Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA general secretary, said the high level of interest generated by the events and controversies surrounding the FA Trophy quarter-finals and BOV Premier League title race attest to the enduring popularity of local football but called on fans to keep their emotions in check.
“Local football is very strong,” Vassallo said before the FA Trophy semi-finals draw yesterday.
“The last few days have been eventful as we’ve had to face some exceptional cases but these have also created a lot of interest which shows that the Maltese people love football.
“Dealing with individuals whose words and actions are dictated by the heart is not always easy but these people show us that our football is very much alive.”
With so much at stake at this crucial phase of the season, the growing excitement further fuels the rivalry between fans whose clubs are fighting for the same objectives.
While rivalry is healthy for the sport, Vassallo stressed that this should not descend into hatred as several supporters have been trading derogatory comments on social media.
“We need to show more maturity, especially when making public comments,” Vassallo said. “Football should unite us. Discrimination and hatred have no place in our sport.
“We have 53 clubs in Malta but only two, potentially one, can win the two major honours (Premier League and FA Trophy).
“Those who win have the right to rejoice at their success without denigrating their rivals whereas those who miss out should accept the outcome in a sporting manner.”
Hibs protest
Valletta wrapped up the BOV Premier League title last weekend after Hibernians, their nearest rivals, dropped out of contention following a 2-1 defeat to Birkirkara.
However, Hibs, currently four points behind Valletta before their final-day league clash this Saturday, are challenging the validity of their defeat to Birkirkara after filing a protest with the Malta FA.
On Tuesday, the MFA Protests Board ruled against Floriana who had also sought to overturn their 2-0 defeat to Birkirkara in the FA Trophy quarter-finals on the grounds that some players in the opposing squad didn’t have a valid work permit.
In a short statement, Hibernians yesterday said that their protest, which was presented on Tuesday afternoon, “goes beyond the one lodged by Birkirkara FC”.
“The protest of Hibernians FC is based not only on a breach of MFA regulations and those of the country but also on principles and regulations of FIFA,” the statement, signed by club secretary Stephen Abela, said.