MFPA Player Zone Magazine #2

PLAYER Z
NE
Release No. 2 - 2017
Committed to Protecting the Rights of Football Players

Player Zone | Summer 2017 Player Zone | Summer 2017
Contents
Celebrating Local Football Talent
Corporate Social Responsibility
4
8
MESSAGE FROM THE
GENERAL SECRETARY
CARLO MAMO
Training Camp for Out of Contract Players
A Step in the Right Direction
First Aid Course
Your Association
Help Us Help You
Something About Us
10
14
16
17
20
22
Football translates to the entire world with no language
barriers. It transcends socioeconomic standings, race,
gender, colour or creed. It breaks down all divisive barriers
because ultimately anyone can play football, all one needs is a ball,
a few sticks and an imagination.
As a player, football puts the world on an equal footing. It tears down
any walls that could exist. No matter who you are and what you do
outside of the pitch, what matters is what you do when you have
the ball at your feet. On the pitch teammates become brothers and
opponents become respected comrades.
Football can mean as much to the people watching, as it does to
the people playing. The emotions may be different, but certainly
with the same fiery passion. It has the power to unify and capture
the imagination of the masses and for 90 minutes, war, famine,
political strife and poverty are forgotten.
As a Players’ Association we understand the passion for the game
and recognise the immense potential it has to change the world for
the better. As part of our CSR campaigns we plan on working with
various entities to ensure football is a vehicle for social inclusion. We
not only want to ensure that football is accessible to everyone, but
also to utilise the beautiful game to make our society better.
Best wishes for the current season.
2 Table of Contents
Letter from the General Secretary
3

Player Zone | Summer 2017 Player Zone | Summer 2017
CELEBRATING
LOCAL
FOOTBALL
TALENT
Stephania Farrugia
MFPA Best Female Player 2017
Bjorn Kristensen - MFPA Best Player 2017
Photo by Domenic Aquilina
The MFPA Awards is one of our favourite events of the year. Whilst the
build up to the ceremony is responsible for many sleepless nights, it is also
incredibly rewarding in the end. Because, when all the votes have been
collected and counted, the script revised around 223 times, all the invites
sent, the stage designed and the graphic clips meticulously finalised, we
can take a breather and celebrate the glamorous night with the best local
football talent.
. .
This year’s awards ceremony, at the Limestone Heritage – Siggiewi, on
the 8 of May 2017, was attended by football’s local elite and hosted by
ex-football player Ben Camille, together with the talented Deandra Agius.
The ceremony saw, 24 awards given to the best talent in local football,
as decided by their peers. Local band Airport Impressions provided a live
musical reprieve.
Jurgen Degabriele was selected as the MFPA Best Young Player, effectively
identified as the future bright promise of Maltese football.
The evening then culminated to the most prestigious award of the night,
with Bjorn Kristensen crowned as the undisputed MFPA Best Player for
season 2016/2017. He becomes the first to take home a stunning new
trophy, launched especially by the MFPA for its most significant award.
Jurgen Degabriele
MFPA Best Young Player 2017
MFPA Best XI
Photos by Domenic Aquilina
Jake Grech
MFPA Best Young Midfielder 2017
4 Celebrating Local Football Talent
Celebrating Local Football Talent
5

Player Zone | Summer 2017 Player Zone | Summer 2017
We all have a responsibility to contribute
to our local communities. MFPA is no
exception. This is why, it continuously
seeks to assist various worthy causes
throughout the year. Recently MFPA has
embarked on 2 different incentives.
CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility
The second involved Frame Football. An
inclusive adapted sport designed and
developed for people who use walking
equipment such as a frame or walker.
The game was developed following
feedback from coaches, equipment
specialists, physiotherapists, parents
and the players themselves to create
a player centred football opportunity.
Frame Football Malta currently operates
from Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun
and is completely voluntary based. MFPA
worked closely with this great cause by
sponsoring football kits for all players, who
attended Frame Football Tournament at
St. George’s Park this past July. After all,
football should be for everyone and “The
only frame that should stop you from
scoring is a goal frame.”
The first was a monetary donation to Caritas Malta. Caritas’ original
mission was to alleviate poverty and promote human development and
social justice, but in the late 70’s, it fixed its focus on educational prevention
programmes against drug abuse. It has been doing a sterling job for four
decades and MFPA was proud to contribute in a small way to Caritas’
cause.

