Premier League clubs have slammed Malta Football Association Norman Darmanin Demajo for saying that he will do all he can to block a proposal to increase the number of foreign players clubs are permitted.
This week, the Premier Division Standing Committee agreed to push for an increased quota of overseas players allowed on the pitch as of next season.
Clubs in Malta's top flight want to increase the existing limit of seven to 11. If passed, the proposal would effectively allow a club to field an all-foreign starting line-up.
MFA president Darmanin Demajo reacted to the news by making it clear that he will do all he can to ensure the proposal will not "see the light of the day".
"Rest assured that the present MFA Admininstration, under my Presidency, will do everything within it's powers to ensure that this proposal by the Premier Division Standing Committee (and the handful of people who claim to represent it), will never see the light of day," he posted on his Facebook account.
"I am confident that the absolute majority of the clubs in Malta, as represented by their MFA Council Members, will vote against such proposals, which are intended to serve the personal agendas of the few."
'Premature'
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the PDSC vehemently criticised Mr Darmanin Demajo's words, saying they were "confrontative" and "premature".
"Premier League clubs cannot accept the comments made by the president," the PDSC said, noting that the proposed changes had not yet been discussed at MFA Council level.
The PDSC reminded Mr Darmanin Demajo that all stakeholders had a long-standing agreement not to express themselves publicly on changes in regulations.
"Both the MFPA and president of the MFA failed to honour this agreement," clubs said.
"It's disappointing that Maltese football is in a situation where if you have an opinion that is different to the Malta FA president, who should be representing everyone, you end up being attacked in public without even consultation between the parties."
Twelve of the BOV Premier League's 14 clubs signed the statement. The remaining two clubs are St Andrew's and Gżira United. On Friday, Gżira president Sharlon Pace told Times of Malta he was opposed to the proposal.
The disagreement with the PDSC rounds up a tumultuous week for Mr Darmanin Demajo. Just some days ago, the MFA boss clashed with SportMalta chairman Luciano Busuttil after the latter had said children playing football were more entertaining than Malta's national team.
