June 2005

Thu 30

• Mr Joe Cordina was confirmed as president of the Gozo Football Association for the next two years during the Annual General Meeting which was held on Tuesday.
  Mr Cordina was contested by Mr Carmel Attard. However Cordina obtained 75% of the valid votes.
  The Executive Committee of the Gozo FA will therefore be formed as follows: president - Joe Cordina, vice-presidents - Joe Camilleri and Charles Calleja, general secretary - Alvin Grech, deputy general secretary - Mario Camilleri, treasurer - Anthony Camilleri, assistant treasurer - Francis Grech, P.R.O - Philip Cassar, G.F.A. Facilities Manager - Charlie Farrugia and members Mario Camilleri and Carmel Xerri.
  Addressing the members, Mr Cordina spoke about the work done by the GFA administration over the past four years.
  He said that despite the financial constraints, the GFA spent a lot of money to improve the level of the pitch. The association started working on the floodlighting project at the Gozo Stadium and thanks to the support of the Ministry for Sport and the Minister for Gozo, the poles have already been erected.
  "Now that the association is in a sound financial situation, we can keep on working on this project so that Gozo will have a floodlighted stadium," continued Mr Cordina.
  The GFA president said the association needs to work harder in attracting youths to the game and then encouraging them to keep on playing football.
  Another target of the association is to strengthen the Gozo FC without disrupting the GFA leagues.
  The Annual General Meeting will continue on Tuesday July 5 when the main item on the agenda are the Competition Rules for the coming season.
• Defender Adrian Pulis and midfielder David Camilleri will be staying with Hibernians after reaching an agreement with the Paolites.
  Adrian Pulis, who had joined Hibernians in summer 2000 from St. Patrick, signed a five-year contract with the club.
  Pulis, who also forms part of the national team, has been attracting the interest of Birkirkara.
  On the other hand, David Camilleri will stay with Hibernians for another year after joining the club on loan from Marsaxlokk in January.
  A product of Hamrun Spartans, Camilleri joined Sliema Wanderers in 1999 but after being loaned for one year with Marsaxlokk for season 2003-2004, he was transferred definitely to the Southseasiders at the beginning of last summer.
  Meanwhile Hibernians has so far secured the services of Nigerian striker Haruna Doda from Birkirkara. He will be replacing Ndubisi Chukunyere whose contract was terminated.
  The third foreigner will probably not be Udo Nwoko as it was believed. In fact, according to the club's official website www.hibernians.com.mt, a Serbian midfielder is currently on a trial with the club. The player is 26-year old Goran Njamculovic.

Wed 29

• A Bulgarian defender and a Portuguese midfielder will be undergoing a trial with Birkirkara as the Stripes hope to sign new foreigners to replace Lucian Dronca and Haruna Doda.
  The two players are Emil Stoilov Yantchev and Nuno Miguel Dos Santos Gomes.
  Yantchev is an experienced defender who played for several years in the top division in Bulgaria. On the other hand, Nuno Gomes is currently on the books of Boavista.
  The other foreigner for Birkirkara will be Precious Monye who agreed to stay with the club.
  Meanwhile in a friendly match on Tuesday, Birkirkara defeated St. Andrews 6-0. Etienne Barbara and Roderick Briffa scored two goals each with Mark Anthony Bonnici and Matthew Calascione scoring the other two goals.
• Three clubs announced the appointment of new coaches.
  In Division 1, St. George's appointed Marco Gerada as the new coach.
  Former Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk coach Robert Kelly is the new coach of Second Division side Gzira United while Rabat Ajax, who were relegated to Division 3, will be coached by former Qormi coach Joe Gerada.

Mon 27

• Mediterranean Games Turkey vs Malta 5-0
  Malta lost the second and final match from Group B of the football tournament in the XV Mediterranean Games, suffering a 5-0 defeat to Turkey.
  Following a goalless first half, the Turkish side took the lead with a goal by Sungur Feridun two minutes after the break.
  Turkey doubled the score thanks to Cafer Can Aksu on 62 minutes. Arda Turam made it 3-0 on 76 minutes.
  In the final three minutes, the Turkish side added another two goals thanks to Muhammet Reis and another by Arda Turam.
  Malta was therefore eliminated from the tournament after failing to collect any points.
  MALTA: Andrew Hogg, Alex Muscat, Steven Bezzina, Josef Mifsud, David Camenzuli (83' Kenneth Spiteri), Clayton Failla, Paul Fenech, Dyson Falzon, Matthew Bartolo (72' Joel Sammut Vazquez), Ryan Fenech, Andrew Scerri (74' Mark Gauci)
• Champions and holders Sliema Wanderers will be facing FA Trophy winners Birkirkara in the opening match of the Euro Challenge Cup which will be played between the 4th and 8th July.
  The Euro Challenge Cup brings together the three teams taking part in the Champions League and UEFA Cup qualifiers.
  Sliema vs Birkirkara will be played on July 4. On July 6, Hibernians face the loser of the first match and the winner of the first match meets the Paolites in the third match on July 8.
  In the event of a draw in the first match, Hibs face Sliema on Wednesday and Birkirkara on Friday.
  All matches will be played at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.
  The following week, Sliema host FC Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round on Tuesday 12. Two days later, Birkirkara host APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus in the first leg of the UEFA Cup qualifying round. On the same day, Hibs entertain hosts Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus.
• The MFA organised a Seminar for its member Clubs and Associations on Saturday 25th June 2005 at the Centenary Hall, Ta'Qali. Presidents and Secretaries of Clubs and affiliated Association, Council Members, Coaches, Nurseries Administrators and observers attended this Seminar.
  Better administration and organisation at Club level, an insight of the workings of the MFA, the Association's Anti-Doping Programme and the Transition from Youth to Senior Football were the themes of four comprehensive presentations. The speakers were Dr Joe Mifsud, Dr Mario Vassallo, Mr Carmel Bartolo, Dr A. Formosa, Mr Ludovico Micallef, Mr Stephen Grima and Mr Mark Miller.
  The presentations were followed by questions from the participants with ensuing comments and discussions against a background of adjourned set-ups within the Clubs and the MFA to meet modern demands of the administration and organisation of football.
  The active participation shown during this Seminar, which has now been established as one of the main items on the Association's calendar, provided evidence of the growing interest in developing further the game in Malta in its various sectors.
• Dr Kevin Deguara was elected as the new president of Msida St. Joseph. He replaces Dott Roberto Goveani who resigned last week.
  Antoine Portelli was elected as vice-president while Robert Farrugia and Claudio Martinelli are the new Financial Director and General Secretary. Edward Calleja is also a member of the Executive Board.
  Martinelli is also the chairman of the Administrative Board.
  The other members of this board are: Keith Abela-Wadge - Secretary, Martin Micallef - Team Coordinator, Simon Pace - Team Manager, Alan Abela-Wadge - Marketing & Fund Raising Manager, Frans Farrugia - Liasoning Officer Nursery and Paul Magro - Club Director.

