1982-83 was by far the worst season in the history of Sliema Wanderers. The Premier League that season was one of the most uncertain in the history of Maltese football. Events took place that upset the way things were always done in local football.
It was a season when tradition was completely thrown overboard.
It also saw the revival of Ħamrun Spartans after many years in the doldrums and the emergence of Rabat Ajax and Żurrieq.
These two unfashionable clubs with very little football traditions reached the top division and gave notice of their intentions to stay.
They made it clear from the start that nothing would make them budge. In the circumstances, the inevitable had to happen.