The Malta Football Association has managed to reduced is accumulated deficit by over €1 million during the past 12 months, thanks to an increase in revenue, which was significantly boosted by an agreement reached with the government for financial support for the next four years.
The local governing body of football had ended the financial year of 2024 with an accumulated deficit of €5.6 million, which had inevitably raised a few alarms about the financial stability of the association.
However, during last year’s General Assembly, the Malta FA top brass had confirmed that they had reached an agreement in principle with the government to receive yearly financial assistance.
It has now been confirmed that the Malta FA had received a letter of confirmation from the government entity, the National Development and Social Fund, that they will receive a total grant of €6.94 million over a four-year term.
“Following constructive discussions with the National Development and Social Fund Agency and encouraging feedback from the Government of Malta, in Financial Year 2025, the Association received a Letter of confirmation in principle from the NDSF,” the MFA said in its extracts of notes of its financial statements.
“The expected funds from the NDSF amount to a total of €6,940,000 over a 4-year term – January 2025 to December 2028 – and are targeted towards Youth Development and International Participation, significantly strengthening its financial position.
“As at approval of these financial statements, the association has satisfied all the requested conditions from the NDSF, and the first tranche amounting to €1,735,000 is expected to be received in the first half of Financial Year 2026 and the second tranche by the end of Financial Year 2026.”
Between 2024 and 2025, the MFA’s income has skyrocketed to €16.3 million when compared to the €13 million generated the previous year.
Apart from the NDSF funds, the MFA benefited from grants from FIFA, through its Financial Assistance Programme, that generated €2.4 million, and grants from UEFA programmes, including the HatTrick Annual Solidarity as well as the HatTrick Investment that amounted to €3.7 million.
In terms of expenditure, the MFA has recorded an alarming increase of €2.2 million.
The major sums forked out were for wages and salaries of administration and technical staff that hit the €2.3 mark.
Management salaries add up to €756,015 but no individual breakdown of these wages is provided in the extracted report.
The travelling and accommodation costs of the national team also increased from last year to €2.5 million. Match expenses for local games hit €1.2 million.
One major concern is the increase in long-term liabilities with borrowings increasing from €11.3 million in 2024 to €14.1 million by the end of last year.
This year, the MFAA unveiled its latest infrastructure project when they unveiled the National Football Centre in Ta’ Qali.
Speaking of its infrastructure projects, the MFA said that one of its major plans for the next year is to maximise the use of its premises by moving towards the commercialisation of its sports-related facilities.
“This strategy is designed to generate a dedicated revenue stream through two complementary avenues: the rental of facilities for regular use by individuals and groups, and the leasing of spaces for organised activities including corporate functions, sports programmes, and community events,” it said.
“Together, these offerings aim to ensure consistent, year-round utilisation of the premises.
In parallel, the development of the National Football Centre is intended to create a second, distinct revenue stream by positioning the facility as a hub for sports tourism and events.
“By leveraging its infrastructure, including a Category 1 stadium capable of hosting international tournaments, the association aims to attract foreign teams, competitions, and visitors, thereby increasing inbound sports activity and related economic benefits.”
Regarding capital expenditure, the MFA said that it will build on its strong track record of securing government grants to fund infrastructure projects, such as the phased resurfacing of club pitches, which is still ongoing, and the finalisation of the new National Football Centre, which is almost fully operational.