Sun 26

• Malta will be facing Turkey tomorrow in the second match from Group B of the football tournament in the XV Mediterranean Games which are being in Almeria, Spain.
  Both teams faced Spain in their first match. Malta suffered a 2-0 defeat on Thursday while Turkey held the Spanish side in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
  Turkey will therefore aim at winning by more than two goals in order to win the group.
  On the other hand, the Maltese side target a positive result or at least a narrow defeat which could still ensure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
  In the other groups, there are only Morocco who are yet without any points and they will be meeting Italy also on Monday.

Fri 24

• Sliema Wanderers were drawn with the champions of Moldova, FC Sheriff in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Should they qualify they would meet Partizan Belgrade of Serbia & Montenegro.
  The first qualifying round takes place over two legs on 12/13 and 19/20 July, with the second qualifying round following on 26/27 July and 2/3 August. Sliema play the first leg at home.
  Sheriff Tiraspol won the Moldovan title for the fifth successive year, placing first 16 points ahead of runners-up Nistru Otaci and 25 points ahead of third-placed Dacia Chisinau. They won the Moldovan Cup three times.
  FC Sheriff's record in European is quite positive. In fact, during the past four years of participation in the Champions League, they always managed to reach the second qualifying round. They played a total of 16 matches - five wins, two draws and nine defeats. In the UEFA Cup, they took part twice, collecting three draws in four matches.
  This will be the first time teams from Malta and Moldova will be facing each other in a UEFA club competition.
• The two clubs representing Malta in the qualifying round of the UEFA Cup were drawn against the two teams from the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Birkirkara take on APOEL FC while Hibernians will be facing AC Omonia.
  Both Birkirkara and Hibs were drawn to play their first game at home. However the matches between Hibernians and Omonia were reversed and therefore the first leg will be played in Nicosia.
  The first leg will be played on July 14 with the second leg being played two weeks later.
  Hibernians's opponents AC Omonia Nicosia are no newcomers to Malta, having played twice here. In 1985, they managed to eliminate Rabat Ajax in the first round of the Champions Cup, winning 5-0 at Ta' Qali and in Nicosia. Ten years later, they defeated Sliema Wanderers in the qualifying round of the UEFA Cup beating them 3-0 in Nicosia and 2-1 at Ta' Qali.
  This season, APOEL placed second with 58 points, four points behind champions Anorthosis Famagusta. Omonia placed third with 47 points. Omonia however won the Cup after beating Digenis Morfou 2-0 in the final.
  Omonia Nicosia won the championship 19 times and APOEL 18. On the other hand, APOEL won the Cup 17 times and Omonia won the competition 12 times.
  Birkirkara's opponents, APOEL Nicosia won 19 matches and drew 16 in 78 games in Europe. They managed to qualify for a second round eight times and a third round on another two occasions.
  Their best campaigns were in 1996 and 2002. In the UEFA Cup 1996, they defeated B71 of Faroe Islands and Iraklis Thessaloniki of Greece, only to lose to Spanish side Espanol.
  In 2002, APOEL eliminated Flora Tallinn (Estonia) and Maribor (Slovenia), missing out on the group stage of the Champions League after being eliminated by AEK Athens. They entered the first round of the UEFA Cup where they defeated Grazer AK 3-1 on aggregate but were then defeated by Hertha Berlin in the second round.
  Omonia Nicosia, on the other hand, registered 24 wins and obtained ten draws in 80 matches in Europe. They managed to reach a second round of a European competition ten times, including the past two years.
  In 2003, they eliminated Irtysh Pavlodar (Kazakhstan) in the first qualifying round of the Champions League but then lost on aggregate to Polish side Wisla Krakow. Last year, they eliminated Sloga Jugomagnat Skopje of Macedonia in the qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, then losing to CSKA Sofia in the next round.

Thu 23

• Hibernians striker Andrew Cohen won the MFA Footballer of the Year award 2004/2005.
  Cohen, who was also the top scorer in the Premier League with 21 goals, received 45.79 votes, ahead of Valletta's Gilbert Agius (42.66) and Brian Said of Sliema Wanderers (40.80).
  William Camenzuli placed fourth (37.54) and Ian Azzopardi of Floriana fifth (33.21).
  Four goalkeepers won the Best Player Award in four of the other six categories.
  Senglea Athletic goalkeeper George Attard won the Division 1 Best Player award ahead of Gilbert Martin (Marsa), Victor Bellia (Naxxar), Mark Anthony Psaila (Mqabba) and Manuel Bartolo (San Gwann).
  Tarxien Raibows goalie Anthony Curmi won the Best Second Division Player award. He placed first ahead of Melvin Farrugia (Zebbug), Edward Herrera (Melita), Justin Camilleri (Vittoriosa) and Jason Cachia (Dingli).
  The winner of the Best Third Division Player award was Gudja United goalkeeper Matthew Xerxen. The runner-up was David Brincat (Sta. Lucia) with Keith Portelli (Luqa), Stephen Mizzi (Kirkop) and Andre Cachia (Pembroke) placing third, fourth and fifth respectively.
  Valletta goalkeeper Miguel Montfort was voted Best Youth Player. Edward Herrera (Melita) placed second ahead of Dylan Zarb (Valletta) and Andrew Spiteri (Pietà).
  Jane Coates of Mosta won the award for Best Female Player. Dione Tonna (Hibernians), Jackie Ellul Soler (Melita), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians) and Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) placed second to fifth respectively.
  James Navarro (Konica Minolta Gunners) won the Best Futsal Player award ahead of Reuben Grech (Net Stars) and Raymond Vella (El Mundos).
  

