Young assistant referee Joseph Cilia Aquilina has passed away, the Malta Football Association said.
In a post on Facebook, the MFA said it “is deeply saddened to learn the news that match official Joseph Cilia Aquilina has passed away.
“Joseph was a football person through and through. He was a National Assistant Referee and also a passionate supporter of our national team.
“We send our profound condolences to Joseph’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace Joseph.”
Cilia Aquilina, aged 25, was a graduate in criminology.
In a post on Facebook, the Malta refereeing community said it is shocked with the sad news that our colleague and friend Joseph Cilia Aquilina has passed away.
Joseph started his career in 2014 and was promoted to the National Assistant Referees Category in 2016.
He made his senior competitive debut in the Malta FA Division 2 league match between Zejtun Corinthians FC and St. George’s FC on Friday 16th December 2016.
On 9th April 2017 Joseph officiated his first match in the Gozo FA Division 1 league in an encounter between Oratory Youths and Xaghra United.
Joseph's memorable experiences in refereeing included the Youth FA Under 15 Knock-Out Final between Birkirkara and Pieta Hotspurs on 6th May 2016 and the UEFA Under 16 Development Tournament played in Malta in February 2018.
Joseph was so passionate about refereeing that whilst completing his studies in the UK, he found the time to officiate football matches in England with his first match being an encounter between Portsmouth FC Academy and Swindon Town FC Academy on 3rd October 2016.
The MFRA Executive Committee and its members send their sincere condolences to his family and numerous friends.