GFA Clubs Meet Top MFA Officials

The Gozo Football Association held a meeting in mid-November for all affiliated clubs with the top officials of the Malta Football Association, namely Mr Norman Darmanin Demajo, President of the MFA, Dr Chris Bonett, vice-President of the MFA and newly elected General Secretary of the MFA Dr Angelo Chetcuti.  The Gozo Football Association was also represented by the President Dr Samuel Azzopardi, vice-President Mr Angelo Grech and the General Secretary Mr Tony Grech.  Gozitan clubs were represented by clubs officials.

The meeting was intended to increase the awareness against match fixing and also to give an open possibility for the Gozitan clubs, the GFA and the MFA to express their views with regards to the reforms which are currently taking place in the organisation of football in Malta and the status of the players.

Mr Franz Tabone, the Integrity Officer of Malta Football Association, delivered a presentation about the real threats of match fixing.  The presentation was aimed to expose the reality of the problem which is a major concern at all levels of the football organisation and to encourage the clubs to be aware of their role and the influences from outside the football administration; and also to contribute to improve the credibility of local football.

The meeting continued with an open discussion between all those present regarding the problems faced by Gozitan clubs.  The major issue at stake is undoubtedly the reform regarding the status of the players in Gozitan football.  The MFA explained its position with regards to the importance of the reforms which are taking place in Malta and therefore it is important for the Gozitan football to follow the reforms to put a sound administration for the game on the island.

The discussion was an ideal opportunity for all parties to express their respective views prior to the next stage which would require final decisions regarding the issues at stake.