By an ex local referee
In an astonishing twist befitting a Shakespearean drama, or perhaps a Monty Python sketch, Malta’s football referees find themselves in a financial pickle this festive season.
For the first time in decades, their payment dating July to Decemember, traditionally delivered in time to add a sprinkle of holiday cheer, have mysteriously vanished, It seems that Santa forgot to deliver. One could almost hear the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future chuckling in the background.
Enter the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) and its president, Trustin Farrugia Cann. When approached about the missing payment by his members, sources close to the matter responded with the eloquence of a Greek chorus, “The MFRA is a puppet in Bjorn’s hands.” Such poetic imagery! One can almost visualize the marionette strings against a backdrop of unfulfilled pay stubs.
But the plot thickens with a subplot worthy of a telenovela. It appears that Mr. Farrugia Cann might be more interested in penning odes to his refereeing idol, David Elleray, than in addressing the pecuniary concerns of his charges. According to these unnamed sources, Trustin’s speeches are an elaborate homage to Elleray, detailing everything from his birthweight to his encounters and dismissals of Roy Keane. It’s a tale of admiration that might leave even Shakespeare envious.
Yet, amidst this Shakespearean comedy (or is it a tragedy?), the MFRA is labeled “practically dead” by the chorus of sources, lamenting its silence when it should be the roar leading the referees. In these Silent Nights, the legitimate payment should be due to more than 130 referees. These payments remain as elusive as ever.
But let’s not end on a somber note. Let’s applaud the rise and consistency of various officials in 2023 made a leap (I will not name them because they will say that they are my sources) and their life will be a living hell. These consistent mix of experienced and young referees braved the whistle amid the chaos. Kudos also to Joanna Vassallo and Andrea Naudi for their ascension to the FIFA Panel.
As we look forward to a “prosperous” 2024, one can only hope that the MFRA finds its voice, and more importantly, its attributes. In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to the Maltese referees – may their whistles always be loud, and their payments be timely and in a continuous manner till 2028.
