MFPA Player Zone Magazine #3

PLAYER Z
NE
Release No. 3 - 2019
Committed to Protecting the Rights of Football Players

CONTENTS
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Message
from General
Secretary
Giving a voice to
players has been
and will continue
to be MFPA’s
focus.
Zach Muscat
Interview
MFPA travels
to Pistoia to
follow Maltese
International
Defender Zach
Muscat’s journey.
Live, Train and
Compete Clean.
Say No to
Doping !
Initiatives aimed at
helping players be
more aware of the
risks and dangers of
doping.
Food can be the
difference between
average & great
with Dr. Dorianne Caruana
Bonnici
Interview with a sports
nutrition expert about
the value of proper
nutrition for athletes.
Player Rights
are Human
Rights
Giving legal
guidance and
support is one of
MFPA’s main roles.
Mind Games
with Dr. Adele Muscat
Interview with a
sport psychologist
about the crucial
role of psychology
in football.
Social Dialogue
update
An update
of important
discussions which
MFPA is having
with football
stakeholders.
Something
About Us
Getting to know
MFPA Deputy
Secretary Konrad
Sultana.
Page 3
Page 4
Page 7
Page 8
Page 10
Page 11
Page 13
Page 14

Player Zone 2019
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
CARLO MAMO
From the feedback received we
developed a position paper and set
out to change the status quo.
Over the past years we have
managed to tackle most of the major
issues concerning players;
Salary capping has been removed;
An affordable sports insurance has
been established;
Clubs are now obliged to pay a player
for at least 6 months in case of injury;
We still face an uphill battle and there is still a long way to go before we have achieved
dignified conditions for our members. Once parameters are abolished, and once minors
can move more freely, we will be able to take on the task of helping players become fulltime
professional athletes.
Professionalization is key if we want to be better. With
dignified working conditions and regulatory protection,
players can seriously consider concentrating only on
their football career. With this change, comes new
challenges, namely those which come hand in hand
with the short and precarious lifespan of an athlete.
MFPA will be with players every step of the way, helping
its members overcome these obstacles as well.
2018 has been a very productive and fruitful year for
MFPA. May 2019 be better and may all our members
have a spectacular year ahead.
When this Association
started, we were
adamant that we give
a voice to players. A
real one. One of the
first things we did, was
distribute a survey
amongst football
players in Malta, asking
them what the major
challenges they face are,
and what is hampering
their development.
Outstanding payments, while
unfortunately still common, are on the
decrease, mostly because of our legal
backing in disputes.
We are also in very advanced
discussions with the federation about
abolishment of parameters and a
change in transfer rules for minor
players. All in all, we are on track to
achieve all that we have set out to do.
Having said this, in no shape or form
does this mean our task is done.
Message from the General Secretary - Carlo Mamo
03

Player Zone 2019
ZACH MUSCAT INTERVIEW
MFPA travelled north to meet up with Maltese international defender Zach
Muscat and catch his side US Pistoiese in action against Juventus U23 in
Italy’s Serie C. Zach has been with 3 different teams in as many years since
leaving Birkirkara FC for Italian shores. Moves which have enabled him to
hone his technical football skills in a country that has always produced
superior defensive players.
After the match Zach met up with Konrad Sultana – MFPA Deputy Secretary,
for a frank discussion about nothing other than our favourite topic – Football.
It was my first time seeing a Serie C game. I think the standard is similar to
the Maltese Premier league, except for the high tempo of the game, how
does this affect you?
“I felt the difference from the very first game in Serie C. As you saw the
tempo is extremely fast and the ball does not stop for a second in 90
minutes. The teams remain compact and close together. The fact that
the pitch is in perfect condition also helps to maintain the fast pace.
Everything contributes to the tempo of the game.”
What is your typical day as a professional football player like?
It all revolves around my training schedule. If I have an early training
session I wake up at 8 am which gives me enough time to eat well in
preparation. When training is in the afternoon, I wake up later and then
either study a bit, go out for a walk or put in an extra gym session.
Monday is typically my day off. If I played during the match on the previous
weekend, I use my Monday for recovery. If not, I put in an individual
training session. Tuesday is more hectic, with the team getting back
together. Then on Wednesday we have 2 training sessions. The one in
the morning is for gym work and a later one which is more tactical. For
the rest of the week, training is more focused on tactical preparation
specific to the adversary we will be meeting at the weekend.
Does the club offer additional support with regards to individual training and
nutritional guidance?
At the beginning of the season the Club runs tests and analysis on each player. The
physical trainer highlights the areas that need more individual work. From there
onwards it is up to the individual player to do the work, whether this is extra gym
sessions or technical training.
With regards to nutrition, I am very proactive, I cook all of my food
myself. I have always kept myself informed on proper nutrition, but
ever since I’ve been in Italy, I have also sought out professional
help and have been working with Dorianne Caruana Bonnici. I
plan my meals with consideration to the type of workout I have
scheduled. I eat well in order to achieve the body composition
I want, to better my performance.
As a team we eat together on match day. Moreover, when a
player shows initiative and speaks to the Club about wanting
to work on something in particular, they are always very
receptive and willing to help.
What differences do you see in the set up of Maltese Clubs,
and Clubs competing here at this level?
Even at Serie D amateur level, and in the 5th division of the
Italian league, clubs have their own pitches, training grounds
and facilities. Almost every age group would have its own
pitch, with allotted scheduled training times. If senior team
players want to stay on after training for extra sessions, the
facilities remain available. No one will ask players to leave
and the lights in the pitch will not be turned off. Basically,
a player here has the liberty and facility to work harder to
better himself.
Zach Muscat Interview
04

