The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) and the Malta Sports Journalists Association (MSJA) have jointly condemned the conduct of Malta Football Association (MFA) President Bjorn Vassallo, following accusations of bullying and intimidation towards members of the sports media.
The controversy centres around the MFA’s recent call for volunteer sports photographers for the 2025–26 season. Sports journalist Antvin Monseigneur criticised the initiative online, accusing the MFA of applying “two weights and two measures”. His comments were later echoed or supported by fellow journalists Christopher Francalanza, Charles Camenzuli, and former association president Sandro Micallef.
Rather than addressing the concerns through dialogue, Vassallo responded with a sharp “right of reply” issued in both English and Maltese, and publicly criticised the journalists involved. The Maltese version of the reply was especially pointed, naming three individuals who had merely voiced their personal opinions on social media and were not directly involved in the original report.
The IĠM and MSJA were particularly disturbed by a private message sent by Vassallo to one of the journalists, which ended with the words “Rest in peace” (“Strieħ fil-paċi”), a phrase interpreted as inappropriate and threatening. They also highlighted a letter sent by the MFA president to their employer, complaining about the behaviour of two journalists who also happen to work for the authority, raising further concerns about personal intimidation.
In a strong joint statement, the IĠM and MSJA made it clear that while any organisation has the right to publish a reply or clarification, this should never be used as a platform to attack, intimidate, or single out journalists, regardless of the field of reporting.
They urged the MFA to withdraw the parts of its statement that targeted individuals and called on the association to show greater responsibility and respect towards the press when responding to public criticism.
