Valletta president Victor Sciriha, right, yesterday revealed that he is not on good terms with national coach John Buttigieg.
Although he did not provide the reason, it is understood that they have argued over the position taken by Valletta FC whose professional scheme does not allow its 14 national team players to train regularly as the others at Ta’ Qali, under Buttigieg and the other national coaches.
Sciriha said Valletta have seven players in the national team squads and another seven in the Under 23 squad of the MFA. “If they all had to train with the national teams, then our coach Jesmond Zerafa would have coached the foreigners only. And this did not make sense.
“We have our own professional scheme and I can assure everyone it is there to stay. We have discussed the issue with MFA Chief Executive Office Bjorn Vassallo and an agreement has been reached,” said Sciriha.
The City boss went on to say that thanks to the agreement, the Valletta national team players will be attending Ta’ Qali sessions on Monday mornings and Tuesday (whole day). “In the remaining instances, they will be at the disposal of Jesmond Zerafa, said Sciriha.
He went on to say that since Vassallo took over as MFA CEO, things have improved considerably in the association’s relations with the clubs. “They have understood our position and common sense has prevailed. A lot of progress has been made so far, but I believe there is still a lot to be done. However, professionalism is the future of Maltese football,” he added.
Schiriha also confirmed that Buttigieg had not attended any of the discussions.
The issue over the national team training was discussed at length last Saturday during a meeting at Ta’ Qali between MFA officials and Premier League coaches and club administrators.
Those present contributed in finding a solution to accommodate both club football and the national team for the benefit of the local game.
Moreover, Bjorn Vassallo revealed the intention of the association to have second and third division games played in various stadiums around the island, with all matches being played in the afternoon. Premier Division matches will still be played from Friday to Monday whilst the First division matches will be held from Friday to Sunday.
MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo pointed out that it was a no mean feat to plot out the training schedule and to try and satisfy the demands of all the parties involved, while guiding everyone in the coming months.