Tuesday, 29th July 2008
Corruption
When asked which team they support, some people mention some foreign club or national team. When specifically asked which team they support in Malta, some do refer to a local club, others say they don’t follow it much… anyway it’s 'corrupt'.
No proof has ever existed of such a serious allegation, but for the second time this summer, the local newspapers have published a stern warning against corruption by Dr Joe Mifsud, the MFA president.
It transpires that the national football governing body had reportedly received reports of an attempt by foreign individuals and Maltese accomplices to rig a match involving a local team.
Dr Mifsud has stressed: “The spectre of corruption in local football must be eradicated.”
He should have all the support he needs, for the benefit of the game. That way, the number of people who turn up at the stadium to see the matches will continue to increase.
In fact, it was positive to note that there was an increase in the attendance at the stadium recently. I wonder, if this had to do with the return of Valletta as a top flight challenger of this year’s premier league.
The Olympics
We’re almost there. On August 8, the 2008 edition of the Olympic Games will come to a start. Over $43 billion have been spent to build the facilities which will be used during the games. Over 31,000 press members will follow the games (and perhaps not just the games, given the politically controversial stances taken by China).
Malta will be represented by six athletes; William Chetcuti, Ryan Gambin, Charlene Attard, Marcon Bezzina, Nicolai Portelli and Madeline Scerri. All the country, I hope, will be supporting our athletes even if any hope of winning a medal are slim.
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Comments
very valid comment indeed. I still recall the day of the final of the FA Trophy. It was a great atmosphere in Hamrun. I am sure that their return to the premier will add more colour and hopefully more crowds to the stadia.
Jes
I dont think Valletta' return to the title had so much of an independent impact on crowd. Despite winning the title, we havent seen too many ground-packed games.
However one must note Hamrun S return to the Premiership. Is it a coincidence that last year First's Division attendance increase while last season the Prem has seen an increase?
Keith
I agree that the problem is not exclusive to Malta. However, it only was the Maltese FA President who went on record about it, and even passing on details to Police to investigate the matter (which from what I can understand doesn't involve the clubs).
I agree completely that we should support our local teams, and whenever possible we should do this.
Italy: no comment!
England: Harry Redknapp,Luton Town, player agents, etc etc
Scotland: openly bias referees
So its not just in Malta this problem. I believe though that it is used as a convienient excuse for locals to justify ridiculously supporting bigger, foriegn clubs. Support your local team!
Proven cases of corruption in the long history of local football can be counted on one's fingers.
Practically the only way to uncover it is either through catching the culprits red handed or through whistle blowing by a stakeholder involved.
Both these scenarios are unlikely in the extreme.
However, this does not mean that corruption does not exist in local sport. Football, being the major national pastime obviously is more prone to it than other sports.
I do empathise with the MFA authorities who are practically unable to do anything directly to bring corrupt individuals to book. What the MFA can ( and should) do is to eliminate the general aura of corruption brought about by situations such as Presidents changing ownership of football clubs whilst keeping a foot in their previous camp. Or else having players that are deemed to be the personal property of such Presidents to be traded at their pleasure.
Most of all, the climate of transparency (like charity) should begin at home, a quality apparently lacking judging by the allegations made during the run up to the last MFA presidential elections.