The match officials on the FIFA panel for 2021 were presented with the FIFA badges on Monday. Malta has retained the quota of 16 match officials on the FIFA panel – four referees, eight assistant referees, two futsal referees and two beach soccer referees.

The presentation of the FIFA badges was made by Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo. Addressing the match officials, Vassallo stressed that their status as FIFA match officials brings added responsibility.

“While you should always be motivated to perform at your best, as FIFA match officials you also have a responsibility to assist and share your experience with your colleagues to improve the standard of local refereeing,” Vassallo said. “At international level, you should always aspire to be exemplary ambassadors of Maltese football.”

The event was attended by Dr Angelo Chetcuti and Dr Matthew Paris, Malta FA General Secretary and Vice-President respectively, and Alan Mario Sant who retired from refereeing last summer to take up the role of Chairman of the Referees Committee.

LIST OF FIFA MATCH OFFICIALS

FIFA Referees: Ishmael Barbara (new), Matthew De Gabriele, Philip Farrugia (new), Trustin Farrugia Cann.

FIFA Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Christopher L. Francalanza, Luke Portelli, Mitchell Scerri, Edward Spiteri, Jurgen Spiteri, Duncan Sultana, Roberto Vella.

FIFA Futsal Referees: Clinton Mario Cassar, Stephen Vella (new).

FIFA Beach Soccer Referees: Pierre Bonnici, Jonathan Mallia.