsud stated that if he is not elected, the football administration would lose his sterling services and also his post of UEFA vice-president.

In my opinion this was a very biased interview as I expected an immediate follow-up interview with Mr Darmanin Demajo in order to give him the same chance of speaking about his electoral programme to all the televiewers. He would have also have had the chance to rebut all that was said by his rival.

But this did not take place, so I conclude that Dr Mifsud was given a free ride by the presenter. I insist that Mr Darmanin Demajo should be given a right of reply in the next few days left before the MFA elections.

The Malta Broadcasting Authority should investigate all this immediately.

George Gatt

Sliema