April 2005
Sat 30
- Premier League Pietà H. vs St. Patrick 4-0, Floriana vs Hibernians 0-1
- First Division Mqabba vs Gozo 5-2, St. George's vs Hamrun S. 1-2
- Second Division Tarxien R. vs Dingli S. 2-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Rabat A. 1-5
Fri 29
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Lija A. 1-1, Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 0-3
- Third Division Gharghur vs Pembroke A. 2-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Fgura U. 4-1
- MFA president Dr Mifsud gave an overview of the MFA’s position regarding its new regulations - adopted after Malta became a member of the E.U. - on the registration and engagement of non-Maltese players from countries forming the European Union and other foreigners signed as full-time non-amateur players by Maltese clubs. This followed a request by Dr Simon Busuttil, one of Malta’s E.U. Members of Parliament, who has asked the E.U. Commission to investigate the MFA through the Maltese Government on the grounds that the regulations were in breach of the European Laws with regard to freedom of movement and the right to work of all citizens of countries in the European Union.
Dr Mifsud cited an answer given by the one of the members of the European Commission which dealt with the relevant rule of the EU Constitution – No 39 – saying that the MFA was in line with what has been adopted by the EU Constitution, even if this has not yet been implemented, and this insofar as the ‘specificity of sport’ is concerned. The MFA is guided by the principle that local talent has to be protected - hence the spirit behind the new regulations on the engagement of non-Maltese players.
Such line of action is also being pursued by UEFA when in its recent Congress in Tallinn it drew a plan over three years up to season 2007-2008, for each club entering European Competitions to have a minimum number, rising to eight home-grown players, in their 25-man squad.
Malta, having practically amateur or semi-professional players when compared to those in other bigger and more established countries, would be at a big disadvantage if it does not protect its home-grown talent.
It could be that those who are questioning the MFA’s policy in this regard do not have the development of Maltese youths at heart. Dr Mifsud said that the Malta Government is very compliant in this respect.
The Minister of Education, in fact, praised the MFA Youth Policy through the sterling work being done at Nursery Levels and the interest of the Association in developing the youth sector.
It is the opinion of the MFA that the investigative action being proposed is contrary to the spirit of working in favour of home talent and thus protecting our youths.
Thu 28
- Third Division Kalkara vs Gudja U. 0-3, Ghaxaq vs Sta Lucia 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs SK Victoria W. 2-6
- The Premier League 2005-2006 will kick-off in the first week of August unlike the past years when the Premier League started off late in August or early in September.
The main objective is to reduce the number of matches scheduled to be played at the Centenary Stadium. In fact, the first round will be played entirely at the National Stadium. Only one match from the second round is scheduled to be played at the Centenary Stadium. Last year, nine matches were scheduled at this venue with further matches being played there after being postponed.
Between November and March, Premier League matches will be played the National Stadium, Hibernians Ground and Victor Tedesco Stadium with the last phase being played entirely at the National Stadium.
The first round will be completed by October 23. The second round will be played between November 18 and February 12.
The second phase - the Championship Pool and Relegation Pool - gets underway on March 4 while the final match will be played on May 14.
The first competition of the season - the Euro Cup, will be played on July 4, 6 and 8 while the Super Cup is scheduled for August 1st.
The first round of the FA Trophy will be played at the Centenary Stadium on October 29 and 30, November 5 and 6. The second round is scheduled for February 18 and 19 while the quarter-finals are programmed for April 8 and 9. The semi-finals of the FA Trophy are scheduled for May 19 and 20 while the final will be played for May 26.
The Quadrangular Tournament (the Super 5 Tournament) will be played on December 26 and 27 while the final will be played on December 30.
All the competitions which were held last season have been confirmed with the sole exception of the Reserves League.
Therefore the complete list of competitions for season 2005/06 are the National League (Premier, First, Second & Third Division), FA Trophy, Super Cup, Euro Challenge Cup, Quadrangular Tournament (Super 5), Second & Third Division Knock-Out, the Youth League, the Youth Knock-Out, the Women's First Division, the Women's Knock-Out, the Futsal League and the Futsal Knock-Out.
Meanwhile it was announced that the Malta International Tournament will be played between February 25 and March 1. Besides competitive matches, the national team will be playing a friendly match on August 17.
- First Division side St. George's had two points deducted following the incidents which led to the abandonment of the First Division league match between St. George's and Senglea Athletic on April 16.
