MFA to upgrade stadium facilities with Banif Bank sponsorship

The Malta FA yesterday announced a sponsorship agreement with Banif Bank that will boost the local football governing body's plans to upgrade facilities at the National Stadium ahead of the opening 2010 World Cup qualifier between Malta and Portugal on September 6.

The match against the Portuguese is from Group One that also includes Sweden, Hungary, Albania and Denmark.

Joe Mifsud, the Malta FA president, told a news conference that he was pleased the association had reached an agreement with Banif.

The bank, which has Portuguese shareholders, will be assisting the MFA in its projects at the National Stadium, he said.

"This is great news for Maltese football ahead of such a prestigious fixture," Dr Mifsud said.

"We are planning that for this match our stadium will be upgraded and in the next few days three other projects will be initiated. International matches are transmitted all over the world so it's important for us to keep our image at a par with other venues around Europe.

"Portugal are one of the best teams on the continent at the moment and among the favourites for Euro 2008.

"Personally, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this time they go all the way and win the European Championship. That would mean that their first competitive match as European champions will be against Malta."

Dr Mifsud said that the project entails the installation of new seats at the North and South End of the stadium similar to the ones at the Millennium Stand and Enclosure.

Artificial turf will be laid on the external part surrounding the pitch and the dressing rooms will also be renovated. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

On his part, Anthony Sammut, Banif chairman, said this agreement forms part of the bank's commitment to support the local community in cultural and sporting events such as the World Cup qualifier against Portugal.

"Banif Bank is proud to be supporting the Malta FA in organising this event," Sammut said.

"The match will be played during our first year of operation in Malta and gives us a great opportunity to emphasise our commitment towards strengthening the relationship between Malta and Portugal."