The Malta Football Association will continue to work hard in an effort to see the public giving its full support to the national team, especially in the forthcoming home matches in the 2014 World Cup Group D qualifiers.

Addressing a news conference yesterday morning, the association’s Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo, said that Maltese football had been rocked by the recent match-fixing scandal but the association will strive to give a better image to the national team in future.

Vassallo added that despite the big setback, the association still believes in the national team. “We know that the scandal instilled a sense of disappointment in local football followers. Our football has obviously been hurt, but we are now fighting to get back that enthusiasm especially when the team representing the country is playing. We need to win back respect after all that happened. Now with the qualifiers for the next World Cup at the door, we are requesting the support of the public to see our national team winning back its and Maltese football’s prestige,” he said.

Vassallo went on to say that the team needed all the support available to be able to rise to the occasion. “I am sure that the national coach is preparing the players for next week’s home clash against Armenia in the best possible manner. And I can assure everyone that the association is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to give a better image to its national team,” he said.

The MFA CEO said that in the past months, the association had been working hard on several aspects involving the national teams, with regard to support. “We have provided several incentives for the public such as the Goal Card which has proved to be popular because of its attractive prices (including the March 2013 home match against Italy). We have also reached an agreement with PBS for the live transmission of all the home qualifying matches of the A and U-21 teams. We believe these decisions were all taken in the interest of the public. Because the MFA feels that every citizen has the right to watch the national team, whether at Ta’ Qali National Stadium or on TV.

“I insist that the MFA is not launching this appeal for support for any financial gain. The strong investment made by the association vis-à-vis the national team revolves mainly round our main objective, that is, is to see the national team getting the support from all concerned,” he added.

Vassallo also said that the recent match-fixing scandal with regards to the 2007 European Championship qualifier in Oslo against Norway, had not deterred companies from supporting the association financially. He added: “Companies like FXDD, Simonds Farsons, through their brand Cisk Lager, and Givova remain our main sponsors, but we have also agreed on sponsorships from other companies such as Miles Express, Powerade, Grand Hotel Excelsior, Montekristo, Starbene and Bortex. I thank them wholeheartedly for their support.”

Norman Saliba, MFA Marketing Manager, said match tickets for the home fans will be available for Enclosure West C, Millennium Stand and South Stand. Enclosure West A, sector M, will be reserved for visiting fans.

At the West A and West C stands, tickets for adults cost €20, at the Millennium Stand €10 and South Stand €7. Tickets for children are only available at the Millennium and South Stands for the price of €5 and €3 respectively.

The North Stand will not be in use for next week’s match. Those persons in possession of a Goal Card for this sector will be accommodated at the South Stand. Seating order as printed on the tickets and/or Goal Cards will be maintained in the West Stand. Both the Millennium and South Stands will be on a free seating basis.

Saliba also said that pre-sale of tickets has already started and tickets can also be obtained on-line through the MFA website or through www.MaltaTicket.com

Payments are accepted via a visa, mastercard or cashlink. Customers can also print their tickets at home.

Ticket pre-sales are available from the following outlets: MFA Offices, Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali, Eros Stationery in Paceville, Lion King Stationery in G’Mangia, Star Tourism Services in Bugibba and TeamSport at Iklin.

Goal Card prize winners (drawn under the supervision of Not. Dr. Tim Ellis)

1st prize – Mediterranean cruise for two persons: K. Sammut of Gzira.

The following have won a season ticket for matches from domestic competitions: J. Alden (Swieqi), Ms K. Vassallo (Ghaxaq), P. Sammut (Gudja), L. Falzon (Xemxija), Ms M. Muscat (Rabat, Malta).

The following have won a national team shirt: F. Mifsud (Fgura), D. Urry (B’Buga), S. Saliba (Dingli), C. Buhagiar (Marsascala), F. Cini (Victoria, Gozo).

The following have won a football signed by the national team players: C. Abela (Zabbar), M. Haber (Fgura), MC Testa (Birkirkara), M. Giordano (Swieqi), C. Galea (Zejtun).

C. Fenech has won a one-year free membership at the National Stadium indoor pool. Ms A. Martin of Mtarfa has won a Goal Card for her partner while R. Spiteri of Zejtun has won a photo shoot with the national team squad. N. Sammut of Dingli has won a family National Stadium tour.