The Malta Football Association (MFA) and the Malta Sports Journalists Association (MSJA) have reached an agreement in principle to strengthen the collaboration between the two entities with the aim of growing sports journalism further and to increase the level of support for the members of the MSJA through various benefits.

During a meeting held at the Malta FA headquarters, attended by Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo and General Secretary Dr Maria Azzopardi, as well as Clinton Buhagiar and Lorraine Cunningham, President and General Secretary of the MSJA respectively, several topics of mutual interest were discussed.

Among the benefits discussed was that related to photographers falling under the category ‘Freelance’. The Malta FA has agreed to waive, with immediate effect, the annual €200 fee covering the accreditation for senior competitions and the annual €75 fee for youth competitions.

As a result of this new arrangement agreed by both parties, the accreditation for freelance photographers will be issued against a deposit which will be reimbursed at the end of the football season, subject to a number of terms and conditions.

This agreement will be reflected in a circular that the Malta FA will send to the local media in the coming days.

Further benefits will be announced at a later stage after internal and cross-party consultation.

Commenting after the meeting, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo said: “I am very pleased that when matters are addressed in a professional manner and motivated by good sense, the Association does not find objection to accepting feasible requests. This is the diligent approach we adopt to collaborate further on specialised fields focusing on sport and nothing else.”

“We are grateful to the MSJA officials for the commitment they have shown so that together, we continue to find ways aimed at strengthening the skills of their members and supporting them in their work,” Vassallo continued.

On his part, MSJA President Clinton Buhagiar remarked: “I am satisfied that after years of discussions, the MSJA has reached this agreement with the biggest sports association in the country. This is a landmark agreement that will benefit a good number of MSJA members who every season were asked to pay the established amounts to do their job.

“I look forward to further cooperation with the Malta FA.”

Photo caption: (from left) Dr Maria Azzopardi (MFA General Secretary), Clinton Buhagiar (MSJA President), Bjorn Vassallo (MFA President) and Lorraine Cunningham (MSJA General Secretary)