  Fair Play Award

  Women 1. Mosta, 2. Hibernians, 3. Sta. Venera L.
  Reserves 1. Attard, 2. Sirens and Gzira U.
  Youths 1. Ghaxaq, 2. Valletta, 3. Mellieha
  Division 3 1. Zejtun C., 2. Kirkop U. and Sirens
  Division 2 1. St. Andrews, 2. Qormi, 3. Tarxien R.
  Division 1 1. Naxxar L., 2. Mosta, 3. St. George's
  Premier 1. Floriana, 2. Lija A., 3. Sliema W.
  Overall 1. Zejtun C., 2. Kirkop U. and Sirens
  
  

  Top Scorers

  Premier Andrew Cohen (Hibs) 21, Ivan Woods (Pietà/Sliema) 20, Michael Galea (Birkirkara) 14
  Division 1 Jeremiah Ani (Naxxar) 18, Uchenna Anyanwu (Mqabba) 16, Ikechukwu Chibueze (Mosta) 13
  Division 2 Wayne Borg St. John (Mellieha) and Simon Shead (Tarxien) 14, Kurt Coleiro (St. Andrews) 13
  Division 3 Jean Pierre Abdilla (Gudja) 17, Antoine Sacco and Kurt Grima (Sta. Lucia) 11
  Women's League Sarah Caruana (Hibernians), Jane Coates (Mosta) and Kathleen Saliba (Hibernians) 15
  Futsal League Division 1 Stefan Farrugia (El Mundos) 21
  Futsal League Division 2 Marko Glumac (Konica Minolta Gunners) 20
  Futsal League Division 3 Silvio Mifsud (Southsiders) 29
• Msida St. Joseph F.C. Committee would like to announce that as a result of Roberto Goveani’s resignation from Club President, Coach Mario Petrone has decided not to renew his contract for next season.
  Petrone insisted that although he did not wish to leave Malta, he had accepted an offer put forward by Ex-President Roberto Goveani to go to Moldova as a Coach with a team in the country’s top league.
  He said that this last year at Msida SJ was a very satisfying one for him, where he succeeded in restructuring the technical setup at the Club – a setup which the Club will surely find beneficial in the future. He had a lot of praise for the administration of the Club and the players, and that he will never forget Msida.
  “I wish that in the future I will have the same sort of people around me whom I can desrcibe as exceptional. I wish to thank all the Msida supporters for the great respect shown towards me and also to all those outside the Club who helped me and cooperated with me during last season.”
  The Committee, although disappointed at the fact that Mario Petrone could not continue the project he started at Msida, would like to thank him for everything he did for the Club, first and foremost for the technical restructuring at the Club, as well as for the great season which for the first time ever, led to Msida SJ playing their first F.A. Trophy Final. The Committee would like to wish him all the success in this new adventure.
  The Committee would also like to announce that it is leading discussions to select the new Coach for the upcoming season, and is quite confident that the Club will be in a position to announce its choice in the coming days.
• Malta international defender Luke Dimech joined English League Two side Chester City after signing a 12-month deal.
  Dimech is one of four new recruits for manager Keith Curle. In fact, besides Dimech, Abdelhalim El Kholti and Tommy Curtis joined Chester on free transfers while Curle has finally struck a deal for David Artell after Mansfield had rejected two previous offers for the defender.
  Just like Dimech and Artell, Curtis played for Mansfield Town but he negotiated his release from the remaining year of his deal at Field Mill.
  "As soon as I got the job they were players I identified and wanted to bring to the club," said Curle. "I know how three of them play week in and week out and train week in and week out because I had them at Mansfield."
  Curle was in fact the manager of Mansfield Town until last December. He had signed Luke Dimech in August 2003.
• Mediterranean Games Spain vs Malta 2-0
  Malta lost 2-0 to hosts Spain in the opening game from Group B of the football tournament in the XV Mediterranean Games which are being in Almeria, Spain.
  Malta played a good first half, defending well, especially with David Camenzuli and Josef Mifsud at the back and goalkeeper Andrew Hogg looking quite confident.
  Ryan Fenech had a good chance towards the end of the first half. He received a through pass, advanced and tried his luck with a shot which hit the post. He tried to strike off the rebound but failed to connect properly with the ball ending wide.
  With the inclusion of Andrew Scerri, the Maltese seemed to create more opportunities up front, going close once again thanks to Hamrun's Ryan Fenech.
  Spain took the lead 13 minutes from time when off a cross from the right, Kepa Blanco Gonzalez headed home past Hogg after being left unmarked. The hosts doubled the score five minutes later thanks to Jesus Gamez Duarte. Andrei Agius was sent off.
  Malta's starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Alex Muscat, Josef Mifsud, David Camenzuli, Andre Agius, Clayton Failla, Paul Fenech, Mark Gauci (Andrew Scerri), Dyson Falzon, Matthew Bartolo (Joel Sammut Vasquez), Ryan Fenech.
  Malta plays the second and final game against Turkey on Monday 27 at 22:00 at El Ejido.
  Meanwhile in a match from Group A, Italy defeated Libya 3-0 while Algeria and Tunisia shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in Group C.
  The winners and runners-up from each group qualify for the quarter-finals together with the best two teams among the third-placed.
• Valletta secured the services of Nigerian striker Jeremiah Ani.
  The 19-year old striker will replace Chris Oretan as the Citizens' third foreigner. Oretan, who had joined Valletta in January, was released after failing to impress.
  Ani has been playing for Naxxar Lions for the past three years but this was his first season in Division 1 as he used to play for the Youths before. However in his first season in the senior team, he managed to win the Top Scorer award in Division 1 as he scored 18 goals.
  Jerry Ani, who was reportedly attracting the interest of champions Sliema Wanderers as well, signed a one-year contract with Valletta.

