The on-going implementation of the MFPA strategy for the period 2023-2026, updates on a number of pending claims lodged by the MFPA on behalf of member players and regulatory matters were on the agenda of the latest meeting of the Association’s Executive Meeting.

A review of the fourth MFPA Strategy Paper showed that nearly 70 per cent of the strategic actions and initiatives have been delivered within the first two years of the stipulated four-year cycle. Significant progress has been made across the five pillars, namely:

EDUCATION

•  First-aid and mental health sessions offered free to clubs;

•  More opportunities for players to pursue scholarships under the Life After Football programme;

•  English courses offered on a regular basis throughout the season to help foreign players;

•  MFPA is exploring the possibility of offering Maltese language courses.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

•  First-aider on site at every football event;

•  Easily-accessible AEDs at football venues;

•  Mandatory medical screening tests for players;

•  Tailor-made health insurance for players available.

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL

•  Better playing conditions – improvements in the scheduling of fixtures and pitches; 

•  MOU for the women’s national team players comprises a new parental and early childhood support policy;

•  Female players can now sign a professional contract with local clubs.

PLAYER SERVICES

•  All services offered to players are now on the MFPA web app. 

•  A Mobile App prototype is being developed and expected to be launched in the coming weeks;

•  Training compensation for players signing first professional contract after the age of 26 has been abolished;

•  Minimum requirements for players’ accommodation included in MFA regulations.

STRENGTHENING THE ASSOCIATION 

•  Membership registration, membership review reports and all financial transactions fully digitised;

•  Over 80 per cent of professional players are members of MFPA.

REPRESENTATION OF PLAYERS

Carlo Mamo, the General Secretary of the MFPA, reported that the Association has filed a total of 73 cases on behalf of players during the summer. Two of these cases are at an appeals stage. 

The first involves a female player who has been unable to accept a professional contract with another club due to regulations governing amateur players, and the second case concerns a youth player who could not join a new club owing to local youth transfer regulations which preclude players from changing clubs between the ages of 12 and 15 unless their current club agrees to release them.

With regard to the youth regulations, a new article has been added to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players whereby every member club is required to submit the Amateur Players List which must have a maximum number of players by September 15. 

This season these lists can include up to 50 players born in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and another 50 for those born in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Player not included in this list will have the right to an automatic free and unconditional release until the end of the current football season. 

The MFPA Executive noted that, while there is room for improvement, this represents a significant initial step towards supporting players who are not playing regularly, allowing them to continue their amateur passion and gain more playing time without restrictions.