The Malta FA proudly announced the signing of a significant 4-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 14 of its Member Associations during a ceremony held at the Centenary Hall, prior to the Malta FA Ordinary General Assembly. This event, attended by top officials from these Member Associations, underscores its commitment to support and promote football at all levels.
The total support for these MOUs will surpass €340,000 per year mostly covering costs related to refereeing, the leasing of pitches, and the deployment of paramedic services during matches, ensuring that such Members can sustain their activities which are crucial at the recreational level.
Support for Refereeing Fees
The MOU with the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) establishes the fees to be paid to match officials in different competitions at all levels. Such fees, covering all matches in organised football, are estimated to surpass €600,000 per season.
Background and Objectives
The primary objective of this MOU is to propose essential reforms aimed at enhancing football at both recreational and non-league levels through a sustainable operational model. While the current state of recreational football in Malta is encouraging, it is clear that significant changes and meticulous planning are required to ensure its future sustainability. As recreational and non-league competitions are entirely dependent on support from the Malta FA, this MOU represents a pivotal step forward in guaranteeing their longevity and success.
Key Reforms Included in the MOU (2024-2028)
The new MOU’s outline several key reforms that will greatly impact the structure and support of recreational and non-league football in Malta:
- Financial Support: The Malta FA guarantees 100% of the funds allocated to Member Associations (MAs) during the previous season, contingent upon the same number of matches being played, alongside any increases in referees’ fees.
- Implementation of MFA COMET System: Starting from the 2025/2026 season, all MA’s must fully utilize the MFA COMET system for player registration.
- Introduction of Player Registration Fees: A player registration fee will be introduced in the National League and a player that is registered in more than one MA needs to pay the fee for each MA he is registered with.
- Annual Financial Reporting: MA’s will be required to provide annual financial information to the Malta FA to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Branding and Sponsorship: The Malta FA will seek to enhance the branding of recreational football through assigned sponsorship rights.
- Coaching Clinics: The Malta FA will organize coaching clinics aimed at training volunteer coaches in essential coaching skills and first aid.
- Community Engagement: MA’s are encouraged to cooperate in charity matches and events to support local causes, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
- Paramedic Coverage: The presence of paramedics during matches will remain mandatory, ensuring the safety and welfare of all participants
The 14 Beneficiary Member Associations Include*:
- Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA)
- Inter Amateur Soccer Competition (IASC)
- GIDA League (GIDA)
- SWAN League (SWAN)
- Industries Sports Association (ISA)
- Malta Employees Sports Association (MESA)
- Veterans Malta Football Association (VMFA)
- Masters Football Association (Masters)
- Futsal Malta Association (FMA)
- Malta Beach Soccer Association (MBSA)
- Gozo Football Association (GFA)
- Gozo Youth Football Association (GYFA)
- Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA)
- Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA)
- *Youth Football Association (YFA) – MOU Expires in 2025