Wed 22

• The Annual General Meeting of Msida St. Joseph F.C. will be held on Friday at the Mater Dei School complex, Msida at 6:00.
  The most important item on the agenda is the election of the new committee which also includes the election of a new president following the resignation of Dott Roberto Goveani.
  Members are encouraged to attend to participate in the discussion and vote in these important election.

Tue 21

• Two teams each from Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina and one each from Romania, Slovenia and Macedonia are the possible opponents for Birkirkara and Hibernians in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup after UEFA revealed the components of each of the three geographical groups.
  As it was the case last season, the 50 clubs have been divided into three geographical seeding groups - Northern, Southern-Mediterranean and Central-East. The 25 winners of these matches, to be played over two legs on 14 and 28 July, will progress to the second qualifying round where they will be joined by a further 37 sides.
  Hibernians and Birkirkara were placed in the Southern-Mediterranean group and were both unseeded. Birkirkara have the highest ranking among the unseeded sides. The other unseeded teams are FK Baskimi (MAC), KS Teuta (ALB), KS Elbasani (ALB), UE Sant Julià (AND) and SP Domagnano (SMR).
  The seeded teams, and therefore the possible opponents for the Maltese teams, are: AFC Rapid Bucuresti (ROM), APOEL FC (Cyprus), NK Domzale (SLO), AC Omonia (CYP), FK Vardar (MAC), NK Siroki Brijeg (BOS) and NK Zepce (BOS).
  The draw for the first qualifying round of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup takes place in Nyon on Friday at 14.00CET.
  Meanwhile the seedings for the first two qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League have been confirmed.
  The seeded teams, and hence Sliema Wanderers' possible opponents, are Liverpool FC (ENG), FC Artmedia Bratislava (SVK), Anorthosis Famagusta FC (CYP), NK Gorica (SLO), FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), FC Haka (FIN), FH Hafnarfjördur (ISL), Shelbourne FC (IRL), NK Zrinjski (BIH), Skonto FC (LAT), FC Sheriff (MOL) and FBK Kaunas (LIT).
  The unseeded teams are FK Rabotnicki (MAC), FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR), FC Pyunik (ARM), Sliema Wanderers, KF Tirana (ALB), FC Levadia Tallinn (EST), Glentoran FC (NIR), Total Network Solutions FC (WAL), F91 Dudelange (LUX), PFC Neftchi (AZE), HB Tórshavn (FAR) and FC Kairat Almaty (KAZ).
  The draws for the first two qualifying rounds will be held at 12.00CET at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Twenty-four clubs will be involved in the first qualifying round draw – including holders Liverpool FC who were given special dispensation to enter the competition despite finishing fifth in the English Premiership in the 2004/05 campaign.
  The first qualifying round will be played over two legs on 12/13 and 19/20 July, with the second qualifying round following on 26/27 July and 2/3 August. The draw for the third qualifying round will be made at 12.00CET in Nyon on 29 July.
• The football reality show Net Stars - the first of its genre aired on the Maltese stations will start again in the next few weeks, for the second consecutive year.
  Last season the chosen Net Stars team participated in Futsal and won a promotion from third division to second division. This year the concept is quite similar but with a difference since Net Stars will be following an 11 a-side football team which will compete in the Third Division league, organised by the Malta Football Association. Net Stars will amalgamate with a club, already taking part in Division 3, the name of the locality will be made public in the near future.
  Intensive work on this project has already started and as from Wednesday 22 June, the production team of Net Stars together with Net Television will open the applications for all those interested to join the adventure and be part of this famous Maltese football reality show. Due to the large number of players which are awaited to apply it is recommended that you pick up your application as soon as possible not to be disappointed.
  The applications can be obtained from the reception desk at Net Television, Herbert Ganado Street, Pieta.
  Once the applications close the training sessions will commence soon after since the football season for third division clubs starts early. All those who apply will get the opportunity to train with some of Malta's most renowned coaches, together with other foreign coaches. Eventually the elimination process will take place and this will lead to the formation of the official Net Stars team for this year.
  Those between 16 to 35 years old are eligible to apply. This year due to the fact that the participation will take place in an eleven a-side of MFA there are no restrictions besides that the club will not pay any 'release' of a player.
  Take this opportunity; you can be a protagonist in the second edition of Net Stars on Net Television. The applications which open next Wednesday 22 June will close in mid-July. Every application should be picked up from and returned to the reception of Net Television.
  The administration of Net Stars can be contacted by email netstars@media.link.com.mt or on the infoline 25965471.
• Malta will be facing Spain and Turkey in the XV Mediterranean Games which kick-off on Thursday in Almeria, Spain.
  Two countries - Lebanon and Bosnia-Herzegovina - withdrew from the football tournament. Both were due to play in Group B and now their place will be taken by Malta. Malta had been drawn in Group C.
  Malta will still play its first game on Thursday but is now due to face hosts Spain at El Ejido at 21:30. Malta will then meet Turkey on Monday 27 at 22:00 also at El Ejido.
  The teams in the other two groups are: Group A - Italy, Morocco and Libya; Group C - Tunisia, Greece and Algeria.
  The winners and runners-up from each group qualify for the quarter-finals together with the best two teams among the third-placed.
  The 20 players selected for the tournament by coaches Edwin Camilleri and Silvio Vella are:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
  Andre Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Edmund Agius (Hibernians), Matthew Bartolo (Hibernians), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Jonathan Pearson (Hibernians), Joel Sammut Vasquez (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Mark Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Scerri (Sliema).
  Accompanying the squad are MFA official Lawrence Ellul, team doctor Dr Stephen Zammit and masseur Tony Gambin.
• Dingli Swallows Football Club are organizing two sporting events in the weekend of 25th and 26th of June.
  The first is a One-day indoor 5-a-side football tournament on Saturday 25th June at the St. Martin College Sports Centre, Swatar. The club is inviting teams of 8 to apply for participation. The entrance fee is of LM 40 per team. Trophies will be presented to for first and second placed teams. Details of rules for the tournament and starting time can be obtained by calling 79593521.
  The second is a Shooting Event on Sunday 26th June at the Tal-Magru Shooting range, Rabat. There are trophies for the best Dingli shooter category, the best in the open category and the best youth shooter. Entrance fee is LM5. Further details can be obtained by calling 79593521.