St. George's admitted a series of accusations including the abandonment of the match, the assault on an assistant referee by a supporter, the attempted assault on the referee by another supporter, the hurling of seats and stone-pelting in the VIP area and the use of vulgar and offensive language.
Senglea Athletic were therefore awarded a 2-0 win. St. George's had two points deducted, fined Lm 35 for the incidents and Lm 46 for damages caused. The full co-operation shown by the committee of St. George's was taken into consideration when this decision was being taken by the Council of the Malta Football Association.
In fact, St. George's FC were also quick to issue a statement, just after the game, in which they deplored the behaviour of the supporter who entered the field of play and assaulted the assistant referee.
The match was abandoned by referee Adrian Casha on 78 minutes. Senglea were leading 2-1 when a St. George's supporter skipped the fence and entered the pitch, hitting assistant referee Alan Camilleri. Another supporter also skipped the fence and tried to attack him but he was stopped by St. George's players.
Stones and a cardboard box were thrown into the field of play while seats were thrown from one side of the stands to the other.
Alan Camilleri was unable to resume his duties as assistant referee as he was suffering from a psychological shock. Considering this and the lack of security, referee Adrian Casha opted to abandon the game.
Wed 27
- Floriana goalkeeper Reuben Gauci was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the Premier League match against Valletta last Saturday. The Malta Under-21 goalkeeper will be missing the next game against Hibernians.
Other players to be suspended for one match were Simon Gatt (Gozo), Ikechukwu Chibueze (Mosta), Donald Gatt (Mqabba), Charles Gatt (Gzira), Darren Galea and Rodney Camilleri (Rabat) and Charles Cachia (Vittoriosa).
Matthew Bonnici (Balzan) was suspended for one match in the Youth League while Malcolm Mamo (Melita) and Stuart Abdilla (St. Patrick) were banned for one match in the Youth Knock-Out.
Tue 26
- The Malta Football Association will consider applications from constituted clubs to participate in the Third Division League next season 2005/2006.
Applications, which must include a copy of the Club Statute and a list of committee members with their respective IDs, must reach the MFA General Secretary at 280, St. Paul Street, Valletta VLT 07, by not later than Monday 9th May, 2005.
Mon 25
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Sta. Venera L. 5-0, Melita vs Mellieha 0-2
- Six Floriana supporters were arraigned in court accused of violent behaviour and injuring police officers after the Premier League match between Valletta and Floriana on Saturday.
They were accused of attacking or violently resisting police officers on duty and slightly injuring Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat and police officer Stephen Grech. They were also accused of voluntarily damaging property belonging to the Malta Football Association, breaching public order, swearing in public and inciting others to commit a crime.
The court ordered the accused to be kept under house arrest against a deposit of Lm300 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.
However one of the accused was granted permission to leave Malta for a business trip, following which he would be kept under house arrest against a deposit of Lm800 and a personal guarantee of Lm5,000.
Sun 24
- First Division Marsa vs Balzan Y. 2-2, Naxxar L. vs San Gwann 0-1, Gozo vs St. George's 0-3
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Tarxien R. 0-2, Qormi vs Attard 1-0
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Xghajra T. 1-5, Sirens vs Siggiewi 3-3
- Women's First Division Sta. Venera L. vs Rabat A. 2-1, Hibernians vs Melita 2-0, Birkirkara vs Mosta 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 3-1
- Twenty-one year old goalkeeper Joshua Barrett, who hails from Sydney - Australia, is looking forward to playing for the Malta Under-21 national team in the coming European Championship qualifiers and the Mediterranean Games in Spain.
Barrett has dual citizenship and arrived in Malta last week to train with the Under-21
squad. He took part in a training session with the Under-21 side.
"I did manage a training session with the U-21 team. I found Mark Miller, Silvio Vella and John Bonello very accepting and welcoming along with the players of the squad."
"The chance to come out of this trip and say I was part of the Malta U-21 National Team training squad is a honour and a privilege. Something I am very honoured to have accomplished.
"I'd like to think that during my trial period, I did enough to hopefully still
be able to figure in the remaining five fixtures of the European Qualifiers and I am not ruling out the chance of returning to Malta to play in the Premier League next season," concluded Barrett.
- Maltese Futsal Champions, Serbia won the 1st edition of the Net Stars Challenge Cup. This tournament was organised last weekend by the production team of Malta’s first reality show, Net Stars. The team of this programme was divided into two squads, which were eventually led by coach Joe Micallef.
