We all love football and want to preserve the integrity of the competition. Players, more than anyone, would love nothing more than to be able to return to the game they love. Having said this, it is clear that the health of players and staff is the priority.

Our love for the game cannot cloud our judgement. Our personal opinion and wishes do not matter. The only opinion that should guide us is that of health authorities. At present, said authorities still deem the risk of contamination great enough to; impose closure of sports facilities and suspend all sporting activities.
Should health authorities give their go-ahead for the resumption of football activities, there are a number of health protocols that have been developed after consultation with foremost international health professionals which include the following:

1. Returning to training/playing before a vaccine is widely available should include the following precautions:

- All players and essential staff must be tested, with ongoing monitoring for possible latent symptoms.

- Players must have full medical coverage and access to medical staff throughout.

- Premises must be equipped with hygiene supplies.

2. Before matches can start there needs to be a period in which players can rebuild stamina. This should be at least 3 weeks. Training intensity should be increased gradually.

3. Pushing the season into the summer months will bring with it other health considerations such as physiological health problems, especially considering the brutal summers we face in Malta.

MFPA’s position is simple. The protection of players is the priority. We trust in the guidance of our health professionals.