Official Announcement

The Malta Football Association is voicing its disappointment and is hereby expressing its disagreement with the Health Authorities’ decision not to include outdoor sports events among the several activities that will no longer require attendees to present a vaccination certificate for entry. The announcement by Health Minister Dr Chris Fearne on Tuesday that vaccination certificates will no longer be mandatory for entry into several catering and entertainment venues represented a bittersweet moment for Maltese sport as outdoor sports events have been surprisingly excluded from this list. This decision has again raised questions about the criteria used by the Health Authorities in removing the vaccination requirement for events held at various closed venues while, on the other hand, enforcing this measure for outdoor sports activities. This is another slap in the face for the sports associations, athletes, coaches, match officials, volunteers, fans and all those involved in local sport as our unstinting efforts to deal with the ongoing difficulties and financial repercussions caused by Covid-19 are being constantly hindered by incoherent measures. Furthermore, these inconsistencies have created a perception that the booster is now only needed by persons attending sports events as the vaccination will not remain obligatory for a host of other events. While urging the Government to reconsider this decision, the Malta FA is appealing for sports to be treated fairly and equally. This statement is being supported by the Malta Football Players Association (MFPA), the Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA), the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) and the Malta Professional Football Clubs Association (MPFCA).