Net Stars Whites played in group A and they managed to qualify for the final stage of this 3-day tournament after finishing second in their respective group. Qormi Amateurs won all the matches of the group and finished first. Net Stars Greens placed fourth in group B, with Serbia winning the group and Sant Iermu finishing as runners-up.
In the semi-finals, Serbia played against Net Stars Whites, while Qormi Amateurs played against Sant Iermu. Both matches were close and none of the teams had a superior advantage on their opponent. Net Stars Whites, led by former international player Michael Degiorgio, were initially winning 2-0 against Serbia. Malcolm Camilleri scored two times but than Serbia managed to neutralise their deficit with two goals of Heboysa and Boban. Serbia won the match on penalties.
Valletta boys, Sant Iermu had a similar win over Qormi Amateurs. The match ended 1-1 and the penalties had to determine the other finalist of the competition. Qormi Amateurs were playing at home but this was not enough for them to reach the final, with Sant Iermu winning also on penalties.
The final match was a different story. Serbia were too powerful for their opponents and they managed to beat Sant Iermu 7-1. After the match, the producers of Net Stars, Christian and Sandro Micallef presented the trophies to the winners of the first edition of the Futsal Net Stars Challenge Cup. Moreover a special trophy was given to Johann Ellul of Sant Iermu who finished as top scorer of the tournament with 11 goals.
The production team of Net Stars is already thinking of organising another tournament in the coming months. For further information send an e-mail on netstars@media.link.com.mt
Sat 23
- Premier League Valletta vs Floriana 2-1, Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 3-1
- First Division Mosta vs Mqabba 2-1, Hamrun S. vs Senglea A. 2-1
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S. 2-1, Rabat A. vs Zebbug R. 0-0
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Oratory Y. 2-2, Sannat L. vs SK Victoria W. 1-0
Fri 22
- Third Division Zejtun C. vs Zurrieq 1-0, Mgarr U. vs Luqa SA 2-2
- The MFA Technical Centre invites applications from interested Coaches who would like to be considered for selection as Staff Coaches in the Youth Sector of the Malta Football Association for Season 2005/06.
Applicants must be in possession of an MFA/UEFA 'A' or MFA/UEFA 'B' Diploma or an MFA 'A' or 'B' Diploma.
Interested Coaches must submit their application, together with a detailed CV, to the MFA Technical Director, Mr Horst Heese, at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta' Qali, by not later than Friday, 13th May, 2005.
Coaches who are currently serving as Staff Coaches in the MFA Youth Sector, if interested, also need to apply.
- The Malta Football Referees Association issued a statement to condemn the recent attacks on match officials which took place last weekend.
The statement, signed by honorary secretary Adrian D. Casha, condemned the violent incidents which took place in two First Division matches and after a match from the Futsal League.
The First Division match between St. George's and Senglea Athletic was abandoned when two St. George's supporters invaded the pitch. One of them hit the assistant referee and another tried to assault the referee. In another match, a San Gwann player assaulted the referee just after being sent off. On the other hand, after a match from the Futsal League, a Konica Minolta Gunners player chased one of the referees who had to escape on board his car in order to avoid the assault.
The MFRA pointed out that these were not isolated incidents as match officials were the victims of several violent incidents this season.
"These incidents are not only leaving a negative impact on the game but also show lack of security. The MFRA therefore appeals for more security at local football grounds."
While expressing solidarity with the officials who were the victims of these incidents, the association appeals for more respect towards match officials from players, club officials and supporters.
"While the MFRA encourages its members to continue carrying out their duties towards the MFA and the game of football, we remind them of their responsibility not to start or continue matches at venues where security is inadequate."
- The club premises of First Division side Balzan Youths were re-inaugurated last Friday following a project of refurbishment.
This was inaugurated by club president Dr John Zammit Montebello, in the presence of vice-presidents Mr George Borg and Mr Sandro Azzopardi and members of the committee.
Thu 21
- Premier League St. Patrick vs Lija A. 4-1, Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 3-0
Wed 20
- Seventy-seven World Cup qualifiers and over a dozen friendly matches during the course of the past four weeks have caused significant changes in the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. However despite a 3-0 defeat to Croatia in Zagreb, Malta retained the 137th place.
Among other European countries, Malta is still 47th, lying behind Cyprus (109, up 4), Northern Ireland (113, down 2), Moldova (115, down 1), Azerbaijan (116), Armenia (120) and the Faroe Islands (133). Behind Malta are Andorra (139), Liechtenstein (142, up 2), Kazakhstan (149), Luxembourg (156, down 1) and San Marino (160, up 1).
