The Malta Football Association (Malta FA) proudly announced that it has maintained the maximum possible number of FIFA International Match Officials for 2026. The milestone number of 18 officials was first achieved last year, representing the highest tally ever recorded in the association’s history. Retaining this number highlights the significant progress and hard work within the Maltese refereeing sector.

This achievement is a direct result of a five-year strategy launched in 2020. The strategy has successfully increased both the quantity and quality of international appointments, including a record allocation of three UEFA Conference League matches last December.

The pinnacle of this long-term plan was the promotion of Ishmael Barbara to UEFA First Category Match Official, marking Malta’s return to this prestigious level after a seven-year absence.

“Today is the one day of the year when referees take centre stage,” commented Alan Mario Sant, Chairman of the Referees Committee. “The success of our five-year strategy is evident in maintaining the maximum number of FIFA badges, improving both the quality and quantity of international appointments, and the promotion of Ishmael Barbara to UEFA First Category Match Official. These achievements reflect our hard work, clear structure, and strong direction, and motivate us to continue raising the bar even higher.”

The achievements reflect the collective efforts of the refereeing community and underline the trust FIFA and UEFA have placed in the Maltese development structures.

Malta’s FIFA Badge Holders for 2026:

• FIFA Referees: Ishmael Barbara, Matthew De Gabriele, Philip Farrugia, Alex Johnson, Joanna Vassallo
• FIFA Futsal Referee Badge: Stephen Vella, Andrea Naudi, Danilo Francalanza
• FIFA Assistant Referee Badge: David Castillo, Mark Ciantar, James Muscat, Luke Portelli, Mitchell Scerri, Duncan Spencer, Jurgen Spiteri, Kurt Saliba
• FIFA Beach Soccer Referee Badge: George Anthony Attard, Stephania Bonnici

Special recognition was also given to three officials for their dedicated service on the FIFA Panel: Trustin Farrugia Cann (International Referee, 2016-2025), Duncan Sultana (International Assistant Referee, 2015-2025), and Roberto Vella (International Assistant Referee, 2015-2025).