Malta FA head in Nyon

Maltese football development and UEFA’s HatTrick scheme were among the topics discussed when Malta FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo visited Nyon this week.

Darmanin Demajo held talks with UEFA president Michel Platini and senior UEFA officials on, among other things, the development of football in Malta and the relationship between the two organisations.

“It’s an important personal moment for me,” Darmanin Demajo said of his visit to UEFA.

“I see UEFA now in the role of the father, and the associations as the children. I feel UEFA’s support, and UEFA has understood the balance between the associations and the clubs, and also between football politics and passion.

“The HatTrick programme is a typical example. This initiative is also about educating clubs and associations.”

In Malta, HatTrick funds are being used in particular to bolster football’s infrastructure.

“Football is by far the most popular game in Malta, and always has been,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“It’s been described as a football-crazy island. Every village has its church... and its football club. There is terrific enthusiasm. We recognise our limitations, but this doesn’t reduce the passion.

“Success is not only measured by results, it is also measured by grassroots interest, women’s and youth football, and every youngster playing for his home town. We are going to invest in the future.”

What wish does Darmanin Demajo have for Maltese football?

“I want our teams to win the respect of their opponents. I want opponents to say that although we are a small nation, we have a big heart, and that it’s not easy to beat us. That is my dream.”

Darmanin Demajo and Bjorn Vassallo, the CEO of the Malta FA, are due to meet Sepp Blatter, the president of FIFA, in Zurich on Monday.