The MFA President, Norman Darmanin Demajo yesterday told the Council that he felt there was no need for him to make an apology to Valletta boss Victor Sciriha or anyone else on the issue concerning the City players who were not included in the national team squad for the match against Albania earlier this month.
Darmanin Demajo said he did not want to prolong the issue with the citizens and made it clear that he would respect any decision from players who do not want to play for the national team. He said he was ready not to suspend any player in such cases, although the MFA had the right to do so when players refused to join the squad after being called up.
He went on to say that the MFA had the obligation to take decisions in the interest of the association and the national team adding that he took the responsibility for the decision taken by the technical staff not to include the Valletta players in the respective squads for the recent friendly and Under 21 matches.
During yesterday’s meeting, Valletta’s executive vice president Paul Spiteri said the club felt this was a farce as the players had been allowed to train for two sessions before they were not called up to join the final squad for Albania and the Under 21 squad. He said the club felt it was a disciplinary measure.
Meanwhile it is known that relations between Valletta coach Andre Paus and MFA Technical Director Robert Gatt seem to have returned to normal after a meeting to discuss the issue was held.
In the incident earlier this month, it was the city’s Dutch coach who had not allowed his players to join the national squad for training in the first two sessions under Pietro Ghedin.
Unconfirmed reports say that agreement has been reached between the two sides for the release of players in view of international matches.
Trophy final for 30 April
The U*Bet FA Trophy final has been moved forward to 30 April, instead of 4 May, as was originally planned.
Valletta are to play against Sliema in the final.
The MFA yesterday said that the Police Commissioner had requested the association not to stage the match between 1 and 4 May, because of the feast of St Publius in Floriana.
During that period, there would be several traffic management issues and with Valletta playing in the final, that would constitute more problems.