Greens denied use of training pitch

A contractual dispute with the company that operates the artificial turf pitches in the area known as ix-Xaghra has left Floriana FC with no option but to seek an alternative training venue for their first-team squad, club officials said yesterday.

"We were compelled to explain this situation because the fans of Floriana FC have been asking why our squad is training at Ħamrun," Johann Said, the club's newly-elected president, told reporters at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

"The truth is that, as a result of a contract signed in 2004, the club must pay for the use of the training facilities in Floriana. After discussing the matter, the club's committee unanimously resolved that this situation is unacceptable."

Matthew Paris, the secretary, said the club has found itself at the centre of a contractual row with Green Investments, a company owned by Tony Zahra, the club's former president.

"Green Investments had an obligation to allow Floriana to use the synthetic training pitch but, for whatever reason, this condition is not being observed," Paris said.

"My appeal is that any personal grudges should be set aside for the benefit of Floriana FC."

At the club's 2010/11 annual general meeting, members approved a proposal to hold an inquiry into the contract the club had signed with Green Investments.

Paris said the findings will be made public next week. He urged the supporters to help ease the club's expenses by depositing a donation in a BOV account (40019189956).

Meanwhile, Zahra issued a statement prior to the news conference.

He alleged that "in the last two or three days before the election of a new committee, a malicious whispering campaign was mounted not to re-elect former president Tony Zahra".

"Indeed, following the non-election of Tony Zahra, who owns 100 per cent of Green Investments, he made it clear that he wanted to sell his investment to FFC," Zahra added.

"While FFC are considering this offer, Green Investments have withdrawn the free use of the synthetic turf to Floriana's first team but the Floriana nursery still have beneficial use which amounts to over €2,000 per month in sponsorship."

Asked for his reaction to Zahra's claims, Said remarked he had nothing to say as he has yet to consult his lawyers.

Anonam goes

Orosco Anonam joined Tarxien Rainbows on a two-year deal.

The Nigerian-born midfielder, who was also courted by Vittoriosa, turned out for Floriana in the last two years but his contract ran out at the end of last season.