Football started as a game but throughout the years it has developed into a huge business. From a purely amateur sport and pastime, this game has become the most lucrative career in the world.
Nowadays, footballers and coaches earn millions in wages. Of course, in a small country like Malta, the situation is much different.
Wages have increased considerably but they surely could not be compared with those earned in other countries.
With the game in Malta still on the semi-professional status, clubs are run by committees and those who serve on these committees do this because of their loyalty and love for their club. In the history of the game in Malta there were many individuals who dedicated their free time for their football club.
One man who gave everything for his club is Paul Spiteri of Valletta FC.
Knowing Paul personally I can vouch for his dedication to his hometown and to Maltese football in general.
Paul Spiteri was born on February 28, 1951, at Valletta. He played his first football at the St Paul’s Youth Centre and later on with Rovers United and Valletta Vanguards. Paul also played for Valletta Minors and Reserves.
Paul entered the administration of Valletta FC in 1981 which makes him one of the longest, if not the longest serving Valletta committee members in the club’s history.
During this period, he served the club as assistant secretary and vice-president. He has also served as MFA Council Member from 1987-2000 and from 2001 to date as Executive Member of the association.
Spiteri’s total of 55 major honours makes him the most successful club administrator in the history of Maltese football.
However, all good things must come to an end and this season Paul has decided to retire.
This is a great loss not only to Valletta but to Maltese football in general.
However, knowing Paul I am sure that somehow or other he would continue to give his service to his great love, Valletta FC.
HONOURS WON
Championship – 14 times
1983-84; 1989-90; 1991-92; 1996-97; 1997-98; 1998-99; 2000-01; 2007-08; 2010-11; 2011-12; 2013-14; 2015-16; 2017-18; 2018-19.
FA Trophy – 9 TIMES
1990-91; 1994-95; 1995-96; 1996-97; 1998-99; 2000-01; 2009-10; 2013-14; 2017-18.
Super Cup – 13 TIMES
1989-90; 1994-95; 1996-97; 1997-98; 1998-99; 2000-01; 2007-08; 2009-10; 2010-11; 2011-12; 2015-16; 2017-18; 2018-19.
Euro Cup – SIX TIMES
1983-84; 1987-88; 1989-90; 2011-12; 2013-14; 2014-15.
Lowenbrau Cup – SIX TIMES
1993-94; 1994-95; 1995-96; 1996-97; 1997-98; 2000-01.
Super Five Cup – FOUR TIMES
1992-93; 1996-97; 1999-00; 2000-01.
100 Anniversary Cup – ONCE
2009-10
Centenary Cup – ONCE
2000-01
Betfair Cup – ONCE
2007-08
CAREER WITH VALLETTA FC
Assistant secretary – 1981-1987.
Vice-president – 1987-2022
MFA Council Career
1987-2021 – MFA Council Member
2001-2022 – MFA Delegate
2000-2007 – MFA Executive Member
2010-2014 – MFA Executive Member
2016-2017 – MFA Executive Member
2020-2021 – MFA Executive Member
Author
alfred zammit
October 18, 2022 at 9:39 am
Paul was born just 3 days before me.WE played for Valletta minors,reserves u21 together plus for Rovers united which i still form part of the committee .Paul deserves all that is being said about him and i would recommend him for gieh Valletta award.Paul like me ,its time to make way for others as we are ageing but i know its going to be difficult for you to come to terms with this as i am in the same boat,but as long as you can keep following your club its like as if you are still in it.Good luck,you deserve it Alfred Zammit[dun]