The Malta FA has taken note of the comments concerning the social programme designed to provide means-tested, paid scholarships. This initiative has always been grounded in a clear social objective: removing barriers to participation in sport, strengthening the role of clubs and football within society, and promoting inclusivity.
Clubs and the wider football community play an important part in ensuring that young people are engaged in positive environments and supported in staying away from harmful behaviours and vices.
At no stage does this programme promote cannabis in any form. The affiliation in question is with the regulator, not with any operator, and the funding is derived from public sources. Cannabis remains a prohibited substance under the WADA list, and any use within football is subject to, and will be addressed in full accordance with, the applicable regulations.
Around 160 children from families facing social and financial difficulties are set to benefit from funding to attend football nurseries across Malta, following an agreement between the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and the Malta Football Association (MFA).
The scheme covers up to €250 per child, with ARUC providing 75% of the cost and the MFA covering the remaining 25%.