The Ta’ Qali indoor pool could well remain open, with the Malta Football Association in talks with Sports Malta to transfer the facility to the government.
On Wednesday, MFA president Bjorn Vassallo said that the 25-metre pool would be permanently closed as it was not financially viable for the local governing body to maintain, particularly in light of financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The indoor pool forms part of the Ta' Qali national stadium complex. Sources told Times of Malta that the MFA's long-term plan is to redevelop the area, creating a smaller, English-style stadium, commercialising part of the area around it, and improving fans' matchday experience.
The semi-Olympic 25-metre pool was opened some 20 years ago and still runs on the same technology it used at the time it was opened. Updating it would require a hefty investment.
However, on Friday, government agency Sport Malta entered into talks with the MFA to take over the venue.
Contacted by Times of Malta, sports parliamentary secretary Clifton Grima confirmed the government’s plans on the venue.