MFA make Fitzel approach

Dusan Fitzel didn’t rule out the possibility of returning for a second spell as Malta coach during informal talks with a high-ranking MFA delegation in Prague earlier this month.

In giving an update on the MFA’s search for a new national coach after the sacking of John Buttigieg in October, association president Norman Darmanin Demajo yesterday confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Fitzel.

“The last time Bjorn Vassallo, Joe Cassar and myself, were in the Czech Republic for discussions over the 2014 World Cup qualifying fixtures, we met Dusan Fitzel,” Darmanin Demajo told MFA council members.

“It was a very cordial meeting. He occupies an important position within the Czech FA and is also a member of UEFA’s JIRA Board.

“During our conversation, I realised that he’s a very intelligent person. My impression was in keeping with the positive feedback I had received from the members of the Executive Committee.

“Fitzel knows everything about our football. I have to say that he hasn’t applied for the job.

“We’ve told him that the post of national coach is vacant and that we intend to make a decision in January. He hinted that he would be interested in returning, he hasn’t ruled it out.

“My feeling is that, because of his familiarity with our technical staff, he should be considered.

“If he’s not keen, we will consider other options. In the meantime, Robert Gatt (the MFA technical director) will take charge of the national team’s friendly against Liechtenstein (Feb. 29) on a caretaker basis.”

The MFA president quashed rumours of a financial row with Buttigieg and his assistant Carmel Busuttil, adding that he had a meeting with both to thrash out the final details of their compensation package following the termination of their contracts.

Darmanin Demajo also announced that Luca Pagani, the national teams’ physical trainer, has agreed a new 30-month contract with the Malta FA.

Sciriha charge

During yesterday’s council meeting, the last of the year, Darmanin Demajo revealed that the MFA Exco decided to issue a rule breach charge against Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha.

According to the Malta FA president, Sciriha has broken the association’s regulations after filing a civil lawsuit against AS Hibernians and Hibernians Footbal Club over financial issues.

“The MFA statute precludes an MFA member from taking civil legal action against an individual or entity that falls under our jurisdiction without the written consent of the MFA Executive Committee,” Darmanin Demajo said.

In his end-of-year speech, Darmanin Demajo then pinpointed the highs and lows of Maltese football in the last 12 months.

The installation of 23 new pitches, the continued investment in the clubs and Malta FA, Robert Gatt’s work to strengthen the technical centre and the new formats of the national leagues and the FA Trophy were among the pluses mentioned by the MFA chief.

He also paid tribute to the Malta U-21 team, led by coach Ray Farrugia, for their encouraging results in the UEFA U-21 qualifiers.

“On the positive side, the Malta U-21 team brought some joy to Maltese football,” he said.

“They won five points in the qualifiers this year and that is not easy. I hope that the Malta U-21 team gain more positive results in their remaining competitive fixtures.”

The MFA president said the shocking news that Malta’s Euro 2008 qualifier away to Norway may have been rigged cast a shadow over Maltese football.

“It was a black page,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“I promise that we’re not far (from important developments).

“Personally, I have this vacuum inside me because of the doubts and allegations surrounding this game and I can assure everyone, that we will never sweep this issue under the carpet.”

Darmanin Demajo reiterated his appeal to local clubs to manage their finances wisely and warned against the repercussions of illegal betting on domestic matches.

“I’m afraid that illegal betting could ruin our football,” the MFA president said.

“Everything will finish if we decide to indulge in betting to address financial problems.”

Darmanin Demajo also lamented the actions of MEPA who have issued enforcement notices on certain works carried out at local stadia, including the Tedesco Stadium and the ground in Mosta.

On a better note, he said that UEFA’s Hat-Trick Committee have not only approved the infrastructure projects undertaken by the MFA but heeded the association’s plea to advance some grant payments in order to assuage the association’s financial burden.

Players banned

It was also announced yesterday that the MFA Board against Corruption has banned Żurrieq players Jeffrey Camilleri and Josef Briffa for 10 years after finding them guilty of attempting to bribe opposing players in the 2008-09 promotion play-off against Sta Luċija.

Meanwhile, the MFA have concluded that allegations of bribery made by former Sliema Mayor Nikki Dimech against ex-Sliema Wanderers president Robert Arrigo were unfounded.

MFA CEO Bjorn Vassallo told the assembly that they have received a delivery of kits from givova, the national teams’ technical suppliers.

The consignment should cater for the needs of the MFA until June.