MFA establishes sponsorship committee after ARUC collaboration controversy

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has established a "Grassroots Sponsorship Committee" to develop guidelines and recommendations on sponsorships following a controversy involving the Association for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC).

ARUC, the MFA, and parliamentary secretary Rebecca Buttigieg all came under fire after a collaboration between the two entities. The collaboration meant that ARUC would fund fees for children hailing from difficult financial backgrounds to attend football nurseries.

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In a statement on Friday, the association said that it acknowledged "public considerations" about the collaboration.

The MFA announced the creation of the committee aimed at improving oversight and guidance in sponsorships.

The committee will be responsible for developing guidelines and issuing recommendations on sponsorship arrangements and children’s exposure.

The new body will be chaired by Professor Andrew Azzopardi, as its membership is expected to include representatives from the MFA, the Youth Football Association, the Commissioner for Children, as well as organisations such as Oasi, Sedqa, and Caritas, among other partners.

According to the MFA, its resources will be allocated to support the committee’s work.

"The Malta FA listens to constructive feedback and strives to translate this into concrete efforts to improve and pursue positive initiatives."

Nationalist Party welcomes committee's establishment

Later on Thursday, the Nationalist Party welcomed the MFA's new committee, describing it as a step in the right direction. 

"Through its actions today, the MFA has set an example to the Government as to how matters of this nature should be handled."

The PN said that it is "regrettable" that ARUC and Rebecca Buttigieg are still defending the collaboration with MFA, and that Sports Minister Clifton Grima only described the deal as “a decision taken with a lack of foresight.”