Player Zone Magazine #1

PLAYER Z
NE
Release No. 1 - 2017
Committed to Protect the Rights of Football Players

2 Table of Contents
Letter from the General Secretary 3
C O N T E N T S
LAST FEW
MONTHS IN A
NUTSHELL
man
Gareth
Sciberras
Player & Family
Player Zone | Spring 2017
LIFE AFTER
FOOTBALL
WHEN
DISPUTES
ARISE
WAY
FORWARD
MFPA
AWARDS 2017
SOMETHING
ABOUT US
05 10 14 19 21 23 26
MESSAGE FROM THE
GENERAL SECRETARY
CARLO MAMO
Back in 2011 we set out with the goal to give a voice to players, and
to ensure their workplace is respectful of their rights. Consequently,
MFPA was formed. Today, 6 years later, our mission remains the same.
Since its establishment, MFPA has been run for players, by players. The players
that drove its beginnings, had the vision of forming a players association in Malta,
that reflected the dignity and professionalism associated with playing the world’s
greatest game. In pursuing our vision, we understood that the wellbeing of the
game is a precondition to the wellbeing of the players and vice versa, so we set
out to work.
In our brief history, we have already left our mark by successfully challenging a
number of unjust matters. Amongst the many achievements we count; A sports
medical insurance set up for football players; The right for players to be paid for
at least 6 months if injured; The removal of salary capping; The establishment of
a standard contract with minimum requirements.
We believe in a spirit of good faith and transparency, in view of which, our
association, always seeks to engage in collaborative discussion as a first step.
However, when fundamental rights of players are breached and no acceptable
remedy is found through round table discussions, MFPA promises to work
tirelessly to have the rights of its members acknowledged and enforced.
As a Founding member of MFPA, my work has provoked in me a broad range
of contrasting emotions, from pure joy, to anguish. Such is the power of football.
What makes our association drive results, is our unequivocal and undimmed
passion for local football. From our end, we promise to continue on building a
highly credible and visible players association, worthy of its members. We will
strive to educate, and empower all our players to work for the betterment of
their sport, whilst also protecting the integrity of the local game from the external
threats of racism, discrimination, violence and corruption.
Representing hard working and passionate players for the past six years, has
been an absolute privilege. Today, I call on all of our players, to never allow
themselves to be played out against each other. MFPA will continue
to confront challenges head on, but it can only do so with the full
collaboration of its players. Collectively our voice is stronger.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

Last few months in a nutshell
5
LAST FEW MONTHS
IN A NUTSHELL
It has been a productive couple of months at the MFPA. Some of our main
projects these past months included;
Ongoing assistance of players in disputes
with their club at NDRC.
MFPA has in the past months, assisted several
players with varying degrees of disputes. In the
vast majority of cases, players represented
by MFPA officials, won the dispute and were
effectively able to continue enjoying their
football career.
MFPA held regular discussions with European
Stakeholders regarding the minimum
requirements in Standard Contracts for
professional players, as well as the player’s
fundamental right to have access to the national
courts. MFPA represented local players both in
Brussels under the auspices of the European
Union, as well as locally during a country visit
by the European Professional Football Social
Dialogue Taskforce.
MFPA has also been actively following the
precarious situation of proper medical facilities
and services during training and matches, or
lack thereof. Following numerous dangerous
events which transpired, MFPA has mounted
pressure on clubs and MFA to assume their
responsabilities by ensuring these events
never happen again. MFPA will continue working
towards this aim until this crucial matter is
satisfactorily resolved.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

