After several weeks of talks, all member clubs have unanimously agreed to overhaul the way gate revenue is shared out. Under the new arrangement, clubs that bring in the most supporters will be able to keep the income generated by their own fans.
The clubs have also agreed to scrap complimentary VIP tickets. From this season, no free passes will be handed out, and all season tickets and VIP cards must be paid for. A degree of solidarity between clubs will still be maintained, so the new system strikes a balance between rewarding performance and supporting the wider league.
This is a significant step forward for the league, bringing a system that had barely changed in decades firmly into the modern era. The new approach is expected to push clubs to focus more on engaging with their fans, move away from the habit of giving out free entry, and work harder to boost attendances and matchday income.
The reform was driven by Dr Joseph Muscat and Alan Abela, who championed these changes throughout and worked closely with the clubs to build the support needed to get them over the line. They firmly believe that a fairer, more sustainable revenue model will strengthen the league as a whole and encourage clubs to invest in growing their fanbases.
