Professional players' contract regulations updated

The Malta Football Association regulations governing the professional player’s contract have been updated to better reflect European standards

The amendments were unanimously approved at a meeting of the Malta FA Council, held on Tuesday afternoon at the Hotel Le Meridien St Julians.

Under the revised regulations, clubs are obliged to explain the disciplinary rules with regards to players and the relevant sanctions, and also define the method of payment of salaries/bonuses to players.

Furthermore, on the recommendation of the Malta FA Executive Committee, the Association’s Council also agreed to remove the obligation of players to notify both the club and the Malta FA of their intention to make use of their right of transfer at least four months prior to the expiry of their contract.

Angelo Chetcuti, the Malta FA General Secretary, explained that these amendments have received positive feedback from UEFA and FIFA.

Futsal situation

The situation of futsal in Malta was also discussed at length during the MFA Council meeting.

Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, told the assembly that the need to review the state of futsal in the country had long been felt.

The Council agreed with the MFA Exco’s recommendation to undertake a thorough analysis of the state of futsal in the country and report back with the findings and recommendations at the next Council meeting.

While reaffirming the MFA’s readiness to give futsal the attention it deserves, Darmanin Demajo stressed that the starting point should be that every team participating in futsal competitions must be affiliated with a member club in accordance with the regulations.

Chetcuti announced that six clubs – Balzan, Floriana, Hibernians, Sliema Wanderers, Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta – have been granted a licence for next season’s UEFA competitions.

Birkirkara’s application was unsuccessful but the club has lodged an appeal.

Due diligence

Matthew Paris, the Malta FA Vice-President, expounded on the due diligence process being introduced by the Association from next season.

Paris explained that the club’s authorised signatories – President, General Secretary and Treasurer – would be requested to submit documentation to prove identity, a character reference, and a ‘Know-Your-Client’ declaration whereby basic information is provided on one’s background.

The process, over an initial three-year period, would be screened by a Compliance Committee to be set up by the Malta FA.

This exercise is also being extended to non-elected club staff who occupy posts that give them access to the pitch on matchdays.

At the start of the Council meeting, Chetcuti, the MFA General Secretary, conveyed the Association’s condolences to the family of Baron Salvino Testaferrata Moroni Viani who passed away last week.

Baron Testaferrata Moroni Viani was the owner of the Empire Stadium in Gżira.