December 1997

Wed 31

• Premier League Pietà H. vs Valletta 1-2, Xghajra T. vs Hamrun S. 2-2
• Division 1 Dingli S. vs Mosta 2-1
• Israeli Under 16 International Tournament Slovakia vs Malta 1-0. A depleted Malta side suffered the fourth defeat with a controversial first half penalty.
• The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended the following players for one match each: Michael Spiteri (Hibs - Trophy), Dennis Cauchi and Justin Tellus (B'Kara), Pavel Mraz (Sliema) together Mark Sultana, Mark Farrugia (both Zurrieq).
• Last Minute Transfers: Birkirkara's defender Jeffrey Farrugia joined Floriana on loan for the rest of the season. On the other hand, Simon Sammut and Miguel Corbolan will remain with the Stripes.

Tue 30

• Birkirkara's Simon Sammut and Miguel Corbolan are expected to leave the club to join another Premier club. The favourites are Tarxien Rainbows although Corbolan could sign for Pietà. On the other hand, Matthew Calascione who was also requested by the Hotspurs, will definitely stay. Another Birkirkara player in the news, Jeffrey Farrugia, who was expected to join Valletta, has decided not to move. Floriana's David Galea was transferred to Hamrun on loan until the end of the season while Valletta extended the contract of their new Yugoslav foreigner Slavsa Manojlovic.
• Israeli Under 16 International Tournament Israel vs Malta 2-0

Mon 29

• Israeli Under 16 International Tournament Malta vs Turkey 0-3

Sun 28

• Premier League Floriana vs Hibernians 0-0, Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-1
• Division 2/3 Knock-Out Senglea A. vs Gudja U. 1-0, Zejtun C. vs Qormi 1-3. Senglea and Qormi qualify for Semi-Finals
• Gozo - Premier Victoria H. vs Ghajnsielem 2-0, Xaghra U. vs Xewkija T. 1-0
• Israeli Under 16 International Tournament Malta vs Sweden 1-3

Sat 27

• b>Division 1 Mellieha vs St. Patrick 1-2, St. George's vs Zurrieq 3-3
• Gozo - Division 1 Kercem A. vs SK Victoria W. 1-0, Munxar F. vs Sannat L. 1-5

Fri 26

• Transfers: Martin Gregory returned back home, joining his old team Sliema from Floriana. Other Floriana players in the news include David Galea who is expected to join Hamrun on loan and Dominique Wouters who should join English side West Bromich Albion on trial.
• The following players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner: Edmond Lufi (Hamrun), Reuben Debono (Naxxar) and Brignone (St. George's)

Wed 24

• Joe Brincat signed for Birkirkara. So far no details about the transfer deal are known. He is expected to make his debut on Sunday in the match against Sliema.
• The former Sliema striker, Roger Walker is expected to return to Malta this week from Switzerland to sign for Hibernians. It is understood that the player has already obtained Maltese citizenship since he is married to a Maltese.
• Rothmans Trophy - Preliminary Round Hamrun S. vs Zurrieq 2-0, Rabat A. vs Hibernians 1-3

Tue 23

• Joe Brincat is very close to signing for Birkirkara. Rumours have it that in the afternoon a meeting was held between Floriana president Anthony Grech Sant and B'Kara chairman Victor Zammit to finalise the agreement.On the other hand, Martin Gregory who earlier was linked with Sliema could end up with Pieta`. It was reported that the Hotspurs are trying to strengthen their squad with an experienced player while Sliema seem to be not so keen to have him back.
• Naxxar's protest regarding the match vs Hibernians was not upheld.
• Zurrieq was the third club to make public their precarious financial position. In an Extraordinary General Meeting, the club stated that the club has to sell a number of players. The first player who was transferred was Joe Falzon who joined Gozitan Premier side Xewkija.

Mon 22

• Naxxar Lions lodged a protest against the result of Sunday's match against Hibs regarding the ineligibility of Nigerian player Chuckinyere Ndubisi. In the mean time, the Lions are in search of a goalkeeper to replace Reuben Debono who will be suspended for their next match against Sliema.

Sun 21

• b>Premier League Hibernians vs Naxxar L. 5-0, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-3
• Division 2 Gzira U. vs Zebbug R. 2-0, Ghaxaq vs San Gwann 1-0
• Division 3 Ta' Xbiex vs Balzan Y. 0-0, Mgarr U. vs Msida SJ 2-0
• Gozo - Premier Xaghra U. vs Ghajnsielem 2-2, Xewkija T. vs Nadur Y. 0-6

