FIFA referee Ishmael Barbara has thrown his hat in the ring and confirmed with Malta Sport that he will be contesting the role of President of the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA), a position left vacant following the resignation of former FIFA referee Trustin Farrugia Cann.
Farrugia Cann stepped down from the MFRA presidency earlier this month after being elected Vice-President of the Malta Football Association (MFA) by acclamation during the Association’s third Ordinary General Assembly of 2025, held at the Centenary Hall in Ta’ Qali.
Barbara, who has served as Secretary of the MFRA since August 2019, is widely regarded as a close ally of Farrugia Cann. His candidacy comes at a crucial moment for the refereeing body as it seeks continuity and renewed leadership ahead of a busy domestic and international season.
The MFRA will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday, 30 October, to elect a new president following Farrugia Cann’s resignation. Nominations for candidates are set to close on Friday, October 24th. If Barbara is elected president, he will have to relinquish his post as Secretary General and another EGM will have to be held to elect a person in his position.
Sources close to the Association confirmed that Matthew De Gabriele, who unsuccessfully contested the MFRA presidency against Farrugia Cann during the Association’s Annual General Meeting in May, has no intention of running again.
Barbara, who has officiated in both local competitions and international fixtures under FIFA, is seen as a strong contender for the top post. His experience within the association and his long-standing administrative involvement are viewed by insiders as key strengths in his bid to lead the organisation, despite the controversial decisions taken by his predecessor in the past.
The upcoming election is expected to define the MFRA’s direction in the coming years, particularly in its ongoing collaboration with the Malta Football Association
