The Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) has a new president.

Long-serving MFRA member Lawrence Sammut was elected president of the association during the AGM held at the Qawra Palace Hotel. Former incumbent Mark Spiteri has been appointed honorary president.

Sammut, 44, has entered the final year of his international refereeing career which started nine years ago. Having served on the MFRA committee between 1989 and 2000 and occupied the post of vice-president from 2000 to 2003, Sammut is the ninth president in the association's 55-year existence.

Charles Agius and Anthony Zammit have been confirmed as vice-president and treasurer respectively while Adrian D. Casha retained his post as secretary general.

The other members on the MFRA committee for season 2004-2005 are Adrian Azzopardi, Alan Camilleri, Joseph Camilleri, Paul Caruana and Alan Mario Sant.

Vella Clarke quits refereeing

Meanwhile, James Vella Clarke has announced his resignation from FIFA assistant referee and MFA referee.

"Refereeing is all about trying to make the best decision and this was perhaps the toughest one I've had to take in an almost 13 year-long career," Vella Clarke said in a statement.

"My career has given me great satisfaction. I managed to make it into the top referees' pool and also to the FIFA panel for three years with the opportunity to represent my country abroad.

"I would like to thank all those people who showed confidence in my abilities as well as those who haven't as these have pushed me to work harder to prove them wrong.

"Now it's time to move on. I will be dedicating more time to my family and to my artistic career both, undoubtedly, a source of great satisfaction," Vella Clarke concluded.