Mon 20

• During an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Sunday, it was announced that Dott. Roberto Goveani had sent a letter of resignation from the post of President of Msida St. Joseph with immediate effect. Till the next Annual General Meeting, Vice-President Dr. Kevin Deguara will be taking over the role of Acting President.
  Among the reasons for his decision, Dott. Goveani said that the fact that he could not be in Malta as often as he wished due to other work constraints, made it very difficult to oversee the whole season campaign and to be near the team as much as he wished.
  Another important reason he referred to were the MFA rules on foreign players which he said are still not in line with European regulations and has hindered his plans of supporting the team with further human resources he had planned to get from Italy.
  In a statement, the Committee thanked Roberto Goveani for his assistance and for the experience garnered from his involvement with the administration of the club during this last year, ensuring that both sides will stay in contact to resolve some pending issues.
  Goveani, formerly a president of Italian Serie A club Torino, was elected as president of Msida last summer.
• Mosta FC will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday June 21st.
  During the Annual General Meeting which was held on Friday, once all present members became aware that President Charles Abela and fellow vice-Presidents Michael Attard and Charles Pace did not intend to contest the committee election for the next term of three years, they proposed and unanimously voted in favour of having the election and meeting postponed to the 21st of June 2005, in a bid to resolve any possible reason hindering the officials' nomination. Nominations shall be accepted at the club or by email on secretary@mostafc.com, up to the commencement of the meeting.
  The important meeting, which will take place at the club's premises in Eucharistic Congress Road, will include the election of the club's President, Vice-President/s and other other committee members for the next 3 seasons.
  The meeting, as published on the club's website, www.mostafc.com starts at 7pm. All loyal Mosta FC supporters are urged to attend and participate actively. Staff will be at the door to verify that only paid Mosta FC members are allowed in for the EGM. All supporters may pay up their club membership before the Extraordinary General Meeting. Club membership costs Lm5 for men while ladies enroll for only Lm2.
• Micheal Mercieca was elected as president of Senglea Athletic following the Extraordinary General Meeting which was held on June 17.
  The new Senglea president said the club's target should not only be promotion to the Premier League but winning the First Division championship as this is the hundredth anniversary since football was introduced in Senglea.
  Meanwhile goalkeeper George Attard was voted Player of the Year 2004-05 by the club's committee.
  Attard was a key member of the squad, playing all First Division and FA Trophy matches.

Sat 18

• Naxxar Lions presented the end-of-season awards last Friday at the Hibiki Restaurant at the Fortina Hotel in Sliema.
  Midfielder Victor Bellia was voted Player of the Year. Bellia, who returned to Naxxar this season after playing for Hibernians and Msida, had an excellent season, showing great leadership skills.
  Jerry Ani was the club's top scorer. He was also the top-scorer in the First Division with 18 goals, despite this being his first season in the senior team.
  Sixteen-year old Glen Magri was voted the Most Promising Player. He was also a prominent figure in the Naxxar Under 16 and Under 19 squads and also managed a couple of appearances for the senior side in Division 1.
  After the presentation, vice president Domenic Chircop said the next year's commitee will try to retain all the players in this last season's squad and the comittee will be doing its utmost to improve the squad in most of the sectors.

Fri 17

• The fourth edition of the Westin Malta Football Awards will be held on July 16 at the Westin Dragonara Resort.
  Speaking during a press conference the chairperson of the organizing committee, Sandro Micallef, said that this edition will feature three new awards - the awards for the Best Player in Gozo, the Best Futsal Player and the Best Player according to the general public.
  Micallef explained that the award for the Best Player in Gozo will be based on votes by journalists covering football in Gozo and the coaches of the seven GFA First Division clubs. Eligible for this awards are Gozitan players and other players who hold a Maltese passport who turned out for the First Division clubs in Gozo.
  Voting for the Best Futsal Player award were the coaches or representatives of the clubs in the Futsal League First Division. First Division players are eligible for this award.
  The other new award is the Powerade Public Best Player Award, which is sponsored by General Soft Drinks. The general public is invited to vote by sending an sms on one of seven numbers. Six players were short-listed for this award - Gilbert Agius (50614001), Jeffrey Chetcuti (50614002), Andrew Cohen (50614003), Haruna Doda (50614004), Reuben Gauci (50614005) and Ivan Woods (50614006). One could vote for any other player by sending an sms to 50614001 with the name and surname of the player.
  Ivan Woods currently leads the way with the highest number of votes, followed by Gilbert Agius and Floriana's Julian Briffa.
  Voting for this award closes half an hour before the end of the gala event on July 16 which will also be screened live on Net Television. The presentation will be carried out by a representative from General Soft Drinks.
  The complete list of categories for the fourth edition of the Westin Malta Football Awards is therefore:
  Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Striker, Most Promising Youngster, Best Coach, Best Foreign Player, Best Local Player, Best Goal of the Season, Best Female Player, Best Futsal Player, Best Gozitan (First Division) Player and the Public Best Player Award.
  Just like previous editions, voting for the first eight categories were the presidents, coaches and captain of the ten Premier League clubs and 25 journalists who cover Premier League matches on a regular basis.
  This time, following a suggestion which was put forward during the first meeting of the organizing committee, voted will be added in the presence of a Notary Public. Notary Dr Sharon Fiorentino LLD will be supervising the counting of votes and the three finalists in the different categories will be announced a week before the event.
  Meanwhile for the first time, the Westin Malta Football Awards is being organized by Events Services, something which will give a more professional touch to the organization of the event.
  A limited number of tickets for the event will be on sale and could be obtained by phoning 99498947 or email info@eventsservices.net
  The Westin Malta Football Awards are sponsored by the Minister for Education, Youth and Employment, Westin Dragonara, Melita Digital, Vodafone, Mondo Turf, Powerade, Sign It, Heineken, TeamSport, Hacienda and XFM.
• The list of players who will be forming part of the Maltese squad for the XV Mediterranean Games which will be held in Almeria, Spain between June 24 and July 3 was announced during a press conference on Thursday.
  Malta will be playing in Group C. Malta plays the first game against Greece on Thursday 23, then Algeria on Saturday 25 and finally Tunisia on Monday 27.
  The 20 players selected by coaches Edwin Camilleri and Silvio Vella are:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
  Andre Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Edmund Agius (Hibernians), Matthew Bartolo (Hibernians), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Jonathan Pearson (Hibernians), Joel Sammut Vasquez (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Mark Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Scerri (Sliema).
  Accompanying the squad are MFA official Lawrence Ellul, team doctor Dr Stephen Zammit and masseur Tony Gambin.
  The Maltese squad leaves Malta on Tuesday 21.
  Meanwhile Malta will be taking part as well in another six disciplines - athletics, golf, judo, shooting, swimming and wrestling.
• Gharghur F.C. will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday June 22nd at the premises of the local band club at 19:30.
  Items on the agenda include the approval of the minutes of the last AGM, the approval of the administrative and financial report, the election of the new committee for season 04/05 and amendments to the statute.
  Those interested in forming part of the committee are encouraged to send and email by Tuesday 21st on gharghurfc@searchmalta.com or contact the secretary on 9926 2422
  All Gharghur FC supporters are urged to attend and participate actively, as well as to pay up their annual club membership of Lm2.
• The Sta. Venera Youth Nursery will be taking part in the Dana Cup international football tournament which is held in Hjoerring, Denmark between the 22nd and the 31st of July 2005.
  Sta. Venera will be taking part with two teams - the Under-14 and the Under-10.
  The Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery will be taking part in the tournament as well.

