MFPA Player Zone Magazine #4

PLAYER Z
NE
Release No. 4 - 2019
Committed to Protecting the
Rights of Football Players

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
CONTENTS
The Fight for the Abolishment of the
Parameters System in Malta
Position Paper - Paving the Road Ahead
Bosman the Freedom Fighter
Twice the Training Camps
Youth Development Based on Empirical
Research
Providing New Opportunities to
Youth Players
Game Changes
Physiotherapists - At the Forefront of Injury
Prevention
Why is a Player’ Association Representing
Coaches in Legal Disputes?
MFPA Seeks to Improve Health and Safety
in Local Football
MFPA in Consultation with the Malta
Football Referees Association
Something About Us
4
6
10
13
18
20
21
24
28
30
32
33
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
CARLO MAMO
As we inch closer to the end of 2019, we take stock
of all the work we have achieved. Whilst taking pride
in our success, we are also very conscious of the fact
that the challenges we have ahead, are still great.
The abolishment of Parameters are still at the pinnacle of our priorities. All
the work done in this regard has inched us closer to seeing them completely
eradicated. We are closer than ever to achieving this goal. In fact, FIFA
informed MFA on the 28th of June 2019, that the parameters system goes
against its principles and should be abolished. In parallel with this, MFPA
will also focus on ensuring that the current compensation, which is paid to
transfer youth players from one club to another is also abolished. This will
facilitate youth development and growth.
Equally important is our work concerning contractual respect and stability.
Unfortunately, Malta still holds the top slot in Europe, when it comes to
late payments. Our players, even ones in the top division, are still facing
situations whereby Clubs owe them salaries from the previous seasons.
This is obviously untenable and, if we want to seriously improve our leagues
with more full-time players, we need to provide stability. Clubs continue to
breach their contractual duties and only suffer a slap on the wrist, whilst
players struggle for months on end to make ends meet. MFPA will continue
to offer legal guidance and representation for all players going through
such difficult times. However we are conscious of the fact that this is only
a reactive and short term solution. Our ultimate goal is to effect regulatory
changes, that will hopefully result in less late payments, thereby reducing
legal disputes exponentially.
The challenges ahead are great, but we remain optimistic. The movement
we have created 8 short years ago has time and time again challenged the
status quo with success. Improving player conditions will improve football
standards, because players ARE football. We are aware that what we face
is a massive task and that fruits of our labour will be borne years from now.
We thank our members for trusting us as representatives and we hope you
all have a wonderful holiday season.
2 Table of Contents
Message from the General Secretary
3

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
THE FIGHT FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF
THE PARAMETERS SYSTEM IN MALTA
WHERE ARE WE AT?
DR. SIHON GAUCI
2
What is MFPA doing to ensure the complete abolishment of the
Parameters system?
One of the main scopes for the very foundation of MFPA, was to push for
the removal of the Parameters system in Malta. Since MFPA has no voting
power within MFA, and since any regulatory change must come from MFA,
the players’ union has been in a constant and uphill battle, putting pressure
on authorities to do the right thing.
1
First things first, what is the Parameters system and why is MFPA so
dead set against it?
In my role, I get the privilege of meeting and talking to many football players
and I am constantly surprised that not all of them know what Parameters
are. In short, they are the single biggest hurdle in a Maltese Player’s football
career.
The Parameters system requires the payment of a steep transfer fee,
which must be paid before a player is able to register with a new club. This
transfer fee is owed even though the contract has naturally expired. It is
also owed when the player in question, whether MALE or FEMALE, is an
amateur player who makes no money from football. This leaves players at
the mercy of their ex-employer.
This system has been
abolished in the rest of the
football world, following the
famous Bosman ruling, in
which the European Court
of Justice held, that such a
system hampered a player’s
right to freely move and is
thus ILLEGAL. FIFA changed
its rules to comply with this
decision, but 19 years later
Malta still retains it.
In conclusion, not only do Maltese players face this huge hurdle, but they
must compete against international players, who have not had such barriers
to their development, putting players in Malta at a double disadvantage.
