UEFA President Michael Platini will be watching the Valletta-Floriana derby at Ta’ Qali national stadium next Saturday.
The former Juventus and France star, now UEFA boss, is making a short one-day trip to Malta at the weekend. He arrives on Saturday at 11.05am and departs the next day at the same time.
Addressing a news conference yesterday, Bjorn Vassallo, MFA Chief Executive Officer, said it was a big honour for the MFA to greet Platini here. He added: “It is a confirmation of the good reputation the MFA enjoys in UEFA circles and also confirms the very good relations that exist between the two entities, even if our association is one of the smallest on the continent.”
Vassallo also thanked UEFA for giving Malta the right to stage the finals of the Under 17 tournament in 2014, as well as for the positions of Maltese officials at UEFA. “This means that our work is very much respected and we are certainly pleased about all this,” he added.
Vassallo made it clear to everyone that contrary to what had been said recently, the MFA is not isolated in Europe. “Platini’s visit confirms this. Moreover, it is evident that whoever runs the association must be aware that Malta is one of 53 members who form UEFA - they all receive the same benefits accordingly,” he said.
He added that Platini will also be attending the opening of the Fgura stadium before the match at Ta’ Qali. There will also be the Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Sport, Clyde Puli, the latter also welcoming the UEFA president on arrival at the Malta International Airport.
The MFA CEO also said Platini will be addressing a news conference at the Centenary Hall at Ta’ Qali soon after the opening of the Fgura Stadium.
Vassallo also spoke about recent comments made about the credibility of Maltese football. He said this was absolutely not true. “Facts show that attendances at our matches are much better than they were two years ago and almost on the same levels as last season.”
As to comments about poor control by the referees, Vassallo stated that it was not only in Malta that football officials are often criticised. “But we have to bear in mind that we are all human beings. Every human is liable to commit mistakes. As such, we have to accept the fact that even our officials sometimes do make mistakes. But we still believe in the integrity of our officials,” he said.
Vassallo also showered praise on football fans who are showing better behaviour than in the past. “Due to their good behaviour, the clubs have been fined much less than in the past. We are really satisfied and we urge all to continue showing respect to adversaries and officials, while extending the sporting rivalry,” he added.
Alex Manfre, MFA vice-president, appealed for cooperation from everyone. “We appeal for good behaviour from the fans, especially because Saturday’s match was a derby. Let us all help to make Platini’s visit successful,” he said.