Joe Caruana Curran has decided that he will not contest the Malta FA presidential elections, the Times of Malta can confirm.
The former Valletta FC president had confirmed to the Times of Malta last week that he was mulling the possibility of challenging Bjorn Vassallo and Ridha Dardouri for the top seat at the local governing body of football.
Caruana Curran had said that he had been approached by several clubs to put his name in the hat for the presidential elections that will be held on March 15.
However, Caruana Curran said that after some days of consideration, he has decided not to contest the elections due to age restrictions stipulated by the Malta FA regulations.
In fact, according to the MFA regulations, a candidate who is over 70 years of age cannot contest elections and while Caruana Curran is eligible as he is 66-years-old, however, should he be elected, he would be unable to contest for a second term in office.
“After some days of reflection, I have decided not contest the Malta FA presidential elections,” Caruana Curran told the Times of Malta.
“The reason behind my decision is purely of an integrity principle. MFA rules at the moment state that a person who is 70 years old cannot contest elections. At the moment, I don’t have such restrictions as I am 66.
“However, if I get elected I would not be able to contest for a second term in office. Some people told me, ‘but if you are at the helm you could change the regulations’.
“But I don’t think that is something that goes along my integrity principles. I have been in sports administration for many years and always tried to act very fairly. So to do that in a way would tarnish my reputation so I don’t want to do that.
“For me good governance and integrity take precedence over everything else.”
Caruana Curran’s decision not to contest the elections leaves two candidates for the post of MFA president, current incumbent Bjorn Vassallo, who will be seeking a second term in office, and former Birkirkara striker Ridha Dardouiri.
