It has a Regina only one in-tank fuel pump system, the car has been running great but yesterday while stone cold, I started it and it only ran for 3 seconds. tried again and it stalled again after one or two seconds, then it didn't start any more.
I checked all the fuel system fuses (2 of them) and can feel (my fingers on it) the white fuel pump relay clicking while trying to start the car but I cannot hear the pump noise, even with my ear at the gas cap opening.
I disconnected a spark plug cable and I have spark while cranking the engine.

This car has 210K miles and the fuel filter is also very old but could a dirty filter just stop the car from starting completely? if it was running fine 4 hours before?

What else could it be but the fuel pump? It's always a PITA to replace it but if there's spark and the FP relay clicks, then everything leads to a defective in-tank pump?
Your feed back will be very much appreciated.