Malta will now play two World Cup qualifiers away from home in four days in Sweden on June 4th and Iceland on the 8th.
- Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after collecting their fourth yellow card or after being sent off during the weekend. Msida St. Joseph and Valletta both had two players suspended.
Valletta will be facing eternal rivals Floriana without goalkeeper Sean Sullivan and Gilbert Agius. On the other hand, Msida duo Roderick Bajada and Daniel Theuma will be missing the game against Lija Athletic on Friday 29.
Pietà Hotspurs defender Chris Okoh was also suspended for one game and will skip the Relegation Pool clash with St. Patrick.
In Division 1, Aaron Attard and Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Ryan Bonnici and Darren Vella (Marsa) and Edgar Degabriele (St. George's) were suspended for one match. Kurt Micallef of San Gwann was suspended for six months.
Chris Ellul (Qormi) was suspended for two matches while Bruce Genovese and Joseph Mallia (Zebbug), Larry Lagana (Vittoriosa), Franco Francalanza (Birzebbuga) and Michael Ciappara (Ghaxaq) were banned for one match.
Andrew Schembri (Luqa) and Martin Ciantar (St Patrick) were suspended for one match in the Youth League while Eric Camilleri (Qormi) was banned for one match in te Youth Knock-Out.
Tue 19
- The Gudja Youth Nursery hosted another football tournament on their artificial turf pitch. This year the tournament has been expanded and included Under-12 teams. 8 teams took part in this tournament representing the Mosta, Melita, Gudja, Floriana, Senglea, Mqabba and Balzan youth nurseries.
The Gudja artificial turf was bustling with activity on Saturday 9th April. Kick off provided to be an early start for everyone except for the children who were all eager to start playing. The organising committee's principal objective was to see children from different nurseries meet and have fun while playing together.
In the light of the success of the 'Man extra on pitch' rule during the previous Under-8 festival, this said rule was once again put to practice. This meant that any team which is loosing with a difference in score of more than 6 goals will have the opportunity to play with an extra player in order to reduce the difference between teams. When the extra man team manages to reduce the difference to a 3 goal difference then the extra man is withdrawn from the pitch.
Tokens were given to every team while all participants received a medal at the end of the event. Vivaldi Hotel of St Julians was the main sponsor of this festival while the official drink was Fitgar.
Mon 18
- Second Division Attard vs Rabat A. 1-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Melita 1-1
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored his first goal for Lillestrom last Sunday. Mifsud was included as a substitute on 34 minutes but still managed to score on 67 minutes to give Lillestrom a 1-0 win over Lyn. This was the first win for Lillestrom as they lost 3-1 to Start in the first game.
Sun 17
- Premier League Floriana vs Birkirkara 0-2, Valletta vs Hibernians 0-2
- First Division San Gwann vs Hamrun S. 0-2, Balzan Y. vs Naxxar L. 1-3
- Second Division Tarxien R. vs St. Andrews 0-1, Mellieha vs Qormi 3-1
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Birzebbuga SP 2-2, Fgura U. vs Kirkop U. 0-2
- Women's First Division Mosta vs Hibernians 0-6, Birkirkara vs Melita 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Nadur Y. 3-7, Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H. 4-0
Sat 16
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 2-1, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 0-2
- First Division St. George's vs Senglea A. 1-2 abandoned, Mqabba vs Marsa 0-1
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Gzira U. 2-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Zebbug R. 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 1-3, Oratory Y. vs Qala SJ 0-2
- The Cottonera derby between St. George's and Senglea Athletic in Division 1 was abandoned after 77 minutes when a supporter entered the field of play and assaulted assistant referee Alan Camilleri.
At that point, Senglea were leading 2-1. Kenneth Abela put Senglea ahead on 29 minutes. Anthony Ewurum equalised ten minutes in the second half but Glenn Bonello scored again for Senglea.
On Sunday, two men were arraigned in court following this incident. Forty-two year old Grazzio Brignone from Cospicua and twenty-three old Charlton Abela from Marsascala were accused of disturbing a sports event by skipping the fence and entering the football pitch at the Hibs Ground, infringing police orders, disturbing public peace and passing rude comments.
Brignone was also accused of attempting to attack the referee and other supporters. Abela was also accused of attacking the assistant referee and causing him slight injuries.
The two men were granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm 5,000. Both have to report at the Police Station daily and cannot attend any sport event anywhere.
On Saturday, St. George's FC issued a statement in which they deplored the behaviour of the supporter who entered the field of play and assaulted the assistant referee.
