There was a 3.5 per cent increase in attendances when compared to those of the previous season.

This was revealed yesterday by MFA Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo just before the draws for the association’s four divisions were made.

He said this was very encouraging despite the fact that one team had dominated the Premier League’s Championship Pool and another team was relegated early, almost at the start of the Relegation Pool.

He re-affirmed the stance of the association’s administration to distribute more revenue to the clubs. “All the gate-money from league matches is now being handed over to the clubs. Suffice to say that compared to the previous season, the clubs received a massive 88.5 per cent more. The MFA is committed to see the clubs earning more and that is why it is taking several measures to make football more attractive,” he said.

Vassallo also said that the association was reforming its structures vis-à-vis the various leagues. He added: “For the first time, the MFA is moving football to the towns and villages, there will be a new ticketing system, hospitality to those who support the game on match days and better marketing of the game. This is being done to help the clubs earn more revenue and therefore become viable. Moreover, the association hopes that by introducing such measures, the game will become more attractive and the attendances will continue to increase if the public is provided with the proper entertainment on the field of play.”

Vassallo thanked Bank of Valletta for their continued support.

BoV Chief Officer Victor Denaro said the Bank’s name had become synonymous with major sporting events in Malta and Gozo. “It is the seventh year that the Bank of Valletta is supporting all the national leagues,” he said, adding that they were looking forward to a continued successful partnership with the MFA with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of the local players, coaches, administrators and referees.