Kurt Sansone
Pippo Psaila denies resignation linked to MEP elections
Pippo Psaila, who resigned from the Malta Olympic Committee, will not say why he left but suggested he has a problem with the committee's running.
When contacted, he denied the resignation was linked in any way with the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
"I'm not contesting the MEP elections and my resignation has nothing to do with that," he insisted.
Last year, Mr Psaila had unsuccessfully contested the general election for the first time on the Nationalist Party ticket, obtaining 90 votes on the ninth district and 383 on the 10th.
His resignation comes five months before the Games of the Small States of Europe that will be held in Cyprus in June. Mr Psaila was director of sport and his resignation was being viewed as a severe setback for the preparations of the Maltese athletes ahead of the Cyprus games.
"There's much to be said about the way things are run at the MOC but I will remain silent since I do not want to disturb the athletes' focus. I have great respect for the athletes and I would not like to compromise that. In due course, I will state clearly what I believe is wrong within the committee," Mr Psaila said.
In his resignation letter on Monday, Mr Psaila said he did not approve of the way the MOC was being managed, without delving into any details.
A telling omission in his statement was the name of current MOC president, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco. Mr Psaila mentioned by name former Malta Football Association president George Abela and former MOC president Gino Camilleri as two "exceptional people" he has worked with throughout his career.
The resignation was accepted by the MOC, which will, "in due course", issue a call for nominations for the vacated post.
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J Martinelli
Jan 23rd 2009, 19:13
@ Philip Pace
What kind of logic are you using, suggesting that a 'sports' person should not contest an election? Since when? Only in Malta?
Maybe Pippo read your mind and needing your respect badly, he resigned from the MOC Board! Give me a break!
Members of sports teams/committees etc. should abstain from being 'political' and cast their vote in future elections. Only then will they please Mr. Pace and earn his respect.
@ P Schembri
You assume that all NGO groups, their committees etc. are experts in climate warming? Maybe as much as you are!? Does that mean that their views should be disregarded?
J Martinelli
Jan 23rd 2009, 15:08
@ P Schembri
Because you have an opinion about everything and moreover criticize everything the government proposes, does that make you an expert?
philip pace
Jan 23rd 2009, 08:59
While appreciating the great service that Mr.Psaila gave as coach with the Malta National Team, he has spoiled it all when he committed one of the greatest sins which was mixing sports with politics.
Any fool knows that these two don't mix
Before he did that he had my respect but when he decided to contest the last General Election he lost it all not with myself only but with a lot of genuine Maltese Sports lovers.
It is like asking Marcello Lippi to contest a general election with Silvio Berlusconi.
Sports has to be kept clean from politics, especially ours.
P.Schembri
Jan 22nd 2009, 17:41
@J.Martinelli. Because he was chosen to be in new group set up by the government. The Focus Group on Climate Change. Job for the boys. I didn't know that besides sports PIppo Psaila was an expert on climate change!
P.Schembri
Jan 22nd 2009, 16:26
@c.camilleri. That was the general idea behind his appointment. You just made the point yourself.
c.camilleri
Jan 22nd 2009, 15:10
@ P. Schembri. Is George Abela one of the blue eyed boys of the Nationalist party?
J Martinelli
Jan 22nd 2009, 14:53
@ P Schembri
If Mr. Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco can handle his job as judge while presiding the MOC why can Pippo not be a member of a focus group on climate change and continue to discharge his part-time duties with the MOC ?
"He's using an excuse to coverup his new appointment"!
How can he cover up something which is public knowledge?
P.Schembri
Jan 22nd 2009, 12:38
He resigned because he was appointed in a government setup committee about the climate. He's using an excuse to coverup his new appointment. As usual job for the blue-eyed boys.
Byron Camilleri
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:04
Good one Anton...
The fact that before the last election he was sending political letters to under age non voters, shows that he was using his sports connections as a political gain.
In sports there should never be politics.
J. Borg
Jan 22nd 2009, 10:53
'....did not approve of the way the MOC was being managed...'
maybe Mr. Psaila deems it opportune to advise whether he 'approves' of the way MALTA is being managed by his PN!
emanuel (e) cortis
Jan 22nd 2009, 10:51
If Mr.Psaila did not want to disrupt the athletes' concentration, he should have stayed in his post until after the games. May I ask why he didn't leave long before ? . Is it a move to spite the same athletes he is supposed to protect ?.
H.Calleja
Jan 22nd 2009, 10:50
Pippo Psaila might not be God's gift to sport but can definitely be considered as one who has given a lot to sport and furthermore one of the most successful coaches and director we ever had.
anton cassar
Jan 22nd 2009, 10:09
Pippo Psaila reminds me of Inter`s coach Mourinho.They both think that they are God`s gift to sports.