3
4
MFPA has endeavoured to seek solutions through negotiations and
discussions. It has put pressure on authorities by speaking out in international
fora and by taking legal actions. Moreover, MFPA has sought to educate
players, football stakeholders and the general public on this unacceptable
situation. Today the public outcry is almost unanimously against Parameters.
What is the most recent update?
MFPA has been alone, and unsupported for years, in this cause. Now, with
FIFPro’s guidance, it has managed to get its message across to FIFA. The
world’s football governing body, in turn replied by sending an official letter
to MFA, clearly stipulating that MFA’s retention of Parameters, goes against
FIFA principles. Moreover, FIFA demands that the rules be amended and
brought in line with the rest of the footballing world.
Does this mean that the Parameters have been abolished in Malta?
Unfortunately, not yet. Changes to football regulations in Malta must
ultimately be done by MFA itself. However, with FIFA’s clear request, MFA
does not have much of a choice.
MFPA will continue working hard to make sure the removal of this archaic
system, happens sooner rather than later.
Despite not having any voting power within MFA, MFPA is continuously
driving change in Maltese football. Not only will this benefit players and their
family, but in the long run, it will serve to raise the standards of Maltese
football.
The work of a players’ union is not easy. We run into the wall often, but we
keep on running until the wall breaks.
4 The Fight for the Abolishment of the Parameters System in Malta
The Fight for the Abolishment of the Parameters System in Malta
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Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
POSITION
PAPER
PAVING THE
ROAD AHEAD
In 2015, MFPA launched its first position paper, laying out its priorities and
goals over a 4-year period. This roadmap expired in 2019, and the player’s
union has now agreed, in consultation with players, on a new 4-year plan
that will continue building on the first one.
While the position paper enlists the main targets that the Association sets
out for itself, this is by no means all that the Association does. Each day,
new unforeseen challenges face the Association and its members, creating
workload which is separate and distinct from the objectives MFPA sets out
for itself. That being said, the following are the major targets MFPA set out
for itself in the next 4 years. The 2019 – 2023 position paper is based on 5
core pillars. The following is a very brief summary;
The targets set out in the new Position Paper will compliment (not replace)
other ongoing work of MFPA, namely the fight against the Parameters
system and a fairer transfer system for minor players.
6 Position Paper - Paving the Road Ahead
Position Paper - Paving the Road Ahead
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BOSMAN THE
FREEDOM
FIGHTER
DR. SIHON GAUCI
Most players around the world are blissfully unaware of who Jean Marc
Bosman is. Perhaps they have heard his name in passing, but have no idea
of the deep impact he has had on their football careers, and the football
game as a whole.
Bosman, born in the sixties in Belgium, played for Belgian first division club
Standard de Liege and RFC Liege, with stints on his country’s national youth
team. In 1990 his contract with RFC Liege expired and he wanted to go play
for Dunkerque in France. However, the Belgian side demanded a transfer
fee that was far too steep for the French side, so the transfer fell through.
Knowing that he had wanted to move on from their club, the Belgian side
reacted by reducing his wages and not including him on the first team. These
actions not only prevented him from moving forward in his career, but also
tangibly forced him backwards. Bosman decided to fight back. He took his
case all the way to the European Court of Justice and sued for restraint of
trade.
His courage in challenging an unfair system
made him the most famous freedom fighter
in sports. Many argued this would prove to
be the downfall of football. However, as
time has shown, they were all on the wrong
side of history. In fact, if anything, football
has continued to grow exponentially since.
But the legal victory was bittersweet for the
man who made it happen. The irony is, that
on that faithful day of the 15th December
1995, in winning freedom of movement for
players all around the world, Bosman lost
his own. Following the decision, he faced
retribution and was effectively shunned
from football. No one wanted anything to
do with the person who had challenged the
status quo. His football career in tatters,
he became depressed, fell into alcoholism
and his life took a complete downward
spiral. These kinds of bullying tactics used in
football against players, still happen today
on a regular basis. This is where players’
unions become invaluable.