According to the statement, this person was allowed to return back to the stands, despite the strong presence of police officers. Another supporter entered the field of play but was stopped by players and officials.
"We work hard on a voluntary basis for the good of the club and football in Malta and therefore, we feel we should not suffer all the consequences of the irresponsible act of someone on which we had no control and when there was supposed to be enough security to make sure such acts do not take place."
- The Malta Under-21 national team could take part in the 15th edition of the Mediterranean Games which will be held in Almeira, Spain between the 24th June and 3rd July.
This was revealed by Malta Olympic Committee President, Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco during a press conference on Friday.
Farrugia Sacco said that the Under-21 football team is being considered for participation and the MOC is expected to register the team for the competition.
The MOC is planning to take the largest contingent ever for those Games – about 50 athletes in eight different disciplines - athletics, swimming, shooting, judo, table-tennis, wrestling, golf and football.
Twenty-one countries take part in the Mediterranean Games - 14 from Europe (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey), five from Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) and two from Asia (Lebanon and Syria).
In the last edition of the Mediterranean Games which was held in Tunis, Tunisia claimed the gold medal in the football tournament after beating Italy 1-0. Algeria, Greece, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and San Marino were the nine participating countries.
Italy won the gold medal four times, the last time being in 1997 with a team featuring players like Gianluigi Buffon, Stefano Fiore and Francesco Totti.
This would not be the first time, a Maltese football team had taken part in the Mediterranean Games. In fact, Malta took part in the fourth edition which was held in Naples in 1963.
Malta played in Group B losing the four matches against Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and Spain.
Fri 15
- Third Division Kalkara vs Ghaxaq 0-3, Sta. Lucia vs Gharghur 1-0
Wed 13
- Seven Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday. Floriana and Marsaxlokk each had two players suspended.
The players are William Camenzuli, Ian Azzopardi, Julian Briffa, Andrew Cohen, Cleaven Frendo, Malcolm Licari and Stefan Giglio.
Marsaxlokk will be without Licari and Frendo for the game against Sliema on Sunday. The Wanderers will be without Giglio.
Floriana defenders Ian Azzopardi and Julian Briffa will be missing next Sunday's Championship Pool clash with Birkirkara. Camenzuli is ruled out for Birkirkara.
Andrew Cohen will be missing the next Hibs match against Valletta.
In Division 2, Robert Agius and Conrad Zammit (Dingli), Matthew Borg (Mellieha), Junior Sank (St. Andrews) and Jeffrey Zammit (Sta. Venera) were banned for one match. Christian Abela (Mgarr), Joseph Lia (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
Daniel Zahra (Gudja) and Luke Fenech (Gzira) were banned for one match in the Youth League.
Tue 12
- The fourth edition of the Tony Bajada Memorial Football Tournament 2005 came to an end on Saturday April 2.
Taking part in the tournament, named for the founder of the Hamrun Spartans Youth Nursery Tony Bajada, were around 360 children coming from 26 teams representing 14 nurseries. There were four categories - Under-6, Under-8, Under-10 and Under-13.
These children provided a good display of football, showing sporting spirit and fair play during the five days of the tournament. Two hundred and five goals were scored in 45 matches.
In the Under-6 category, San Gwann defeated Hamrun Spartans 2-1. San Gwann claimed the top scoring team award while Hamrun won the fair play award.
Pietà Hotspurs emerged as winners in the Under-8 category after beating St Andrews 4-0. The Hotspurs also won the top scoring team award while Kirkop United claimed the fair play award.
In the Under-10 category, Pietà Hotspurs defeated St. Andrews 3-0 to claim the title. They also won the top scoring team award with St. Andrews winning the fair play award.
Pietà Hotspurs won the Under-13 Tony Bajada Challenge Cup for the third successive year. They managed to beat Sliema Wanderers 5-4 after the penalty shoot-out, following a 1-1 draw. Hamrun Spartans won the top scoring team award while Pietà Hotspurs claimed the fair play award.
Before the four finals kicked-off the children lined-up holding hands while prayers were said for Pope John Paul II.
The organisers thank sponsors Globalair Travel, Farsons plc, Von Brockdorff Imports Ltd, the Hamrun local council and the Bajada family for their support.
Mon 11
- The team representing Malta in the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup will be facing a club from Serbia & Montenegro in the first round of the competition. This emerged from the draw which was held in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.
The first leg will be played in Malta on June 18/19 with the return leg being played a week later. The team which qualifies facing the second team from Spain in the second round.