Player Zone | Summer 2017
TRAINING CAMP FOR
OUT-OF-CONTRACT PLAYERS 2017
The training camp doubles up as; a way for out
of contract players to keep fit under the watchful
eyes of a superbly qualified coaching team, whilst
also providing the out of contract players with the
opportunity to showcase their skills to coaches,
clubs or agents looking for new talent to sign on.
In fact, the majority of players participating in this
training camp have now secured contracts with
various clubs.
Over a period of 4 weeks in June and July, MFPA hosted its annual Training
Camp for out of contract players. Sessions were held 3 times a week at the
Victor Tedesco Stadium with a turnout of over 30 players. Sessions were
led by Pro License coaches Darren Abdilla and Branko Nisevic, with the
assistance of Premier League player and B License coach Andrew Cohen.
The goalkeepers were coached by the experienced Michael Church and
Paul Schembri was assigned the role of kit manager.
DID YOU KNOW?
That a contract between a club and a player which is
not registered at the MFA, is not enforceable. While it
is clearly the responsibility of the club to register the
contract, players should also contact MFA to make sure
the contract has been filed.
On the 23rd June, the MFPA training camp team met Floriana FC for an
exciting friendly match. The thrilling game ended with the score 4-3 in
favour of Floriana. On the score sheet for the MFPA training camp side
were Abubakar Belloosagie, Muda Fagbeja and Ayoub Ahmed.
A second friendly match was held on the 6th of July against Mansfield Town,
a League 2 professional club in England, the same league where Maltese
national team player Luke Gambin is currently competing in. Mansfield Town
won with the final score of 5-0.
10 Training Camp for Out-Of-Contract Players
Training Camp for Out-Of-Contract Players
11

Player Zone | Summer 2017
step
a in the right direction
sTANDARD EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Malta has finally joined many other football nations when it established
a standard employment contract to regulate the relationship between
professional players and clubs. MFPA has been leading the campaign in
favour of the establishment of a Standard Contract for years and has
worked tirelessly to see this through.
What is a Standard
Employment Contract?
It is a template of an employment
contract, stipulating the minimum
criteria that an employment
contract between a player and a
club should have. In other words,
the template can be used word
by word by clubs and players,
changing only names, and
remuneration details.
Why is the Standard Contract
so important for the protection
of players?
Unfortunately some players
sign contracts they do not fully
understand. In some instances,
such contracts hold clauses that
are not in the player’s best interest.
The setting up of a standard
contract ensures that the clauses
in the contract are in line with MFA
and FIFA regulations as well as with
Maltese employment law. In other
words if the standard contract is
used, there is a guarantee that the
clauses are in line with established
rules and regulations.
Does this mean that a player
can sign without going through
the content of the contract?
No. This is never a good idea. The
player should go through each
and every clause and make sure
he understands everything before
he signs. We have seen contracts
which look identical to the
Standard Contract but have been
amended to the disadvantage
of the player. Should the player
have any doubt whatsoever we
recommend contacting us on
info@maltafpa.com
A copy of the Standard
Employment Contract can be
viewed on our website;
maltafpa.com under Resources.
DID YOU KNOW?
That a private agreement between a club and a
professional player is not enforceable in front of the
MFA. There must be only 1 employment contract
between the parties, which includes ALL payments.
All income under an employment contract, is at the
preferential rate of 7.5% Income tax.
14 A Step in the Right Direction

