The Malta Football Association’s Second General Assembly of 2026, held at Centenary Hall on Friday, unanimously approved the Administrative Report for the 2025-26 season, reflecting on a year marked by significant developments both on and off the pitch.
Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi presented the report, which highlighted several landmark initiatives undertaken throughout the season.
The General Assembly was also attended by UEFA National Associations Advisor Jozef Kliment and FIFA Member Associations Regional Coordinator Marco Ferri.
Photo courtesy of Malta FA
Among the principal developments highlighted in the report were the conclusion of the Association’s 125th anniversary celebrations, including the historic Jubilee Cup, the inauguration of the National Football Centre (NFC), the launch of Malta’s first FIFA Arena, the introduction of Football Video Support (FVS), and the approval of the City of Football masterplan.
Dr Azzopardi remarked that the 2025/26 season was yet another campaign of relentless work.
“It was a year that witnessed record investment in facilities, increased support for clubs, investment in coaches, technology and across all sectors of the game, including grassroots football, while continuing to strengthen efforts in the areas of social responsibility and integrity,” she continued.
“I would like to thank the officials, employees, volunteers, clubs, all of the Association’s partners, and everyone who, through their dedication and hard work, are making football positive force for Malta and Gozo,” Dr Azzopardi added.
Beyond infrastructure and organisational developments, the report also reflected on several important sporting achievements. The General Assembly highlighted Maltese clubs’ debut in the league phase of UEFA club competitions after Ħamrun Spartans FC’s historic qualification to the UEFA Conference League during the 2025-26 season. Additionally, the introduction of more youth players in both the Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams was highlighted.
APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Conclusion of 125th Anniversary Celebrations
The report goes into detail on the conclusion of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations. The extensive programme took place in order to celebrate the rich history of the Association, while also embracing the present and future with a series of initiatives.
The flagship event of the season was the Jubilee Cup. The competition, held for both men’s and women’s teams, featured Member Clubs and Member Associations, including those at amateur and recreational level, as they competed for the prestigious trophy.
The competition reached its climax on 8th December 2025 with both the men’s and women’s finals being held at the National Stadium. Mġarr United were crowned winners of the women’s competition, in what would turn out to be a memorable campaign for them as they also secured the Assikura Women’s League and Assikura Women’s Knockout later in the season. The men’s competition was won by Valletta FC, in a gripping final against Sliema Wanderers FC. The victory added another prestigious honour to Valletta’s rich history before the club went on to win its 15th Meridianbet FA Trophy later in the season.
National Football Centre Inauguration
It also highlights the inauguration of the NFC in Ta’ Qali, held on 15th September 2025 in the presence of Hon. Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and UEFA Vice President Jesper Møller Christensen, among others.
The NFC is a newly constructed centre located at the Malta FA Training Grounds that features a Category 1 stadium compliant with UEFA requirements, a medical and sports science area, a relaxation zone for players, an administrative area, conference facilities and modern administrative offices. The Malta FA Technical Centre’s operations and all logistics of the national teams have since been relocated to the new building.
The €13 million investment was co-funded by the National Development and Social Fund and supported by the Malta Development Bank. A commemorative plaque was unveiled and blessed by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, with a match taking place at the Malta FA Training Grounds between a selection of youth players.
Introduction of Football Video Support
This campaign represented a landmark season for domestic football with the introduction of FVS technology.
FVS was trialled in the Malta Premier, the Meridianbet FA Trophy, as well as the finals of the BOV Challenge Cup and Jubilee Cup. This system is being developed and improved in close collaboration with FIFA and forms part of a trial programme led by FIFA itself. The implementation of FVS was accompanied by an extensive education programme for match officials and clubs, which also featured simulations and practical exercises.
The implementation of the technology received a positive response and was recognised as a key tool in the development of refereeing. As a result of this, the programme will continue in the coming season, through continuous collaboration with FIFA.
First FIFA Arena in Malta
Another major milestone was the inauguration of the first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Malta.
The FIFA Arena mini-pitch was inaugurated on the same day as the National Football Centre. It took place at Maria Regina College Primary School in St Paul’s Bay, featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino, together with legends Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Vieri. This formed part of a global FIFA initiative to provide safe, inclusive spaces for children to play, learn, and grow, while also promoting football development and education. The school was chosen as the location due to the diversity present at the school, with around 700 children from around 51 varied nationalities.
City of Football Project Approved
In April, the Malta FA’s landmark project to regenerate its facilities in Ta’ Qali was unanimously approved by the General Assembly.
The masterplan was developed following an extensive consultation process that involved both internal and external stakeholders. It proposes a structured approach to a large-scale infrastructural investment that will transform the Association’s footprint into a fully connected hub.
This masterplan is centred around three key 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.
The approval of the Administrative Report concluded proceedings which reflected on another significant year of progress for the Malta Football Association, both on and off the pitch.