Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, together with Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, on Monday announced the new Malta Premier stadium project in Marsa, "an initiative that continues to build on the investment made by the government in recent years in sports infrastructure", a government statement said.
In the presence of the Malta Premier leadership, as well as the presidents of the clubs participating in this championship, it was explained that support for this project forms part of the government's wider vision to continue investing in modern and sustainable sports infrastructure. This is because the government recognises that sport plays an important role not only in competition, but also in society, especially among young people.
In his address, Minister Byron Camilleri stressed that this is another important step in that direction and said: "This Malta Premier project will be another important link in this effort to take our country's sports infrastructure to another level." He added that a stadium is not just a building, but a space where people come together and where values such as discipline, unity and fair play are embraced.
He maintained that a better experience for the public is crucial to encourage more people to move closer to local football, and that modern infrastructure can make a concrete difference in the way the game is followed and appreciated. He also reiterated that the aim is to create an environment where families feel comfortable attending and where football becomes a social experience that brings people together.
It was in this context that Minister Camilleri explained that, where applicable, projects of this type may also be supported through the citizenship by merit framework. This is intended to attract exceptional contributions that continue to strengthen and support the country's strategic sectors. He recalled that this is not the first time that the citizenship by merit framework has contributed to the sports sector.
The new stadium is intended not only to host top-level local matches, but also to meet the standards required for international competitions, as requested by UEFA, while giving Maltese football the facilities it truly deserves. The same sports complex is not limited solely to football, but is planned as a multifunctional space that can also host other sports, including rugby, and different sporting activities, so that it can be used more widely by the community.
For his part, Minister Clifton Grima said: "This project reflects our commitment to continue investing both in our athletes and in our country's sports infrastructure. Today, Malta has built a strong reputation for organising international events, and this is the result of continuous investment and long-term vision."
Minister Grima said that this new stadium will be a modern and sustainable facility that will continue to provide more opportunities for clubs, communities and above all for our young people. It is an investment that will continue to strengthen the sporting sector in our country, while also recognising the important value that sport has in our society.
Malta Premier League Chairman Joseph Muscat said: "This is a project that will help ensure the sustainability of Maltese football because it will make the experience of those attending more attractive. We will have a modern and safe environment similar to modern stadiums abroad and it will be a genuine outing for the whole family. This project will be the New Home of the Malta Premier, the symbol of Maltese football."
This project confirms the Government's commitment to continue investing in sport as an important pillar of society, with a clear vision that combines better infrastructure with more opportunities and participation. It is another step towards a future where the football experience is more modern, accessible and of higher quality for everyone.