Malta Premier League sets up Solidarity Fund, to distribute €150,000 among other divisions

The Malta Premier League has set up a solidarity fund to help clubs from the other divisions in Maltese football.

In a statement, the Malta Premier League said that the top-flight clubs have decided that they will allocate part of their income, which amounts to €150,000, to help teams from lower divisions.

Alan Abela, the Il-Kampjonat Ltd chairman, confirmed to the Times of Malta that every Premier League club has forked out €12,500 from money received from the league sponsors.

“The Malta Premier League has set up a Solidarity Fund through which the top-flight clubs will be distributing part of their income to clubs in other divisions,” the statement said.

“The Premier League clubs have decided to allocate €150,00 from their income, and not from UEFA funds, for this aim. Forty-five per cent of this money will be distributed to Challenge League clubs, 33 per cent to National Amateur League 1 teams, and 22 per cent to clubs in the National Amateur League 2.”

The Malta Premier League said that this decision shows that although there was no obligation to do it, the top-flight clubs remain open for genuine dialogue and solidarity.

“The distribution of these funds to clubs in the National Amateur League 1 and 2 is being made in conformity with all regulations and after the Malta Premier League took in consideration the reaction to the way these funds were distributed last year and after dialogue with the Malta FA,” the statement concluded.

The Malta FA issued a statement to welcome the MPL initiative.

“Earlier today, the Malta FA was informed by the Malta Premier League that it has launched a solidarity fund, which it will administer, from which clubs from other divisions will benefit,” the statement said.

“The Malta FA welcomes this initiative by the Malta Premier League and commends its members for taking this important step.

“Solidarity programmes are important hallmarks of a healthy football ecosystem. In the coming weeks, the Malta FA will be in a position to announce further investment in the Maltese football ecosystem to ensure that Maltese football continues its positive momentum.”