MFA ExCo discusses Social Dialogue Committee proposals, approves improved conditions for referees

The matters discussed by the Social Dialogue Committee over the past months were on the agenda of the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association, held on Thursday.

Dr Angelo Chetcuti, the General Secretary of the Malta FA, gave a detailed update on the progress in the discussions over the regulations on the status and transfer of players, including the movement of out-of-contract players and compensation mechanisms.

The recommendations arising from the Social Dialogue sessions will be discussed further at the next meeting of the Malta FA Council.

The Social Dialogue Committee brings together representatives of clubs and players to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Also during Thursday’s meeting, the Malta FA Exco members endorsed the agreement over the revision of match fees and the introduction of other non-financial incentives for match officials.

Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, gave an overview of the proposed adjustments and thanked the representatives of the refereeing sector – Stefan Pace, Alan Mario Sant, Ishmael Barbara and Luke Portelli – for their contribution and co-operation during the cordial discussions.

Under the new agreement, which comes into effect from the start of season 2019-2020, the fees of match officials in the senior categories will rise gradually over the next five years in addition to a series of other non-financial incentives, all aimed at improving the overall conditions of the match officials.

The agreement was unanimously approved by the members of the Executive Committee who expressed their gratitude to Darmanin Demajo and Ivan Mizzi, the Malta FA Treasurer, for their commitment and efforts during the negotiations with the match officials.

FUNDING REQUEST

Dr Chetcuti announced that UEFA’s Social Responsibility Committee is due to discuss the Malta FA’s funding request to carry out repair works at weather-hit football facilities at its next meeting, scheduled to take place early next month.

The Malta FA submitted the request for financial assistance from UEFA in the wake of the damage caused to local football facilities by the severe storms and gale-force winds which battered the Maltese islands on the last weekend of February.

FOOTBALL SYMPOSIUM

Preparations for the first Football Symposium, being hosted by the Malta FA on May 23 and 24, 2019, are well underway.

‘Opportunities in the Digital World’ is the central theme of this symposium which is being co-ordinated by Malta FA Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris.

A number of speakers and experts have already confirmed their participation in the Football Symposium, including Silvio Schembri, the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, popular Sky Italia football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and Noel Mooney who heads the National Associations Business Development Unit at UEFA.