Thu 16

• Malta international defender Luke Dimech could join English League Two side Chester City after being released by Mansfield Town last month after making 19 starts last season.
  Chester manager Keith Curle, who had signed Dimech for the Stags two years ago, is now keen to have him back in his team.
  "This is an extremely busy time in football, but thank-fully we are now beginning to see results from a number of negotiations and discussions we've had," the Blues manager said. "We hopefully will be able to add Dimech and (ex-Yeovil Town player Abdul) El Kholti to our squad early next week."
  Earlier this week, Chester completed the signing of two midfield players Justin Walker and Craig Dove from Cambridge United and Rushden and Diamonds respectively, but had an offer for Mansfield Town central defender Dave Artell refused by the Nottinghamshire club. Another Mansfield Town defender Scott McNiven joined the Blues after being released at the end of last season.
  Keith Curle was sacked by Mansfield in December following accusations concerning an alleged training ground incident. The former England international defender has always protested his innocence and, with the help of the League Managers Association, appealed unsuccessfully against the decision.
  The 41-year-old has kept tight-lipped over the matter but he is now taking the Stags to court for 'wrongful dismissal' and says he will give his version of the events once the matter has been settled in court.
  After leaving Sliema Wanderers, Luke Dimech joined Shamrock Rovers in summer 2002. He retured to Malta in January 2003 where he played for Birkirkara for the rest of the season. In August 2003, Dimech joined Mansfield Town initially on trial and then on a month long contract at the start of season 2003/04. After lengthy negotiations, Luke signed a one year contract with the club in early September 2003 and earned a further year contract at the end of that season.
• FIFA Referee Anton Zammit has been appointed to control the First Round First Leg Intertoto Match between KS Dinamo Tirana and NK Varteks of Croatia to be played in Tirana on Saturday. The Assistant Referees will be Charles Micallef and Alan Camilleri.
• Mosta FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday June 17th. The important meeting, which will take place at the club's premises in Eucharistic Congress Road, will include the election of the club's President, Vice-President/s and other other committee members for the next 3 seasons.
  The meeting, as published on the club's website, www.mostafc.com starts at 7pm. All loyal Mosta FC supporters are urged to attend and participate actively. Staff will be at the door to verify that only paid Mosta FC members are allowed in for the AGM. All supporters may pay up their club membership before the AGM. Club membership costs Lm5 for men while ladies enroll for only Lm2.

Wed 15

• Twenty-eight year old Matthew Calascione will return for Birkirkara after spending the last ten months in Australia. Calascione, whose contract expired at the end of last season, signed a two-year contract with the Stripes.
  Calascione had joined Birkirkara in 1997 from St. Andrews. He played regularly for Birkirkara since then, except for a season he spent with Naxxar Lions.
  Meanwhile Birkirkara signed goalkeeper Ivan Casha on a one-year loan from Marsaxlokk.
  The former Hamrun and Marsa goalkeeper will replace Saviour Darmanin who is no longer in the club's plans.
  Birkirkara are currently discussing a new contract with goalkeeper Justin Haber.
• Following the 6-0 and 4-1 defeats to Sweden and Iceland, Malta lost one place in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Ranking list as published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 137th place.
  Other European countries like the Faroe Islands and Andorra, climbed five and three places respectively and are now 128th and 135th. Iceland climbed seven places to move into the 90th place.
  This means that among the other European countries, Malta is now 48th.
  Cyprus are 40th (109, down 4), followed by Northern Ireland (114), Azerbaijan (116), Moldova (117, down 2), Armenia (121), Faroe Islands (128, up 5) and Andorra (135, up 3). Behind Malta are Liechtenstein (140, up 1), Kazakhstan (148), Luxembourg (155) and San Marino (161, up 1).
  Malta's next commitment is a friendly match in August against Northern Ireland. This will serve as preparation for the last three World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored again for Lillestrom in the Norwegian Cup game against First Division side Moss on Wednesday. Mifsud scored the first goal on 4 minutes.
  Lillestrom were leading 2-0 but a great comeback by Moss enabled them to go 3-2 ahead. The Canaries notched the equaliser to force extra-time when they managed to score twice to win 5-3.
  Mifsud was substitute on the 76th minute. He was replaced by Myklebust, who went on to take the game into extra time with his 3-3 goal and score one of the goals extra-time.

