For the first time, Malta will have security stewards in a regulated manner, at venues where sporting events are held. Stewards will complement the work of the Police Force officers, who will now be able to focus more on their main duties (police core duties) with the aim of making Maltese and Gozitan families increasingly safer. Malta will therefore be adopting procedures and practices adopted in European countries in international sporting events.

The law that the Government is putting forward and for which a motion was presented in Parliament, will lead to trained and licensed persons being able to provide this service. This regulatory framework not only introduces these stewards, but also tasks the Police Force with the licensing of both security steward agencies and the stewards themselves. This is in addition to the disqualification criteria for the licence and the duties and obligations for both agencies and security stewards.

The role of these stewards will be, among others, to control access to sports venues and use electronic devices to check spectators for dangerous or prohibited items, monitor for any security risks or threats while assisting the Police as necessary. The aim of the introduction of these stewards is also to assist in matters of order and security.

Before one can apply for a security steward licence, one must have successfully completed a training course that is recognised by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) and approved by the Police Force.

Photo courtesy of Joe Borg / Malta FA

These reforms also introduce stronger measures to deter and penalise those who engage in violence, hate speech, or misbehaviour. Those who violate public order laws will also face, in addition to charges found in the criminal code, other serious consequences, including:

•⁠ ⁠Higher fines for crimes committed at sports venues, ranging from €500 to €5,000.

•⁠ ⁠A mandatory ban from attending sports events for a period of between six months and five years.

In a meeting with the Malta Football Association together with Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, reiterated that with the introduction of security stewards, not only will the Police be able to carry out their work better, but that security at these venues will continue to be strengthened. He added that this law is also evidence of how the Government is formulating its policy, with continuous dialogue with the main stakeholders and that after that consultation, it decides and implements it.

“This is a change that achieves different objectives. On the one hand, we are also modernising the security systems where sporting events take place, by introducing systems that have long been used in other countries. On the other hand, we are continuing to make changes through which the Police Force focuses on what is most expected of it, crime prevention, law enforcement and maintaining order. In this way, local sports facilities are adopting stewarding systems similar to those found at international sporting events. Naturally, the experience gained by the police over the years will be offered to the sports administration through training and law enforcement,” said Minister Camilleri.

During the discussion, the Ministers held a dialogue with the top management of the MFA and various branches of the same association that are directly involved in the game of football, such as referees, football players and coaches, logistical coordinators and the management of the premier league and other domestic leagues.

For his part, Minister Clifton Grima said that the introduction of professional stewards in football stadiums in Malta is an important step towards improving the sporting experience in the country. He stressed that with this step, in collaboration with the Malta Football Association, fans and players will enjoy football in a professional environment.

Minister Grima emphasised that this project is part of a wider strategy to improve the infrastructure and management of sport in Malta, and that this modern approach will help Maltese football continue to grow on a technical and organisational level. He stated that the government will continue to work with the MFA and all stakeholders so that investment in sport remains a priority, in a way that offers better opportunities for athletes, clubs and local fans.

Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà stated that with this step we will be moving closer to practical procedures adopted in European countries and around the world, where in sports venues you will have stewards who take care of security. This is with the aim of continuing to strengthen security in these places.