The launch of the Goal Card for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers was also the cue for Bjorn Vassallo to remind the players of their duty to represent the country with pride and honour.

“At a time when we are experiencing some unpleasant situations regarding our national teams, this should serve as a reminder of the responsibilities of the players representing our country,” the MFA general secretary said.

“The players must show dedication, commitment and personal pride by way of honouring the Malta shirt.”

Although Vassallo didn’t elaborate, it was clear that he was alluding to the recent developments in the police probe into allegations of an attempt to rig the Malta U-21 home qualifier against Montenegro in March.

Last week, Under-21 players Emanuel Briffa and Kyle Cesare were arraigned in court in connection with this case but, on the positive side, during the same sitting it emerged that the plot fell through as up to seven players had rejected the overtures of the fixers.

Meanwhile, Vassallo said the MFA has received positive feedback from San Marco Events, the agency that organised the Italy-Scotland friendly at the National Stadium on May 29.

Vassallo said the two entities have discussed ways to improve on certain aspects, especially the pricing of tickets for future games.

Italy coach Antonio Conte lamented the poor state of the Ta’ Qali pitch after his side’s 1-0 win over Scotland but Vassallo said: “That was the last game on the old surface and there wasn’t much we could do about it.

“In a way, I understand Conte’s frustrations. There is more pressure on him ahead of a major tournament, also considering that the Scotland game was played only two days before he was due to announce the final squad.”

On a domestic level, Vassallo said the MFA has called an Extraordinary General Meeting for July 5 to approve amendments to the regulations on the composition and formats of the national leagues for season 2017/18.