Five years later, on the 15th of December 1995, in a decision that stunned the
football world, the Court ruled in his favour. It declared that the FIFA system
in place, violated EU treaty law because it placed an undue restriction on the
free movement of workers. In the months that followed FIFA and federations
all around the world removed the transfer fee at the end of the contract. Of
course we all know Malta was an exception, and the illicit system known as
Parameters, is still unfortunately very much alive and kicking.
10 Bosman the Freedom Fighter

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
Today, Bosman finds himself unemployed with very few resources. He
depends completely on allowances given to him by FIFPro – the world’s
players union, who unlike most of the football world, did not forget his
huge sacrifice and has stood by him. He continues to actively work in favour
of player rights, alongside FIFPro, a union that was coincidentally born on
another faithful 15th December. Adding a symbolic connection, to a very
real relationship between the freedom fighter and the organisation that
has been fighting these battles on behalf of players every day for over 50
years. In Malta too, FIFPro works tirelessly to bring about change via MFPA.
Even Bosman himself has advocated against the Parameters, remnants of
a system that had ended his career and the career of countless Maltese
athletes.
The name ‘Bosman’ became part of football lexicon overnight. It is cited
in cases all around the world and has caused huge overhauls to football
regulations the world over. But perhaps many forget that behind the ruling,
there is a man that paid a huge price, to become the most important
freedom fighter in football. The least we can do is know who he is and be
grateful.
TWICE THE TRAINING CAMPS
This past summer MFPA upped its
game when it organised not one but two
training camps.
The first, was the annual training camp
for out of contract players. Building on
past years’ experience and sterling
reputation, this year’s training camp
garnered more interest, brought better
attendance and successfully managed
to result in lucrative deals for most of
the players in attendance. Under the
guidance of coach Paul Zammit and
goalkeepers’ coach Reuben Debono,
players trained trice a week for four
weeks in June and July. Four friendly
matches were played against very good
premier league sides. MFPA XI lost 3-1
against Balzan FC, won 2-0 against
Hibernians FC, won 1-0 against Valletta
FC and drew 0-0 against Gzira United.
12 Bosman the Freedom Fighter

Player Zone 2019
And then, because it is not In
MFPA’s DNA to just sit comfortably
on success, it went on to organise
another training camp. This time,
in collaboration with the National
Sports School, MFPA financed
a training camp for U17 players
which took place in the United
Kingdom. On the 9th of July 2019,
the young players, accompanied by
coaches and educators Paul Zammit and Stefan Sultana, together with
physiotherapist Cedric Sciberras, travelled to the UK where they trained,
lived and ate like professional athletes. There they played 3 friendly
matches. Leeds United EPDS won the first friendly with the final score of
3-1. The Maltese side then faced off against their Sheffield United Football
Academy counterparts and won with an impressive score of 6-2. For the
final friendly, the Maltese delegation traveled to London to play against
Daniel Sturridge Academy and won the match with a 4-1 score.
The aim of this training camp was to expose young players to the reality of
pro-football life, to give them tangible goals to strive for and to give them
much needed playing experience in a professional setting.
14 Twice the Training Camp

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
The report noted some very positive aspects of the current Youth Academy
operation, including:
The ratio of coaches to players (on average 8:1), was deemed optimal in
order to find a good balance between team and individual development.
Club’s identity and objectives are well documented.
Roles and responsibilities are adequately documented in the club. It is
clear who is responsible and accountable for the key aspects of the club
management.
MFPA has for a number of years been advocating for data driven changes
in youth development. This year it has embarked on a new project which saw
it financing an elaborate assessment for one of Malta’s foremost football
academies. Birkirkara Youth Academy was chosen for this pilot project. MFPA
hired Double Pass, an organisation that assesses and advises football clubs,
leagues and (con)federations on optimising their talent development. The
Double Pass methodology has been implemented worldwide by different
federations and leagues, including Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany,
Japan, Scotland and the USA.
