Ref:  042-2009

Air Malta recently assisted the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) to participate in the ‘Referee Cup 2009’.  This year this tournament was held in Luneburg, a city in the north of Germany some kilometres away from Hamburg.  This was the first time ever that the local referees participated in this world tournament.

The Maltese team, made up of 16 referees played 7 matches winning three, a draw in one match and lost three games.  They placed 11th place out of 23 teams. 

The tournament was spread over 2 days and also saw the participation of football referees from Austria, Finland, Germany, Holland and Luxembourg among others. 

“Our team looked forward and worked hard for Malta’s participation in the ‘Referee Cup 2009’ and since this was our first ever participation in this tournament we were pleased to place Malta in a good position.  This is the only tournament were referees switch their role.  We are very happy that we were able to participate in this tournament.  Were it not for the assistance received from Air Malta such participation could not have been possible”, said Alan Camilleri, Secretary of the MFRA.

The ‘Referee Cup’ is open to all referees from around the world.  It was held for the first time in 1985.  The last edition of this tournament was held in 2003.  After an absence of six years, this tournament was organised again this year.

The Malta Football Referees Association was formed in 1949 and incorporates all football referees affiliated in the Malta Football Association.