Clubs chief beneficiaries of MIA deal - Mifsud

Local clubs, in all four divisions, will be the chief beneficiaries of the new sponsorship deal with the Malta International Airport (MIA).

This was stated by Dr Joe Mifsud, the MFA president, who also reminded clubs of their duties to satisfy a number of conditions to receive a UEFA licence as from season 2004-2005.

Mifsud said that the domestic leagues do not have to be necessarily organised by the local football governing body but the Malta FA regards the organisation of the domestic competitions as one of its most important commitments.

The MFA president noted that attendance figures for last season's Premier League matches were less than the previous year.

According to Mifsud, one of the reasons behind this decline is likely to be found in the drawn-out electoral campaign in March and April.

"Not so long ago, we had two electoral campaigns and we all know that politics trigger great interest in this country," Mifsud said.

"Such a prolonged electoral activity may have taken its toll on attendance figures for football matches," Mifsud added.

Mifsud expects the results of a survey about Maltese football, commissioned by the MFA, to be available within three months.

"The findings of this survey will provide the platform for an extensive discussion on Maltese football," Mifsud said.

Lack of interest in the Premier League has also been blamed on its current format whereby the ten teams are divided into two pools - the top six going into the Championship Pool and the bottom four forming the Relegation Pool - at the end of the first two rounds.

Mifsud said that the MFA believe that the top flight should be made up of eight teams instead of the present 10 but their proposed changes were not met with an encouraging response.

Mifsud also expressed his appreciation towards the Maltese clubs for their efforts to take part in the local leagues.

Peter Bolech, MIA chief executive officer, described yesterday's draw of the MFA leagues as an important milestone for the company he represents.

"This conference signals MIA's first appearance as the official sponsor of the MFA leagues," Bolech said.

"I would rather describe our deal with the MFA as a co-operation agreement. People might have asked why the Malta International Airport has chosen to forge new ties with football. Sport has been identified by the MIA as one of three pillars in the Maltese society which deserves the company's support. Football being the no.1 sport in Malta, we thought this agreement was the best way to show MIA's commitment towards the Maltese society," Bolech added.

New trophies for the four league championships are being manufactured. An artist's impression of the new Premier League trophy, to be awarded to the champions of Malta at the end of next season, was also shown yesterday.