While it is satisfying to know that we have finally realised the need for the commercialisation of football, concerns about various points that emerge from the business plan being proposed must be flagged.

An increase in the number of teams in the highest division of Maltese football is not the best decision, as it would reduce the concentration of talent (in terms of players, coaches and administrators) and spread it over a larger spectrum. It would reduce the concentration of resources, in terms of pitches, equipment, sponsors and, therefore, money.

I believe that if one brings together all these resources and personnel in a smaller number of teams, which would really be the elite, it would be possible for the best players from smaller teams to join these elite teams that would help strengthen squads, thus bolstering the level in general.

Good coaches can join the upper teams and keep developing good players for newer opportunities. Top administrators would also be required at established teams to manage the commercialisation of football within their clubs professionally, meaning they can manage them as businesses

It would then be up to the smaller clubs whether they are able to attract the sort of individuals who would be necessary to make the difference, get promoted and grow.

Good individuals do not need luck if they have the skill. Let them fight for it if they want to prove who’s the best.

The Premier Division should really be the elite category and not a free-for-all charity centre.

The Premier Division should really be the elite category and not a free-for-all charity centre

Apart from this, more teams would mean more matches, especially in mid-table. This, in turn, would translate into an increase in the number of matches, which would not really change anything in terms of points. This gives way to more temptations, mediocrity and complacency because, whatever, it won’t change anything.

The more direct encounters there are, the higher the increase in quality (and not quantity) and professionalism, and the lower the possibility of illegalities.

The increase in single match ticket prices does not really make sense. A simple economic exercise tells us that the lower the demand, the lower the price has to be to be able to reach market equilibrium. In normal circumstances, this simply means the lower the price, the more people will come.

If one is going to increase the price, one has to also raise quality and, unfortunately, this is very difficult, as explained above.

As for the season ticket, this is a very good idea, however one must make sure it would really be worth it. Let us not forget, though, that football is followed by a vast spectrum of different social realities, some of which are not able to splash the cash in large amounts at one go. And, let’s face it, even if you’re well off, it would still not be a very good idea to pay for four season tickets at one go, especially if you’re not really sure about the product. In my opinion, quality is not really likely to be raised and the quantity will probably be mediocre, for the reasons mentioned above.

To conclude, I am still very happy that, finally, something is being done to open up the footballing market, to make it more free, more equal and, above all, more professional.

I am also very happy that there is now the possibility of commercialisation. However, in order to add up all this, one has to offer an experience, and this can only be done in the way the product is promoted and marketed, the way the supporter is engaged and the general atmosphere in smaller but well-equipped stadiums that are suited to the sort of population of this country.

This is just my personal opinion about how we can all make the beautiful game even more beautiful in Malta.

Warren Sammut has been active in football administration and futsal for a number of years