The Malta Football Association’s second General Assembly of 2026, held at Centenary Hall on Friday, unanimously approved the Administrative Report for the 2025/26 season, which highlighted a year of major developments in infrastructure, technology, football development and sporting achievement.

Malta FA General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi presented the report, which was also attended by UEFA National Associations Advisor Jozef Kliment and FIFA Member Associations Regional Coordinator Marco Ferri.

Among the main developments highlighted were the conclusion of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the inauguration of the National Football Centre (NFC), the launch of Malta’s first FIFA Arena, the introduction of Football Video Support (FVS) and the approval of the City of Football masterplan.

Dr Azzopardi described the 2025/26 season as another year of extensive work across the Association.

“It was a year that witnessed record investment in facilities, increased support for clubs, investment in coaches, technology and across all sectors of the game, including grassroots football, while continuing to strengthen efforts in the areas of social responsibility and integrity,” she said.

She also thanked the Association’s officials, employees, volunteers, clubs and partners for their contribution to the development of football in Malta and Gozo.

The report also highlighted sporting developments during the season, including the historic qualification of Ħamrun Spartans FC for the UEFA Conference League league phase, marking the first appearance by a Maltese club in the league phase of a UEFA club competition.

The Association also noted the increased involvement of younger players in both the Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams.

125th anniversary celebrations

The Administrative Report detailed the conclusion of the Malta FA’s 125th anniversary celebrations, which featured a programme designed to recognise the Association’s history while also focusing on the future of the game.

The centrepiece was the Jubilee Cup, which was organised for both men’s and women’s teams and brought together Member Clubs and Member Associations, including teams competing at amateur and recreational level.

The competition concluded on 8 December 2025, with both finals staged at the National Stadium.

Mġarr United won the women’s competition, beginning a memorable season in which they also went on to claim the Assikura Women’s League and Assikura Women’s Knockout.

In the men’s competition, Valletta FC defeated Sliema Wanderers FC in the final to add another trophy to their history. Valletta subsequently enjoyed further success by winning their 15th Meridianbet FA Trophy later in the season.

National Football Centre inaugurated

One of the most significant infrastructure projects was the inauguration of the National Football Centre at Ta’ Qali on 15 September 2025.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA Vice-President Jesper Møller Christensen, among other guests.

The NFC forms part of the Malta FA Training Grounds and includes a Category 1 stadium compliant with UEFA requirements, medical and sports science facilities, a player relaxation area, administrative facilities, conference rooms and modern offices.

The Malta FA Technical Centre and the logistical operations of the national teams have since been relocated to the new facility.

The project represented an investment of €13 million and was co-funded by the National Development and Social Fund, with support from the Malta Development Bank.

The inauguration also included the unveiling and blessing of a commemorative plaque by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, followed by a match involving a selection of youth players.

Football Video Support introduced

The 2025/26 season also marked the introduction of Football Video Support technology into Maltese domestic football.

FVS was trialled in the Malta Premier League, the Meridianbet FA Trophy and the finals of the BOV Challenge Cup and Jubilee Cup.

The system is being developed in collaboration with FIFA as part of a FIFA-led trial programme aimed at assisting match officials with key decisions.

Its introduction was accompanied by an extensive education programme involving referees and clubs, including simulations and practical sessions.

The Malta FA reported a positive response to the system and said FVS had been recognised as an important tool in the development of refereeing. The programme will therefore continue during the coming season in collaboration with FIFA.

Malta’s first FIFA Arena

Another milestone was the inauguration of Malta’s first FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Maria Regina College Primary School in St Paul’s Bay.

The facility was inaugurated on the same day as the National Football Centre, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined by former Italy internationals and football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Vieri.

The project forms part of a global FIFA initiative aimed at creating safe and inclusive spaces where children can play, learn and develop through football.

The school was selected because of its diverse community, with around 700 pupils representing approximately 51 nationalities.

City of Football masterplan approved

In April, the General Assembly unanimously approved the Malta FA’s City of Football masterplan, a major project aimed at regenerating and modernising the Association’s facilities at Ta’ Qali.

The masterplan followed an extensive consultation process involving internal and external stakeholders and provides a framework for a large-scale investment designed to create a connected football hub.

The project is based on three principal areas of development.

These include the partial reconstruction and modernisation of the National Stadium and surrounding areas, the expansion of spectator capacity at the Centenary Stadium together with additional upgrades, and the construction of a new compact stadium dedicated to youth football for both boys and girls.

The unanimous approval of the Administrative Report brought the General Assembly proceedings to a close, reflecting a season in which the Malta FA continued to invest in infrastructure, technology and football development while also overseeing significant sporting achievements.