Player Zone 2019
Did you find it difficult to transition from Maltese Semi-Professional
football to Italian Professional football?
When I first left Birkirkara 3 years ago,
I joined Akragas which at that time
was near the bottom of Serie C (South
Group). Because I joined a team that was
struggling not to be relegated, the style
of the game was not very different from
what I was accustomed to at the National
team. The tempo was similar and so
the transition was easy. The challenge
came when I left Akragas to join Arezzo.
There, both the players themselves as
well as the style of play, was much more
competitive. At that stage, I felt the need
to work harder and to add individual
training to work on my technical game.
Because of the individual work I did, and
Zach Muscat playing with Birkirkara FC
also because of who I played with, today
my game has become more technical. Being a technical defender
is the foundation of the game in Italy, whereas for the standard in
Malta being technical is not necessarily essential. Perhaps this is
the biggest difference I saw.
What motivates you every day?
I am motivated by my ambition to
move even further in my career.
My aim is to get to a higher level
of professional football. I want to
play in much more competitive
championships, with bigger rivalries
and more supporter attendance.
This is my main motivation.
Zach during the MFPA interview
I also look at a lot of young players
who are trying to take the next step in football, but are finding it
very difficult to be able to play abroad due to our passport. If I am
able to move from Serie C to a higher level, I hope this will enable
me to help these young players by opening doors and providing
connections for future generations of players.
Zach with his father Patrick Muscat
Melani Stadium (US Pistoiese’s Stadium)
US Pistoiese’s Stadium training ground in Pistoia
Zach in action versus Juventus U23
You, amongst a few other Maltese national players, are
living the dream of many young Maltese players. How
much of it is a dream, and how much of it is hard work?
I think I need to make another leap forward before I can
say I am living the dream. For now I am working hard and
making sacrifices. I am currently training with high level
players, some of which are ex Serie A players. This reminds
me of what I want to achieve and keeps me motivated.
What do you miss from Malta, and what would you miss
if you had to come back to Malta?
From Malta I miss my family. If I had to return to Malta, I
would miss the independence and the ability to immerse
myself in different cultures and see new places with great
ease.
What is your advice to young Maltese players who are
aspiring to become professional football players?
Motivation is key. If a young player is able to focus on
a football match despite everything else in his life, and
continuously better himself, then it is a sign that football
can become a profession for him. With this knowledge, my
advice is for the player to give his absolute most.
Zach Muscat Interview
05

Player Zone 2019
What changes would you like to see in Maltese Football?
Away from issues of contracts, number of foreigners,
facilities and so on, I think that the first step that is needed
is for an overhaul in mentality. If football is one’s bread and
butter, one must be completely dedicated to it. Before all
stakeholders involved, be it players, clubs and federations,
realise, that a professional mentality is crucial, the standard
can never improve. Even if such change in mentality were to
happen today, Maltese football would still need 5 to 10 years
to improve. In the meantime, the focus should be on making
sure young Maltese players are able to go play abroad.
What do think about the national team’s fixtures for the
upcoming Euro competition?
Zach Muscat celebrating his decisive goal in a
friendly against Ukraine
I think we should have faith in our abilities and that the basis
we managed to set during the Nations league is a good
foundation to work on. I believe that if we have the right
motivation we can give a good performance and also get
some points. This national team has new young talent. This,
together with a new coaching team that brought about a
different style of play and a whole lot of motivation, can be
the turning point for our National Team.
What do you think of MFPA and the work it carries out?
I remember when I made the decision to leave Malta I
faced hurdles and challenges, and MFPA was there
with me, giving me support and guidance. I am very
grateful. MFPA has grown in importance as awareness
about it and its work also grows. It has also become
a very important intermediary between players and
clubs. Once people realise how vital the work of MFPA,
protecting the rights and dignity of players is, then we
can talk about professionalization of players.
Zach Muscat Interview
06

