'No remorse, I gave it my best shot' - Caruana Curran

Joe Caruana Curran yesterday told The Sunday Times that he was still evaluating the result of the MFA presidency vote after the close call at the Centenary Hall.

"Obviously, I would have been a happier man today had the outcome been different," he said.

"I hold no remorse for contesting the election though because I gave it my best shot. In the end it was only a difference of eight votes which gave the ballot to the other candidate."

Caruana Curran, 46, was Dr Joe Mifsud's first rival in an election for the association's hot seat in 12 years. Dr Mifsud, 54, was the outright favourite but Caruana Curran's nomination had gathered steady momentum these past couple of weeks as he intensified his campaign by promising to introduce various new initiatives at the association.

"During my campaign I was encouraged by the response from the clubs I visited and that filled me with even more conviction that I could have actually won the vote," he said.

"My candidacy attracted a significant percentage of votes which should not be overlooked. The result is a clear message for Dr Mifsud to look at things from a different angle now. It's clear that there's discontent at the way our national sport is being managed at the moment."

Caruana Curran contested yesterday's elections after 12 months away from football administration following his resignation as Valletta FC president in summer 2003.

"Club administration for me has finished with Valletta FC," the amiable businessman said.

"As regards the MFA, well, I guess I cannot rule out anything in future. The next election is in three years' time... still too early for me to contemplate now what could really happen in 1,095 days' time, we'll see."