Sat 20

• As from May 1999 all clubs affiliated with the MFA should obtain a license to be able to participate in official competitions. Four types of licenses will be issued: Semi-professional -
• A, B and C and Amateurs. Licenses will be renewed annually. Premier clubs would be required to have an A License which will be issued having at least an income of Lm 30,000, a full-time administrator, 12 non-amateur players, a head-coach and an insurance policy to cover medical expenses. These clubs should also participate in the U/14, U/16, U/18 and U/21 Leagues.
• Premier League Valletta vs Xghajra T. 1-0, Tarxien R. vs Floriana 0-1
• Division 1 St. George's vs Marsa 0-1, Siggiewi vs Rabat A. 2-3
• Division 2 Gudja U. vs Qormi 1-1, Mqabba vs Vittoriosa S. 2-0
• Women's League - Division 1 Lija A. vs Gozo w/o, Hamrun S. vs Mosta 0-4
• Women's League - Division 2 Raiders vs Planets G. 2-2
• Gozo - Division 2 Oratory Y. vs Marsalforn SP 6-0, Gharb R. vs Zebbug R. 2-0

Fri 19

• Floriana FC were given the go-ahead by club members to negotiate the transfer of international players, with a vote of 37 in favour, two against and two abstentions.
• The government and the MFA signed an agreement from which the MFA will get Lm100,000 for repairs on the enclosure stand at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali. MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud stated that other projects which are in the pipeline include the East (Valletta) side at the National Stadium which will be demolished and built again, the building of an artificial pitch at Ta' Qali and the rehabilitation of the Pace-Grasso Ground.

Thu 18

• During the MFA's council meeting, MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud announced new incentives for national team players. As from now on, national team coach, Josip Ilic will be able to include players who are doing well in the league even if they are not forming part of the regular squad. Players will be paid for training according to their international caps. Players will be offered appearance money and a bonus according to the importance of each match. Besides that, any player who refuse to join the national team will be disciplined, even by being suspended in the domestic league competition.

• Wed 17

  The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended three Premier League players and one First Division player. These are Jason Galea (Naxxar), Drasko Braunovic (Valletta), Michael Spiteri (Hibs) and Urah Graham (Zurrieq).

Tue 16

• Premier League Hibernians vs Tarxien R. 3-0, Sliema W. vs Valletta 2-2

Sun 14

• Division 1 Marsa vs Mellieha 2-1, St. Patrick vs Siggiewi 2-0
• Division 2 Pembroke A. vs St. Andrews 1-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Marsaxlokk 1-2
• Division 3 Fgura U. vs Birzebbuga SP 0-2, Luqa SA vs Zejtun C. 1-4
• Gozo - Republic Cup Nadur Y. vs Xaghra U. 3-1
• George Attard (Victoria H.) and Leo Apap (Oratory Y.) won the GFA Premier and First/Second Division Player of the Month Awards respectively.

Sat 13

• The MFA, Gozo FA and a number of football clubs will sign the official contract which will give them the legal right to administer their properties. The clubs are Hibs, Dingli, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, Mosta, Pieta`, Luxol St. Andrews, Sta. Lucia, Sirens, Siggiewi, Tarxien, Vittoriosa, St. Patrick and Zurrieq.
• An Floriana FC Extraordinary General Meeting on the 19th December will discuss the departure of Joe Brincat. The destination is one of three clubs: Birkirkara, Sliema or another big club (Valletta??). In the mean time the Greens are expected to start negotiations with an English club for the transfer of Belgian goalie Dominique Wouters.
• Premier League Naxxar L. vs Birkirkara 0-2, Floriana vs Pieta` H. 0-1
• Division 1 Zurrieq vs Dingli S. 2-2, Mosta vs Lija A. 0-3
• Division 2 Zebbug R. vs Sta. Lucia 2-2, San Gwann vs Gozo 1-2
• Division 3 Sirens vs Attard 3-3, Kirkop U. vs Melita 4-2
• Women's League - Division 1 Rabat A. vs Melita 2-0
• Women's League - Division 2 St. Andrews vs Qormi 0-2, Mellieha vs Floriana 2-0
• Gozo - Division 1 SK Victoria W. vs Munxar F.2-1, Kercem A. vs Qala SJ 2-1

Thu 11

• Rumours have it that three Floriana players could move to other clubs. The player about whom there were most rumours is Joe Brincat. Since August, Brincat was linked to B'Kara but now over the last two weeks, Sliema's interest in the international midfielder became an open secret. However the Greens will do their best to obstruct a possible transfer. Also Richard Buhagiar was requested by a number of Premier clubs. In this case, if Floriana receive a good offer, it would be more likely for Buhagiar to sign for a new club.
• A number of players at First Division club Lija are expected to move to another club. John Degiorgio, Emmanuel 'Dunda' Micallef, Thomas Azzopardi, Robert Farrugia and Jesmond Bartolo were dropped out of Lija's first eleven and did not report for training over the last few weeks. On the other hand, Emmanuel Lowell decided to hang his boots.

Wed 10

• The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended 4 Hibs players for one match: Alan Mifsud, Jesmond Delia, Kevin Noteman and Darren Attard. These players will miss Hibs' next match against Tarxien. The Paolites have already Roderick Baldacchino and Lawrence Attard missing, both injured but Michael Spiteri is expected to be back after that he resumed training. They could also have Chuckinyere "Wowo" Ndubisi making his debut as most likely, Fadel Ben Ammar will be replaced.
• Once again there is a change of fixtures: The First Division matches Marsa vs Mellieha and St. Patrick vs Siggiewi will be played at the Pace Grasso Ground on the 14th December. The Third Division matches (Fgura vs Birzebbuga and Luqa vs Zejtun) scheduled to be played on that day at the same ground will now be played at the Sirens Ground in St. Paul's Bay.

Mon 8

• Premier League Xghajra T. vs Floriana 0-4, B'Kara vs Hamrun S. 2-0
• Division 2 Ghaxaq vs Mqabba 1-2, Gzira U. vs Gudja U. 1-1
• Division 3 Gharghur vs Mgarr U. 0-2, Senglea A. vs Ta' Xbiex 3-1
• Women's League - Division 1 Mosta vs Hibernians 2-1, B'Kara vs Hamrun S. 4-0
• Women's League - Division 2 Planets G. vs Mellieha 0-1
• Gozo - Division 1 Kercem A. vs Munxar F. 6-1
• Gozo - Division 2 Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 3-1

Sun 7

• Premier League Tarxien R. vs Naxxar L. 0-3, Pieta` H. vs Hibernians 1-1. The match between Hibs and Pieta` had a historic touch as it was the first match played by a local club at his home ground. Hibs played at their ground in Corradino. However a negative point was the fact that two of their players were sent off.
• Division 2 Vittoriosa S. vs Sta. Venera L. 2-1, Qormi vs Pembroke A. 4-2
• Division 3 Msida SJ vs Luqa SA 3-2, Balzan Y. vs Fgura U. 7-0
• Gozo - Premier Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 0-2, Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 2-1
• In a friendly match played at Dingli to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dingli Swallows F.C., Valletta beat Dingli 3-0. Hubert Suda scored two goals and Nicky Saliba scored the third.

Sat 6

• A number of Hamrun supporters are organising a petition with the aim of forcing President Victor Tedesco to resign. However Tedesco has no intention to move out of the club.
• Division 3 Birzebbuga SP vs Melita 2-1, Zejtun C. vs Attard 0-2
• Women's League - Division 1 Rabat A. walk-over Gozo FC
• Women's League - Division 2 Floriana vs St. Andrews 1-1, Qormi vs Raiders 2-3
• Gozo - Division 1 Qala SJ vs Sannat L. 1-0
• Gozo - Division 2 Gharb R. vs Marsalforn SP 2-0

Fri 5

• The MFA will receive $1million (Lm 360,000) annually for 4 years from FIFA as part of the international body's plan to help all member associations in the development of football in each country.
• Tunisian Ridha Dardouri moved from Birkirkara to Gozitan Premier Division side Nadur Youngsters. This is because the Stripes are trying hard to sign a new foreigner by the end of December which is the deadline for the signing of new players. Currently they have three players on trial and are expected to have another two arriving next week. However the player who is expected to be chosen is one of these, a youngster coming from Nigeria.

Thu 4

• Valletta's stopper Darren Debono will be travelling to Germany at the end of December to receive treatment on his left shoulder. Meanwhile Valletta have two new foreign players on a one month trial. These are Bulgarian midfielder, Adrian Issaef (32 years) and Yugoslav midfielder Slavsa Manojlovic (26 years). The former played for top level football in Bulgaria and Turkey while the latter used to play with the same club in Belgrade with whom Danilo Doncic played.

Wed 3

• Premier League Hibernians vs Sliema W. 0-3 Naxxar L. vs Hamrun S. 1-1
• It is understood that MFA President Joe Mifsud informed all Premier clubs that it is not possible to accept their proposal of having a third foreigner with each club as from January. This is because competition rules cannot be amended at this stage in the season. However this could be accepted at the end of the season.

Tue 2

• New fixtures were published for the Premier and First Division Leagues while the Rothmans Trophy First Round Fixtures scheduled for next weekend, have been cancelled. These are the new fixtures:
  Sat 6 (Div. I - Hamrun) Marsa vs Mellieha, St. Patrick vs Siggiewi
  Sun 7 (Premier - Corradino) Tarxien vs Naxxar, Pieta` vs Hibs
  Mon 8 (Premier - Ta' Qali) Xghajra vs Floriana, B'Kara vs Hamrun S.
  Sat 13 (Premier - Corradino) Naxxar vs B'Kara, (Premier - Hamrun) Floriana vs Pieta`, (Div I - Corradino) Zurrieq vs Dingli, (Div I - Hamrun) Mosta vs Lija
  Sun 14 (Premier - Ta' Qali) Hibs vs Tarxien, Sliema vs Valletta
  Wed 17 (Premier - Corradino) Hibs vs Xghajra