Player Zone 2019
There are many misnomers and gaps in information surrounding antidoping
regulations. This is the reason why MFPA has taken the initiative
to organise information sessions in various clubs throughout 2018 and
plans on continuing this initiative throughout 2019.
Some of the things you might not have known about Anti-Doping
regulations are:
1. A player may be ingesting prohibited substances without knowing,
for example a simple protein shake may easily be contaminated.
Moreover, even though the player may have been unaware, WADA
(World Anti Doping Agency) still retains the player fully responsible.
2. The most commonly used substances on the prohibited list have
been associated with; kidney damage, heart failure, and higher risk of
stroke, among other dangerous medical conditions.
3. Some substances found in doctor prescribed medicine are prohibited
by WADA. If a player needs medicine that contains substances found
on the prohibited list, such as asthma medicine, he must get a TUE
(therapeutic use exemption), to be able to have the treatment without
fear of breaching anti-doping regulations.
4. The same product sold in different countries, under the same
brand name, may include different ingredients because they are
manufactured differently.This means, that a player ingesting product
ABC in England, may be safe ingesting it there, but the same product
sold in Malta wouldn’t be safe.
In conjunction with our information sessions, MFPA has launched a
new service. A member player can send a photo of a product he has
been thinking of ingesting and send it to MFPA on the following link:
https://www.maltafpa.com/anti-doping-form.php . A medical expert
will review and give the player feedback as to whether the product
contains substances on the prohibited list or not.
Both initiatives could not have happened without the crucial help of Dr.
David Attard.
Live, Train and Compete Clean - Say No to Doping!
07

Player Zone 2019
Food can be the difference
between average & great
with Dr. Dorianne Caruana Bonnici
By Dr. Sihon Gauci
I sat down with Sports Studies Senior Lecturer and football
nutrition specialist Dr Dorianne Caruana Bonnici, to discuss
with her the importance of nutrition for an athlete and
the misnomers surrounding food, weight and even carbs!
Dorianne, an athlete herself and married to a professional
football player ie. Hamrun Spartans’ captain Triston
Caruana, knows first hand how the science of nutrition can
benefit and maximise an athlete’s physical capabilities. This
was the interview in a nutshell:
When it comes to nutrition, should an athlete focus solely on
weight, or are there other considerations to be made?
Keeping weight in check is obviously important. An athlete
carrying extra weight is not only slower, but is also at greater
risk of injury since the pressure on his joints is higher. However,
an athlete that wants to achieve his highest potential must
look beyond just the number on the scales and try to achieve
the perfect body composition.
Can you tell us more on body composition?
When it comes to athletes we do not talk about weight per se,
but about body composition, which takes account of muscle
as well as fat percentage. The ideal body composition for an
athlete depends on the type of sports he practices and his
position. Training and proper nutrition work hand in hand to
achieve the ideal body composition. Working out with proper
nutrition ensures muscles can expand and are fully stocked
to work efficiently. Working out without proper nutrition will
result in depletion of the muscle. A body is like a car. Unless
proper fuel is given to it, it will not run well.
Can you give us examples of different nutritional needs for
athletes in different sports?
Every sport requires different types of exertions and thus
different ways of spending energy. A weight lifter puts
a lot of stress on muscles during strength training and so
he would require a diet higher in protein. Whilst a football
player, needs carbohydrates to fuel the stop and start action
of football. But even within football itself there are different
considerations to make. A midfielder would run a lot more
than a goalkeeper, and so the food intake and carbohydrate
levels should reflect this.
Are any and all carbohydrates good for a football player?
In broad terms carbohydrates are divided into Simple and
Complex Carbs. Simple carbs include white pasta and white
bread. Complex carbs on the other hand are found in foods
such as whole meal pasta or whole wheat bread. A football
player must eat the right carbs at the right time to maximise
benefits.
Before an intense training session/match only Complex
carbs should be ingested. Eating Simple carbs more than an
hour before a workout can spike insulin levels, causing your
blood sugar to fall and energy levels to crash.
Consuming fast-acting simple carbs during an intense
training session/match, prevents a drop in blood glucose,
keeping the onset of fatigue at bay.
Eating Fast-digesting simple carbs after an intense training
session/post match, creates high insulin levels, which in turn
aid in the recovery.
Food can be the difference between average & great - Dr. Dorianne Caruana Bonnici
08

