BOV Premier League clubs are in favour of more foreign players.BOV Premier League clubs are in favour of more foreign players.

The Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) is against the increase of foreign players in the BOV Premier League and insists on a new transfer system that takes into account the particular needs of Maltese football.

The players’ union was giving its first official reaction to reports published in the local media last month which said the Premier League Standing Committee (PLSC) was all out in favour of having eight overseas players on the pitch and three others among the substitutes as from next season.

Under the current regulations, top-division clubs can field up to five foreigners and a maximum of six in their matchday squad.

The MFPA said they held a meeting with Premier League and First Division players’ representatives in order to ascertain their position.

“It was absolutely clear that the players are against this proposal especially when considering that foreign players are free agents at the end of the contract while to acquire out-of-contract Maltese players a club has to pay a transfer fee up to €50,000,” the MFPA said.

“We support the employment of non-Maltese professionals but we also renew our call for a sustainable structure, which takes into account the particular needs of Maltese football.”

The MFPA said it does not understand the need for such an increase or the reasoning behind it.

“All Maltese clubs continuously mention the problems they meet to raise income and insist that they only depend on grants from club presidents and other sponsors.

“Why, then, should our clubs increase their fixed costs?” the MFPA asked.

Club strategy

According to the MFPA, foreign players are usually engaged on pro basis, therefore, at least, receiving a minimum wage, a fee for their livelihood and a place where to dwell.

The total amount each overseas player gets is much higher than what an average Maltese Premier League or First Division League player receives.

“One asks, what is the strategy of our clubs? Are they looking to increase fixed costs?” the MFPA said.

“Shouldn’t they be working to achieve the opposite, and this also in view of the recently announced Financial Fair Play rules?

“We should be looking at ways and means to reach a professional level in club management, invest in local talent and then attract good quality foreign players. It would appear to us that these clubs are seeking short-term gains only.”

The MFPA reckons the changes, if implemented, will limit the possibility for youths to compete at the top level locally. It will also limit the already small pool of players that make the grade.

“The national teams will be negatively affected,” the association added.

Meanwhile, the MFPA said its members are suggesting that the changes were being proposed because of the existing rules, which have changed little since those introduced in the 1960s.

“These rules do not allow Maltese players to change club at the end of their contract except against a fee (parameters system),” the MFPA said.

“This fee today is too high and clubs are not prepared to invest in Maltese players.

“Instead they seek the services of foreign players who can join as free agents. It is time that Maltese players too have the right to become free agents. The parameters system or imposed transfer fee at end of contract is both illegal and immoral.”

Other members argued that overseas players were offered short-term contracts and if they fail to meet expectations, such deals are terminated earlier. Most foreigners do not object out of fear and clubs are allowed to sign new free agents – a practice not possible for Maltese players.

“With the current system and new proposal, Maltese players are, and will be, at a disadvantage,” the MPFA said.

“We are against this proposal and any other changes that undermine the sustainability of the Maltese leagues, nurseries and national teams. We hope that common sense will prevail and good management principles will lead our clubs to reconsider their position.

“The MFPA supports the reform being put forward by the Malta FA and hopes that with the input of all stakeholders, we can finally move forward for the good of Maltese football.”

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