Trustin Farrugia Cann retires from refereeing, set for MFA vice-president role

Trustin Farrugia Cann announced that he is officially retiring from refereeing as he is set to be appointed as the new vice-president at the Malta Football Association.

Earlier this year, Farrugia Cann announced that he had put his name forward for the vacant spot as MFA vice-president.

When the nominations for the post closed on September 30, Farrugia Cann was the only candidate for the role, thus paving the way for the former FIFA international referee to enter into the Malta FA’s top administration. Ng.

Farrugia Cann will replace Maria Azzopardi, who earlier this year replaced Dr Angelo Chetcuti as the Malta FA General Secretary.

Farrugia Cann’s appointment will be ratified on Thursday during the local governing body’s General Assembly meeting.

“After 24 unforgettable years in refereeing – 10 of which on the FIFA International List –  it’s time to hang up the whistle,” Farrugia Cann wrote on his social media.

“It has been an incredible honour to represent our beloved nation in the following competitions: UEFA Europa League Group Stages, UEFA Conference League Group Stages, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, UEFA EURO Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League, and Two UEFA final tournaments.

“Along this journey, I’ve been humbled and proud to achieve several milestones – being chosen a record number of times as the @maltafpa Best Referee – an award received for six consecutive years, up until it was abolished in 2025

“Representing Malta in 47 different UEFA member associations, as well as in Libya and the USA.

“Becoming the first Maltese referee to obtain a VAR licence and to officiate a match involving VAR – Turkey vs Faroe Islands in Istanbul.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of so many – my colleagues, mentors, friends, and, above all, my family. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey.

“As one chapter closes, another exciting one begins. I look forward to continuing to serve the game I love from a new perspective.

“Time for the next adventure.”