The MFA Council did not approve proposals for a new National League format as presented in a document issued in January based on a consensus among the majority of member clubs after meetings held with the MFA Officials.

The aim of the reform was to make the Premier League more competitve by reducing the league to eight teams, played on a straightforward three-round basis.

MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud explained all the reasons behind these reforms, citing that attendances still showed a downward trend following attempts in recent years to make matches more attractive. He said that while income from gates was dwindling, expenses were rising, with the result that member clubs would have to face financial hardship in the near future, if the situation prevailed.

Besides, the season was becoming too long for our top players and this was adversely affecting their physical and mental preparation. Reduced matches would mean more time for better preparation for the players and regular fixtures on grass pitches, without hindering the continuity of the Premier League programme.

Dr Mifsud said there was need for something to be done in order to arrest a deteriorating situation, also borne out by the fact that a ten-team league was top-heavy, considering our limited population.

Following lengthy interventions from council members, a vote was taken, resulting in the proposals for the new format being turned down.