Malta FA General Assembly Highlights Investment in Clubs and 125th Anniversary Milestones

The Malta Football Association held its third Ordinary General Assembly of 2025 on Thursday, 16th October, at Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali. The meeting served as both a reflection on a landmark year celebrating the Association’s 125th anniversary and an opportunity to outline continued investment in clubs and member associations.

Distinguished guests included UEFA Senior HatTrick Manager Valentina Mercolli, FIFA Member Associations Coordinator Marco Ferri, and Maltese Olympic Committee General Secretary Kevin Azzopardi.

Growth and Development of Maltese Football

Addressing the Assembly, Ms Mercolli praised the Malta FA’s steady progress and commitment to accessibility in football. She highlighted the inauguration of the National Football Centre, calling it “a state-of-the-art facility that will support the game’s continued growth.” Mercolli also referred to the UEFA Stewards Training Course, describing these initiatives as clear signs of Malta’s football development.

Mr Ferri commended the long-standing cooperation between FIFA and the Malta FA, noting the opening of the first FIFA Arena pitch at Maria Regina College Primary in St Paul’s Bay — a milestone in the Association’s jubilee year.

Distribution of Funds and Support Measures

Malta FA Senior Vice President Dr Matthew Paris presented details on the funding distribution plan across the Maltese football pyramid — covering the Premier League, Challenge League, Amateur Leagues, Women’s League, Futsal, Beach Soccer, and Member Associations.

In addition to financial support, clubs are benefitting from:

• New floodlighting systems

• Enhanced media and promotional coverage

• Resurfacing of the Centenary Stadium pitch

• Season ticket schemes and other incentives.

Earlier this week, the Malta FA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of Valletta on the naming rights for eight Member Associations’ competitions.

Dr Paris reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to invest in its members, recognising clubs and associations as crucial stakeholders in Maltese football.

Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo added that the Association’s new strategic vision will continue to drive progress in the sport for players, clubs, and fans alike.

An agreement in principle was also announced to continue distributing solidarity payments to nurseries and youth sectors — previously halted except for Premier League clubs. The new arrangement, set to be finalised by year’s end, will secure funding for the next three years.

Celebrating 125 Years of the Malta FA

President Vassallo also reflected on the series of events held to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Malta FA, aimed at engaging the wider community and promoting inclusion.

These included:

• The inauguration of the National Football Centre at Ta’ Qali

• Street Football in the City initiatives

• School visits by National Team players

• Launch of a limited-edition national team kit

• The Malta FA Jubilee Cup

A special focus was placed on social responsibility and inclusion, highlighted by pre-match activities for children during Malta’s recent FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.

The celebrations will culminate on 8 December 2025, with the men’s and women’s Jubilee Cup finals, supported by Enemed.

“This year has been characterised by the celebration of the 125th Anniversary from the founding of the Association — a milestone we’ve marked in the best way possible. And there’s more still to come,”
said President Bjorn Vassallo.