The project to regenerate the Malta Football Association’s facilities in Ta’ Qali has been unanimously approved by the General Assembly, held on Wednesday evening at the Centenary Hall.
Developed following an extensive consultation process involving both internal and external stakeholders, the masterplan proposes a structured approach to a large-scale infrastructural investment that will transform the Association’s footprint into a fully connected hub under the name City of Football Ta’ Qali.
Dr Matthew Paris, Senior Vice-President of the Malta FA and Chairman of the National Stadium Modernisation Committee, presented the key elements of the project, which revolves around three strategic pillars:
- Partial reconstruction and modernisation of the National Stadium and its surrounding areas;
- Expansion of the Centenary Stadium’s spectator capacity, alongside additional upgrades;
- Construction of a new compact stadium dedicated to youth football, for both men’s and women’s categories.
Reflecting on some of the most iconic moments since the inauguration of the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali in 1980, Dr Paris emphasised the need for a comprehensive upgrade of the venue as part of a broader development vision.
“The structure is in urgent need of renewed investment,” Dr Paris told the General Assembly. “While the stadium continues to meet the very basic requirements of Maltese football, it is in dire need of modernisation to align with today’s standards and expectations.
“Over the years, there have been important upgrades – including the construction of the Millennium Stand 25 years ago and the installation of a hybrid turf pitch in 2016. However, the magnitude of investment now required is significantly greater.”
“There is a strong consensus that the time is right for the Malta FA to invest in its own home, after years of supporting and sustaining the infrastructural projects of its affiliates.”
Following the mandate granted by the General Assembly, the first for this year, the Malta FA will now proceed to the next key phases of the project:
- Extension of the legal title for the Ta’ Qali facilities from 20 to 65 years, with the support of SportMalta;
- Formal presentation of the project to Government and Parliament;
- Engagement of technical experts, including legal advisors, architects, engineers, and other consultants;
- Structuring and securing project financing;
- Establishment of Fondazzjoni Ta’ Qali.
This transformative project for Maltese sport has received the endorsement of Prime Minister Robert Abela and Alex Borg, Leader of the Opposition, with both writing messages of support in the publication marking the official launch of this project.
City Of Football Ta’ Qali – Key Development Components
The masterplan is centred around the following major projects:
National Stadium
Partial reconstruction including three new stands (South, North, and West), complemented by a futsal arena, sports hotel, commercial outlets, and related amenities, as well as upgrades to the Millennium Stand and surrounding areas.
Centenary Stadium
Expansion of spectator capacity to approximately 2,500 seats, together with further facility improvements.
New Youth Stadium
Development of a 2,000-seat stadium on the current west stand parking site, supported by a new underlying car park with a capacity of around 300 vehicles.
National Football Centre
Installation of dedicated beach soccer facilities.
Following the approval of the project, by the end of 2026, the concept design will be prepared and the outline development permit will be submitted. The full development permit will be submitted in the first part of 2027 and tenders will be issued in the latter part of 2027.
Demolition works will take place in the first quarter of 2028 with construction starting in May 2028.
The first part of the project will be the demolition of the South Stand and construction of the 2000-seat stand and futsal hall along with the construction of the new spectator stands at the Centenary Stadium to increase capacity by 2,500 and improvements at the Millennium Stand.
The demolition of the West Stand and construction of a new 4,000 seat stand, a sports hotel and related amenities will follow along with the construction of a new car park at the West Parking Area accommodating around 300 vehicles and overlying stadium with a capacity of 2,000 spectators.
The installation of beach soccer facilities at the National Football Centre and the demolition of the North Stand to be replaced by new 2000-seat stand, commercial outlets and related amenities will follow.
