MBA head calls for changes in dual citizenship legislation

Malta Basketball Association (MBA) president Antonio Mizzi is calling on the government to relax the laws on dual citizenship in order to boost Malta's prospects of making an impact in international events.

The MBA head made his statement during a news conference at Michael Attard Ltd showroom in Blata l-Bajda, called to announce Peugeot's new sponsorship of the women's basketball league for the next two years.

"Women's basketball has made giant strides forward in the last two years," Magistrate Mizzi said.

"The gold medal won by our women's team in the GSSE 2003 and the third-place finish in the Promotion Cup in Andorra provide testimony that the team led by Santino Coppa and Carlo Farrugia, is growing in stature. This progress has strengthened our confidence that good results can be attained in the coming years."

Mizzi, however, remarked that if Maltese basketball is to make a decisive leap forward in the international arena, it is imperative that the laws governing nationality rights of Maltese descendants be changed.

"I don't think that the authorities have realised the huge potential of Maltese sport," Mizzi said.

"The level of our women's national team has improved since Coppa and Farrugia took over two years ago. Next year, we will be facing England and Scotland in the final qualifying round for the Commonwealth Games. A top-two position will mean that for the first time, a Maltese team will qualify for a prestigious competition on their own merit.

"Besides, we have made contacts with three professional players who turn out in leagues in Australia and the US. These ladies can be described as third generation Maltese. They have shown interest in representing our national team. Their presence would deal a boost to our game.

"However, our country's laws in this regard are very strict. This is making it difficult for us to make use of these players as the law states that a person applying for a Maltese passport must have resided in the country for at least five years," Magistrate Mizzi remarked.

The MBA head said that the use of naturalised players has become a common feature in most of the big basketball countries.

"We believe in setting higher targets for our basketball teams. We want to reach a level where our teams are deemed strong enough to compete in competitions more prestigious than the Promotion Cup or the GSSE.

"However, to achieve these targets we cannot slam the door on people who can help us improve," the MBA president added.

Two-year deal

Mizzi expressed his delight at the MBA's agreement with Michael Attard Ltd, local agents of Peugeot cars, who will sponsor the women's national league for the next two years.

"It has always been one of our top priorities to find a sponsorship for the women's league. We are pleased that Peugeot are supporting the women's league and also the women's national team. I have no doubt that this partnership will continue for many years to come," Mizzi said.

Michael Attard, director of the car company, said: "The success recorded by the women's basketball team has been the key factor behind our decision to team up with the Malta Basketball Association. We believe that the local women's game has a bright future and our intention is to be a key component of their success."