Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has been appointed as the new chairman of the Malta Professional Football Clubs Association following a vote taken by representatives of the Premier League clubs present.
Muscat had been the sole candidate for the position following the close of nominations last week.
In a statement, the Malta Professional Football Clubs Association said that was appointed following a secret vote between the 14 representative clubs, and resulted in seven in favour, four against and three abstentions.
For Muscat this will be his first public appointment since he stepped down as Prime Minister on January 12, 2019.
In their statement to announce Muscat’s appointment, the MPFCA said that Muscat will lead the process to form an organisation that will govern the Premier League independently from the Malta Football Association, as agreed with the local governing body of football.
“The Premier Legue clubs have appointed Joseph Muscat as chairman of the Malta Professional Football Clubs Association (MPFCA),” the body said in a statement.
“Dr Muscat will be leading the MPFCA so that reforms will be implemented that will lead towards the formation of an organisation that will govern the Premier League separately from the Malta Football Association, in agreement with the MFA, and according to the same strategy of the MFA.
“The changes that will be introduced will help to make the Premier League into a more professional and sustainable championship, attracts more spectators at the stadium and in front of television, there will be more solidarity and investment in youth players, more involvement of female officials in the body’s leadership, and so that Maltese clubs become more competitive at European level.
“Dr Muscat will start to lead this process of change during a series of discussions with the Malta FA that will be held in the near future.”
On his part, Dr Muscat issued a statement to thank the Premier League clubs for approaching him to lead their organisation.
“My role will not be to get involved in the running of individual clubs, but together we prepare a series of ambitious reforms that can be implemented that will help to modernise the highest championship in Maltese football,” Dr Muscat said.
Among the main aims being targeted by the MPFCA, are sustainability and strengthening their financial situation.
“The Premier League clubs have to be more financially sustainable and a concept of solidarity needs to be introduced,” Dr Muscat said.
“Clubs need to invest more in youth and attract new young talent to the game in consultation with the organisation that represents the players.
“There has to be a diversity in the clubs’ leadership, including the active involvement of women.
“A plan has to be implemented so that in the next few years, Maltese clubs will be able to challenge at a higher level than they are currently are in the UEFA club competitions.
“All these form part of the Malta FA strategy and therefore this plan has to be done with the MFA. I believe that this reform will leave a positive effect on the Maltese national team.”
