Why Are Foreign Investors Investing In Local Clubs?

With foreign owners investing in three Malta Premier League clubs, Maltese fans are asking why all of a sudden, local clubs are turning into private companies.

Foreign investors have invested in Żabbar St. Patrick, Hibernians, and Birżebbuġa St. Peter's FC, becoming the majority shareholders of these Premier League clubs.

FIFA licensed football agent, Cesare Marchetti, brokered the first private sale of a Maltese football club, which was Birżebbuġa St. Peter's FC, with Hibernians FC being bought by a private American investment company. He then went on to broker the sale of Żabbar St. Patrick to Southampton chairman Dragan Šolak and his investment group.

Marchetti argued that the reasons for investing in Maltese clubs include the EU jurisdiction, pathway to European competition, player trading opportunities, an English speaking market, Malta's strategic location, infrastructure and development opportunities, residency and citizenship pathways, and long-term investment potential.

He remarked that "for multi-club ownership groups (MCOs) and private investors, Malta deserves serious consideration," with the door now open through the sale of these three clubs.

However, a serious question has been posed. Do these investments pose danger for Maltese clubs? This morning, the news broke that Birżebbuġa St. Peter's owner, Ketan Makwana, has failed to honour his financial obligations towards the club after reaching an agreement with the club back in May 2026.

Cesare Marchetti was the agent who brokered this agreement, the same person who brokered the sale of Żabbar St. Patrick to Dragan Šolak, which leaves Maltese football fans with many questions. Will the same situation repeat itself with Żabbar St. Patrick FC? Are foreign investors improving or destroying Maltese football?

#MaltaDaily