18 match officials were officially presented with their FIFA Badges after having been confirmed on the FIFA International List.
The presentation was held on Monday 27th January 2025 with Malta Football Association (MFA) President Bjorn Vassallo handing out the FIFA Badges to the match officials. Also in attendance were Mr David Elleray, IFAB Technical Director and UEFA Referee Development Officer for Malta, Alan Mario Sant, MFA Director of Refereeing and other Malta FA officials.
The past year saw a significant increase in international appointments for Maltese referees, with these including appointments in full national ‘A’ team international matches, UEFA Conference League Play-off and League Phase matches, as well as matches that involve video assistant referees (VAR).
Prior to the presentation of badges, President Bjorn Vassallo addressed the Elite officials and said: “This is an important milestone in the life of a match official, a moment which recognises the efforts made on the domestic level, repaid by the opportunity to officiate at international level. I wish to congratulate every single official receiving the FIFA Badge for this current year and wish that they can be diligent ambassadors on behalf of the Malta FA. The results being achieved at international level, are a reflection of the dedication and hard work being followed domestically.”
The FIFA list includes two new badge holders, with these being FIFA Assistant Referee Mark Ciantar and FIFA Futsal Referee Danilo Francalanza.
The presentation also served as an opportunity to thank outgoing FIFA Assistant Referee Alan Camilleri following a long tenure as a match official. Camilleri’s refereeing career spans over 27 years, with 22 of them including international appointments.
The full list of Malta’s FIFA Badge holders (in alphabetical order) for 2025 is as follows:
FIFA Referees
Ishmael Barbara
Matthew De Gabriele
Philip Farrugia
Trustin Farrugia Cann
Joanna Vassallo
Assistant FIFA Referees
Mark Ciantar (NEW)
James Muscat
Luke Portelli
Mitchell Scerri
Duncan Spencer
Jurgen Spiteri
Duncan Sultana
Roberto Vella
FIFA Futsal Referees
Stephen Vella
Andrea Naudi
Danilo Francalanza (NEW)
FIFA Beach Soccer Referees
Stephania Bonnici
Luca Formosa
Source:MFA
Photo:MFA
