The regeneration project for the Malta Football Association’s facilities at Ta’ Qali has received unanimous approval from the General Assembly during Wednesday evening’s meeting at Centenary Hall.

Developed through an extensive consultation process involving both internal and external stakeholders, the masterplan sets out a clear strategy for a major infrastructural investment that will transform the Association’s premises into a fully integrated hub known as the City of Football Ta’ Qali.

Dr Matthew Paris, Senior Vice-President of the Malta FA and Chairman of the National Stadium Modernisation Committee, outlined the project’s main elements, which are built around three strategic priorities:

• Partial reconstruction and modernisation of the National Stadium and surrounding areas;
• Expansion of the Centenary Stadium’s spectator capacity, together with further upgrades;
• Construction of a new compact stadium dedicated to youth football for both men’s and women’s competitions.

Recalling some of the most memorable moments since the National Stadium opened in Ta’ Qali in 1980, Dr Paris stressed the importance of a comprehensive redevelopment as part of a wider long-term vision.

“The structure urgently requires fresh investment,” Dr Paris told the General Assembly. “Although the stadium still satisfies the most basic needs of Maltese football, it is in serious need of modernisation to meet current standards and expectations.

“Over the years, significant improvements have been made, including the construction of the Millennium Stand 25 years ago and the installation of a hybrid turf pitch in 2016. However, the scale of investment now required is considerably greater.

“There is strong consensus that the time has come for the Malta FA to invest in its own home, after many years of supporting and sustaining the infrastructural projects of its affiliates.”

Following the mandate granted by the General Assembly, the Malta FA will now move forward with the next major stages of the project:

• Extending the legal title of the Ta’ Qali facilities from 20 to 65 years, with the support of SportMalta;
• Formally presenting the project to Government and Parliament;
• Appointing technical experts, including legal advisors, architects, engineers, and consultants;
• Structuring and securing project financing;
• Establishing Fondazzjoni Ta’ Qali.

This landmark initiative for Maltese sport has also received backing from Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Alex Borg, both of whom submitted messages of support in the publication marking the project’s official launch.

City of Football Ta’ Qali – Key Development Components

The masterplan includes the following flagship projects:

National Stadium
Partial reconstruction featuring three new stands (South, North, and West), complemented by a futsal arena, sports hotel, commercial outlets, related amenities, and upgrades to the Millennium Stand and surrounding areas.

Centenary Stadium
Expansion of seating capacity to around 2,500 spectators, along with additional facility enhancements.

New Youth Stadium
Construction of a 2,000-seat stadium on the current west stand parking site, supported by a new underground car park with space for approximately 300 vehicles.

National Football Centre
Installation of dedicated beach soccer facilities.