Player Zone 2019
Can a football player lower the risk of injury by eating better?
Yes. Storing proper fuel in the muscle prevents the muscle from depleting and potentially tearing.
Moreover, a tailor made diet must include healthy fats. These provide an essential lubricant for joints,
cushioning them from impact and potential injury.
Do you have any final recommendations for our member players?
An athlete’s main tool is his body. If he ever wants to be great in his field, he needs to invest in it.
Without a tailor made nutritional regimen, there is no way a football player can come close towards
achieving his maximum potential. Supplements should not replace natural food in an athlete’s diet but
should only supplement it where needed.
Finally, I see more awareness about the importance of food in the young and upcoming generations of
athletes, which is a great sign. It is never too early to fuel your body right.
Food can be the difference between average & great - Dr. Dorianne Caruana Bonnici
09

Player Zone 2019
PLAYER RIGHTS
ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!
Sports laws and regulations are notoriously
complicated and confusing, especially in Malta
where we have held on to antiquated transfer
rule systems whilst trying to comply with modern
day FIFA and UEFA regulations. Before MFPA,
Players had to face legal hurdles without the
benefit of professional assistance and had to
go up against clubs without access to legal
assistance.
MFPA now offers its members comprehensive
legal services, with the most popular being the
following:
1. Advice and guidance on applicable rules and
regulations.
2. Review of proposed contracts.
3. Drafting of new contracts.
4. Legal representation in case of disputes.
In 2018 alone our legal department has assisted
over 150 players.
Late or outstanding salaries remain the most
common dispute with clubs. Even though this
happens more often than we would like, we have
noted a decrease in cases, not least because seeing
that players now have full legal backing, clubs are
more hesitant to break the rules.
Our success in the Jurgen Borg case last January,
whereby we challenged MFA in front of the Court
for Arbitration of Sports in Switzerland, has been
important for Players’ rights in Malta for 2 main
reasons:
i. It has shown clubs and federation that Malta is
not living in a bubble where fundamental human
rights of players can be trampled upon.
ii. It has given a clear message to all football
stakeholders that MFPA is prepared to go all the
way to defend the rights of its members.
#PlayerRightsAreHumanRights
#Justice4Players
Player Rights are Human Rights!
10

Player Zone 2019
We all have heard about Sport Psychology, but what does
it entail exactly?
with Dr. Adele Muscat
By Dr. Sihon Gauci
Few people think about the immense pressure players
continuously face while doing their job. I, for one, find the
simple task of walking in a room full of strangers intimidating.
I can’t imagine how it would feel like if hundreds of people
were continuously dissecting and criticising the way I kick
a ball. For few blessed players, facing this pressure comes
from an innate confidence. For most players, developing
mental skills to deal with the pressure takes hard work and
perseverance, in the same way one would build muscle in
a gym. I met up with Dr. Adele Muscat, Sport Psychologist
for over two decades, to shed some light on the crucial
importance of this field.
Sport Psychology can be broadly categorised into 2 areas:
The first is that in which we provide tools which players can
use as a mental warm up to elevate their game. One must
keep in mind, that a person is not motivated in the same
way another is. Even the same person can be motivated by
different things depending on the particular circumstances
of the moment. This is why tools must be specifically tailor
made.
The other area deals with day to day pressures and anxiety.
It is important to remember that a player does not live in a
vacuum of only football. Players have personal lives which
come with their own set of pressures and anxieties. What
we do as Sport Psychologists is help players concentrate on
the task at hand and to channel all their energy into their
performance.
What kind of mental struggles do players face on a day to
day basis?
Apart from the pressure which is part and parcel of high
level competition, there are other struggles not obvious to
many. I have mostly worked with athletes who are in their
teenage years where I see players who are competing in
multiple age brackets at once, with both teams demanding
their 100%. These demands, together with studies, exams,
hormone changes and insufficient time to rest, all lead to
burn out. I have also worked with players who struggle to
find motivation when faced with complex and frustrating
regulations, as well as injured players anxious about the
uncertainty of fitness post injury.
What other psychological challenges (if any) do players who
go abroad for football face?
My doctoral thesis specialised in this. When a player
(especially a minor), goes abroad they will face new
challenges and must be able to handle a complete overhaul
of their lifestyle. They would be living in a foreign land with
different rules and habits. Often they must also deal with
a language barrier whilst grappling with the emotions
that come from being away from their friends and family.
Unless properly psychologically prepared, this may lead
to solitude, homesickness and even depression, which will
consequently affect their game. Psychological preparation
is key before they embark on
this exciting journey, but is
also essential during their
stay abroad. I also strongly
believe that family members
of minor players must also
be psychologically prepared
for this change.
Mind Games - Dr. Adele Muscat
11

