Norman Darmanin Demajo was confirmed as president of the Malta Football Association following the Annual General Meeting 2012/13 which was held on Saturday at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Darmanin Demajo obtained 117 votes compared to the 23 votes obtained by Dr Peter Fenech.
Darmanin Demajo therefore obtained 83.6%, a considerable increase in percentage, compared to the 71.2% obtained three years ago when he defeated Dr Joe Mifsud.
The Malta Football Association will have a new vice-president in Dr Chris Bonnett – the MFA Head of Legal Department. Alex Manfre and Ludovico Micallef were confirmed as vice-presidents as both were elected together with Dr Bonnett.
Former senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo failed to be elected.
Dr Chris Bonnett obtained 101 votes, followed by Alex Manfre with 86 votes, Ludovico Micallef 75, Carmelo Bartolo 59, Donald Spiteri 48 and Peter Busuttil 7 votes.
Ivan Mizzi has been elected as the new MFA Treasurer as he was the only candidate for the post. He replaces Antoine Portelli who decided not to run for the post after serving for the past three years.
In his closing speech, Darmanin Demajo said that usually the role of a president is associated with power. Quoting a homily by Pope Francis who said that “Real power is being of service to others”, the MFA President said it feels good to be of service to others. He said that when club officials turn to him, it was because they do not something for themselves but for others. Darmanin Demajo said these words inspire him and will serve as motivation as he starts another term as MFA President.
He thanked former senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo for the long service rendered to the association and thanked the other candidates for the posts of vice-presidents Donald Spiteri and Peter Busuttil while congratulating Dr Chris Bonnett, Alex Manfre and Ludovico Micallef for their election. He also congratulated the other new members of the Executive Committee.
Meanwhile the ordinary members of the Executive Committee for season 2013/14 will be:
Premier League: Chris Grech (Mosta), Paul Spiteri (Valletta);
First Division: Tyrone Demanuele (Gzira), Joe Sammut (Pietà);
Second Division: Manuel Gauci (Zabbar), Albert Pace (Siggiewi);
Third Division: Ray Micallef (Attard), Paul Sammut (Santa Lucia);
Member Clubs in general: Victor Cassar (Hamrun), Michael Cutajar (St. George’s);
Member Associations: Lolly Aquilina (MFCA), Lino Bartolo (District Football Leagues);
Gozo FA: Alvin Grech
Youth FA: Joe Micallef
The only election which was necessary for the ordinary members of the Executive Committee was for the two members to represent Member Clubs in general as there were four candidates.
Victor Cassar (Hamrun) obtained 67 votes followed by Michael Cutajar (St. George’s) on 64, Joe Farrugia (Marsa) 60 and Charles Scerri (Lija) 53. Cassar and Cutajar were therefore elected.