Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545920
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 JULY 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The reform does not include the most controversial aspects of last year's bill, which would have removed the power of courts to revoke permits, limited appeals to the grounds raised by objec- tors during the planning process, limited the power of the courts to challenge the EPRT and gave the EPRT the power to consider justified spatial considerations apart from the present policies. The amendments to the law al- so specify that any construction carried out after works are sus- pended will be subject to plan- ning enforcement orders. Law- yer Carlos Bugeja was the legal mind behind the changes. Appeals have to be presented in 30 days following a PA decision as is the case today, and EPRT will have a six-month timeframe to decide. If the EPRT decision is appealed, the courts will be able to determine the case in four months extendable to six which means that decisions will be taken in 15 months. Any works done during the suspension pe- riod will be subject to enforce- ment. The suspension will remain in force even if the courts or EPRT do not stick to the stipulated timeframes. The suspension can only be lifted after a final deci- sion is taken. To increase efficiency in the process the amendment intro- duces the post of judicial assis- tant to help the tribunal gather evidence and assist the EPRT in keeping with deadlines. The re- form will also allow the EPRT to determine different appeals against the same period together while the case parties will receive online notifications throughout the entire process. Jonathan Attard insisted that this is a reform in favour of jus- tice not one in favour of devel- opers or objectors. He explained that the gist of the reform is that all works are stopped during the appeal process. "This is not a reform to penal- ise development. It is one based on balance, strengthening the legal certainty of those who have a permit while protecting the rights of those who appeal." He also made it clear that de- spite the timeframes given to the EPRT and the courts, the sus- pension on works will only end upon a final decision. The law will only be applica- ble to new appeals and will not impact pending appeals or ap- peals presented before the law is approved in parliament. The reason being not to create con- fusion. The government will present the First Reading of the bill on Tuesday. The public consulta- tion will start today and continue until 18 August. Any works done during the suspension period will be subject to enforcement Prime Minister Robert Abela and Planning Minister Jonathan Attard (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The declaration was made de- spite wider concerns about gov- ernance within the organisation. Infantino has also faced criticism during the 2026 World Cup, with opponents accusing FIFA of pri- oritising commercial interests and political image management over transparency and accountability. Human rights groups and some football stakeholders have ques- tioned the organisation's handling of tournament-related issues, while critics have argued that FIFA has become increasingly central- ised under Infantino's leadership. Replying to questions by Malta- Today, the MFA said FIFA had un- dergone a "significant transforma- tion" over the past decade under the current president's leadership. "FIFA is today a more stable and sustainable organisation, with in- creased capacity to support the development and global growth of the game," the association said. The MFA argued Infantino had placed a strong emphasis on ex- panding football's global reach and on developing the game "at all lev- els and in all regions of the world". It highlighted increased support for member associations, greater investment in football develop- ment and programmes designed to strengthen the sport's long- term growth and sustainability. Despite international concerns, the association also pointed to changes in FIFA's governance structure, saying the organisation had taken steps to strengthen its framework and create greater in- dependence between its various bodies in an effort to improve transparency, accountability and good governance. Financial sustainability was another key factor behind Mal- ta's decision. The FA said FIFA's stronger finances had enabled it to stage major world-class events while generating higher revenues that could be reinvested in football development around the world. Particular emphasis was placed on the FIFA Forward Programme, which provides development fund- ing to member associations. The Malta FA said the programme had increased significantly in recent years, giving national associations greater resources and flexibility to implement projects tailored to their own strategic priorities. "These developments, together with the broader transformation of FIFA and its continued invest- ment in the global development of football, are among the factors that informed the Malta FA's decision to endorse President Infantino," the statement said. The association added the en- dorsement was first approved by the MFA Bureau and later con- firmed by its Executive Board. While acknowledging that "there is always room for improvement", the Malta FA said member asso- ciations were now more engaged with FIFA and more closely con- nected to the wider global football ecosystem. "The increased dialogue, col- laboration and opportunities for participation have contributed to a stronger relationship between FI- FA and its member associations," it said. Infantino, who was first elected FIFA president in 2016 follow- ing the corruption scandal that engulfed the organisation under Sepp Blatter has overseen a period of rapid commercial expansion. FIFA's revenues have risen sharp- ly through expanded tournaments, new sponsorship deals and broad- casting agreements, although crit- ics argue financial growth has not fully addressed longstanding con- cerns about governance and insti- tutional accountability. With support from more than 200 member associations, Infanti- no appears overwhelmingly likely to secure another term, reinforc- ing his position as the dominant figure in world football adminis- tration. Malta Football Association among 200 associations who have endorsed Gianni Infantino