Do you think there’s a stigma surrounding Sport
Psychology?
I wouldn’t say there is a stigma, no. There are individuals
within the sport who believe that they can offer the same
psychological support as qualified psychologists do.
They mean well, but ideally qualified individuals should
be given the task to assist on a matter as complex as
human psychology. Having said this, I have worked
closely with individual players, clubs as well as the
federation, so there is recognition of the importance of
the task at hand. I hope that this continues to increase.
Is there something you would like to highlight?
Yes. Football Players are human beings with dreams,
aspirations, struggles, and issues. They are not robots,
or money making machines. They are not stepping
stones for personal advancement. Sometimes in the
hectic world of football, the people involved forget about
this, but it is crucial. If we want to professionalize football, we need a system where all the different factors
that make up the whole structure are valued, including Sport Psychology experts.
12

Player Zone 2019
SOCIAL
DIALOGUE
UPDATE
ii. Introduction of solidarity mechanism. With this mechanism, clubs who have provided training
and education to players between the ages of 12 and 21, would be entitled to a 5-10% of a
transfer fee.
iii. Reduction in cost of nursery compensation with more frequent windows for transfers.
iv. Establishment of clear and set damages in case of unilateral termination with/without just
cause.
v. Introduction of a rule that allows a player to negotiate with a new club, 6 months before
contract expires and to sign pre-agreements.
Progress is slower than we wish, but slowly and surely MFPA is confident that #Justice4Players
can be achieved. If you believe in our cause, and want these changes to happen, encourage
your player friends to join our association. Together we can affect change! #strengthinnumbers
What if
Cinderella...
The Maltese Players Association, has no voting rights within MFA’s council. Tools to affect
much needed change for the benefit of its members are limited. One such tool is discussion
and negotiation with other stakeholders. During the past year, Social Dialogue meetings
have been held regularly. Representatives from each division, the Youth FA, MFA, the
European Club Association and ourselves, have met to discuss policy changes. The issues,
once agreed upon, will then eventually move on to MFA’s executive and then Council for
approval and enactment.
Of great concern to players are the following issues, currently at advanced stages of
discussion:
i. The abolishment of Parameters both for professional, as well as for amateur players.
This change should be affected by the end of this current season. This will be replaced
by the already in place training compensation paid only once when a player signs a
professional contract, as well as a solidarity mechanism payment.
Laser Hair
Removal
Available at
Brown’s Paola Square, 2182 1646
Brown’s Qormi, 2149 9697
Brown’s Birkirkara, 2148 8884
Brown’s Village, Mellieħa, 2152 3536 /BrownsPharma | www.brownspharmacy.eu
Social Dialogue Update
13

Player Zone 2019
SOMETHING ABOUT US
KONRAD SULTANA - DEPUTY SECRETARY
Konrad made his debut in the top division with Hamrun
Spartans during season 1983/1984, after spending 4
years in the club’s youth sector. He scored on his debut
at the age of 16. It turned out to be a memorable season
since Konrad scored 5 goals in total, including the winning
goal in the FA Trophy final. Later, Konrad played with
various local clubs in the Premier and First Division. He
won the Premier League with Hibernians and First Division
League with Zurrieq FC. With St. Patricks FC and Xghajra
Tornados, Konrad won promotion. Konrad also played with
Sliema Wanderers and St.Andrews FC. He was top scorer
in the First Division in seasons 1987/88 and 1992/93.
Over the course of his career, he played over 270 games
in all competitions and scored 103 goals, including 1 goal
in the UEFA Cup, season 1995/96. He represented Malta
at Under 18 level.
Konrad joined the MFPA in 2011 as Media Relations Officer
and later became Deputy Secretary. Konrad is also a
local football pundit on a local football television program
NET Replay. Konrad has been involved in the real estate
industry for the past 15 years.
Something About Us - Konrad Sultana
14

Player Zone 2019
facebook.com/maltafpa
www.maltafpa.com
twitter.com/maltafpa 27135505
instagram.com/maltafpa
Malta Football
Players Association
MFPA,
Central Business Centre,
Tarxien Road,
Gudja. GDJ 1907.
Contact Us
15