MPL chairman Joseph Muscat says Spartans’ achievement will change Maltese football

MFA president Bjorn Vassallo describes qualification as ‘memorable moment’

Malta Premier League chairman Joseph Muscat and Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA chief, were among the first to congratulate Ħamrun Spartans on their historic achievement of reaching the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night.

Giacomo Modica’s men defied the odds to complete the job at the LNK Sporta Park Arena in Riga when they held FC RFS, of Latvia, to a 2-2 draw and progressed to the competition proper 4-3 on aggregate.

As soon as the final whistle was blown in Latvia, the Malta Premier League issued a statement, signed by Dr Muscat, to congratulate the achievement of Ħamrun Spartans.

“The Malta Premier League and its member clubs congratulate Ħamrun Spartans FC for becoming the first Maltese club that qualify for the League Phase of the UEFA club competition,” Dr Muscat said.

“The participation of Ħamrun Spartans in the UEFA Conference League is a game-changer not just for the club but for all Maltese football in general.”

Dr Muscat emphasised that apart from the sporting success, this result will strengthen the financial situation not just of Ħamrun Spartans, but also all the clubs that form part of the YoHealth Malta Premier.

“With this result, not only will Ħamrun Spartans be receiving an unprecedented sum of money from UEFA, but also the coefficient of Maltese clubs will improve.

“This will see the amount of funds that are shared by the other 11 clubs in the Maltese top-flight increase considerably,” Dr Muscat said.

“When the Malta Premier League was formed, one of the main aims was that at least one club from the division would qualify for the main round of a UEFA competition.

“Although there was a lot of scepticism, this aim has now been reached. Such achievement will bring with it new challenges, including rescheduling of the Maltese championship.

“But we are confident that this is just the start of a new era for Maltese football, where other clubs can also secure such success.”

 On his part, MFA president Bjorn Vassallo also congratulated Ħamrun Spartans for their achievement.

“Congratulations to Ħamrun Spartans FC, ambassadors of Maltese football on the international stage, after their historic qualification to a UEFA club competition.

“This is a memorable moment not just for Ħamrun followers, but also for all those who love Maltese football.

“We join Ħamrun in celebrating this achievement that happened to come on the Malta Football Association’s 125th anniversary.”