The study focused solely on the youth academy which includes players
aged between 5 and 17 years old. Over the course of months, Double Pass
assessed the various aspects of the organisation by analysing documents,
carrying out interviews with Parents, Administrators and Coaches, as well
as via surveys. In the end MFPA and Birkirkara Academy were presented
with a report on the findings, and key recommendations.
DID YOU KNOW?
That the applicable income tax rate for
professional players and coaches in Malta is 7.5%.
The report also made a number of recommendations namely:
The Club’s future objectives should be supported by short and long-term
objectives providing measurable objectives.
The Club should provide coaches with a more detailed, age specific
guidelines and exit standards. These should explain what is expected from
each team technically, tactically, physically and mentally and will provide
more tangible learning objectives for coaches to work towards.
The club should set clear principles on minimum playing opportunities in the
different age groups and should consider providing equal playing time for all
the players in the youngest age groups.
It is important that someone is responsible for coach development in the
club and adequate resources are available for this work.
The report also shed light on the practical lack of space for training which
is a challenge that is faced by most clubs in Malta, with most of the age
groups training on only 1/4th of a pitch.
This study was aimed at providing practical and tangible recommendations
for the development of youth academies. The footballing landscape is
changing rapidly with more foreigners being fielded on the pitch and with big
local clubs wanting to win at all costs. This is being translated into a growing
gap between the youth and the senior teams. More empirical research
by professional experts should be carried out throughout all of Malta’s
academies. However, having such data is only the beginning. Academies
should then strive to meet all the recommendations made in order to start
seeing real progress.
MFPA will continue seeking out ways to help the youth sector in Malta.
Special thanks to Jonathan Barbara and Mark Bondin from Birkirkara Youth
Academy without which this assessment would not have been possible.
MFPA also commends Double Pass on its professionalism and detailed
assessment.
18 Youth Development Based on Empirical Research
Youth Development Based on Empirical Research
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Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
PROVIDING NEW
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
PLAYERS
MFPA prides itself on delivering on
its promises. As an Association it
greatly believes that football talent,
like any other talent needs to be
harnessed, developed and given
opportunity to grow. This is why
MFPA jumped on the opportunity
to give 2 young promising Maltese
players the chance to go on trial to
A.C Perugia over the summer.
Andrea Zammit and Nathan Agius, both from the National Sports School,
travelled with an MFPA representative to Italy this past September. They
left a very good impression and played with the Perugia side against the
Paolo Rossi Academy. Agius had a stellar
performance in the midfield and Zammit
did what great forwards do best. He
managed to score 4 goals!
The youngsters showed determination
and skill. This opportunity has given them
not only exposure to new experiences,
but also revitalised energy to work
harder.
MFPA remains committed to helping
youth player development in tangible
ways.
Season 2019/2020 saw substantive changes to the rules of the game
issued by IFAB. The International Football Association Board, acts as an
independent guardian of the laws of the game. Changes made are in
response to ‘problem areas’ raised by all parts of the football family. The
most recent changes focus on one of 3 areas:
Improving player behaviour and increasing respect,
Increasing playing time,
Increasing fairness and attractiveness.
The following are perhaps the most striking changes:
1. A player being substituted must now leave the pitch at the nearest point
on the touchline.
2. Team officials on the bench can now receive yellow cards and red cards.
The head coach is responsible for the officials on the bench.
3. The captain who wins the toss can now choose to which goal to attack or
to take the kick-off.
4. The attacking team must be at least 1 meter away from the defensive
wall during a free kick.
5. During a penalty kick when the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper
must have at least one foot touching or in line with the goal line. (Not both
feet)
6. A goal kick does not have to leave the penalty area.
For a complete list of changes announced you can visit:
http://theifab.com/presentation-of-ifab-log-2019-20
20 Providing New Opportunities for Youth Players
Game Changes
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PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
AT THE FOREFRONT OF
INJURY PREVENTION
WITH
CEDRIC
SCIBERRAS
BY
DR. SIHON
GAUCI
Cedric Sciberras needs no introduction to most football players in Malta.
