MFA defends deal with cannabis regulator ARUC
Football Association responds to social media criticism of deal to finance nursery fees
Updated 3.30pm
The Malta Football Association (MFA) has defended a scholarship deal funded by cannabis regulator ARUC, following criticism on social media.
The deal will see around 160 children join football nurseries free of charge, with the Association for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) covering 75 per cent of eligible children’s membership fees and the MFA paying the remaining 25 per cent.
ARUC serves as the country’s regulator for recreational cannabis outlets, collecting licence fees from cannabis associations and overseeing their operations and output.
News of the deal drew significant flak on social media, prompting the MFA to react in a statement on Monday.
Opposition leader Alex Borg also reacted critically, saying “whoever took this decision has no idea about sport and is sending our children the wrong message.”