Sandro Micallef, a prominent figure in Maltese sports journalism, has formally resigned from the Executive Committee of the Malta Sports Journalists Association , bringing to a close more than 18 years of voluntary service to the organisation.
The resignation, submitted on 5th April 2026, was accompanied by an offer of a full handover process to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming administration. Micallef cited a desire to give the current leadership the freedom and independence to operate without the perceived influence of his continued presence, having previously served as Honorary President two years ago, and more recently as an elected Executive Committee member following the last AGM.
Over his long tenure, Micallef served in several key roles: as an ordinary committee member, then as General Secretary for four years, and as President for seven years between 2017 and 2024. He was particularly credited with transforming the Association’s flagship annual event, the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali, into a financially self-sustainable and professionally recognised occasion.
Special recognition was extended to long-time collaborators Charles Camenzuli, Lorraine Cunningham, and Clinton Buhagiar, as well as to all colleagues who supported the Association’s work over the years. Despite stepping down from the Executive Committee, Micallef confirmed he will continue attending future AGMs, EGMs, and Association events in a show of ongoing support.
He concluded by wishing the Association and its new President, Antvin Monseigneur, every success going forward.
FULL STATEMENT:
I am writing to officially inform you of my resignation from the Executive Committee of the Malta Sports Journalists Association.
As many of you may already be aware, I formally submitted my resignation on 5th April 2026 and also offered a full handover process to the new administration to ensure a smooth transition.
I have taken this decision after careful reflection and in what I genuinely believe to be the best interests of the Association. I felt that my appointment as Honorary President of the Malta Sports Journalists Association two years ago, together with my continued active role within the Association as an elected member following the last AGM, may not have allowed the current administration to operate with the level of freedom and independence it would ideally have wished for. Consequently, I considered it appropriate to step aside from the Executive Committee. I would also like to clarify that my resignation is not related to any other matter whatsoever.
Having personally approached many of you over the years to support my candidatures for the roles of General Secretary and President, I felt it was only fair and respectful to write to you officially and inform you personally of this decision.
That said, I leave the Malta Sports Journalists Association with my head held high, having proudly served the Association on a voluntary basis for more than 18 years. During this time, I had the honour of serving in various capacities, beginning as an ordinary Executive Committee member, followed by four years as General Secretary, and later serving as President for seven years between 2017 and 2024.
A special thank you goes to those who worked most closely with me over the years to safeguard our profession, namely Charles Camenzuli, Lorraine Cunningham, and Clinton Buhagiar.
These years have been filled with memorable experiences, challenges, achievements, international exposure, and friendships that I will always cherish. Serving the Association and Maltese sports journalism has always been a source of great pride for me, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust and support that many of you extended to me throughout the years.
A further word of thanks goes to all those who supported me throughout the years, particularly during the preparation and organisation of our flagship annual event, the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali. Under my leadership, the event not only became financially self-sustainable, but also reached exceptional standards of organisation, credibility, and professionalism, earning the recognition, prestige, and professional status it enjoys today.
It is now time for me to focus on other sports-related projects.
Nonetheless, I will continue to attend future AGMs, EGMs, and other events organised by the Association as a sign of support towards the Malta SJA and its current and future members.
I sincerely thank all colleagues and friends for their collaboration, support, and friendship throughout this long journey, and I wish the Association, together with its new President Antvin Monseigneur, every success for the future.
