Watch: Muscat Wants Malta Premier League To Start Earlier Despite Summer Heat
Malta Premier League chairman and former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has proposed starting the league earlier to improve Maltese clubs’ chances of success in European competitions.
Speaking during a panel discussion on ONE TV’s Awla, Muscat said that his goal is for at least one Maltese team to qualify for the UEFA Conference League group stages within the next two to three years.
However, he noted that Maltese clubs are currently at a disadvantage, as European qualifiers kick off in July, a month before the domestic league begins.
“Their most crucial games are their very first of the season, when players barely even know each other,” he said.
Muscat stressed that adjusting the league calendar would put teams in a stronger position for European matches.
“People might raise concerns about the summer heat, but footballers play in the summer anyway. Premier League clubs all agree that the calendar should change.”
He highlighted that Irish and Baltic clubs saw improved performances after aligning their seasons with European competitions.
Muscat also pointed out the financial benefits of having a Maltese team in the group stages, arguing that it would unlock additional UEFA funding, benefiting not just top-tier clubs but also those in the Challenge League.
Do you agree with this proposal?
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