For the first time, Malta will have security stewards in a regulated manner, at venues where sporting events take place, which will complement the work of the officers of the Police Force. Police who in these events will now be able to focus more on their core duties (police core duties) with the aim of making Maltese and Gozitan families increasingly safer. This is as Malta will be adopting procedures and practices adopted in European countries in international sporting events.
This is through a law that the Government is putting forward and for which a motion was presented in Parliament, which will lead to trained and licensed persons being able to provide their 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 together with the disqualification criteria for the license and the duties and obligations for both agencies and security stewards.
The role of these stewards will include controlling access to sports venues and using electronic equipment to check spectators for dangerous or prohibited items, monitoring for any security risks or threats while assisting the Police as required. The aim of introducing these stewards is also to assist in terms of order and security.
Before one can apply for a security steward licence, they must have successfully completed a training course that is recognised by the Authority for Integrity in Malta Sports (AIMS) and approved by the Police Force.
Malta’s sporting community deserves respect and protection. Therefore, these reforms also introduce stronger measures to deter and penalize those who engage in violence, hate speech, or misconduct. 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.
- Mandatory ban from attending sporting events for a period of between six months and five years.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, in a meeting he held with the Malta Football Association together with the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, reiterated that with the introduction of security stewards not only will the Police be able to carry out their work better, but that security in these places 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 goals. On the one hand, we are also modernizing 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 had 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.
Minister Clifton Grima said that the introduction of professional stewards at 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 stressed that this project is part of a broader 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 to ensure that investment in sport remains a priority, offering better opportunities for local athletes, clubs and 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 while the Police, which will remain committed to continuing to ensure security at sports events, will be able to focus more on its core duties. He expressed satisfaction that the extensive consultation carried out on this law will now be introducing these stewards with a regulatory framework, with the aim of the Police Force and the law remaining to always serve the people in the best way to ensure their safety.
President of the Malta Football Association Bjorn Vassallo reiterated that, “The Malta Football Association welcomes the introduction of this law because it brings our country into line with other countries in Europe and with what UEFA regulations require in the operation of football matches both on a domestic and international level. The collaboration and work carried out with the Police Force under the direction of Commissioner Angelo Gafà and with the Ministries concerned was decisive in getting us this far, where now as an Association, the next step will be to provide the necessary training to those individuals interested in obtaining a license to work in this sector.”
The MFA President added that attending a football stadium should be enjoyable and through this improvement, Police officers will be able to focus on other specific tasks, while stewards will be complementing the guiding principles of safety and security. He concluded by saying, “It is a pleasure for me that the Malta Football Association has once again been a catalyst in introducing sustainable concepts that can benefit all of sport in our country and its followers. Thank you to everyone who was part of shaping all of this together with us.”
Photo: MHSE/MEYR
