MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo insisted that the clubs must move out of their comfort zone if change was really to happen. He reminded everyone that he had been given a mandate ti embrace change when he was elected as president last year, but added that he could not do it alone.

“We have arrived at the first anniversary of my Presidency where we take a look at the past and anticipate the future. You voted for change last year – but has the mentality of Maltese football changed,” Darmanin Demajo asked.

“I can give a particular direction to Maltese football but a change to the Presidency is not enough. Clubs have to change their mentality and not remain in their ‘comfort zone’.”

Darmanin Demajo said that the MFA could sit on its laurels and make a huge profit each year but this was not his way of doing things. He said that he did not fear risk but changes had to be made and there had to be drastic changes.

The MFA President mentioned drastic changes to the Millennium Stand such as a Corporate Hospitality Stand as well as visual advertising, an electronic scoreboard and a gates system.

“If we don’t respect at least once a year those who work for us, then I believe we would be abandoning our duties,” Darmanin Demajo said in reference to the AGM’s new venue.

He said that all the clubs are now responsible for the huge infrastructure investments made at the National Stadium.

Darmanin Demajo revealed that the MFA had paid at least €13 million in debts in the past year – some loans which were related to the building of the Millenium Stand.

“We have to take the risk and guarantee streams of income which will take us to the next level. When you dream and create, people will dream and create with you”.

To the applause of those present, Darmanin Demajo also revealed that Bank of Valletta had confirmed that it would be sponsoring the national leagues for the coming three years. He said that negotiations with Maltco on the sponsorship of the knockout were close to being finalised and that the company FXDD would be sponsoring the national team.

The MFA President said clubs could not wait for the funds to arrive from UEFA to invest in its clubs, but went to the bank and secured funding for more investment.

He said that the association could not remain on a part time basis as it was a professional organization, adding that in unity there was strength.

He also revealed that there was a proposal for a maintenance agreement to be made with clubs and that the financial fair play regulations had to be respected.

“Move out of the comfort zone and face reality”, he told the clubs in no uncertain terms.

The MFA boss also made reference to the corruption cancer adding that if this was permeating local football then the whole structure was finished. He also revealed that UEFA will be sending a security officer to investigate the situation.

He also appealed to the clubs to control their supporters adding that ‘change was what we can believe in’.