The Malta Football Association and the Government signed an agreement thanks to which clubs would benefit of a €3 million grant over the next four years in order to complete infrastructural projects. This would therefore complete the project meant to provide all clubs with adequate training facilities.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo said that these projects which consist of the upgrading of facilities for member clubs will cost around €6 million. So far the various projects cost €22 million and with these €6 million which will be spent on eleven different facilities, the total cost would amount to €22 million.

Darmanin Demajo said the two parties held discussions about the needs of the local game in the coming months and years. Avong the main issues are the need to revise the contracts covering land leased to clubs so that it would allow commercialisation for clubs with the change of legislation so that clubs could be run as public liability companies.

Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth & Sport Dr Stefan Buontempo said the Malta Football Association was one of the associations he enjoyed working with and encouraged other associations to emulate the MFA. He said that the ones to benefit mainly from such funds were the children playing the game.

Dr Buontempo agreed that the revision of the lease agreements was one of the challenges for the government. He said the government had just extended the 20-20 scheme for coaches as well.

The Parliamentary Secretary said the UEFA Under-17 Championship finals which the Malta Football Association will be hosting in May will help the Maltese economy due to the several players, officials and supporters who will be visiting the country.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg