ABSTRACT
In Malta football is a national obsession. Social and political events come second to World Cup fixtures. Those about to be wed in holy matrimony avoid clashing with football fixtures, thereby ensuring that their guests will be both present (and attentive), and in good humour. Political rallies in Malta are shifted so as not to clash with a big game (be it club or national team) broadcast on satellite TV from England or Italy. The Malta Parliament has even had its sittings adjusted to suit the international football calendar. The greatest participatory commercial event in Malta – the annual Trade Fair – which one-third of the Maltese population visits, was shifted in 2002 so as not to coincide with the World Cup finals, the organisers having made their mistake in 1990 when the tournament was hosted by Italy, and visitors to the event were down some 50 per cent. For all the love of the game and the joie de vivre, the game brings its enthusiasts and asks questions of the Maltese, which the population are not always comfortable in answering.
