The Malta FA has ended 2024 with a positive financial balance, marking a significant milestone in its post-pandemic recovery. The audited accounts for the year show a surplus of income over expenditure for the first time in four years, confirming that the Association’s financial recovery plan, introduced in 2022, is on track. The diligent financial strategy has resulted in total income once again reaching the €13 million mark, with annual expenditure reduced to just over €11.7 million. This has culminated in a closing balance of €31,828 after the deduction of club capital contributions, finance costs, and other related expenses.
Presenting the financial report during the ongoing General Assembly at the Centenary Hall, Malta FA Treasurer Ivan Mizzi outlined key components of the Association’s improved performance. Income from television and other rights amounted to over €3 million, making up 23.5 per cent of annual revenue. Contributions from international governing bodies remained strong, with €1.5 million received from FIFA Forward and €2.9 million from UEFA’s HatTrick Solidarity programme. Malta also hosted UEFA youth qualifying and development tournaments and participated in youth competitions up to Under-21 level, generating €1.67 million.
Revenues from marketing, commercial activities, and the use of sports facilities reached €735,000 and €680,000 respectively. Additionally, €679,902 in government grants were secured and are being reinvested into the grassroots game and club development. It is particularly noteworthy that this financial result was achieved during a relatively quiet year in terms of crowd-pulling fixtures, especially when compared to 2023, which featured high-profile EURO qualifiers against Italy and England. As a result, gate receipts dropped by €840,000.
Despite a reduction in overall expenditure by €780,000, the Malta FA increased its international activity, with national teams playing a total of 102 matches across all age groups in 2024, up by 15 from the previous year. Travel and accommodation expenses were effectively managed, decreasing to €1.8 million while still accommodating this expanded international calendar. A major factor in the reduced expenditure was a €200,000 cut in the annual wage bill, achieved through ongoing organisational restructuring and more efficient human resource management. The Association, which employs the equivalent of 117 full-time staff, remains the largest sports entity in Malta.
Support for Member Clubs and Associations remained a priority, with €2 million allocated in subventions and assistance. Facility maintenance costs totalled €842,622, of which €616,762 went towards the upkeep of the National Stadium and the Association’s facilities at Ta’ Qali, including greenkeeping wages. The flagship infrastructural investment of the year has been the continued construction of the state-of-the-art National Football Centre at the Malta FA Training Grounds, set for inauguration later this year.
In his closing remarks, Ivan Mizzi reaffirmed the significance of the financial strategy introduced after the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2023, the Malta FA undertook an ambitious four-year recovery plan, maintaining its commitments to member clubs and associations even during financially challenging times. He emphasised that the financial report clearly demonstrates that the Association’s targets for 2024 have been met, and the plan is being successfully implemented.
The Malta FA remains committed to financial prudence and structural reform. Corporate restructuring remains a strategic goal, and while the framework has been presented and has received initial support from legislative bodies, the Association is determined to see it through to full implementation. This includes the proposed privatisation of football clubs, a reform expected to open new economic and social opportunities, foster sustainability at the top level, and further strengthen grassroots football.
Even those children who never turn professional benefit immensely from their participation in grassroots football, learning values such as resilience, discipline, and community spirit. The Association is committed to ensuring football remains an inclusive space that promotes healthy lifestyles and improved physical and mental well-being across all sectors of society. This is especially vital in a nation that must remain proactive in fostering participation regardless of age, gender, ability, or background.
This vision is central to the Association’s mission, especially during this landmark year as the Malta FA celebrates 125 years since its foundation. Through a wide range of programmes, the Association continues to promote social responsibility, unity, and national pride. Grassroots nurseries and thousands of volunteers are essential to building a future-oriented football culture, and thanks to this collective effort, the Government continues to collaborate with the Association on ambitious national projects.
This movement is vibrant and forward-looking. It is no coincidence that the Malta FA has existed for 125 years, always striving to improve football and the lives of those who play and support it. The Association has been a driver of social change and a promoter of inclusivity, and will continue to do so with clear direction and financial responsibility. With thoughtful planning and steadfast execution, the Malta FA is poised to deliver long-term benefits for Maltese football and for future generations who will carry the game forward.V
