Regrettably, this close season has once again been tarnished by numerous cases of players who have had to seek redress over unpaid wages from previous seasons.

In the last few weeks alone, the MFA Complaints Board has upheld claims over outstanding wages submitted by over 12 players who were registered with Gudja United FC, who played in the Premier League last season. Due to this, the said club has been handed a transfer ban and is not able to register any new players until all outstanding salaries claimed have been duly paid. Notwithstanding, Gudja United FC has made an already unacceptable situation worse by announcing new player signings despite the transfer ban imposed on them.

Reaffirming our call for football employment contracts to be fully honoured, the MFPA hopes that these issues are resolved promptly, also keeping in mind that these situations cause significant financial and emotional distress to the players and, in most cases, their young families. The Association will continue to safeguard and protect players’ rights when valid employment contracts are not respected.

The MFPA also reiterates its appeal to players joining a new club to make sure they have an original copy of their contract, signed and dated by all parties. This contract must be filed with the national football association within 14 days from the date of signing.

Moreover, players should be made aware that, when joining a new club that has a transfer ban, they won’t be able to be officially registered with the Malta Football Association until such prohibition has been lifted by the relevant board.