Malta is represented by the team placing third or fourth in the Premier League, depending on who qualifies for the UEFA Cup through the FA Trophy.
61 teams will take part in the summer competition, which offers a trio of places in next season's UEFA Cup as its prize.
The draw was conducted by Thomas Büchler-De la Cruz, general secretary of the European Football Pool, and Jean Fournet-Fayard, co-opted member of the UEFA Club Competition Committee, in the presence of UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson.
Malta has been taking part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup since 1995. Floriana and Hibernians took part four times each. Floriana were the only team to reach the second round, back in 1999.
Hibernians took part in the last two editions, losing to AC Alliansi of Finland (0-1 aggregate) and Slaven Belupo of Croatia (2-4 aggregate).
- The first edition of the Futsal Net Stars Challenge Cup will be held between the 15th and 17th April at the new Qormi Football Club synthetic pitch. The main objective behind this tournament is to attract new 5-a-side teams to participate in the coming MFA Futsal competition. During the past months Futsal in Malta gained a lot of popularity particularly thanks to a new reality show on Maltese television, Net Stars. This programme features the daily journal of a 5-a-side third division team competing in the MFA Futsal competition.
Currently almost all MFA Futsal leagues in Malta are over and the teams are preparing for the last competition of this season - the Knock-Out Competition. The production team of Net Stars thought of organising a 5-a-side tournament which will specifically help Futsal teams to keep in form during the short break between the league and the knock-out competition.
A mixture of teams will be participating in this tournament. In all there will be thirteen teams competing, with six teams playing in group A and seven teams playing in group B. Four teams will be initially seeded. The organising team, Net Stars will be having there two squads playing in both groups - Net Stars Whites and Net Stars Greens. The other two seeded teams are the Maltese Futsal Champions, Serbia and MFA 1st division Futsal team, Swing Kids.
The other remaining nine teams will be drawn in the two groups. These are Caracas (non-Futsal), Cool Stars (non-Futsal), AJR Dolceria Italiana (MFA 1st Division), Ekoms (non-Futsal), Handyman Centre(MFA 2nd Division), Korol (MFA 3rd Division), Qormi Amateurs (non-Futsal), Raw Blas Juniors (non-Futsal) and Sant Iermu (non-Futsal).
All matches will be played at Qormi FC synthetic ground. On Friday 15th April the matches will commence at 20:30, on Saturday 16th April at 14:00 and on the last day of the tournament, Sunday 17th April matches will start at 09:00. All matches in the first stage will be played on a round-robin basis and than the first two teams in both groups will qualify for the semi-final. The entrance for this weekend-tournament is free and supporters of all participating teams are invited to attend.
Mon 11
- Third Division Siggiewi vs Ta' Xbiex 4-0, Gudja U. vs Sirens 1-0
Sun 10
- Premier League Msida SJ vs St. Patrick 3-0, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 2-2
- First Division Hamrun S. vs Balzan Y. 1-0, Mosta vs Gozo 3-2
- Second Division Melita vs Tarxien R. 1-4, Qormi vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Zejtun C. 1-2, Xghajra T. vs Mgarr U. 0-2
- Women's First Division Rabat A. vs Raiders 0-3, Melita vs Mosta 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 0-2, Xewkija T. vs Zebbug R. 2-0
Sat 9
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 0-1, Floriana vs Sliema W. 0-1
- First Division Senglea A. vs San Gwann 1-2, Naxxar L. vs Mqabba 1-0
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Dingli S. 3-3, Rabat A. vs Mellieha 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 2-1, Sannat L. vs Gharb R. 3-1
Fri 8
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Pembroke A. 2-0, Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 1-2
- Maltese photographer Dominic Aquilina has been selected to form part of the UEFA Photographers' Pool.
In a letter signed by Mr. Robert Faulkner - Head of Media Services of UEFA, Aquilina was thanked for his ongoing contribution in helping to make the UEFA digital online archive a continued success. Aquilina has now been offered an agreement to cover the activities as an official UEFA Photographer Pool Member.
"This in itself is a remarkable achievement in my photographic story - being accepted to form part of the UEFA Photographers' Pool is something that I have really worked for, and that I am very proud to have achieved," says Aquilina.
Dominic Aquilina has been the official UEFA new media officer for uefa.com - the UEFA digital online official site - for the past two years - covering the Maltese football page.
Thu 7
- First Division Mosta vs St. George's 0-0, Gozo vs Marsa 1-2
- The Malta Football Association announced a change of fixtures for the Premier League matches originally scheduled for Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April.
