Joe Gauci has resigned as president of Premier League club Marsa FC, according to a club statement. Gauci handed in his resignation after a meeting last Friday which brought to an end several hours of negotiations between the former Marsa president and a club delegation.

"The Marsa committee will shortly call an Extraordinary General Meeting with the purpose of appointing a new president and to effect amendments to the club's statute," the statement, signed by secretary Jason Cini, said. "Marsa's goal for this season is to preserve our Premier League status. The fans are urged to continue to support the team with the same enthusiasm that the people of Marsa are renowned for."

Gauci, who has also quit his post on the club's executive committee, was unavailable for comment yesterday.