After gaining a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and an MSc in Strength and
Conditioning, he has worked for various Maltese clubs, including Marsaxlokk,
Naxxar, Pembroke as well as the Maltese National Team. He currently works
with Gzira United as well as the National Sports School. I met with him to
discuss how physiotherapy can play a crucial role in sports.
Tell me more about these injury preventions strategies.
As physiotherapists we carefully assess our athletes, for any
indication of a higher risk of injuries in certain areas. Armed with this
information we then create and implement an injury prevention
program, whilst continuously monitoring and assessing progress.
Is there a correlation between injury prevention
and the nutrition and lifestyle of a player?
100% yes. Lifestyle, nutrition and adequate recovery (which
includes sleep) are all major factors in reducing the risk of
injury. Studies have shown that lack of sleep, poor hydration
and fatigue all contribute to higher risk for injuries.
DID YOU KNOW?
That minor players (Under 18) can’t just decide to leave Malta and
play abroad. FIFA imposes very stringent conditions and it only allows
registration of minors in foreign leagues, if one of three grounds is met.
Let’s start from the basics, what is a
sports physiotherapist’s role exactly?
In simple terms we deal with the rehabilitation and treatment of
athlete injuries. However, a more accurate and comprehensive
answer would be the following: we are directly involved in
pitch side first aid management and subsequent clinical
rehabilitation of injured players. We are also tasked with pregame
preparation such as massages, taping techniques,
muscle and joint activation and other modalities. And finally,
physiotherapists are also involved in prehab and injury
prevention strategies that help reduce the incidence of injuries.
Should physiotherapists be directly consulted during pre-season?
Yes. The involvement of physiotherapists in pre-season
management is beneficial. First and foremost, adequate
anthropometric testing (measurements and proportions of
the human body) as well as musculoskeletal assessments,
should be carried out, in collaboration with the physical
trainer. From such data, muscle imbalances and weaknesses
are identified, which will allow us to design adequate prehab
strategies. Secondly, physiotherapists should collaborate
with all the experts on the team, including the physical
trainer, to design effective recovery strategies.
24 Physiotherapists - At the Forefront of Injury Prevention
Physiotherapists - At the Forefront of Injury Prevention
25

Player Zone 2019
Walk us through the steps to reach a diagnosis of an injury.
Having an accurate recollection of the injury, i.e. the
mechanics of the injury is vital to help diagnose the injury
and its extent. Next a physio will observe movement (or
lack of) and compare to the unaffected side where
possible. The careful recording of the findings is extremely
important. Following this, a series of tests, should give
one a good idea of the injury type and extent. However,
I cannot highlight enough how important it is for medical
professionals to seek secondary opinions and to cross
refer to other professionals where necessary.
Do you think there is enough awareness about the
importance of physiotherapy in sports?
Not at all unfortunately. More often than not, medical expenses
such as physiotherapists, doctors and private insurances for
athletes are considered a burden not a necessity.
What changes would you like to see in
Malta in this field?
I would like to see an adequate recognition
for the crucial role played by physiotherapists
within a professional sporting environment.
Do you have injury prevention tips for players who
want to be at their physical peak?
Adequate assessment and pre-habilitation strategies are
vital for athletes to be in top condition. As mentioned before,
nutrition, sleep and recovery are also crucial. Finally, working
on muscle weaknesses and imbalances will help considerably.
26 Physiotherapists - At the Forefront of Injury Prevention

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
WHY IS A PLAYERS’
ASSOCIATION
REPRESENTING COACHES
IN LEGAL DISPUTES?
MFPA’s legal department was set up specifically to help players with any
regulatory issue they may face. As a player’s union, our first aim is always
to help and assist players.
However, recently, we have increasingly found ourselves being approached
by coaches, physiotherapists, team managers and sometimes even clubs
for legal assistance.
Since we do not have unlimited resources, at times we have had to prioritize
helping players over everyone else, but whenever we can, we try to help
anyone who reaches out to us, for a number of reasons.
