Echo of England friendly TV rights: MFA to set-up board of inquiry

The Council of the Malta Football Association approved a recommendation by the Executive Committee to set-up an independent board of inquiry to investigate claims that TV rights money from the friendly match between Malta and England played on June 3, 2000 never reached the association.

Speaking during a meeting of the Council on Thursday, MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo said he had mentioned the issue a few years, including an interview with Mark Attard in 2008 which led to a libel suit by former MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud.

The matter resurfaced once again last week when Darmanin Demajo was giving his evidence in the case in court.

Darmanin Demajo said that the game was broadcast live in the UK but still the MFA accounts did not show any income from this game as TV rights.

The MFA President told the Council that for him, this money was still due.

The Executive Committee discussed the issue and agreed to put forward a proposal for setting up an independent board of inquiry made of members of the judiciary to investigate the matter.

The Council approved this proposal.

Meanwhile the judicial protest filed by former national coach John Buttigieg and his assistant Carmel Busuttil in court against the Malta Football Association did not have the desired effect as according to MFA regulations, their action meant that they “cease to be a member” which in their case means that their licence as coaches would be revoked.

FIFA regulations also stress than anyone from the football family cannot take legal action against the association.

President Norman Darmanin Demajo explained that an agreement was close to being reached and payment had to be effected by January 31.

The cheques have already been signed but could now be handed to the two coaches once this issue is settled – starting by the withdrawal of the judicial protest.

New coach for Futsal national team

Kevin Mifsud is the new coach of the Futsal national team. He replaces Vic Hermans whose contract has been terminated by mutual agreement after the Dutch coach received an offer to coach the Thailand Futsal national team who will be hosting the FIFA Futsal World Cup later this year.

Darmanin Demajo announced that Argentine coach Sergio Soldano, initially employed on a part-time basis, has been handed a permanent deal until June 2014. He will be in charge of the group of children, born 1998, in the Academy. This group will be given training on a professional basis.

Luca Pagani has also offered a new contract as Head – Physical Fitness until June 2014.

Sports psychologist Adele Muscat will also work for the association on a part-time basis.