MFPA welcomes MFA’s announcement suspending all football competitions in Malta until 5 April 2020 and that Clubs will be given at least a 2-week notice before they play their first game.

Given the increase in number of people who have tested positive for COVID 19 with some local transmission cases reported, this decision is sensible. In some other countries they suspended football competitions after a number of players and coaches were infected with the virus. In Malta we were proactive till now and took the necessary measures.

In the past days we have praised clubs who have suspended training and encouraged all other clubs to follow their lead. Our opinion on the matter remains unchanged. The WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION is recommending social distancing, suggesting everyone keeps at least 1 metre distance from each other. Football is a contact sport and keeping to this recommendation whilst training in groups is almost impossible.

Moreover the MALTA HEALTH AUTHORITY confirms “The disease can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets expelled from the nose or mouth when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can persist for a few hours on objects or surfaces around the person in question.” A person can be spreading the virus without knowing he has it himself. Since the virus persists on objects, persevering with group training would endanger not just the players, but also technical staff, and kit managers. These would in turn return home to families, which may include ‘high risk’ individuals creating a likely threat not only for people directly involved in football, but the general public, causing undue burdens on the healthcare system.

Clubs around the world have closed training grounds and issued players with individual training programmes which can be followed at home. This should be the example local clubs follow as well.

In the coming days a video conference meeting will be held with the local football community to discuss possible amendments or temporary exemptions to the regulations and possible agreements that can be reached between the parties to protect contracts for both players and clubs.

In the meantime we will keep in regular contact with all MFPA members during this difficult period. Finally MFPA appeals for reason and health to be the sole guiding force during these trying times.