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Malta FA Executive Committee – Statement

Published: 18-05-2020 17:20
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The Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association met today via videoconference to discuss the status of its top-tier competitions, namely the 2019-20 BOV Premier League and FA Trophy, in the context of the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the Executive Committee’s direction to decide on the resumption or termination of the top-tier competitions on May 18, 2020, the Executive Committee has decided to terminate the 2019-20 BOV Premier League and FA Trophy competitions. In arriving to this decision, the Malta FA Executive Committee has taken into consideration the following key factors: • the restrictions imposed by law (Legal Notice 101 of 2020 of the Public Health Act) • the health, well-being and safety of all those involved in football and the wider community • the positions of the 14 Premier League clubs • position of the other stakeholders (players, match officials and coaches) • thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the medical protocol • the general precarious financial situation of the clubs due to the COVID-19 impact • matters imposed by UEFA (deadlines, sporting merit principles) Furthermore, as yet the Association has no reassurance from the health authorities as to when and if team sport competitive activities can resume. Based on the facts and evidence available, the 14 members of the Executive Committee, which is composed of representatives of clubs in all divisions and member associations, were unanimous in their decision. In line with this position, the Malta FA is duty-bound to communicate the decision to terminate the top-tier competitions to UEFA who will be evaluating the ‘legitimate reasons’ behind this stance. During today’s Exco meeting, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo announced that he had recommended that the Association’s elected officials, namely the president, three vice-presidents and treasurer, abstain from voting on the decision to resume or terminate the BOV Premier League and FA Trophy, as well as on the decision on the sporting outcome of the various championships, which will be taken during the next meeting of the Council. The Malta FA President said that this recommendation is guided by the principles of ethics and integrity. The elected officials of the Association unanimously agreed with this.SPORTING OUTCOME TO BE DECIDED BY MALTA FA COUNCIL The Malta FA will now summon a meeting of its Council to discuss and decide on the sporting outcome of the terminated league championships organised by the Association in every category as well as the Gozo FA competitions.