Maltese football and futsal clubs competing in European competitions will once again receive financial support from VisitMalta, following an agreement with the Maltese Football Association.
Minsiter for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela announced that each eligible club will be given an incentive of €15,000 to assist with their participation in official UEFA competitions.
The clubs benefiting from the scheme are Floriana FC, who will compete in the UEFA Champions League, and Ħamrun Spartans FC, Marsaxlokk FC and Valletta FC, who will take part in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The women's team of Mġarr FC will also receive support as it competes in the UEFA Women's Champions League, while Luxol St Andrews will benefit through its participation in the UEFA Futsal Champions League. Valletta FC will also receive support for its participation in the UEFA Youth League.
As part of this agreement, the VisitMalta brand will feature on the kits used by the teams during their UEFA matches.
Abela said the agreement shows the Government's commitment to supporting athletes and clubs as they represent Malta beyond its shores.
He said sport has become more than just competition, describing it as a strong platform through which a country can promote its identity, strengthen its reputation and attract new opportunities.
"The geographical smallness of our country should never be an obstacle to the aspirations of Maltese sport," Abela said. "On the contrary, it should serve as a motivation to be more proactive and encourage more sports entities to go beyond our shores."
He added that when Maltese clubs compete abroad, they are not only representing the national flag but also helping to promote Malta's reputation internationally.
"When Maltese sport wins, all of Malta wins," he said.
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said the collaboration strengthens the use of sport as a strategic platform to promote Malta overseas.
He said Maltese clubs taking part in European competitions act as ambassadors for the country, while also giving the VisitMalta brand exposure among new audiences.
Micallef added that sports tourism has strong economic potential and can also help promote Maltese identity. He said the MTA remains committed to initiatives that position Malta as a dynamic, modern and attractive destination for international markets.
MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said the initiative is an example of how collaboration between the MFA, the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority can deliver tangible results for Maltese football.
Vassallo thanked the Ministry and the MTA for their support towards the development of Maltese football and futsal.