Donald Spiteri, the president of Futsal Malta Association (FMA), and three other top-ranking officials have stepped down from their posts.

The resignations of Spiteri, vice-president Mark Borg, secretary Emmanuel Fenech and Vanessa Darmanin, the association’s treasurer, are a blow for the FMA which, in the past few years, has made giant strides forward.

Spiteri, the driving force behind the FMA’s progress, told Times of Malta that he is stepping aside against his wishes but stopped short of revealing the reasons for his resignation.

“I have announced my resignation now to give the FMA sufficient time to elect a new administration,” he said.

“I must admit that I’ve taken this decision with a heavy heart but circumstances have left me with no option but to step down.”

Although Spiteri was reluctant to give more details, it is understood that the controversies and protests about the registration of futsal players had a bearing on his decision to relinquish his presidency.

In a particular case, the decision of the FMA Council was overturned by the Malta FA Appeals Board.

“In the last few years, we have significantly strengthened the structure and financial situation of our organisation,” Spiteri said.

“We have secured a host of sponsorship deals and organised our media and PR department to increase exposure for futsal in the local media.

“I’m pleased that our efforts have paid the desired dividends.”

Questioned about the resignation of Borg, Fenech and Darmanin, Spiteri said that they have stood down as an act of solidarity with him.