The use of digital innovation technology in football and collaboration in esports projects were discussed by Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri and officials from the Malta Football Association (MFA), led by President Bjorn Vassallo. Minister Schembri referred to the strategy announced by the MFA for Maltese football up until the year 2024, with a main objective of strengthening service for the football community through digitalisation and innovation.
The minister illustrated how digital innovation technology will become the foundation behind the scientific analysis of the game of football. He mentioned how at European and international level several clubs are already using digital innovation technology such as Artificial Intelligence in order to improve the performance of their teams. On this matter he offered the support of the Ministry for the Economy and Investment, so that the association could commence the study and exploration of existing possibilities for the introduction of such digital technologies. He commended the commitment by the MFA to enhance children’s participation in this sport and lauded its work to identify and nurture talent from an early age enabling positive prospects in both character formation and career development. During this meeting, held at the MFA Headquarters at the Ta’ Qali Stadium, the minister praised the MFA for the way in which its work is bolstering the respect and enthusiasm towards the Maltese national team and its game performance.
From his end, MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said that the association welcomes the government’s vision to prepare our country’s future generations through technological transformation.
“Since 2017, the Malta Football Association has embarked on a digitalisation process that was also enhanced in recent times through projects related to Artificial Intelligence and other areas that focus on amassing data analytics – a mechanism that at present has become exceedingly valuable in providing us with the right tools for our football players to perform better at national team level. This without neglecting to mention what was already being analysed with regard to sports science. We are committed to one day have all this be translated at club level, as I firmly believe this is the only way we can perform better and for our game to excel on a more professional level. Together with Minister Silvio Schembri, who has pledged his commitment in offering numerous opportunities for the further recognition of the Malta FA, we have already worked on other satisfactory projects, as seen with the setting up of an esports department which then led to the introduction of the BOV ePremier League, which has evolved into a qualifying tournament and is licensed as part of the EA SPORTS FIFA Global Series, attracting the interest of thousands of followers”, stated Mr Vassallo.
He concluded by saying that the MFA strategic document comprises several important objectives which must be achieved by the association in its bid to remain competitive in the digital era where technology has been identified as a vital source of interaction. To this end, the association is pleased to subscribe to the vision presented by the government in its endeavour to prepare this country for the next generation through technological transformation.
Photos: MEI
