Bjorn Vassallo will be contesting the election for MFA president during next month's Annual General Meeting.

The former MFA CEO is the first person to announce his candidature for the top job at the local governing body which is set to be vacated next month when current president Norman Darmanin Demajo steps down after a nine-year term.

Vassallo has been involved in local football administration for more than 23 years, after starting with San Ġwann FC.

He then was a chief supporter of Darmanin Demajo's successful presidency bid in 2010 and was later appointed as MFA CEO before occupying the post of general secretary.

“This is an important decision for me and I believe that my candidature is a strong one on the basis of experience and competency having gone through all the levels in football administration,” Vassallo was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

“I have a detailed strategic plan that aims to take our beloved game to a whole new level both at club and international stage. I will be launching my official campaign in the coming days and look forward to a month of healthy campaigning for the good of Maltese football.”

In 2016, Vassallo left the MFA when he landed a prestigious job as FIFA Director for European football associations, a job which involves catering to the needs of UEFA’s 55 member associations and working with them on the governance and development of football in Europe.

Vassallo has also held posts on UEFA’s Player Status Committee and National Teams Competitions Committee. He worked as a venue director and match commissioner in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions.