Malta FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo said today that the introduction of season tickets for Premier League clubs and a proposed increase in the number of top-flight teams from 12 to 14 are intended to boost income for clubs and make the local football calendar more convenient for all the stakeholders.
Mr Darmanin Demajo summoned the media to give a presentation on the new business model for the Premier League which has divided opinion among critics and fans.
The MFA head explained that if the clubs sold a combined 2,000 season tickets between them, their collective gate income will rise to €433,696, a massive increase on last season's figure when the clubs shared a meagre €46,522 from gate receipts.
Replying to criticism about the proposed increase in the matchday price ticket from €7 to €10 or €12, Mr Darmanin Demajo stressed that this was being done to encourage fans to acquire season tickets which, apart from being transferable, will also give users access to FA Trophy games and, potentially, Malta's international friendly matches.
Genuine supporters follow their team week in week out and not only in big games
"Genuine supporters follow their team week in week out and not only in big games," Mr Darmanin Demajo said.
Under the proposals, complimentary tickets will carry a basic cost to cover administration and IT-related expenses.
On the contentious proposal to raise the number of clubs in the Premier League to 14, Darmanin Demajo hit back at suggestions that this will reduce the competitiveness of the championship.
He referred to a talk Peter Kenyan, one of the founding members of the English Premier League, gave during a conference in Portugal in which he said that leagues should be no longer than two rounds.
"Classic games should not happen more than twice every season as, if that were to happen, it would dilute the interest and reduce competitiveness," Mr Darmanin Demajo said.
The MFA president said he disagreed with the argument that the top division should be contested by only eight clubs over four rounds as the "Premier League is not an exclusive club open to the top teams only".
The Malta FA president insisted that the recommendations included in the business model are based on facts not speculation.
The Premier Division Standing Committee has endorsed the proposed business model but the vote on the rise to 14 clubs was not unanimous.
Darmanin Demajo said the feedback from the Premier League clubs on the recommendations has been very positive but the proposed changes would only be implemented if they are ratified during a General Meeting.
While the plan is for the season tickets are introduced from the start of next season, the new format of the Premier League, with 14 teams, over two rounds and with no division of points, will come into effect from the start of season 2017/18.
Adrian Delia, the Birkirkara president, has withdrawn his candidacy for the election to fill the Malta FA Executive Committee post vacated by Redeno Apap, the former Qormi president.
Dr Delia's withdrawal left Paul Falzon, of St Andrew's, as the only candidate for the post for the remainder of the season. Falzon was approved unanimously.