Tue 14

• Italian Serie A side Messina have chosen Malta as its first base outside Italy for its Scuola Calcio Messina project. The aim behind this project is to provide Maltese children the opportunity to practice football within the football school of Messina Calcio - a club which aims to become a leading organisation in the youth sector.
  The target of the project is to constantly look out for young successful players in Italy and Malta who could gradually make it to the youth sector of the Serie A side. The project also has an educational objective - that of educating the youngsters and enable them to develop fully with the help of parents and coaches in a healthy environment.
  While addressing the media, Claudio Lucchini, who is responsible for the Scuola Calcio Messina, said that education is a main objective of the football school. "The Project, School and Football represent the club's professional commitment in the youth sector."
  Lucchini explained how the targets of the school could be reached. Scuola Calcio F.C. Messina will be embarking on a three-year plan. Next season, the club will be setting a number of strategic bases in Sicily and Malta. There will be a total of 33 football schools covering Messina, Catania, Siracusa, Ragusa, Enna, Caltanissetta, Agrigento Palermo, Trapani and Malta. In season 2006-07, new schools will be set up in the regions of Campania, Basilicata, Molise, Calabria, Puglia and Sardegna. By the end of season 2007-08, other football schools will be set up in the rest of Italy.
  An initiative of the school is to develop the Centro Studio Scuola Calcio Messina which will help with the development of training methodologies which will not only focus on the technical and tactical aspects but also the provision of a system which would provide youngsters educational material, depending on their level of education.
  Trials and selections in the Scuola Calcio Messina will be held twice - during the months of November and March - for children aged 12 and over. A coach from the youth sector of Messina Calcio will be supervising the selections which will be held in November. In March, trials will be held on a regional basis.
  A national tournament will be held annually during the month of June. On the other hand, training camps will be held in summer for children aged 7 to 16. Training camps will be held at attractive resorts such as the Park Hotel Paradiso in Lago del Garda, Villagio degli Ulivi in Catania and Malta.
  Clubs twinned with the project will be invited for home matches of the Serie A club therefore providing the young players the possibility of watching top level Italian football live.
• Senglea Athletic will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday June 17th at 19:30 in order to form a new committee for the coming season.
  During the Annual General Meeting which was held on Sunday 12th, there were not enough nominations.
  Those interested in forming part of the committee are encouraged to fill the appropriate form which is available from the club by Thursday 16th.

Mon 13

• As part of their preparation for next Saturday's Intertoto Cup first round qualifier against FK Buducnost Podgorica, Valletta played a friendly match against Gozitan side Xewkija Tigers.
  The Citizens won 3-0, goals by Massimo Grima (2) and Gilbert Agius.
  Missing for Valletta were the injured Sharlon Pace and Chris Oretan. Both will be missing the first leg against FK Buducnost.
  Valletta captain Gilbert Agius is also expected to miss the game as he serves the second of a two-match ban after being sent off in the UEFA Cup qualifier against Neuchatel Xamax in July 2003.
• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored again for Lillestrom in a 3-0 win over Aalesund. Tha Canaries move joint-second with 17 points from ten matches, four points behind leaders Start.
  Mifsud scored the first goal on the 12th minute, heading in a cross from the right into the far corner. The goal was his fifth of the season.
  He was substituted on the 70th, when Lillestrøm led 2-0.

Sun 12

• Nigerian striker Haruna Doda will be joining Hibernians.
  Doda, who had joined Birkirkara in summer 2003, was released by the Stripes last week, one year before his contract was due to expire.
  He is expected to join Hibernians for his first training session on Monday.
  The Paolites, once again under the guidance of coach Robert Gatt, started their pre-season training last week in view of their UEFA Cup commitments.
  Doda will be the third foreigner. Essien Mbong was confirmed while the contract of Ndubisi Chukunyere was terminated by mutual consent. He will be replaced by Udochukwu Nwoko - a product of the club who was on loan with Xewkija Tigers last season.

