MFA announces cheaper entrance for league games, gate money for clubs

Antoine Portelli, the MFA’s newly-elected treasurer, told a news conference that the revised prices have been unanimously approved by the Premier League clubs.

“The top item on the agenda is the decision taken by the MFA to adjust the prices of the tickets for Premier League matches,” Portelli said, adding that  as from this season, tickets will cost €6 for all areas of the stadium.

“We have taken several factors into account before making this decision, not least the security of the fans. We will also maintain the existing practice that, once a section of the stadium is full, the overflowing fans will be switched to another area.

“I must point out that we’ve discussed the ticket prices and other issues with the officials of the Premier League clubs who have unanimously approved the proposals.”

Last season, male spectators paid €8 to watch Premier League matches but women, children and senior citizens were charged €4.

“As promised in our electoral programme, all the gate proceeds, after the deduction of expenses, will go to the clubs,” Portelli said.

“This means that the MFA will relinquish its 40 per cent share of the overall gate money.

“Furthermore, we are trying to devise a system whereby clubs receive their gate revenue on a monthly basis. Everyone knows that cash flow is very important and we feel that the cubs will be better off if they get their gate income every month rather than every three or four months.”

According to Portelli, the Malta FA’s windfall from gate money for the last three seasons was around €600,000.

“Regarding season tickets, we didn’t have enough time to make radical changes,” Portelli said. “We are thinking about introducing something ahead of the second phase of the Premier League but we hope to have a plan in place by the start of next season.

“There’s also the issue of the distribution of gate money. We need more time to assess this matter but in agreement with the Premier League clubs, we’ve decided to stick with the practice of dividing the gate income equally among the clubs involved on matchday.

“The ticket prices for the divisions below the Premier League are unchanged.”

The MFA treasurer also said that, as the process of issuing new complimentary tickets and passes for the new season is on-going, the security personnel at local stadia will be provided with a list of persons who are eligible to enter the VIP zones this weekend. Active coaches who have a UEFA ‘A’ or ‘B’ licence will also enter local stadia for free this season.

The Malta FA will also give clubs five complimentary tickets for those supporters who decorate their section with banners and another five tickets for the members of brass bands.