The Malta Football Association held its third Ordinary General Assembly of 2025 at the Centenary Hall, where Ing. Trustin Farrugia Cann was formally elected Vice-President of the Association by acclamation.
Farrugia Cann’s nomination, approved by the Electoral Commission earlier this month, filled the vacancy left by the former Vice-President who was appointed General Secretary earlier this year. His appointment was met with unanimous support from delegates, reflecting broad confidence in his long-standing contribution to Maltese football both on and off the field.
The Assembly was attended by representatives from clubs, member associations, and governing bodies, as well as UEFA Senior HatTrick Manager Valentina Mercolli, FIFA Member Associations Coordinator Marco Ferri, and Maltese Olympic Committee General Secretary Kevin Azzopardi.
Continued investment in clubs and associations
During the meeting, MFA Senior Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris presented details of the Association’s financial distribution plan for the different leagues and member bodies. The Malta FA’s funding structure covers all categories of Maltese football, the Premier League, Challenge League, Amateur Leagues, Women’s competitions, Futsal, Beach Soccer, and Member Associations.
Dr Paris confirmed that clubs are already benefiting from a range of infrastructure and development projects, including new floodlighting systems, enhanced media visibility, the resurfacing of the Centenary Stadium pitch, and season ticket schemes. He explained that these initiatives were designed in consultation with clubs earlier this year to ensure direct benefits to the football community.
In addition, the Association announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of Valletta plc (BOV), securing naming rights for eight Member Association competitions. The agreement, described as a key step forward, underscores the MFA’s commitment to strengthening its financial base while promoting the sport at the grassroots level.
The MFA Supremo reaffirmed the Association’s strategy to keep investing in its stakeholders, stressing that the Malta FA’s objectives remain centred on the development of the game, the well-being of its members, and the long-term sustainability of Maltese football.
Collaboration with UEFA and FIFA
UEFA’s Valentina Mercolli praised Malta’s progress over the past year, highlighting milestone projects such as the opening of the National Football Centre, which she described as a “state-of-the-art facility.” She also referred to the successful UEFA Stewards Training Course held in the same week, commending Malta’s growing reputation for professionalism and organisation within European football.
FIFA’s Marco Ferri echoed that sentiment, recalling the opening of the first FIFA Arena pitch in Malta at Maria Regina College Primary in St Paul’s Bay last month. He underlined the positive relationship between FIFA and the Malta FA, and how collaborative projects like this continue to bring tangible benefits to Maltese football and the local community.
Renewed commitment to youth and solidarity
The Assembly also confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached to resume solidarity payments for youth and nursery programmes, ensuring that funding will continue to reach all levels of the game, not just the Premier League. This funding framework will remain in place for the next three years, following discussions to ensure fair and sustainable distribution.
A year of celebration
The meeting also reflected on the Association’s 125th anniversary celebrations, which have included an extensive programme of community events and football initiatives. Highlights have included the inauguration of the National Football Centre, Street Football in the City activities, school visits by National Team players, and the launch of a limited-edition national team kit.
The celebrations will conclude on 8 December 2025, when the finals of both the men’s and women’s editions of the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, supported by Enemed, will be held.
In his closing remarks, the MFA president described 2025 as a milestone year defined by investment, inclusivity, and collaboration, reaffirming the Association’s commitment to the continued growth of Maltese football and the unity of its football community.
