The Executive Board of the Malta FA convened for its first meeting of the 2022-23 season at the Centenary Hall on Tuesday.
One of the main items on the agenda was the approval of the main club incentive schemes for season 2022-23, namely the Development Pot, the Administrator Scheme and the Facility Maintenance Scheme, across the three categories – Premier League, Challenge League. and National Amateur League. To further incentivise clubs to grant more playing opportunities to young players in the Premier League, the fee for every appearance by an Under-19 player has been increased to €500 while the appearance money for every U-21 player in the top division has remained unchanged at €400.
A new scheme has been introduced for clubs in the National Amateur League who will be entitled to €1,000 in financial assistance to cover part of the expenses in areas such as audit fees, course fees for coaching and administrative staff, external qualified administrator compensation (not a management committee member) and technical equipment.
As from this season, Premier League clubs will have an additional seat in the technical area during top-flight matches after their proposal was heeded by the Executive Board. The additional seat may be filled by a Malta FA-recognised member of the technical, medical or backroom staff.
A similar proposal by Challenge League clubs is being considered.
TICKET PRICES – BOV PREMIER LEAGUE
The entrance fees for the BOV Premier League have been issued. A novelty this season sees spectators benefiting from reduced prices for tickets purchased online – adults will pay €8 while the fee for senior citizens and children is €5.
Tickets will be valid for back-to-back BOV Premier League matches played consecutively at the same venue on the same day as was the case pre-COVID. The prices of tickets purchased from the stadium booths have remained the same – €10 for adults and €6 for seniors and children.
Season tickets are also available but these are being sold directly by the BOV Premier League clubs.
CLUB LICENSING DISCUSSION
The Executive Board, with five new members in its fold, discussed possible amendments to the Club Licensing Regulations in the event that a club/s apply for a change in their licence status in order to compete in a lower category than they are entitled to on sporting merit.
Different scenarios and potential sanctions were considered with the discussion to resume upon presentation of the proposed regulations by the Association at the next Executive Board meeting in October.
EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE
Malta has argued against the creation of the breakaway European Super League, claiming it only serves the “narrow interests” of the clubs behind it. The submissions were made by the office of the State Advocate, represented by Dr Andria Buhagiar, during a European Court of Justice hearing held in Luxembourg on 12th July, 2022 in the case initiated by the European Super League against UEFA.
MALTA FA LEARN PROSPECTUS
The Malta FA has published the first Malta FA Learn Prospectus encompassing a set of educational initiatives in the form of courses in different areas, namely Administration, Finance, Coaching and Medical. Led by Malta FA Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris, the Malta FA Learn project has drawn praise from UEFA.
MALTESE CLUBS IN EUROPE
Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA President, congratulated Maltese clubs Ħamrun Spartans, Hibernians and Gżira United for their feat in advancing to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. “We hope and wish that our clubs extend their positive run by progressing to the play-off round which would represent a milestone for Maltese football,” Vassallo said.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Dr Ronald Cuschieri has been honoured by the Malta FA in recognition of his service to Maltese football. Before the Executive Board meeting, the Malta FA President presented the President’s Award to Dr Cuschieri.
A lawyer by profession, Dr Cuschieri has made an outstanding contribution to the judicial and independent structures of the Association, serving as a member of the Appeals Board since season 2008-09 and also becoming chairman of the same board in season 2014-15.
A lifelong collector of football memorabilia with a keen interest in the history of Maltese football, Dr Cuschieri, who also served as President of Gżira United FC, has loaned several artefacts from his personal collection to be displayed in the Malta Museum of Football at the National Stadium.