The Malta FA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with national team fan groups South End Core and Ultras Malta, strengthening collaboration ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League Play-off against Luxembourg.
In fact, Malta will be facing Luxembourg in two crucial fixtures in March, with a spot in League C at stake. Malta hosts Luxembourg on Thursday 26 with the return match scheduled for Tuesday 31.
Malta enters the play-off after placing second in League D2 while Luxembourg finished bottom of League C3 but ending as one of the best two fourth-placed teams in League C.
Photos courtesy of Malta FA
Malta, therefore, will be fighting for a first promotion in the UEFA Nations League, something the women’s national team achieved twice.
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo said that the association was looking forward to preparing in the best possible way to reach this main objective of promotion to League C.
“From a technical point of view, work has already begun, while from an organizational point of view, we started working so that together with the South End Core and the newly-setup Ultras Malta, we can unite with one voice behind our national team so that for we can give our maximum in these two historic matches so that the players on the pitch can give the best possible performance.”
“The Malta FA hopes that on March 26th, we will be able to bring a large number people to the stadium in order to create the atmosphere which will allow us to give maximum support to the players and the staff from the stands. Arrangements are also being made in order to have a substantial number of Maltese fans attend the match in Luxembourg.”
Vassallo said that a special committee led by Dr Matthew Paris and a team of people are working hard in view of these two matches and after that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the South End Core a few months ago, the association has also spoken to another group who are ready to be part of the organization and choreography for this match.
In fact, the agreement focuses on working closely together in the build-up to the matches and on enhancing the fan experience at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, for the home leg.
“The Malta FA, as it has done in the past, will also help in this match. We are looking forward to having a large attendance, which will make the whole country proud and motivated to reaching this objective.”
TIckets will go on sale in the coming days and both the South End Core and Ultras Malta are expected to release more details shortly.
Vassallo concluded by saying that the Malta FA welcomes anyone who would like to help attract people to the stadium, hoping that people who never attended a national team match or rarely attend will attend this decisive clash and support the team, also banking on the feel good factor brought about by the away win over Finland last year and the fine performance against Poland.
On behalf of South End Core, Louis Agius thanked the Malta FA for its continued support to the group and added that it is exciting that the team has such a crucial match on the way. South End Core are also working on travel to Luxembourg to support the National Team for the second leg.
“I am very happy that there is another supporters’ group now as I am sure that we can collaborate together with the ultimate aim to provide the best support possible to the National Team for such an important match,” he added.
Christopher Cassar, speaking on behalf of Ultras Malta, remarked that while the group has roots within the entertainment industry, it is working to attract a new audience to the stadium.
“We are already working to ensure that our first experience as a fan group is a success, and we will work together with South End Core to attract as many people to the stadium.”
