Fourteen match officials were presented with their FIFA Badge after having been confirmed on the FIFA International list.
The presentation was held on Saturday, during the introductory VAR training that was held at the Centenary Hall by Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo and David Elleray who is the IFAB Technical Director, and also the UEFA Referee Development Panel Officer responsible for the MALTA FA in the presence of General Secretary Dr Angelo Chetcuti, Vice President Adrian Casha and Director of Referees Alan Mario Sant.
“This is a day where we celebrate these referees of being of a higher quality, a role that brings with it responsibility as the younger referees and the public in general look up to these persons and expect more from them”, said Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo.
He also thanked all match officials for their commitment throughout the year as well as those in administration who work behind the scenes to support them along the way.
Prior to the presentation Malta FA Director of Referees Alan Mario Sant spoke briefly about the achievements of the department throughout the past year. He highlighted the fact that international appointments during the past year have increased by 20%.
The FIFA list includes two new faces, these being Duncan Spencer and James Muscat. In the meantime, Alan Camilleri reached a landmark 20th FIFA Assistant Referee Badge having been on the International List since 2003.
The full list of Malta’s FIFA Badge holders (in alphabetical order) for 2023 is as follows:
FIFA Referees
Ishmael Barbara
Matthew Degabriele
Philip Farrugia
Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant FIFA Referees
Alan Camilleri
James Muscat (NEW)
Luke Portelli
Mitchell Scerri
Duncan Spencer (NEW)
Jurgen Spiteri
Duncan Sultana
Roberto Vella
Futsal FIFA Referee
Stephen Vella
Beach Soccer FIFA Referee
Stephania Bonnici
