I refer to your editorial under the heading Knowing the score (TMID, 22 August), particularly to the paragraph referring to what was alleged as “a known fact that interest in local football has dwindled over the past years”.

I wish to state that attendances for local competitive matches have shown an upward trend in the last three football seasons. This is borne out by statistics released by the Malta Football Association.

Facts can never be refuted and I can only conclude that the assertion made in the said editorial was gratuitous.

Alex Vella

Media Communications Officer

Malta Football Association