Drop in attendances

Attendance figures for local football competitions, released by the Malta FA during its annual general meeting yesterday, show a decrease from the previous season.

In season 2001-2002, 173,287 spectators watched matches from any of the competitions organised by the association, representing a drop of more than 21,500 from the previous campaign when the total was 194,874.

The downturn is also mirrored in the gate income of the MFA which has dropped by more than Lm16,000 from Lm266,363 to Lm249,908 in 2001-2002.

The drop in attendances was largely blamed on the removal of the privileges enjoyed by Kartanzjan holders who, until the end of season 2000-2001 season, did not pay to see matches organised by the association.

Last season, Kartanzjan holders had to purchase match tickets at a reduced price.

The competitions involving the first teams of the Premier League clubs, including the FA Trophy which also featured the participation of Division One clubs, attracted 143,204 fans (156,317 in 2000-2001).

The total expenditure for the security services rendered by the police force during matches totalled Lm54,000.

The lack of high-profile international friendly matches during season 2001-2002 has also resulted in a slump in the annual income, amounting to Lm300,000.

Several sponsorship agreements for MFA competitions, including the one with Central Cigarette Ltd which covered virtually all the major competitions, also expired last season.

According to the MFA administrative report, the effects of the termination of these sponsorships will be felt this season (2002-2003).

Dr Joe Mifsud, the Malta FA president, yesterday called on clubs to adhere to the association's guidelines on players' transfers and wages.

"Why can't there be more co-operation between our clubs? Why can't there be a gentleman's agreement between them to respect the guidelines of the association," he said.

Dr Mifsud appealed to clubs not to overstretch their budget by promising players inflated wages in order to gain an edge over their rivals in the transfer market.

Clubs were also urged to keep their finances in order in view of the implementation of the UEFA licensing system in 2004. Dr Mifsud said that at a meeting for football associations from small countries, held in San Marino, it was agreed that a proposal for an exemption be put forward to UEFA.

Europe's so-called small associations are requesting that the issue of a licence to clubs in 2004 be based on the balance books of the previous season - 2002-2003.

"I am confident that if our clubs manage their finances sensibly this season, we will reach the objective of having up-to-date payments with players, coaches and other clubs at the end of the soccer year. Clubs should not enter into financial commitments with fellow clubs, players and coaches which they know they cannot afford," the MFA chief said.

Players' agents were also briefly discussed during yesterday's meeting.

Dr Mifsud reminded that, according to the association's regulations, agents must have written contracts with the players they represent. These agreements must also be deposited at the MFA offices.

The annual general meeting yesterday elected 11 ordinary members to the association's executive committee for year 2002-2003.

These are: Joe Gauci, Paul Spiteri (Premier League); Charles Calleja, Charles Scerri (First Division); Salvu Vella (Second Division); Kirkop FC's Joe Farrugia (Third Division); Raymond Micallef, Paul Sammut (member clubs); Joe Baldacchino, Joe Cassar Naudi (member associations); and Joe Micallef (Youth FA).

Birkirkara FC in UEFA Clubs Forum meeting

Birkirkara, the FA Trophy and Super Cup winners, have been chosen by the Malta FA to represent the organisation at the next meeting of the UEFA Clubs Forum.

As from the 2002-2003 season, the Forum has been expanded to represent all those countries who have clubs participating in UEFA club competitions. The first meeting of the revamped Forum will be held in Monaco towards the end of August.

Meanwhile, Dr Mifsud yesterday extended his congratulations to Maltese champions Hibernians for their achievement in reaching the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

U-21 players presented with memento

Members of the Malta U-21 squad who played during the Euro U-21 Championship qualifiers 2000-2002 have been presented with a memento in recognition of their commitment.

The presentation was made during a social activity held recently. Coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, who has not extended his contract with the MFA, and members of the U-21 technical staff also received a memento.

The U-21 team ended their qualifying campaign with four points after four draws in ten matches.

Farrugia's boys had another draw, the 1-1 result away to Northern Ireland, modified to a 3-0 victory for the Irish after the Maltese were found to have fielded an ineligible player.