The Malta FA is putting forward an amended format to the 2017-18 Premier League competition with the introduction of play-offs and play-outs in a 14-team competition, general secretary Bjorn Vassallo announced yesterday.
The new set of changes was discussed thoroughly by the MFA Executive Committee earlier this month, Vassallo said.
The proposals, he added, will see teams that finish the season in positions 3, 4, 5 and 6 involved in play-offs that will award them qualification berths to the UEFA Europa League.
On the other hand, those teams that complete the championship in positions 9, 10, 11 and 12 will figure in play-outs.
The Premier League format has been a subject of great discussion among local football fans in the last couple of months.
MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo is in favour of 14 teams in the top flight with the championship contested over two rounds and the much-criticised system of having points halved after the opening phase totally abolished.
The association also proposed the introduction of season tickets in a move aimed at attracting more people to the stadiums, providing a financial incentive to the clubs.
Darmanin Demajo’s views brought about a mixed reaction from the Premier League Standing Committee, fans and the critics who were divided on the new format being proposed.
Many, however, contended that with so many teams in the top flight there was a growing risk of having some of the teams with little to play for in the last weeks of the championship.
Vassallo reckons the introduction of the deciders at both ends of the table will kill off such scenario.
The introduction of extra players from outside the country last season contributed to a more competitive championship
“When Mr Darmanin Demajo presented his proposals the biggest criticism we faced was that the competition could suffer an anti-climax if some of the teams in mid-table achieve their objectives early and make sure of their status for another year,” Vassallo said.
“But, we think the new format will make sure that this does not happen as teams at either end of the table will have to make sure they stay competitive throughout the entire campaign.
“We’re convinced this will increase the excitement and interest among the fans.
“The end-of-season deciders have been played with great success in the English Football League for several years now. In Italy, the Serie B has also seen an increase in attendances over the last few years with the introduction of promotion and relegation play-offs.
“This is a system that can work in our league as well. It will prove to be a success and we now hope that the clubs will back us on these new changes.”
Vassallo said the issue is currently being discussed by the various league standing committees. The changes will be put for a vote of approval during an extraordinary general meeting next month.
The general secretary, meanwhile, said that there were a lot of positives to take from the season just concluded.
“The introduction of extra players from outside the country last season contributed to a more competitive championship,” Vassallo said.
“The foreigners provided an added challenge to our players to improve their game and try to force their way into the first team.
“In fact, we’ve seen that there were several occasions when Premier League coaches opted not to use the full quota of foreign players during matches.
“As regards attendances, although official figures have not been completely worked out yet, it looks like there was an increase at the gates and that surely bodes well for the new season.”