MFPA launches medical insurance for footballers — Jonathan Caruana wins MFPA Award

Valletta and Malta international defender Jonathan Caruana won the first Malta Football Players Association Best Player 2011/12 award. The player was presented with the award during a press conference marking the launch of an insurance for footballers at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Caruana won the award, for which the captains/representatives from Premier League and First Divsion clubs were asked to nominate three players, ahead of William Barbosa and Obinna Obiefule.

Addressing the press conference, Tonio Borg from Mediterranean Insurance Brokers said this insurance policy was designed by players for players and covers expenses for treatment from injuries during competitive and friendly matches and training. This policy covers treatment at private hospitals and clinics in Malta and up to a maximum of €5,000 for treatment abroad.

The premium is €320 annually and is open for all MFPA members. For those applying immediately, there is no need to declare the medical history.

MFPA President Dr Anthony Galea said this insurance policy was meant to cover career-threatening injuries and the association’s main target are the younger players as they are the ones to benefit most.

Dr Galea explained that clubs can reach an agreement with their players to subsidise part of the fee as trying to obtain a group

The MFPA president announced that the association has around 250 members and are looking forward to attracting more players to the association, especially foreigners playing in Malta and young players. He said that this is the only way that they could improve their conditions. Dr Galea concluded by announcing that for next year, the membership fee has been waved.

MFPA General Secretary Carlo Mamo said there was a big demand for such an insurance and thanks to Mediterranean Insurance Brokers and Citadel Health, players now have a medical insurance customised for football players. He thanked Dr David Attard and Dr Mark Camilleri for their help on the matter.

To apply for this insurance, one had to contact Mediterranean Insurance Brokers, Citadel Health or the MFPA through its website or Facebook page.

Meanwhile the Malta Football Players Association, which is now recognised by the Malta Football Association besides FIFPro, will be holding its Annual General Meeting on July 7th. Those players who would like to form part of the committee are asked to submit their nomination.