The Malta Football Association has issued a statement addressing public comments about its means-tested scholarship programme, which offers paid support to young people wishing to participate in sport.
The Association says the programme is intended to reduce barriers to participation, support clubs in their community role, and encourage inclusivity among young people.
The Malta FA has also moved to clarify the nature of an affiliation that had drawn criticism, stating that the partnership is with a regulatory body rather than a commercial operator, and that all funding is drawn from public sources.
The Association further stressed that the programme does not promote cannabis in any form, noting that the substance remains prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list. It added that any use of cannabis within football would be handled in accordance with applicable regulations.
