Malta FA presidential candidate Norman Darmanin Demajo yesterday laid emphasis on his pledge to lift Maltese football clubs from the doldrums if elected and hand them a more prominent role in the running of the local game.
On Saturday, Darmanin Demajo will be facing long-time MFA president Joe Mifsud for the second time in an election for the top post at the local governing body of football. Three years ago, the challenger, a former MFA treasurer himself, almost toppled Dr Mifsud from his perch but fell short by a few votes.
In a meeting with Premier League and Division One club representatives in St Julian’s yesterday, Darmanin Demajo reiterated his stance that Maltese football has arrived at an important crossroad after 100 years of existence.
Saturday’s vote, he said, will determine the direction that Maltese football will follow in the next three years and beyond.
“For its continued existence Maltese football has mainly relied on a limited group of people who have strived to manage their clubs with limited access to the funds or resources generated by the game,” he said.
“My programme is designed to herald in a new era in the administration of local football and encourage a change in mentality and one that challenges the way we have traditionally managed football in our islands.”
Darmanin Demajo, 58, said that if elected there will be more transparency and full accountability in the way things are managed by the MFA executive committee.
However, according to his manifesto, he will concentrate mainly on ‘three’ priorities... clubs, clubs and clubs!
Darmanin Demajo would see that the MFA ensures all clubs have their own adequate training grounds and, where applicable, the further development of these facilities into regional pitches.
He said there will be direct investment by the MFA to up the standards at Corradino’s Hibs Stadium and the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun.
Here, he revealed plans of two new stadiums in the south and central parts of the islands which will serve as regional grounds.
This was his promise of three years ago and, if elected, Darmanin Demajo will see that these projects will be completed to the benefit of Maltese clubs.
Another Darmanin Demajo pledge will be a financial package for all clubs in the national leagues. This will bring about other innovations, including income and the format of local competitions.
“This package will include substantial income increase as a result of elimination of the hire of pitch charges for all matches played in all divisions,” he said.
“There will also be an increase share of gates for home teams based on a new league format that will see added matches played. There will also be reduced match-day expenses and the provision of sponsored match-balls throughout the season.”
The package, he added, will provide for measures aimed at assisting clubs in managing and improving their cash flow requirements.
All clubs will also benefit from a season ticket scheme and the direct sale of tickets for MFA international matches.
In his build-up to Saturday’s election, Dr Mifsud promised clubs and associated members that for the next three years they will all benefit from grants of €5,000 each, the money generated from a lucrative friendly the national team will play at home.
Darmanin Demajo yesterday assured those present that if elected he will see that the same amount is duly paid at the end of the season. Besides clubs, others to benefit will be the Youth FA, MFRA, MFCA and the Gozo FA.
With the local transfer market badly needing an injection of cash flow for more moves to materialise, a Darmanin Demajo proposal – the Transfer Credit Scheme – will bring about new incentives in the movement of players from one club to another.
“A lack of cash flow brings about stagnation and restricts the movement of players,” he said.
“The Transfer Credit Scheme will attempt to address this issue. We shall provide clubs with a credit amount which will be used by clubs only as a medium for effecting transfer fees.”
Despite putting more focus on clubs, Darmanin Demajo’s programme also looks at the administrative and technical sectors of the game.
Assistance package
He intends to introduce an assistance package to member associations and hold discussions with the Youth FA for the eventual transfer, use and management of the Centenary Stadium as a permanent home for youth football.
There will be talks with the Gozo FA on assistance and changes to the statute besides continued direct investment in infrastructural projects on the sister island.
Other initiatives will be discussed with the refereeing sector and the coaching association so both organisations will function more professionally and continue to give their contribution to the local game.
There will also be a complete review of the present set-up within the national team sector.
“The final document here will be agreed upon after consultation with the technical director, the national team coach, club coaches and all club representatives,” Darmanin Demajo said, highlighting his stance that, with him at the helm, all members within the MFA fold will have their say in the running of the organisation.
“I believe that the clubs are more than capable of responding positively to these new challenges,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“I feel confident that on Saturday the council members of the MFA and the club delegates will vote in favour of change and in support of my programme.”