The Relegation Pool clash St. Patrick vs Lija A. and the Championship Pool game Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk were anticipated from Saturday 23 to Friday 22. The matches kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
On the other hand, the two Championship Pool matches - Valletta vs Floriana and Birkirkara vs Sliema Wanderers - were anticipated to Saturday 23.
- In accordance with ‘Regulations for the Education of Association Football Coaches, for the Award of Coaching Certificates, Diplomas and Licences and for the Control of Football Coaches’, the MFA is inviting applications from all coaches wishing to obtain a licence for season 2005/2006.
Those interested are requested to apply on the prescribed form and send it to the MFA General Secretary, Mr Joe Gauci, by not later than 30th April 2005.
More details can be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, 280, St Paul’s Street, Valletta.
- The Futsal League enters its final stage with the last matches from the various sections.
In the First Division Section A, three teams are still fighting for a place in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs. Champions Serbia lead the way with 22 points, one ahead of Air Malta Cabin Crew. El Mundos are third with 17 points.
On the other hand, Hibernians have already made sure of winning Section B. King of Shaves, Amazon Pago and Swing Kids are struggling for the remaining place in the semi-finals.
All the matches in the Second Division League have been played. Konica Minolta Gunners won Section A ahead of Southenders. The two of them were therefore promoted to the First Division. In Section B, Zurrieq FC emerged as winners with Juvenis Aluserv and Zurrieq Old Boys ending their commitments on level points. A decider is therefore necessary to determine which team will be promoted to Division 1.
Union Press, Dreamers, Deportivo Santa Cruz and AC Trampi were relegated to Division 3.
In the Third Division Section A, Net Stars ended their commitments with maximum points from 12 matches after beating Kerygma Football 4-1 in their last outing. The goals for Net Stars were scored by Robert Magro, a brace by Malcolm Camilleri and Dennis Cauchi.
Net Stars were therefore the only team to win all matches in the competition. They win promotion to the Second Division together with Section B winners Korol and Section D winners Southsiders.
Meanwhile last Tuesday, Fugazi 5 secured the title in Section C after beating Olimpia 5 Thermaseal 4-0.
- The Gudja Youth Nursery will be once again organizing a football festival next Saturday 9th April 2005 at its synthetic pitch in Gudja. Following the success of the Under 8 festival, this time the festival will be open to Under 12 teams. The organizing committee's main objective is for children coming from different nurseries to meet and have fun playing together, stressing their differences whilst highlighting their similarities.
Eight teams will participate in this 7-a-side festival, mainly coming from the Gudja, Melita, Mqabba, Senglea, Floriana, Balzan and Mosta nurseries will participate.
In order to reach the main objective, that is for children to have fun playing, medals will be presented to all participants and a token to every team.
The Green Card will be again used during this festival. This card is shown by the referee to any player or team for playing fair or for any other move which the referee thinks is worth noting. In the end the team with the most green cards will receive a special token.
The 'Man extra on pitch' rule will also be used again. This means that any team which is loosing with a score of more than 6 - 0 will have the opportunity to play with an extra player in order to reduce the difference between teams and for the children to really have fun playing. When the extra man team manages to reduce the difference to a 4 goal score then the extra man is withdrawn from the pitch.
The official main sponsor of the event is Vivaldi Hotel St.Julians, whilst the official drink is Fitgar. The organizing committee would like to thank Sports Experience for their continuous support.
Wed 6
- First Division Balzan Y. vs Senglea A. 0-0
- Valletta assistant coach Martin Scicluna was suspended for six months after being reported by the referee for passing remarks during the FA Trophy quarter-final against Marsaxlokk. Scicluna will therefore be unable to sit on the bench until October 5.
Neil Francalanza of Second Division side Zebbug Ramgers was suspended for one match.
In Division 3, Liam Cutajar (Sta. Lucia) and Simon Copperstone (Sirens) were banned for two matches while Marco Sultana (Birzebbuga), Christopher Bugeja (Ghaxaq), Jeremy Gatt (Kalkara), Neil Busuttil and Ian Joseph Zammit (Mgarr), Stavros Scicluna (Zejtun) and Dino Bonnici (Zurrieq) were handed a one-match ban.
Sirens coach Godwin Cuschieri was fined Lm 25.
Six players were suspended for one match in the Youth League - John Paul Barbara (Birzebbuga), Oscar Briffa (Hamrun), Matthew Borg (Mosta) and Nathaniel Bouvet (Msida). Christopher Cutajar (Msida) was suspended for four matches.