6 Last few months in a nutshell
Last few months in a nutshell 7
MFPA launched a Nursery
Compensation Fee Petition.
Following numerous complaints lodged by
parents, and a review of the rules in place,
the MFPA saw that there is ample space
for abuse in a system that incentivises
nurseries, to hold on to children for a
profit, even if this is not in the best interest
of the child. Measures implemented to fix
this issue proved ineffective.
In its bid to continuously encourage players to seek an educational path
in parallel to their football career, MFPA has visited the National Sports
School. Because a player’s career is short and alternate career paths
should be planned, MFPA actively promotes education and assists players
who want to further their studies. Furthermore, during its visit at the
National Sports School, the association was able to give important tips
and information to youths currently thinking about signing with a club. This
platform also afforded youths the opportunity to ask questions themselves,
get clarifications and seek guidance.
DID YOU
KNOW?
In the end it became evident that the
only way to protect minors is to abolish
the nursery compensation fee. Following
various discussions with different entities,
MFPA lodged a petition. The petition,
was presented to Malta’s Prime Minister
Joseph Muscat and Leader of Opposition
Simon Busuttil.
What FIFPro stands for?
FIFPro is a World Player’s Union that represents
players on a global spectrum. In fact it
represents more than 65,000 players in total.
It has 60 national players’ associations as its
members, one of which is the Malta Football
Players Association.
MFPA seeks to branch out to the community via Corporate Social
Responsability incentives. In the past months, MFPA has assisted the Down
Syndrome Association in Malta, by donating time and service to help build a
new website. Also in recent months, MFPA has made a monetary donation
to the Marigold Foundation.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

Dziugas Bartkus - Valletta F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg
Jake Grech - Hamrun Spartans F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg

10
Player Profile - Gareth Sciberras
Player Profile - Gareth Sciberras 11
GARETH SCIBERRAS
PLAYER AND FAMILY MAN
He made history as Captain of a Birkirkara side that became the first
ever Maltese club to move to the third round of a European competition,
by beating Scottish Premiership side Hearts of Midlothian 2-1. While he
deems this success as one of his favourites to date, in truth, this is only the
cherry on the cake in an illustrious career that spans over 17 years in the
local top division. Gareth won multiple premiership titles with Marsaxlokk
and Birkirkara as well as an FA Trophy and 2 Super Cups with
the latter. Before his 51st cap
for the National team, Gareth
announced his plans to retire
at the end of this season.
We met up with the 33 year
old Maltese-International
playmaker and picked his
brains on an array of
subjects.
We obviously asked
about Birkirkara’s
historic win.
Sciberras,
achievement,
side’s journey towards
Birkirkara’s captain
into the tournament
strong foundation and
that they could not
overly confident. He
result of the first leg, the
and went in with more
of a successful result.
visibly proud of the
spoke to us about his
the momentous win.
explained how they went
fully aware of the team’s
capabilities, but conscious
afford to be arrogant and
also described how after the
Birkirkara side grew in confidence
conviction and belief in the possibility
We asked Sciberras whether he
believes a similar success by the
National side is in the cards and
whether he believes we are in
with a chance to qualify for an
international competition.
Sciberras was pragmatic in his reply
“we need to be honest with ourselves”
he said, “there is currently a big gap
in quality”. He went on to draw an
example from his recent experience
with Birkirkara. Each round, he said,
brought with it a whole new level of
quality. According to Sciberras there
is yet a lot of work ahead if Malta ever
wants to compete in international
competitions. He then talked to us
about the word ‘professionalism’
being tossed around often. He said
when you look at professionally run
teams abroad, it is obvious that
it is not just the players that are
professional, but so is the whole
structure of the club and the
association in question. Sciberras
acknowledged the immensely
valuable work done by volunteers in
local team management, however,
he believes that professionalism
should be in all strata of football, for
football to become professional in
Malta.
As an executive member, we
wanted Sciberras to tell us why he
believes in the mission of MFPA.
He believes in the association’s
work because players are at the
very heart of the game and should
be appreciated and respected as
such. Being a professional player
involves more than the 90 minutes
in the pitch. Sciberras spoke to us
about his daily routine, juggling work,
training and family. He explained
how the life of a footballer is a 24/7
commitment, because it takes a
certain lifestyle and commitment to
do it at a high standard. He praises
the MFPA for the crucial work done
with regards to the recognition
and enforcement of players’ rights.
Sciberras also offered the same
valuable advice given to him in the
past, to the young players of today;
“No individual is greater than the
team and the good of the team
must always come first”.
Player Zone | Spring 2017
Player Zone | Spring 2017

