As the 2017/18 season enters an exciting phase, the supporters have an added incentive to step up their game in the stands. The Malta Football Association is introducing the Best Fans Award by way of rewarding the efforts of the supporters who consistently show their loyalty and backing to their club throughout the 2017/18 BOV Premier League and BOOST Diesel FA Trophy campaigns.
How will the winners of the Best Fans Award be chosen?
At the end of the season, a panel of journalists who regularly follow the BOV Premier League will review the contribution of the fans of the 14 top-flight clubs. They will draw up a shortlist of candidates who will then be awarded points based on the following three criteria:
- Turn-out during the season
- Choreography
- Good conduct
The first winners of the Best Fans Award will be announced during the 2018 MFA Awards, to be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in May.
“The fans are the heart and soul of football,” Dr Matthew Paris, the Malta FA Vice-President who oversees the organisation of the MFA Awards, said.
“We are introducing this annual award by way of recognising the contribution of the supporters as well as to encourage them to raise the level of support for their teams.”
“We hope that this initiative spurs the fans to add more colour and vibe to the matchday atmosphere when their team is playing, knowing also that their efforts could see them crowned as the best supporters in Malta for season 2017/18.”
While the fans will earn points for attendance, choreography and good behaviour, under the proposed regulations for the Best Fans Award, fan-related offences that are subject to disciplinary action by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board will result in point deductions.