The refereeing department has confirmed its updated list of referees and assistant referees for the first half of the 2025-26 season, marking the start of a generational transition in Maltese officiating.
Veteran referee Malcolm Spiteri has officially stepped aside from active refereeing, bringing an end to a long and respected career in the Premier League. Meanwhile, FIFA Assistant Referee Roberto Vella is set to officiate his final UEFA match in the coming days alongside FIFA Referee Ishmael Barbara, after which he will also bid farewell to active officiating. The list does not feature Thomas Debono either in the senior category, therefore eligible to Premier League matches. The latter now features as part of the non-league referees.
Their departures leave Glen Tonna, Fyodor Zammit and Trustin Farrugia Cann as the longest-serving referees in Maltese football. The trio, who have been consistently officiating in the country’s top tier since the 2009-2010 season, now stand as the most senior officials in what is becoming an increasingly youthful refereeing class.
Among the new faces set to feature in the Premier League are Patrick Falzon, Slawomir Olucha and Andrea Pavia Schiavone, who are expected to make their debuts this season as assistant referees. Gozitan referee Joseph Scerri, who has already taken charge of his first Premier League match in the last matchday of the season, also represents this new wave of emerging officials.
With the balance shifting towards younger referees and assistant referees, the 2025-26 season is set to usher in a fresh chapter for Maltese officiating, combining the experience of its senior figures.