12
Player Profile - Gareth Sciberras
Player Profile - Gareth Sciberras 13
We wanted to know what he enjoys in
his free time and what his plans post
retirement from football are.
He explained how he tries to balance
out his football career and his family
commitment, spending as much of his
free time with his family as he can. After
work and training, he hurries home to try
to catch his kids while they are still awake
and he looks forward to making up, on
some quality time with his family once he
retires from football.
Other plans post retirement include,
further developing his other current
career, but most importantly for football
fans, Sciberras plans on finding a new
role within local football in which he can
continue to be beneficial, namely by
being more active within the MFPA.
For the full interview with Gareth
Sciberras, go on our YouTube channel:
Malta Football Players Association
We were curious to know about the players away from the bright lights of
the pitch, so we asked Gareth Sciberras who happily obliged.
Worst Dresser?
Let’s say most
extravagant, not
necessarily worse. It has
to go to Frank Temile.
Most Aggressive?
No doubt, Joseph
Zerafa.
CONFESSIONS FROM THE
DRESSING ROOM
Most Vain?
Without hesitation,
Ryan Scicluna.
Team Joker?
This also goes to
Joseph Zerafa.
Sorest Loser?
Since I cannot name
myself, I would go for
Shaun Bajada.
Grumpiest?
We tease him a lot –
Matteo Desira Buttigieg.
Most Physically Fit?
Nikola Vukanac.
Fastest Player?
Frank Temile.
Player Zone | Spring 2017
Player Zone | Spring 2017

14
Life After Football
Life After Football 15
FIFPRO ONLINE ACADEMY
FIFPro is currently offering
2 main educational paths,
both of which are online,
allowing for the flexibility
needed for a player’s hectic
schedule:
LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
Far from the perceived glamour, the
reality faced by most professional
football players, is a career full of
threatening uncertainties. A player
faces not only an extremely short
career, but is regularly faced
with the possibility of being out
of contract. In the ultimate worst
case scenario, a player is only an
injury away from his last game.
When football has been your
main goal throughout your entire
existence, life after football can be
frightening, but it doesn’t have to
be.
Suffering an injury or being out of
contract is a circumstance which
the player has no control over.
What the player can control, is
having an alternative plan should
the worst-case scenario result.
Player Zone | Spring 2017
What are you waiting for?
Why risk your financial stability for
your passion, when you can have
both? Getting yourself an education
would mean giving yourself and
your family a much bigger chance
of success, prosperity and stability,
once your football career is over.
At MFPA we realise that studying,
whilst maintaining the highest
standard as a professional athlete
can be a challenge. We are also
aware that a professional football
player must fit every aspect of
his life around his training and
competitive programmes. With this
in mind, MFPA has collaborated on
2 main ventures.
FIFPro in collaboration with University College Northern Denmark (UCN)
offers a Sport Management programme leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
There is currently no tuition cost for EU-Citizens, following a one-time
registration fee of €300 payable to FIFPro. The fee for non-EU- Citizens
is €32,600 .
The entry requirements to follow this educational programme are as follows:
1(a) - Matriculation Certificate, OR
1(b) - A VET MQF Level 4 qualification comparable to an MCAST Level 4
qualification with a minimum of 120 ECVET, and
2 - Applicants will be provided with an online English test (Oxford
Placement Test), to ensure an English level that is sufficient for academic
purposes.
FIFPro has also recently launched a new global initiative with the
University of Nicosia (UNIC), that will allow professional footballers to
study either:
- Sport Management leading to a Bachelor’s degree, or
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA)
The 5-year cooperation offers a series of benefits to the participating
athletes, including a Scholars Scheme that provides for full scholarships
to active professional players, as well as hundreds of other partial
scholarships. In all, the University of Nicosia will be providing 2 million Euros
in scholarships.
Continues on Page 18
Player Zone | Spring 2017

