MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo yesterday praised the levels reached by Maltese referees adding that he was very happy with the way they were coping, especially when controlling matches abroad.

Speaking at a news conference during which the new kit of the local referees for the next two years was launched, Darmanin Demajo said the MFA needed more quality referees in future. “These people are very important for the association and for local football. The fact that they are being provided with free kits is a very positive thing and coincides with the reform at the association’s Technical Centre at Ta’ Qali. The development of pitches around the island will bring about a bigger need for referees. Considering that over a thousand matches are played every season, then I must say we have had quite good refereeing, despite the unavoidable hiccups now and then,” he added.

The MFA president said he was sure that the arrival of the new kits will be an attraction to those hoping to make it to the higher levels of refereeing. “It is a very challenging job, but it is equally rewarding,” he said.

He went on to reveal that the referees who controlled matches in Scotland a few weeks ago had come back with high marks. “This confirms that their levels are more than satisfactory. Their performances, especially abroad, have been consistent – no wonder they always obtain high marks,” he said.

Darmanin Demajo also revealed that Marco Borg, Chris Lautier, Alan Mario Sant and Clayton Pisani have been confirmed on the FIFA panel, while Franco Cachia has been confirmed as a FUTSAL referee. Esther Azzopardi has been promoted to first class.

Darmanin Demajo thanked FXDD for the sponsorship of the kit, which costs a substantial amount of money.

Lorry Sammut, president of the Malta Football Referees Association, said this was the first major sponsorship for local referees although he referred to a sponsorship in the mid-1990s when the officials’ jerseys and shorts were also sponsored. “This is different, however, as they will now have a completely full kit at their disposal. It will make them look more professional, apart from wearing the same uniform at all matches,” he said.

Fiona Soler, finance manager of FXDD, said the company, which has been operating in Malta for the past year, was very pleased to be associated with the MFA and the local football referees.

She said the apparel will consist of the match as well as the training kits.

The MFA president later thanked everyone who had provided full support in his first four and a half months of his presidency. “Without their help we would not have reached today’s standards. I am sure they will continue helping me in the near future to realise our plans for the benefit of Maltese football,” he added.

Darmanin Demajo was later presented with a book on the rules of football (translated into Maltese) by referee Adrian Casha and the first volume of the Maltese Football Encyclopaedia by the author, Carmel Baldacchino and printer Michael Schiavone (PIN publications).

Darmanin Demajo and Sammut thanked FXDD for their sponsorship and then went on to sign the contract which commences on 1 January and comes to an end on 31 December 2012.