The Malta FA’s unflinching commitment to upgrade facilities of local clubs received a boost yesterday with the announcement that UEFA president Michel Platini will be making a short visit to Malta on March 31.
Confirmation of Platini’s visit couldn’t have come at a better time for the MFA as president Norman Darmanin Demajo revealed that he had received a phone call from UEFA while he was heading for Ta’ Qali to join Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech in handing out letters of commitment to clubs relating to pitch projects.
“On my way here, I received a phone call confirming that Michel Platini intends to visit Malta next month,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“We had asked UEFA to issue the next payment under its Hat-Trick Programme in ad-vance as we have a lot of projects underway.
“We sent them a booklet with aerial shots of all the new pitches we have installed in the last 18 months and they were very impressed.
“It all came together.”
Darmanin Demajo hopes that the pitch project at Fgura will be completed in time to be inaugurated by Platini.
Platini last visited Malta in 2009 to attend a UEFA Executive Committee which co-incided with the 100th anniversary celebrations of the first Maltese league.
During his stay, Platini inaugurated the new artificial pitch at Pembroke.
The joint investment by the Malta FA and the government in new facilities for clubs totals €9 million for the period 2010-2014.
The sum covers assistance for projects that have already been completed as well as others that are underway or in the pipeline.
While reaffirming the MFA’s resolve to ensure that all clubs have adequate pitches, Darmanin Demajo emphasised the need for good administration of the facilities.
“Our clubs’ priorities must change,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“You must balance your books, especially this year when UEFA are introducing the financial Fair Play regulations.
“The priority should not be the wages of the players but better infrastructure.”
‘Crazy’ promise
Darmanin Demajo took a swipe at his detractors who had ridiculed his promise to transform the infrastructure of local clubs.
“They said I was crazy, a dreamer, when I unveiled my plans to boost the facilities of all clubs,” Darmanin Demajo said.
“Well, I intend to remain crazy because I will keep striving to reach these aims.”
Puli said that, at a recent meeting of EU sports ministers, he was approached by Platini who urged him to back the efforts of the Malta FA.
“He told me to give more assistance to Norman and the MFA,” Puli said.
“I informed him that we’re doing our part and also expressed my hope that UEFA sustain the financial assistance they’re giving to the Malta FA.”
The government’s allocation for the MFA pitches project, believed to be in the region of €5.5 million, includes contributions from several entities, namely the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, the Good Causes Fund and also through VAT refunds.
“Since 2008, we have already installed 33 pitches and we have an agreement with the MFA for another 19 projects,” Puli said.