Women’s football will be in the spotlight from February 22nd to 25th as four nations gather for the annual VisitMalta Women’s International Friendlies. Malta, riding high from their promotion to League B in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, will commence their 2024 campaign with a friendly against the Faroe Islands on the 22nd, followed by a match against Belarus on the 25th. The Tony Bezzina Stadium will host four fixtures across two matchdays, with Albania joining in to face Belarus and the Faroe Islands.

The 2024 VisitMalta Women’s International Friendlies, now in their fourth year, were announced during a press conference at the Centenary Hall. Manuela Tesse, Malta National Women’s Coach, stressed the significance of these friendlies in preparation for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, emphasizing the need to challenge the team against stronger opponents to foster growth. Tesse expressed gratitude to the Ministry for Tourism and VisitMalta for their support, aiming to continue providing positive experiences for fans and increasing interest in women’s football domestically.

Hon. Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness, said the VisitMalta Women’s International Friendlies are testament to the Government’s strategy to boost sports tourism, especially during the winter months. “Our efforts to strengthen sports tourism are producing encouraging results,” Hon. Bartolo said. “2023 was a record year in terms of the results achieved in the sports tourism niche, and thanks to the ongoing work of the Malta Tourism Authority, we are working to maintain and increase these initiatives.

“Sports tourism has socio-economic benefits, and we are happy that we are also supporting our women’s national team team through the organisation of these friendlies,” concluded the Minister.

Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority, highlighted Malta’s appeal as a sports destination, and the associated benefits as underlined by the events held over the past two months. “This is the fourth year that we are hosting these matches which also reflect our commitment to support women’s football as well as to facilitate opportunities for the women’s national team to play in international friendlies,” Mr Micallef said.

Helmut Amhof, representing Qmedia, emphasized the crucial role of the Malta Tourism Authority in organizing sports events, generating bed nights, and promoting Malta globally. He thanked the Malta FA for their collaboration, essential for the success of these initiatives.

The friendly matches involving the Malta women’s team will be broadcast live on TVM Sport+, with all games streamed live in the visiting countries. Fans can purchase a block ticket for all four matches at €5, with concession prices available for children and seniors at €3.