Malta Premier League hits back at Darmanin Demajo’s comments on UEFA Solidarity Funds

The Malta Premier League issued a statement to hit back at comments made by Youth FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo on the changes in the UEFA Solidarity Payments Distribution Scheme.

Darmanin Demajo, who has just been reconfirmed as Youth FA president for the next four years, told delegates at the governing body’s AGM last week that he was concerned by the adverse effect the regulation had on the nurseries.

He said that although the total allocation has increased from €1.08 million to €2.35 million, nurseries of clubs outside the Premier League and Challenge League have been negatively impacted.

“These funds are primarily intended to support youth development,” he stressed.

“As president of the Youth FA, it is my duty to speak out when decisions have an adverse effect on our nurseries. While we are not involved in the decision-making process, we have every right to make our voices heard.

“The principle of solidarity was the cornerstone of the previous UEFA solidarity model in Maltese football, ensuring a fair and inclusive distribution of funds across all levels of the game, including youth nurseries and the Gozo FA.

“However, the newly introduced criteria for the 2024-2027 cycle have significantly altered this framework. Despite these changes, the Youth FA remains fully committed to upholding the spirit of solidarity within Maltese football.

“We are disappointed that the Youth FA, as the official representative body for youth nurseries in Malta, was not consulted in this process.

“Looking ahead, we strongly urge the Malta Premier League and all relevant stakeholders to come together to explore alternative funding avenues for the remaining nurseries who play a vital role in the grassroots of Maltese football and are essential for maintaining future eligibility under this scheme.”

In a statement, the Malta Premier League said the changes were all down changes in the UEFA regulations.

“The Malta Premier League makes reference to comments by the Youth FA President regarding the distribution of UEFA Solidarity Funds,” the MPL statement.

“The new regulations by UEFA make it clear that these funds are aimed exclusively at non-participating top-flight clubs (clubs which do not make it to the league stage of UEFA competitions), which in the case of Malta are clubs participating in the Malta Premier.

“These clubs are given the possibility to distribute up to a maximum of 15% to clubs in the second tier, that is, the Challenge League.

“Malta Premier clubs decided to redistribute 12.5% of their funds, which is the highest percentage by any European league.”