It is in line with our values to help
those who find themselves in a sea of
complicated regulatory football woes,
without access to expert help. We
believe all stakeholders in football are
important and that everyone’s rights
should be upheld and safeguarded.
It would be extremely hypocritical
for us to campaign that
#PlayersRightsAreHumanRights and then
turn away when others are victims of clear
human rights breaches and we did nothing
to help, when we easily could have.
The same system that is allowing rampant
abuse of players’ employment rights, is also
responsible for abuse of coaches’ employment
rights. For the system to be fixed, all breaches
in employment rights must be challenged.
In other words, assisting a coach or a team
manager also helps players because it deals
with issues that are present across the whole
employee spectrum.
Players do not live in a bubble, untouched by
the environment around them. Players build
relationships and friendships with the people
they meet daily, whether it is fellow players,
the coach, the team manager, the physio or
anyone else. Often it is players themselves
that refer people to us, and when possible, we
help them because we want our players to live,
train and compete in a serene environment.
MFPA will continue to help in any way it can all those that reach out to us,
with two main exceptions.
When there is a conflict of interest between Players’ rights and anyone
else’s, MFPA will always prioritize the Player.
When resources do not permit us to assist everyone, MFPA will always
prioritize the Player.
We are after all a Player’s Association and anything else would be
unacceptable.
28 Why is a Players’ Association Representing Coaches in Legal Disputes
Why is a Players’ Association Representing Coaches in Legal Disputes
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Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
MFPA SEEKS TO IMPROVE HEALTH
AND SAFETY IN LOCAL FOOTBALL
These recommendations have been presented by MFPA to MFA. They are
based on the expert views of medical professionals, in line with international
football standards and must apply to ALL football players, male and female,
playing in all divisions, including youth football. Said recommendations were
well received by MFA. There is consent and agreement on the principle ideas
of what needs to be done. Both parties will be meeting again to discuss
modes of implementation and time-frame.
30 MFPA Seeks to Improve Health and Safety in Local Football
MFPA Seeks to Improve Health and Safety in Local Football
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Player Zone 2019
MFPA IN CONSULTATION WITH
THE MALTA FOOTBALL REFEREES
ASSOCIATION
A meeting between the Malta Football Players Association and the Malta
Football Referees Association was held at MFPA headquarters. The two
major stakeholders in local football, discussed potential future collaborations
for the preservation of the integrity of the game. Both Associations have
the overall best interest of football in mind and consolidating the individual
efforts of the two organisations will make their work more efficient and
effective.
SOMETHING ABOUT US
Carlo mamo - GENERAL Secretary
Carlo played 350 games in the top division
throughout his 18 year career. He won the Premier
League title:
- Twice with Birkirkara F.C. in 1999/2000 and
2009/2010,
- Twice more with Sliema Wanderers F.C. in
2002/2003 and 2003/2004 , as well as,
- Captained a Marsaxlokk F.C. side to win the
title for the first time in the club’s history in 2006/2007.
Carlo retired from football after helping Pembroke F.C. win the promotion
to the top division in season 2014/2015.
As part of his remit with the players’ union, Carlo works hands-on, in all
aspects of the MFPA operation including, youth development, educational
initiatives and legal protection. Moreover, he is also tasked with overlooking
the day to day running of the Association.
Carlo graduated from the University of Malta with a BSc in Business and
Computing and in 2013 he achieved an MSc in Software Engineering. In
2015 he also completed a BA in Sports Management with the University of
Northern Demark.
DID YOU KNOW?
That a professional football contract must be signed in
triplicate, i.e. 3 original identical copies must be signed.
One copy to be retained by the Club, one by the Player
and the last one to be registered at MFA.
32 MFPA in Consultation with the MFRA
Something About Us - Carlo Mamo
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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
facebook.com/maltafpa
www.maltafpa.com
twitter.com/maltafpa 27135505
Malta Football
Players Association
MFPA,
Central Business Centre,
Tarxien Road,
Gudja. GDJ 1907.