With reference to the article entitled “Malta Rugby Union Pitch promises broken” published on page 59 of The Malta Independent on Sunday, 6 September 2009, the Malta Council for Sports outrightly objects to the Malta Rugby Football Union’s (MRFU) claims.

These are the facts.

Government subsidises - Rugby all through the season

Pitch 3 of the Marsa Sports Grounds is allocated to the Malta Rugby Football Union by the Malta Council for Sports (KMS), all through the rugby season. The rental of the pitch is subsidised by Government somewhere to the tune of e30,000 per annum. A sum that, if not for KMS, MRFU would have to pay.

In the last year KMS has also made available a second pitch (Pitch 2) to be used for rugby league matches during weekends.

Further to this MRFU are being allocated a club house also at the Marsa Sports Grounds and also at a subsidised rent. MRFU are free to make the best use of the allocated space whether it be bar and offices for the administration or offices and changing rooms for the players.

Government offered MRFU three different options

While electoral commitments are made for a five-year term, Government, has already proposed three different solutions to the Malta Rugby Football Union’s wish to build their own stadium, mainly:

1. for MRFU to enter into a partnership with St Lucia FC to develop an existing pitch in St Lucia

2. to develop and administer the Parade Ground within the Sir Adrian Dingli school with a contract which is similar to what a number of football clubs have signed during the last year.

3. to develop a piece of Government land in Paola.

The MRFU refused all options offered

1. The first option was refused on the basis that MRFU feels that they should not enter into partnerships with other sports organisations.

2. The second option was refused because Government could not give in to MRFU’s request to permit smoking and alcohol consumption on school grounds.

3. The third option was refused because according to MRFU, the site would not meet international standards. However KMS has, to date, not received any evidence to prove the MRFU claim. If such evidence is forwarded, KMS would immediately actively start looking for yet another alternative.

Many Associations interested in the Marsa Sports Grounds

The situation with regards to the piece of land known as Pitch 5 at the Marsa Sports Grounds is slightly different. The site of the Marsa Sports Grounds is used by a number of different sports associations.

These associations are equally important for the Malta Sports Council as is the MRFU. All of them have been in Marsa much before MRFU.

Some of these associations have also identified Pitch 5 as an area which would neatly host their needs. They, too, have valid reasons to sustain their claim.

Malta’s only Golf course is not a complete Golf course at all and it is in need of an extension. Applications for other areas to host new Golf courses have already been rejected after being faced with objections by the environmentalist lobby.

So an extension of the present Golf course in the Marsa Sports Grounds is being considered as a viable solution to accommodate local and foreign ‘golfers’ needs.

Equestrian Sports Associations have been established in Marsa for the last 140 years and they expect KMS to give due consideration to their much needed extension. Needless to say, Equestrian Sports in Malta also attracts a large number of enthusiasts.

A Master Plan for the Marsa Sports Grounds

The Malta Sports Council (KMS) has already commissioned a Master Plan for the Marsa Sports Grounds which is now going through the MEPA process. It is Government’s intention to maximise as much as possible the usage of Government land designated to sports. Any future Government land allocations shall be done according to this principle.

Sports Tourism

Government is firmly set in creating sports tourism as an important niche in the tourism sector. This year KMS, together with MTA, have launched a Sports Tourism Scheme for KMS registered Sports Associations which has already generated 22,000 bed nights.

The Malta Rugby Football Union has contributed to the amount by generating 1,500 bed nights. Through the scheme, Rugby shall benefit from e7,000 in cash.

KMS and government are deeply appreciative of the Malta Rugby Football Union’s efforts, as they are appreciative of the Cricket Association’s efforts to generate 3,000 bed nights (in 2009 alone) and equal gratefulness is shown to all the other associations who have been silently contributing towards this aim, year in, year out.

Towards acceptable solution for all

KMS is quite confident that where there is a will there is a way. An acceptable solution for all should be achieved through sincere dialogue. Common sense must prevail and not rough handed methods.

Joe Cassar

CEO

Malta Sports Council (KMS)