The Parameters system requires a transfer fee which must be paid for a player to be able to register with a new club. This transfer fee is owed even though the contract has naturally expired. It is also owed when the player in question, whether MALE or FEMALE, is an amateur player who makes no money from football. This system has been abolished in the rest of the football world following the famous Bosman ruling in which the European Court of Justice held that such a system hampered a player’s right to freely move. FIFA changed its rules to comply with this decision, but 18 years later Malta is still retaining an illicit system, hampering player development.

MFPA has been alone, and unsupported for years, in its fight for the abolishment of Parameters in Malta. Setbacks have only served to make MFPA even more resolute to break the walls hindering its players. With the support and guidance of FIFPro, thankfully, MFPA will not have to keep on fighting alone any longer. Reinforcement has been received. In a letter dated 28 June 2019 sent by FIFA to MFA, the world’s football governing body clearly outlines how MFA’s retention of Parameters, goes against FIFA principles. It goes on to say, that the rules must be amended and brought in line with the rest of the footballing world. With this clear declaration from FIFA, explicitly telling MFA to amend the rules and remove Parameters, the time has run out on those seeking to retain such archaic rules.

MFPA, despite it not having any voting power within MFA, is continuously driving change in Maltese Football. Not only will this benefit players and their family, but in the long run, it will serve to raise the standards of Maltese Football.

The work of a players’ union is not easy. We run into the wall often, but we keep on running until the wall breaks.