Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo focussed on the corporate restructuring, the positive financial results and the social, educational and health benefits during his speech at the Malta FA General Assembly which was held on Tuesday.

“We are in the final stages of another football season which, as always, has been very keenly-contested on the field of play, and more intense and challenging from an administrative perspective.

“In recent years, we have done everything on our power to improve the level and I have to admit that at times we may have demanded a lot from you but this is the only way to raise the standards.

Photo by domenic aquilina

“Therefore, I’d like to start by thanking you all for the support you have given us at different stages during the first year of the new mandate for the current administration.

“As you were able to follow during this General Assembly, the Association’s Treasurer has given a very clear picture as to where we are investing our money and the relevant expenses. It is very satisfying for us, the Association’s officials, that we were able to fulfil our promises and obligations, while also noticing that we are getting a tangible return for our expenditure.

“When you invest in sports facilities and a technical project, when you invest in your members and the wellbeing of the players, and, above everything, when you work in a way that enables the model to expand, this approach normally generates a significant growth in the commercial income, an increase in the participation levels and the strengthening of the entire ecosystem.”

CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING – FRAMEWORK PRESENTED TO THE AUTHORITIES

“Corporate restructuring, to name one example, is a strategic initiative that is still in its infancy. Although the Malta FA has presented the framework to the authorities, and in principle there appears to be approval from the legislative bodies, the Association will not stop pushing for this change until we attain the necessary approval for it to be implemented.

“I am emphasising this because the privatisation of football clubs will open up new horizons in terms of economic and social advancement. This will also empower the Association to continue diversifying its operations. If, at the top level, this type of model leads to greater sustainability and a comprehensive transformation that merges sport with business, also improving the input from the private sector, then at the grassroots level, the cradle of our football, we must remain active and supportive to encourage participation and strengthen our impact within our communities.

“Even children who play football but don’t make it to the professional level can learn a lot from years spent at the grassroots—from resilience, mental well-being, and discipline, to the importance of community.

“This is a priority for the football industry, there is clearly the need to continue promoting healthier lifestyles and better physical health for future generations. And our country should not be excluded from all of this. On the contrary, we must remain proactive and capable of devising and directing a robust national programme so that, regardless of age, gender, race, ability, or any other factor, grassroots football remains a catalyst in the Association’s goal to reduce all forms of discrimination both within and beyond football.

“This represents our unified mission. We use football to break barriers—especially in this anniversary year. As you are aware, we are celebrating 125 years since the foundation of the Malta Football Association, and we chose this theme to guide us through this important year. Through the programmes we’ve launched, those highlighted earlier, we will continue to promote social responsibility and inclusion so that no one is left behind.”

SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS

“And thanks to our nurseries and the thousands of volunteers who devote their time throughout the year, we can be a strong force that continues to build skills, knowledge, and experience in a sector where we must always think of future generations.

“And it is precisely because we are who we are and because the work of this movement never stops that the Government collaborates and partners with us in the ambitious projects we place on the agenda, even at a national level. These concerted efforts enable our country to benefit from returns in education, physical and mental health, and other important areas.

“This is a vibrant Association, with active and passionate members. It is no co-incidence that we have existed for 125 years as a movement with the mission of committing ourselves to the growth and improvement of football and of the people who participate in it at all levels. We’ve always been at the forefront, fostering social change and embracing a sports culture, determined to celebrate national pride and promote unity as we work to inspire people through our national colours.

“And to keep doing this in the years to come – because that’s what responsibility demands – we must have a clear direction, conscious of the fact that we still have room to grow and progress. This can only be done if we remain financially viable and diligent in the decisions we take so that through their implementation, we reap the benefits of what we plan together for the future of the game we love so much.”

POSITIVE FINANCIAL RESULTS

“It is therefore satisfying to see increased revenue, reduced expenditure, and positive results in financial management. But we cannot stop here. If we want to continue generating wealth and development, we must do better in building our reserves so that we are prepared and ready to meet future challenges in the same way we’ve done in the past. It is this wisdom, inspired by financial discipline, that allows us to continue investing to enhance efficiency and productivity in everything we aspire to, so that we remain competitive and reach our projected goals.

“Before I conclude, I want to mention several points that continue to elicit prestige in what we work for. Among them is the nomination of three of our officials—one from the referees sector and two from the administration—who have been selected by UEFA to be part of the team of officials for the U21 European Championship in Slovakia this June, and the U19 Championship in Romania this summer. This reflects the trust we enjoy in this sector at international level.”

IFAB STUDY IN MALTA

“Also, in recent weeks, the Malta FA was entrusted by IFAB to study a measure aimed at curbing time-wasting by goalkeepers. After this measure was introduced in Malta, specifically in the National Amateur League, the Board, which met last March with FIFA’s participation, was convinced that this measure could have a positive and significant impact on reducing intentional delays by goalkeepers.

“Thanks to the convincing results provided by Malta, IFAB approved an immediate change to the Laws of the Game for the upcoming season– even before the trial period ended. This is further evidence of the Malta Football Association’s strong reputation with international partners, and I promise that our work will not stop here, even in terms of technology in the game, as we’re currently assessing a new project with IFAB and FIFA.

“These are just some of the many new projects we’re working on to continue strengthening the competence and knowledge of our resources and our members. Allow me to mention just one more thing: the introduction of the Security Stewards system during organised football, with a dedicated course being held in collaboration with UEFA this coming September, along with a new course on the maintenance of artificial turf maintenance, for which applications are already open, and which will be led by foreign experts.

“So, I encourage you to stay up to date and remain a central part of the Association’s work, just as we will continue to stand with you in leading our clubs and Member Associations.”