Tributes from the Malta Football Association and players have poured in after Tony Bezzina, the President of Premier club Hibernians, passed away today aged 72.
Tony Bezzina was the longest serving premier league club president having held that position since 1978.
In 2019, Tony Bezzina was awarded the Ġieħ ir-Repubblika for his contribution to local football.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Clifton Grima paid tribute to Tony Bezzina saying he was “a beacon for honesty and gentleness”.
Hibernians FC released a statement earlier today. The Executive Committee members of the Hibernians FC wish to express their deepest regret at the passing away of our long-serving and beloved President Anthony Bezzina,Tony Bezzina, passed away peacefully today at the age of 72 years. For the past 43 years, he served as President of the club. Tony’s dedication towards his club and Maltese football did not go unnoticed and in 2019, the State awarded him ‘Ġieħ ir-Repubblika’ for his contribution to local football. The people of Paola, together with Maltese football have lost a great man. A man of kindness and generosity, a man whose life was defined by his devotion to his family and Hibernians FC. The club wishes to convey its condolences to his wife Maria, his children, Juliana and Ranier, as well as his family and friends. Our condolences are shared by all the people of Paola, who were always in his heart. REST IN PEACE PRES 
On behalf of the Malta Football Association, President Bjorn Vassallo said, “We are all deeply saddened by the news that Tony Bezzina has passed away Tony was synonymous with Hibernians FC, making an extraordinary contribution to the club for almost five decades, as well as to Maltese football. Above all, Tony was a true gentleman who has always been held in high esteem by one and all. He will be badly missed.”
