The man who completely revolutionised football transfers in the early nineties has called on Maltese football authorities to scrap an “archaic” transfer fee that is robbing local players of their “freedom”.
Jean-Marc Bosman, the former Belgian player whose name has become synonymous with football free transfers, was the keynote speaker at the Malta Football Players Association award ceremony.
He used his speech to draw attention to the problems local players faced when they sought to transfer to different clubs, and said he would continue to support local players in their quest to obtain economic freedom.
MFPA General Secretary Carlo Mamo reiterated the concern, specifically mentioning the case of Qormi player George Mallia – “unjustly suspended”, Mr Mamo said – and drawing attention to the fact that local players often ended up having to pay exorbitant transfer fees out of their own pocket just to ensure a transfer went through.
Hibernians FC midfielder Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro was voted MPFA Player of the Year by his fellow players, with local legend Michael Mifsud being handed the MPFA’s Special Award.
Balzan Youths’ striker Lydon Micallef capped off a fine season by being named the MPFA’s Best Young Forward as well as Best Young Player Overall. Birkirkara FC’s Paul Zammit won the MPFA’s Coach of the Year award, while Alan Mario Sant was named the MPFA best referee.
The MPFA’s best XI:
Goalkeeper – Andrea Cassar
Left-Back – Joseph Zerafa
Right-Back – Justin Grioli
Central Defender – Bruno Oiveira
Central Defender- Enrico Pepe
Midfielder – Paul Fenech
Midfielder – Bjorn Kristensen
Midfielder – Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro
Forward – Jhonnattann Benites
Forward – Alfred Effiong
Forward- Matteo Piciollo
The MPFA awards in full:
MFPA Best Futsal Player: Raphael Oliveira
MFPA Best Female Player: Stephania Farrugia
MFPA Best First Division Player: Augustine James Obaje
MFPA Best Referee: Alan Mario Sant
MFPA Best Coach: Paul Zammit
MFPA Best Young Goalkeeper: Andrea Cassar
MFPA Best Young Defender: Daniel Zerafa
MFPA Best Young Midfielder: Bjorn Kristensen
MFPA Best Young Forward: Lydon Micallef
MFPA Best Young Player Overall: Lydon Micallef
MFPA Best Player Overall: Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro
MFPA Special Award: Michael Mifsud
MFPA Merit Award: Joseph St.John