Player Zone | Summer 2017
FIRST AID COURSE
While First Aid can prove vital in everyday life, it is fair to say
that it is invaluable in a football scenario. The extreme physical
exertion, regular on-pitch collisions and prolonged physiological
stress are part and parcel of the job. This essentially means that the
risk of injury is a lot higher for a football player.
For the past 2 years MFPA has taken it upon itself to finance multiple First
Aid courses for any player interested in attending. It has done so because it
believes that the more First Aid techniques people know, the more effective
protection of players is. Having a teammate, a coach, a referee know basic
first aid techniques, could add another layer of protection to our players.
For the past weeks, a number
of member players have
been attending a First Aid
course covering topics such as:
assessing a casualty, wounds and
circulation, bone and joint injuries,
and effects of heat and cold.
MFPA will continue to do all in
its power to ensure the physical
safety of players’ health and
fitness, whilst encouraging the
attendance of players to any
future First Aid courses offered.
DID YOU KNOW?
That if injured while giving service to his club or
national team, a player has the right to be paid
for a minimum period of 6 months by the club.
6 months is the absolute minimum imposed
and players may negotiate a higher period in
their contract. A lower period is not allowed.
YOUR
ASSOCIATION
MFPA is a Players’ Association founded with the intention of giving
football players in Malta a stronger voice. It is not a prescriptive
Association far from the reality of its members, but an Association
by the players for the players. Because of this, MFPA wants to hear
from the very members it represents.
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.
Any feedback or constructive criticism is welcome. Kindly send us an
email on: info@maltafpa.com
16 First Aid Course Your Association
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Player Zone | Summer 2017
DID YOU KNOW?
That if a player wants to appeal a disciplinary decision
taken by his club, he has to file a complaint with MFA
within 7 days from when he received notification
of the disciplinary decision. Otherwise, his right to
appeal in front of the relevant MFA board is lost.
An Association is stronger the more
members it holds within it. MFPA
is a non-governmental, non-profit
Association, dedicated to protecting
the rights of Football Players.
Without the support of the people
it represents, the Association’s
power of action would be seriously
diminished. In view of this we ask for
your help.
If you believe in the need for an Association that has the expertise and the
resources to help guide players through the legal and regulatory jargon of
contracts and negotiation.
If you believe in the need for an Association who campaigns for the
protection of rights of players.
If you believe in the need for an Association that continuously strives to find
the best opportunities for Player development.
If you have ever needed our assistance and reaped the benefits of our
services.
If you have witnessed our succesful campaigning for the establishment of a
standard contract and affordable sports medical insurance.
If you agree that there is still a lot more to be done, for the protection and
safeguard of players’ rights and liberties.
Andre Schembri with the Cypriot Super Cup
Apollon Limassol F.C.
Jean Paul Farrugia
F.C. Chiasso
Please help us, to continue helping you. You can do this by making sure you
renew your annual membership with us, and by encouraging all your other
football mates to join us as well.
If everyone waited until they needed our services to join, there would be no
Association to ask help from. Contact us on Facebook or on
info@maltafpa.com for information about becoming a member.
20 Help Us Help You

Player Zone | Summer 2017
Player Zone | Summer 2017
SOMETHING ABOUT US
MARK BARBARA - DEPUTY Secretary
Mark made his debut in the top division with
Valletta FC in 2003/04 after coming from their
ranks and subsequently he spent four seasons
with his boyhood club. In 2007/08 Mark joined
Premier League champions Marsaxlokk FC where
he spent two seasons on loan. In his first season
with the southern side he came close to winning
the title after coming second in the league behind
Valletta FC. Later, Mark also had stints with
Hamrun Spartans FC and St.George’s FC. In season 2011/12, First Division
side Vittoriosa Stars FC acquired the services of Mark from Valletta FC on
a 5-year contract where he won promotion to the Premier Division. From
Vittoriosa FC Mark moved on to Qormi FC for season 2016/2017. Mark is
currently playing with First Division side Qrendi FC.
facebook.com/maltafpa
www.maltafpa.com
Within the Players’ Association Mark works closely and actively on various
projects. He is responsible for the running of the annual Training Camp for
out of contract players held every June. Mark also plays a pivotal part in
the organisation of the MFPA Awards, educational campaigns for players
and in the publication of this magazine.
Mark graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a BSc in Computer
Science (Software) in 2011 and has been working in this field for the past 11
years.
twitter.com/maltafpa 27135505
Malta Football
Players Association
MFPA,
Central Business Centre,
Tarxien Road,
Gudja. GDJ 1907.