Norman Darmanin Demajo is contemplating whether to pursue re-election as Malta FA president when his second term expires next year.

Addressing the 2015 MFA Annual General Meeting last night, Darmanin Demajo said that, at present, he’s more inclined to listening to the “genuine people” around him but his demeanour suggested that he’s leaning towards seeking a third term in office.

“Elections cause divisions and uncertainties, for everybody, including the MFA officials and the MFA staff, for whom I have the utmost respect,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“I would not like to be the cause of stress or uncertainty. On the other hand, however, a commitment for another term of office is one that needs to be taken after due consideration of a number of factors, mostly personal.”

The Malta FA head, who was elected to the top job in local football in 2010, added that whatever his decision, club officials and delegates should be the first to know as it was they who first elected him to the post.

“In truth I haven’t yet decided – I’m at present more inclined to listening to the genuine people around me who feel that a change in the presidency of the MFA, at that particular stage, would not serve the MFA’s best interests. But for me that is not enough,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“I do not own the MFA – I have been elected only to serve it – the question for me is whether I can maintain my level of commitment and motivation needed to serve the post with honour.”

He promised to “discuss and decide the best way forward” after the summer break.

Darmanin Demajo also spoke about the MFA’s stance to back Prince Ali of Jordan in the FIFA presidential election in May.

Prince Ali was the only challenger to Sepp Blatter who eventually won a fifth term to lead the world governing body of football only to announce his intention to step down days later in the wake of the US-instigated corruption scandal that rocked FIFA.

Hailing Prince Ali’s courage to stand against the controversial but powerful Blatter, Darmanin Demajo revealed that the head of the Jordan FA has invited the Maltese national team to play a friendly match against Jordan in November.

“Following the FIFA election, I have stayed in contact with Prince Ali and spoke with him just two days ago,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“I told him that during the AGM I was going to announce a formal invitation by the MFA for the Prince to visit us in the near future.

“Prince Ali said that he would be very happy to accept our invitation, and he, in fact, also invited our national team to play a friendly match against Jordan in November.

“This match will be a friendly but more importantly, it will be a match of solidarity – of support and appreciation for the courage shown by Prince Ali in the FIFA presidential election.

“There is more to life than winning.”

Earlier, Darmanin Demajo said the MFA plan to address a number of important subjects this season, including its regulations about governance, the amateur football situation and the strengthening of the association’s streams of income.

Although the MFA was working within a tight infrastructural budget, Darmanin Demajo said that it can’t delay a series of crucial projects, namely the replacement of the floodlighting system at the training grounds and the installation of a new surface at the National Stadium.

A hybrid pitch using the latest technology is being considered by the Malta FA which will be actively seeking additional assistance to fund this costly project, earmarked to start soon after the end of the 2015/16 season.

Bjorn Vassallo, MFA general secretary, said 2014/15 was a very important year which reached its climax on May 13 when an overwhelming vote from the MFA Council led to the approval of a vital reform aimed at the needs of the players and clubs, notably the employees and those who offer them work.

Election to ExCo seats

In the only election held yesterday, Redino Apap, the Qormi FC president, and Michael Cutajar, the St George’s FC official, secured the two Executive Committee seats in representation of member clubs in general.

Cutajar received 62 votes, nine more than Apap. The other two candidates were Paul Falzon, of St Andrew’s, and Manwel Gauci, of Zabbar SP. They got 48 and 42 votes respectively.

Yesterday, the Malta Masters Football, spearheaded by veteran Mario Meli, was recognised as an official member of the Malta FA.