MFPA establishes Player Council to facilitate discussion on key football matters

Consolidating its mission to protect the interests and rights of football players in the domestic game, the Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) has established the MFPA Player Council. This forum is composed of active players representing clubs from different categories of Maltese football, including the amateur leagues, and the members of the MFPA Executive, further elevating the role and input of players in discussions on important matters affecting them at all levels.

“The MFPA is the key driver in giving a collective voice to footballers playing in Malta as part of our steadfast commitment to protect their interests and safeguard their rights,” the MFPA Executive said in a statement.

“The creation of the Player Council enhances our capacity to address issues faced by active players as this forum enables them to comment on, discuss and influence regulations, trends and the strategic development of local football. It will also provide the opportunity for players to lead initiatives linked to player health and personal development besides other off-pitch matters.”

The members of the MFPA Player Council will convene at least twice a year with the first meeting, which also included team-building activities, held recently in Cottonera.

Malta and Ħamrun Spartans defender Steve Borg, one of the members of the newly-created MFPA Player Council, welcomed this initiative.

“This is a very positive development as it’s very important that the players maintain a good and open relationship with the MFPA,” Borg said. “It is also appropriate that the players have the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas on important matters as it is they who live football on a daily basis.”

Charlene Zammit, the Birkirkara and Malta women’s national team player, said that players now have the opportunity to be actively involved in decisions on matters that affect them directly. “It’s very important to have a Player Council within the MFPA as this gives us the opportunity to meet and discuss any important issues that arise during the season,” Zammit said. “Furthermore, this forum also encourages discussion between the players, giving them a say in important matters that directly affect them.”

Through the MFPA Player Council, the players will also contribute to the consultation process culminating in the publication of the new MFPA four-year strategy later this year.

The members of the MFPA Council are:

– Dr Anthony Galea, Carlo Mamo, Gareth Sciberras, Konrad Sultana, Mark Barbara and Dr Sihon Gauci (representing MFPA).

– Samir Arab and Steve Borg (representing Premier League players).

– Brenda Borg, Dorianne Theuma, Charlene Zammit and Shona Zammit (representing female players).

– Jean Pierre Attard and Clyde Borg (representing Challenge League players).

– Andrew Xuereb and Luke Zahra (representing National Amateur League players).