The Malta Football Association announces the appointment of Ivan Vella as Director of National Teams.
Stepping up from his role as manager of the national team, Vella will oversee the operational and logistical aspects of the national selections at all levels.
Vella, 44, has been part of the Malta FA set-up for over 20 years, gaining experience in various sectors, including international affairs, marketing and the management of the national teams.
Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, welcomed Vella’s appointment.
“The increasing demands associated with the running of our national teams necessitated the creation of this role,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“With his knowledge and sound background in the national teams’ sector, Ivan Vella was the best candidate for this post.
“In addition to his vast experience as manager of the senior national team, Ivan has also acquired international experience with UEFA and FIFA.”
Ivan Vella said: “This is a challenging position but it feels like a natural progression as I’ve been involved in the organisational side of the national teams for several years.
“I’m willing to use all my knowledge and experience to carry out my duties in the best way possible and ensure a coherent and professional approach when it comes to the management of the national teams.”
Apart from his long-standing involvement in the national teams’ sector, Vella has been a Venue Director for UEFA competitions since 2010, and sits on the Monitoring Committee of the Greek Football Federation as a member of FIFA’s Panel of Experts.
In 2016, Vella completed the UEFA Certificate in Football Management (CFM), organised by UEFA in conjunction with the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration at the University of Lausanne.