Malta FA President praises perseverance of football family

Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo highlighted the launch of the four-year strategy for Maltese football, the uplifting results of the national teams, the Association’s unwavering commitment to implement the necessary reforms and projects, together with the perseverance of all the members of the Maltese footballing family in dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as the high points in an otherwise difficult year. Addressing the Malta FA’s Annual General Meeting at the Dolmen Hotel on Wednesday Vassallo said: “Despite the difficulties the world has faced over the past year, the Malta Football Association has continued to move forward as epitomised by the launch of the much-needed strategy for Maltese football. “All the stakeholders and members of the local footballing family are working towards a common objective.” Vassallo explained that the Malta FA is now registered under the Voluntary Organisation Act and, for the first time, the financial statements presented during the AGM are in accordance with the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The Malta FA President spoke about the significant financial difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over the past year, the Association incurred a loss of €1.5 million which was partially offset by FIFA’s COVID Relief Fund for National Associations," he told the assembly. “These funds were distributed to our member clubs to help them deal with the problems stemming from decreased income as the projected revenues failed to materialise.” The Malta FA President reiterated his appeal to officials to administer their clubs wisely, moreso in the current circumstances. NATIONAL TEAMS AND TECHNICAL PROJECTS Speaking about the positive results achieved by the national teams, Vassallo said Malta's performances and results in last year's UEFA Nations League evoked great enthusiasm and a sense of unity, bringing the country together during difficult times. “If we work collectively and implement the proposed plan to address our footballing weaknesses and provide the best conditions and development opportunities for our players, they will be able to produce and respond with consistent performances and results instead of isolated ones’,” Vassallo said. The Malta FA President concluded his speech by alluding to the very good relationship the Association has with both FIFA and UEFA, adding that the ties with FIFA have been further strengthened following the visit by FIFA President Gianni Infantino while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin is expected to visit the Malta FA in September.