The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) is compelled to report another case of unacceptable treatment of football players by a local football club that has failed to pay its players for over three months. The situation is both appalling and concerning.

The team in question includes five foreign players who earn close to or the equivalent of the national minimum wage. To make an already difficult situation worse, it has also come to light that a portion of the players’ salaries in the initial months of the season was deducted to cover accommodation costs.
The MFPA is reliably informed that the landlord has not been paid the rent but he is allowing the players to remain in the apartment for the time being and for this we are very grateful.

The MFPA deplores these appalling circumstances and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring fair treatment and basic dignity for all players. We are currently supporting the affected players with essential funds for food and coordinating with the landlord to keep them housed.

This situation further emphasises the urgent need for stricter measures and regulations to prevent such misconduct and protect the players’ rights. Clubs that treat players this way should face harsh sanctions. At present, the only recourse for these players is to lodge a claim for their unpaid wages, which leads to the club being barred from registering new players.

While the players may terminate their contracts under these circumstances, the timing of the hearings and the closure of the transfer window mean they cannot join another club immediately. This leaves them unable to play football until the next transfer window, further compounding their hardship.

The MFPA will continue to provide assistance and advocate for accountability in this matter while taking all the necessary steps to safeguard the interests and rights of the affected players.