Futsal Malta confirms clubs’ withdrawal, says working hard to put sport on stronger foundations

Futsal Malta issued a statement confirming the Times of Malta story that three teams, Swieqi, Ta’ Xbiex, and Ħamrun, had withdrawn from the 2025-26 season competitions.

On Sunday, the Times of Malta said that among the reasons behind the clubs’ decision to withdraw from the futsal competitions next season was the lack of training facilities, as well as it was not financially sustainable anymore for the teams to compete.

Futsal Malta said that they are in talks with authorities in a bid to receive access to a current facility so that clubs can be able to train.

“We understand and share the clubs’ frustrations regarding infrastructure and financial sustainability. These have been long-standing challenges in Maltese futsal, and we want to assure you that your concerns are also our concerns,” Futsal Malta said.

“We fully empathise with the clubs and are committed to supporting their needs. During the past months, the Executive Committee has been meeting with both the Minister for Sports, Youth, and Education and Sport Malta to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding for a current facility to be given to our association for use during particular timeslots.

“This move shall enable the community to benefit from a wider selection of venues available to train and play the domestic league in. We call again on relevant stakeholders to expedite the process to safeguard the interest of the futsal community at large.”

Futsal Malta added in the last few weeks has met with the mentioned clubs to understand better their decision to withdraw.

“The Executive Committee has met with all aforementioned clubs to better understand the decision to withdraw from the competitive league,” Futsal Malta said.

“Unfortunately, one of the clubs has found it difficult establishing itself within the local scene, due to struggles and administration issues. Furthermore, two of the clubs were transparent to the Executive Committee in maintaining that the decision mainly boiled down to the fact that funding and administrative effort were being redirected towards sustaining the football operations of the club.”

 The Futsal Malta Association said that they are actively working on mproving access to regulated, secure training venues for our wider futsal community to benefit from accessible and balanced training slots in a venue where the domestic league occurs.

“We are also re-evaluating budget models and exploring sustainable funding and support for clubs,” it said.

“Futsal Malta is also reviewing foreign player policies and associated costs with relevant stakeholders to ensure the viability of attracting new teams, players, and the right investment.”

Futsal Malta has invited representatives from Swieqi, Ta’ Xbiex, Ħamrun, as well as all clubs, players, and stakeholders, to participate in an upcoming working group conference.

“This forum will serve as a platform to openly address existing challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions. Together, we aim to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for futsal,” it said.

“Futsal in Malta flourishes when clubs, both grassroots and elite, teams, players, officials, and supporters come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. Despite recent disappointments, the sport still has immense potential to grow and flourish. Let us meet these challenges with transparency, mutual respect, and a collective spirit.

“Registration period for season 2025/26 is still open and being vetted, and the total number of clubs shall be announced when this period expires.

“We continue to believe in a cohesive futsal season in 2025-26, and we offer our hands in partnership to bring the sport back stronger and more inclusive than before.”