Football in Malta : 15 : the gates are thrown wide open

Abstract

Although Malta's connections with European . football dated far back to the "Twenties", it was not until forty years later that official recognition from the World and European soccer bodies was acquired. Because of its Colonial status Malta had always been affiliated to the Football Association, London, but following insistent lobbying by Mr Eugene Bonello, and the helping hand of Sir Stanley Rous, Malta finally found itself member of both the F.I.F.A. and later U.E.F.A. These affiliations enabled Malta to enter and compete in both the European Cup of Nations, the various European competitions, and for the qualifying rounds of the World Cup itself.