The Malta Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA) have postponed the elections for a new council to a later date after two member clubs contested the governing body’s decision to omit them from the voting process on the basis that accor-ding to the statute they were not eligible to take part in the ballot.

Delegates from all 12 affiliated clubs convened at the MAAA headquarters in Marsa on Thursday evening for an annual general meeting.

The main item on the agenda was the election of a new council with Mario Bonello and Edwin Attard the only two contenders for the post of president.

This came about following Anthony Chircop’s decision late last year not to seek re-election after 18 years at the helm.

Member clubs are granted full or associate status within the MAAA according to a list of criteria established in the statute.

According to the rules only representatives from those clubs enjoying full status are eligible to vote.

During the meeting, delegates from Savio College, Gozo Athletix, Ladies Running Club and Birkir-kara St Joseph Sports Club were informed that according to regulations they only qualified for associate status. Therefore, they could not participate in the vote.

However, the representatives of Savio College and Gozo Athletix contested the MAAA stand and a heated debate ensued.

No agreement was reached after a prolonged discussion, forcing the MAAA to suspend the meeting.

Contacted yesterday, Chircop said the MAAA were now seeking legal advice to ensure there is a correct interpretation of the association’s statute.

“We think we have a clear set of rules in place but there are two clubs who are contesting this,” Chircop said.

“We want to do things in the right way so our next step will be to consult our legal advisers to make sure that the rules are not misinterpreted. After that, we are planning a clear-the-air meeting with those who are contesting the voting process.

“Hopefully, the impasse will be resolved soon so we can establish a new date for the annual general meeting and elections could be held without a hitch.”