- The Mediterranean Cup is an international youth football tournament organised annually by the San Gwann F.C. Youth Nursery in collaboration with the San Gwann Local Council and with the assistance of the Ministry for Tourism, Aqua Azzura, Coca Cola, Team Sport, Twistees and PrimaTel.
During this year's edition a total of 20 local youth football nurseries participated amongst which: San Gwann FC, Paola Hibernians, Balzan Youths FC, Birkirkara FC, Lija Iklin YN, Floriana FC, Luxol St. Andrews FC, Gzira United FC, Melita Amateurs FC, Hamrun Spartans FC, Mellieha FC, Mqabba FC, Msida St. Joseph FC, Sliema Wanderers FC, Naxxar Lions FC, Tarxien Rainbows FC, Pietà Hotspurs FC, Valletta FC, Zebbug Rangers FC and Qormi FC. Together with these teams, the San Gwann F.C. Youth Nursery hosted the Italian team of S.C. Sikania Alcamo who participated in the Under 10 category. The Under 9 Serbian team of P.C. Prvi Korak also had to take part in the tournament but due to an airline strike it was impossible for them to leave Belgrade and therefore they were forced to retire from the tournament.
More than 600 athletes participated in the six different age categories and during the ten consecutive days of football more than 100 matches were played. A total of 350 goals were scored throughout the event, a lot of skilled and quality football was shown and above all the matches were all played in a fair play and friendly atmosphere.
The results of the final matches and the category winners were the following:
Under 8 - San Gwann vs Msida St. Joseph 2-1. Winners: San Gwann FC
Under 9 - Birkirkara vs Melita 4-0. Winners: Birkirkara FC
Under 10 - San Gwann vs Floriana 2-1. Winners: San Gwann FC
Under 11 - Pietà Hotspurs vs Paola Hibs 4-0. Winners: Pietà Hotspurs FC
Under 13 - Paola Hibs vs Naxxar Lions 2-1. Winners: Hibernians FC
Under 15 - San Gwann vs Hamrun Spartans 3-0. Winners: San Gwann FC
To bid farewell to the 11th Edition of the tournament, the Nursery also organised a tournament party. Apart from popular local singers and dancers, the crowd also enjoyed the participation of various local comedians.
The San Gwann F.C. Youth Nursery would like to thank the M.F.A., M.F.R.A., The Youth F.A. and the M.F.A. Technical Centre in Ta’ Qali for their support prior and during the tournament.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be holding a one-day Instructional Meeting for UEFA A, UEFA B, MFA A and MFA B licenced coaches.
This meeting will be held on Saturday, 9th April, 2005, from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs. There will be four sessions of two hours each at the Centenary Hall amd the MFA Training Grounds at Ta' Qali.
The two afternoon sessions will replace the June and August sessions and will count for season 2005/2006.
Wed 6
- The three First Division matches which were postponed last Sunday will now be held during the week at the Centenary Stadium.
Balzan Youths vs Senglea Athletic which was due to be held at the Hibs Ground will be played on Wednesday 6 at 18:00.
Gozo vs Marsa which was due to be played at the Gozo Stadium will be held on Thursday 7 at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
Mosta vs St. George's will also be held on Thursday 7 at 20:00.
The HSBC Youth B Knock-out Competition quarter-finals Mgarr United vs Tarxien Rainbows and Senglea Athletic vs Siggiewi in programme on Wednesday 6 and the HSBC Youth League Section A Balzan Youths vs Floriana and Pietà Hotspurs vs Sliema Wanderers in programme on Thursday 7 have been postponed to a date which will be announced at a later stage.
Sun 3
- FA Trophy Sliema W. vs Mqabba 3-2, Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 4-2
- First Division Balzan Y. vs Senglea A. postponed, Mosta vs St. George's postponed, Gozo vs Marsa postponed
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-0, Zebbug R. vs Attard 0-2
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Gudja U. 0-8, Birzebbuga SP vs Sta Lucia 3-2
- Women's First Division Raiders vs Sta. Venera L. 4-0, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 3-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem Ajax vs Ghajnsielem postponed
Sat 2
- FA Trophy Msida SJ vs Hibernians 1-0, Birkirkara vs Floriana 3-2
- Third Division Sirens vs Kalkara 0-0, Ghaxaq vs Gharghur 0-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 3-4, SK Victoria W. vs Gharb R. 2-1
Fri 1
- Third Division Zejtun C. vs Xghajra T. 3-0, Mgarr U. vs Siggiewi 1-3