Bjorn Vassallo, President of the Malta Football Association and Chairman of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee, presided over the UEFA U19 and U17 Championship draws held yesterday at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The event included draws for teams advancing to the elite stage of the 2025 final tournaments and those set to compete in the qualifying groups for the 2026 championships. Malta’s U19 and U17 teams featured prominently in four separate draws conducted during the day.
Addressing representatives from national associations, Vassallo emphasized the pivotal role of UEFA’s youth competitions in shaping young players’ journeys toward the elite levels of international football. He highlighted how recent changes in competition formats–such as the introduction of A and B championships with promotion and relegation–have elevated the competitive standards, making qualification for the final tournaments an even greater achievement.
In addition to overseeing the draw procedures, Vassallo presented a series of prestigious awards. Among these was the Maurice Burlaz Trophy, which he awarded to Maurizio Viscidi, Technical Director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), recognizing Italy’s remarkable success in UEFA men’s youth competitions.
Further accolades included the Respect and Fair Play Award given to Norway U19 player Aleksander Andersen and the Best Progression Award presented to Morten Korning of the Danish Football Federation during the U19 Championship Qualifying Round draw. Similarly, Vassallo honored France U17 player Yael Thebault with the Respect and Fair Play Award during the U17 Championship Round 1 draw.
Vassallo’s leadership role at UEFA underscores the respect and recognition afforded to Maltese football on the European stage. It is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to Malta’s growing influence within the footballing community.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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