It is quite understandable that the football players selected to play for Malta are reluctant to give up the training allowances that they receive at the present time.  

It’s human nature that you would feel unhappy if you had to give up something that you have been used to having.  

However, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Darmanin Demajo, the President of the MFA, that playing for Malta is a matter of pride and passion and not about money.  That is not to say that they should not be fully reimbursed for any loss of earnings or out-of-pocket expenses.

It is also most appropriate that they should  receive appearance rewards and bonuses and, in this regard, it is noted that Mr Darmanin Demajo has indicated that these will be increased.

It is a distinct honour to be called upon to represent Malta on the football field and those that are afforded this opportunity should regard it as a privilege.  

After all, only comparatively few players are hand-picked for this assignment throughout their respective football careers.  Once selected, one should feel privileged and do

everything in his power to prove worthy of it.   

This includes training and preparing oneself for the occasion to the best of one’s ability and, together with the teammates, doing the utmost that one can to achieve the best results for Malta.  

That’s what it’s all about. Remuneration and rewards come after that and are secondary to the main objective.

When players don the Malta jersey they are considered an asset to the country and people rally behind them all regardless of which team you normally play for. Both the country and the people deserve nothing less than full commitment and the utmost efforts if for nothing else than to show your appreciation for the trust and confidence that they have placed in the players. 

It should also not be forgotten that, when one plays for Malta, one’s own self-worth is considerably augmented in the eyes of the team one is registered with and its supporters as well as the general public.

Finally, the feeling of incomparable satisfaction that playing for your country automatically brings with it, is worth much more than any monetary compensation can ever provide and, once experienced, will remain with you for the rest of your life.