The Malta FA will enforce its regulations regarding work permit requirements for players from outside the European Union, association vice-president Chris Bonett announced during yesterday’s council meeting, the last for season 2016-17.
The decision taken by the Malta FA stemmed from the controversy that came about at the end of last season when Floriana and Hibs lodged protests regarding the eligibility of some non-EU players on the Birkirkara roster.
Floriana had contended that the players in question should not have been allowed to play in the FA Trophy quarter-final, won by the Stripes 2-0, as they did not possess adequate work permit.
Hibernians, too, lodged a complaint on the same grounds following a 2-1 defeat to Birkirkara in a crucial league match that consigned the BOV Premier League title to Valletta.
Both protests were eventually turned down by the Malta FA.
Dr Bonett said that the MFA had already started to enforce its rules.
Now, member clubs wanting to sign non-EU players must present a work permit or an application for the document along with the usual registration papers.
“Work permit applications are being accepted in the process to sign non-EU players,” Bonett said.
“However, if the application is turned down the player will be certified ineligible to play in our competitions.”
Dr Bonett said that Valletta, Bir-kirkara, Hibernians and Balzan, Malta’s representatives in this summer’s UEFA club competitions, have been temporarily exempted from the rule until they complete their commitments in Euro matches.
Other matters
• The Malta FA is expected to revamp women’s competitions after only 10 teams applied to compete in the 2016/17 season.
General secretary Bjorn Vassallo confirmed that Sliema Wanderers had decided to withdraw their team and two other unnamed sides also failed to re-apply from last season.
• Ta’ Xbiex FC and Mġarr United FC got the go-ahead to play in Division Three in 2016-17.
The two clubs finished bottom of the standings last season and had to re-apply to join the MFA competition.
The draws for Division One, Two and Three will be held today.
• Valletta have informed the Malta FA that they have put Dyson Falzon, Kurt Magro and Terence Scerri on the transfer list.
Qormi are also ready to listen to offers for Noah Ojuola.
Another transfer-listed player is Sacha Borg, of Floriana.
• An unnamed Sta Luċija FC player was handed a two-year suspension yesterday after failing a dope test during a league match against Għaxaq last season.