Mifsud seeks to prolong 15-year tenure

More than six years since their bitter feud threatened to rock the Malta FA, president Joe Mifsud and Norman Darmanin Demajo, will go head-to-head in what is expected to be a close vote for the MFA's top post today.

The two former allies-turned-foes are the only candidates for the hot seat. Dr Mifsud, who is also a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, is seeking to extend his 15-year tenure as head of the Malta FA by another three years. For his part, Darmanin Demajo is running for the top job in Maltese football for the first time.

Darmanin Demajo has not held a position within the MFA since he quit as Honorary Treasurer in December 2000 following his public dispute with Dr Mifsud.

The election of a president for the next three years is the sixth item on the agenda of today's AGM. It will be followed by another vote to elect three MFA vice-presidents.

Carmelo Bartolo and Ludovico Micallef are seeking another term as vice-presidents but they face competition from Pippo Psaila, the MOC Director of Sport, Michael Cutajar, Peter Fenech, Joseph Hedley, Alex Manfrè and Bjorn Vassallo.

Three candidates are bidding to fill the post of Honorary Treasurer, namely Manfrè, Hedley and George Micallef.

The candidates nominated to fill the 11 ordinary seats on the MFA's Executive Committee are:

Premier League (two vacancies): Jesmond Abela, Joseph Gauci, Joseph Sammut, Paul Spiteri.

First division (two vacancies): Redeno Apap; John Vella.

Second division (one vacancy): Joe Mifsud (Naxxar Lions).

Third division (one vacancy): Joseph Farrugia (Kirkop).

Council members in representation of member clubs in general (two vacancies): Joseph Gauci, Joseph Hedley, Raymond Micallef, Charles J. Scerri, Paul Spiteri, Salvu Vella.

Council member in representation of Youth FA: Joe Micallef.

Council members in representation of the other Member Associations (two vacancies): Charles Calleja, Kenneth Cassar, Joseph M. Cassar Naudi.