Floriana Football Club has announced plans for a new stadium on the grounds of the Arena in Floriana itself.
The plans were revealed briefly by club president Johann Said during the team’s presentation for the upcoming season. The squad includes six new foreign players.
Regarding the stadium, Johann Said explained that the aim is for it to meet UEFA standards and accommodate up to 4,000 spectators. He stated that the construction of the stadium marks a milestone in the club’s journey towards acquiring title rights from the Arena’s club. This process can now begin since the club has officially registered as a voluntary organization and met all requirements. Said also spoke about long-term plans for the club to become self-sustainable.
Regarding the new stadium, the president of Floriana emphasized that the club has an obligation to improve upon last year. He mentioned his disappointment with the final part of the previous stadium, which he believes should serve the players better. He mentioned that apart from the six new foreign players, the club has not signed any new Maltese players but has renewed contracts for several young players. He indicated that the recruitment campaign is still ongoing and highlighted strengthening the squad as a top priority.
Without mentioning any names, Said mentioned that the club is very close to signing a Maltese midfielder to play abroad.
The club has also strengthened its technical sector, with Darren Abdilla confirmed as the new head coach, and the addition of Jean Paul Desira as an assistant coach and coach of the Under 19 team. Abdilla, on his part, expressed his high ambitions for the club and embraced the responsibility of starting off positively in the championship.
Captain Dunstan Vella stated that the team is committed to competing for every honor in Maltese football, while Secretary General Jacques Grima revealed the club’s plans to operate on a professional model, eventually becoming a company once permitted by law.
The six new foreign players of Floriana are goalkeeper Kristoffer Mafoumbi, Franklin Sasere, Anthony Obonogwu, Saul Garcia, Fernandinho, and Thiaguinho.
Team manager Manolito Micallef also mentioned that the return of striker Kemar Reid for games is imminent, although he will miss the match against Ħamrun.