Enrico Pepe - Floriana F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg
Emmy Pena Beltre - Luxol St. Andrews F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg

18
Life After Football
When Disputes Arise 19
MFPA has also held discussions with
MCAST to discuss possible ways in which
professional football players can benefit
from the wide array of courses available
at the MCAST Campuses. Courses range
from Level 1 Foundation Course up to
Level 7 Master’s degree programmes, in
fields such as Journalism, Engineering,
Sports, ICT, and Accounts, to name a
few. Part-time and Full-time courses run
by MCAST require physical attendance in
class.
For a full list of courses, you can log on
http://www.mcast.edu.mt/
If you are interested in furthering your
studies, feel free to contact MFPA via
email on info@maltafpa.com or by calling
on 27135505.
WHEN
DISPUTES
ARISE
One of the most important functions of the
Maltese Football Players’ Association is the
service it offers to individual players who come
across contractual difficulties or employment
disputes with their respective clubs.
Having legal disputes may feel like
alien territory for a player and his
family, and this is why the Players’
Association is available to guide,
advice and support players throughout.
MFPA representatives will meet with the player
to discuss the case and identify the best way
forward. Should the case go all the way in front of the Complaints Board
(also known as NDRC – National Dispute Resolution Chamber), MFPA will
assist the player from the initial filing of the case at MFA, all the way to the
legal representation of the player in front of the Complaints Board.
MFPA continuously works hard to attain justice for its members. The
following are examples of possible scenarios.
DID YOU KNOW?
What NDRC stands for?
NDRC (National Dispute
Resolution Chamber)
in essence is the
competent authority
to decide on disputes
between clubs and
players as well as
disputes arising between
clubs themselves and
coaching staff. In Malta
this is better known as
the Complaints Board,
which is currently made
up of 3 members
nominated by the clubs,
3 members nominated
by the MFPA, and
chaired by a member
nominated by the MFA.
Case 1
Player A was an amateur player who was not
called for training by Club 1. The player was
not allowed to train for 3 months and wanted
to be released, so that he can join another
team. Team 1 disagreed.
MFA statute gives power to the ‘Complaints
Board’ to order release if a ‘good and
just cause’ is shown by the player. MFPA
representative argued that not providing
training to Player A is at the very essence of
‘good and just cause’.
The Complaints Board upheld MFPA’s
request and Player A was awarded free and
unconditional release.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

20
When Disputes Arise
Way Forward 21
Case 2
Player B was a part time professional
player who was owed arrears on his
salaries from Club 2. Moreover, Club
2 was not providing Player B with the
possibility to train.
Club 2 argued that some of the
money claimed by Player B were
not owed, since during said time the
player was suspended. Club also said
that the player was not allowed to
train pending decision on the case.
MFPA argued that;
- Suspension was irregular since
proper procedure as per MFA rules
was not followed and so player B was
owed salary for the duration of the
suspended period.
- Not allowing the player to train,
constituted ‘a good and just cause’ to
cancel player’s registration and issue
free release.
- Not allowing player to train and
not paying the player his salary,
constituted a breach of contract.
In view of this the player was owed
payment of salaries for the remaining
period of the contract.
The Complaints Board declared
null the suspension imposed by the
club, and as a result all salaries
were declared due. The player was
granted unconditional release.
MFPA encourages players
to read any contract or
form carefully before
signing. In case of any
doubt, players should
always consult MFPA for
guidance BEFORE the
contract is signed.
Our work continues to grow and we are
excited to share with you what is on the
horizon for the next few months.
WAY
FORWARD
The annual FIFPro European Congress
will, for the first time ever, be held in
Malta. MFPA has been a full FIFPro
member since 2014 and it is a great
honour and privilege to be entrusted to
host this important event after only 3 years of membership. The Congress
will take place on the 16 and 17 of May and preparations are well underway
to ensure a smooth running and successful European Congress.
The MFPA Awards have become a
staple and anticipated event in local
sport calendars. This year the award
ceremony will be held on the 8 of May
at the Limestone Heritage in Siggiewi.
The ceremony will award 24 individuals
for their performance throughout the
preceding season and their contribution
to local football. The awards are unlike
any other on the island, because the
winners are selected and chosen by the
players themselves, making the award
all the more prestigious.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

