MFA president Joe Mifsud yesterday revealed that overall attendances the past season were on the increase – to the tune of just over 40,000.

Addressing a news conference on the occasion of the draws for the Bank of Valletta national leagues, he said it was the third consecutive year that an increase in attendance had been registered. But he added that in the top sphere, there were the National League Anniversary Cup matches as well which contributed to that increase.

He also said that a significant increase was registered in attendances for the third division matches.

Dr Mifsud also said that the three wins (Birkirkara) and the two draws (Sliema W. and Valletta) so far in the European club competitions, have strengthened the position of Maltese clubs. He added: “It is possible that as from next season, we will again have three teams taking part in the Europa League instead of two as was the case in the last few seasons.”

He congratulated the three clubs for their positive results in the European club competitions and wished Birkirkara and Valletta further success in this week’s encounters.

Mifsud added that the MFA is adamant in fighting corruption. He again launched an appeal for anyone making local football stink to be reported so that the necessary action will be taken. “I sincerely hope we will have an interesting championship where we will avoid the start to last season’s competition,” he said.

Dr Mifsud said the league this season will commence later than usual, that is on 11 September. “This is because the national team will be involved in two Euro 2012 qualifying matches. So we decided to start the season after the Malta team’s commitments,” he said.

Mr Charles Borg, Chief Officer Financial Markets and Investments, said this was the sixth year of the bank’s sponsorship of the local national football competitions. “We are very happy with the level of competition, with the outcome of the last two seasons being decided in the very last matches. This has led to an increased interest in local football by the public and a better performance by our teams in European competitions,” he added.

Earlier football writer Carmel Baldacchino said he had been given the backing of the MFA to publish a local football encyclopaedia.

He said it will be spread over 10 volumes and hoped to have one published every year. Each volume will have four sections, that is, the story of the MFA, the national team, clubs against foreign teams and the A-Z of Maltese football (players, coaches officials who contributed to the local game from the very start till today).

He expects the first volume to be out next October.