The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) joined the discussion on the implementation of the minimum requirements for contracts of professional players across Europe.

The meeting was attended by all the stakeholders forming the European Professional Football Taskforce. Delegates from the Malta Football Association (MFA), the European Clubs’ Association (ECA), FIFPro, the World’s Player union, the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) and the local players association, MFPA. The main item on the agenda was the implementation across Europe of the minimum requirements for the contract of professional football players.

The main scope of these meetings between the social partners is that an agreement is reached on changes in the existing MFA rules relating to football player contracts and a standard contract drafted with an agreement on all the minimal clauses that should be included in contracts between the clubs (employers) and the employees (professional football players).

This represents another milestone to the local players association, and another step in the right director for Maltese football in general. The MFPA put on the agenda for discussion various important matters, amongst which are:  

The removal of salary caps and the importance of having a contract reflecting the exact wage structure, bonuses and fees agreed between a club and a player.

The composition of National Dispute Resolution Chamber, better known locally as the Players and Coaches Complaints Board. At present this does not reflect the equal representation of players and clubs as demanded by UEFA. The MFPA is keen to ensure that the board is truly independent and impartial and can guarantee players a real and effective remedy in case contracts are breached. 

The compulsory medical insurance for football players in respect of career threatening injuries. 

During the meeting, a number of other important changes were discussed. Further, all parties agreed that discussion on the way forward should continue immediately between the local stakeholders to seek common grounds and agreement on the main issues for the good of the local game. It was also agreed that the agreed amendments to be effective as from the start of the next football season. 

The MFPA President Dr. Anthony Galea said that the MFPA is pleased about the progress made and how the discussion developed. We now look forward to the creation of a local taskforce as discussed with the clubs and MFA representatives to look into the detail of a standard agreement and ensure this is put in place before the coming season. The MFPA will be following the process closely and will also reach out to its members and all players in Malta and shall reach out to players to ensure that the prospective changes are well known to all. 
 

Photo by Mr. Joe Borg / MFA