LAUSANNE: The international sports journalists’ association AIPS has urged FIFA and UEFA to step in to a press freedom row sparked by Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo.

Four journalists targeted are Antvin Monseigneur, the current president of the Malta Sports Journalists Association; Sandro Micallef, a former MSJA president; Christopher Francalanza sports journalist; and Charles Camenzuli, current president of AIPS Europe.

Their ‘sin’ was public criticism of the MFA’s call for volunteer photographers to which Vassallo reacted with what AIPS described as “a series of personal and professional attacks on the individuals involved.”

These included a Maltese-language version of a right of reply that introduced personal attacks absent from the English version, a formal letter addressed to the employer of two of the journalists, questioning their impartiality and professional standing, and a private message sent to Monseigneur ending with the phrase “rest in peace.”

AIPS statement:

Such behaviour is wholly unacceptable. In Malta’s press freedom context, where journalists have previously been the targets of threats and violence, this language cannot be ignored. It constitutes a form of intimidation and is beneath the dignity of any leader, let alone the President of a national sporting federation.

AIPS considers these actions a clear violation of journalistic rights, ethical standards, and the principles of transparency and accountability that all sports governing bodies should uphold.

We are particularly disturbed that one of the targeted journalists, Mr Charles Camenzuli, is the sitting President of AIPS Europe. Mr Camenzuli has served the international sporting press since 1981 and has held numerous leadership positions within AIPS, including General Secretary and Treasurer, before being elected to the European Presidency in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. His record of defending journalistic independence across the continent is beyond reproach.

In light of the gravity of this case, AIPS Europe calls on UEFA and FIFA to launch an immediate inquiry into the conduct of the President of the Malta Football Association and to take the necessary disciplinary action in line with their governance frameworks.

Furthermore, AIPS demands that Mr Vassallo publicly take responsibility for his actions, withdraw his statements, and issue a formal apology to the journalists concerned.

Freedom of the press is not optional. It is the foundation of any democratic society and must be protected within the world of sport just as much as in politics or civil society. Journalists must be allowed to operate without fear, interference, or retaliation for doing their work.

AIPS stands in full solidarity with the four journalists affected and reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights, safety, and dignity of all members of the media.

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