22
Way Forward | Your Association
MFPA will continue holding discussions and
incessantly working to ensure that the
minimum standard contract criteria agreed to
at European level, are transposed in practice
to Maltese contracts.
MFPA will also remain vigilant about the
situation with regards to medical facilities and
services during training and matches. The
health and well being of players remains a top
priority and all measures possible, will be taken
to ensure satisfactory safeguards are in place.
The agenda with regards the Nursery
Compensation fee will be pushed further.
This will remain a contested issue until the
regulations ensure there is no room for further
abuse and the child’s interests are put first.
The 2017 MFPA Awards ceremony, is fast approaching. The shortlist of
nominees was made public at the beginning of April, with voting ballots
distributed to players at their respective clubs a few weeks later.
Televoting
Following last year’s success, MFPA has once more decided to open up 4
awards to televoting. For these awards only, the winner is selected after
the votes of the players (50%) has been added to that of the general public
(50%). You can vote for your favourite players by sending an sms to the
following numbers attached to our nominees:
YOUR
ASSOCIATION
Best Young Goalkeeper
Jurgen Borg (50614301), Jake Galea (50614302), Philip Schranz (50614303)
Best Young Defender
Cain Attard (50614304), Jean Borg (50614305), Daniel Zerafa (50614306)
MFPA was founded with the intention of giving football players in
Malta a stronger voice, in view of this, MFPA is asking you, as a
player, to help set its agenda.
The Maltese Players’ Association does not want to be a prescriptive
association, far from the reality of its members. On the contrary, it
wants to hear from the very members it represents.
Here, at MFPA we want to know what concerns you as a player. We
want you to tell us what you believe our priorities should be and
what you think we should be spending our energy and resources on.
Best Young Midfielder
Johann Bezzina (50614307), Jake Grech (50614308), Ivan Paz (50614309)
Best Young Forward
Juan Corbalan (50614310), Jurgen Degabriele (50614311), Kyrian Nwoko (50614312)
Each SMS costs 0.47c. (from all networks)
The award show seeks to celebrate the beautiful game and the players
that are at the very heart of it. The event will be televised on TVM 2 the
following day. It will then be broadcasted on One TV on the 3rd of June
2017 at 20:15 as well as on the 4th of June 2017 at 15:00. Finally it will be
televised on Net TV on the 11th of June 2017 at 21:30.
Player Zone | Spring 2017

Paul Fenech - Balzan F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg
Jackson Lima - Hibernians F.C.
Photo by Christine Borg

26 Something About Us
Contact Us 27
SOMETHING ABOUT US
ANTHONY GALEA - PRESIDENT
Anthony has been involved in Maltese football
for the bigger part of his life. He started off as
a player, with a brief stint with Pieta Hotspurs
and subsequently with Luxol St. Andrews.
DID YOU KNOW?
That a contract should
never be signed, unless
the player understands
and agrees with all that
the contract contains.
There should be no
discrepancy between
the verbal agreement
made and the written
contract signed. The
player should always
retain an original copy of
the signed contract.
In recent years, he assisted in the foundation
of the Malta Football Players Association,
where he took on the role of MFPA President.
Anthony dedicates his time and expertise to
the cause and undertaking of the Player’s
Association.
Away from football, Anthony, graduated with
a Doctorate Degree from the University of
Malta in 2003 and today practices as a lawyer
with expertise in fields such as, Corporate Law,
Financial Services, International Tax Planning
and Sports Law.
facebook.com/maltafpa
www.maltafpa.com
twitter.com/maltafpa 27135505
Malta Football
Players Association
MFPA,
Central Business Centre,
Tarxien Road,
Gudja. GDJ 1907.