Fri 10

• Liverpool are among the list of possible opponents in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League for champions Sliema Wanderers after the Executive Committee decided to amend the regulations for the future editions of the UEFA Champions League, so that the title-holders will have the right to defend their title and therefore qualify automatically.
  The UEFA Executive Committee decided to allow Liverpool to defend their title entering the competition in the first qualifying round. It also decided that there will be no country protection for Liverpool, that is they could face other English sides in further rounds.
  The other seeded teams - other possible opponents for Sliema - Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus), Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Dinamo Tbilisi (Georgia), Slovakia champions, Haka Valkeakoski (Finland), FH Hafnarfjardar (Iceland), Shelbourne (Ireland), Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Skonto Riga (LAT), Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) and FBK Kaunas (Lithuania).
  The unseeded teams are Rabotnicki Skopje (Macedonia), Sliema Wanderers, Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia), SK Tirana (Albania), Levadia Tallinn (Estonia), Glentoran (Northern Ireland), Llansantffraid (Wales), F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), Azerbaijan champions, HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands) and Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan).
  The first qualifying round will be played on July 12/13 and 19/20. The draw will be held on June 24.
• Former Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic is set to return with Sliema Wanderers after spending last season in Gozo with Ghajnsielem.
  The champions are in fact close to reaching an agreement with the player who would be joining the Blues for the third time in his career.
  Bogdanovic had in fact played for Sliema in season 2000-2001. After playing for Vasas in Hungary, he returned to Malta where he played for Naxxar Lions and Valletta before moving abroad once again to join Cherno More in Bulgaria. In summer 2003, Bogdanovic returned to Sliema. However after a few months, he was released by the Blues and joined Marsaxlokk.
  Meanwhile Sliema are being linked with a move for Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere who was released by Hibernians.
  The Blues, who extended the contract of Murphy Akanji and Joe Brincat for another season, will be strengthened with Italian defender Mauro Di Lello, formerly of Pietà.
• Despite Victor Sciriha's decision not to stand for re-election as Marsaxlokk president, the Southseasiders will be involved in another intensive transfer campaign this summer.
  In fact, after signing four Under-21 internationals last year - Shawn Tellus, Shaun Bajada, Andre Schembri and Cleaven Frendo, Marsaxlokk are close to landing the signatures of two other young players.
  Sliema Wanderers midfielder Kevin Sammut and Pietà Hotspurs defender/midfielder Gareth Sciberras have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Marsaxlokk and are expected to sign five-year contracts with the club in the coming weeks.
  Marsaxlokk are also linked with Floriana goalkeeper Reuben Gauci.
  Having just one foreign player on their books, the Southseasiders are expected to sign two new foreigners this summer.
  Meanwhile a number of players who were on loan with other clubs last season are expected to move elsewhere as they are no longer in the club's plans. In fact Daniel Bogdanovic and David Carabott are being linked with Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara respectively.
• Birkirkara FC have terminated the contract of Nigerian striker Haruna Doda.
  Doda had joined the Stripes in summer 2003. He did very well during the first season but last year, his performances were not up to the club's expectancies. In fact, he was relegated to the bench on several occasions.
  With the departure of Romanian defender Lucian Dronca and the release of Doda, Birkirkara may now sign two new foreign players. One of them should be a central defender, the other should be a midfielder or striker.
  The Stripes are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with former Malta international captain David Carabott. Carabott, who played for Ghajnsielem last season, had his contract with Marsaxlokk terminated and is now set to sign a one-year contract with Birkirkara.
  This season, the FA Trophy winners should be strengthened with the return of Matthew Calascione, who spent the last twelve months in Australia.
• Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery, for the first time, is going to participate in a football tournament held in Northern Ireland.
  Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery will be participating in the Junior category (Boys born on/after 1st January 1993). There are 92 teams in four different categories, Youth, Schoolboys, Juvenile and Juniors. The Foyle Cup tournament takes place in Derry from 5th to 9th July and each year attracts many of the top names in Irish, British and European football - Werder Bremen, Montpellier, Brescia, Sporting Lokeren, Ferencvaros, IFK Gothenburg, Hogeborg, Armenia Bielefeld, Man Utd, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts, Shelbourne, Bohemians, Derry City, Distillery, Limavady United, Coleraine.
  The Foyle Cup International football tournament has quickly established itself as Ireland's premier youth soccer competition. This year's special guest of honor will be Archie Mac Pherson, Eurosport and Scottish television commentator and presenter.
  Besides participating in the football tournament, the Maltese contingent (made up of 42 people), will be visiting places of interest in Northern Ireland.
• Tarxien Rainbows F.C. Youth Nursery is accepting applications from coaches who would like to become part of their coaching staff for season 2005-2006.
  Interested coaches are to submit their application together with a detailed C.V. and a copy of their coaching certificate to The Secretary - Tarxien Rainbows F.C. Youth Nursery, 131 Triq L-Annunzjata, Tarxien PLA 04. Closing date for applications is 30th June 2005.

Wed 8

• World Cup Iceland vs Malta 4-1
• The Annual General Meeting of Nadur Youngsters F.C. will be held on June 12th at the club's premises, starting at 10:00.
  Those interested in forming part of the committee should fill the appropriate form at the club by not later than June 10th at midnight.
  Proposals for amendments to the statute should be presented in writing, addressed to secretary Joe Camilleri.
• The Annual General Meeting of Birzebbuga St. Peter's will be held on Monday 13th June 2005 at the Pretty Bay club, starting at 1930.
  There will be the presentation of the end-of-season awards, including the Footballer of the Year and an award for the Youths team.

Tue 7

• UEFA Under-21 Championship Iceland vs Malta 0-0
  The Malta Under-21 side bounced back following the heavy defeat to Sweden, holding Iceland in a goalless draw in Reykjavik in another UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier. This was the fourth point in this campaign for Mark Miller's side after beating Iceland 1-0 at Ta' Qali in October.
  Meanwhile the season is not over for the Under-21 side as Malta will be taking part in the Mediterranean Games which will be held later this month in Almeria, Spain. Malta faces Greece on Thursday 23, Algeria on Saturday 25 and Tunisia on Monday 27.
• Malta will be aiming at regaining lost pride following a 6-0 drubbing by Sweden in Gothenburg as the national team takes on Iceland in Reykjavik on Wednesday in another match from Group 8 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying round.
  Ironically the game against Iceland arrives after the heavy defeat to Sweden just as it was the case last autumn when the game against Iceland was the first outing following the 0-7 defeat to Sweden at Ta' Qali. Against Iceland, the Maltese played a good defensive game to earn a point in a goalless draw.
  Heese and Busuttil could not field their best formation as midfielder Ivan Woods is ruled out through suspension. The Sliema Wanderers midfielder collected his second yellow card last Saturday in the game against Sweden.
  However another Sliema Wanderers midfielder Claude Mattocks will be back for Malta after serving a one-match ban.
  There are not expected to be any major changes from the team which lost to Sweden. However goalkeeper Reuben Gauci will replace Justin Haber in goal.
  Iceland were unlucky not to collect any points last Saturday as they hosted Hungary, finishing on the losing end in a five-goal thriller. Lying at the bottom of the table with just one point together with Malta, Iceland will be therefore all out to claim the three points on Wednesday.
  Coaches Asgeir Sigurvinsson and Logi Olafsson's biggest concern is the absence of a number of players. Heidar Helguson (Watford FC), Olafur Orn Bjarnason (SK Brann), Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson (SK Brann), Indridi Sigurdsson (KRC Genk) are all ruled out after collecting a second yellow card in the last game.
  Leeds midfielder Gylfi Einarsson is also in doubt as he is nursing an injury. Bjarni Olafur Eiriksson is therefore set to make his debut.
  The players in the Icelandic squad are: Arni Gautur Arason (Valerenga), Kristjan Finnbogason (KR Reykjavik), Brynjar Gunnarsson (Watford), Arnar Thor Vidarsson (KSC Lokeren), Johannes Hardarson (IK Start), Petur Marteinsson (Hammarby), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Chelsea FC), Tryggvi Gudmundsson (FH Hafnarfjordur), Gylfi Einarsson (Leeds United), Hjalmar Jonsson (IFK Goteborg), Veigar Gunnarsson (Stabaek IF), Stefan Gíslason (SFK Lyn), Gretar Rafn Steinsson (Young Boys), Gunnar Thorvaldsson (Halmstad BK), Kári Arnason (Djurgardens IF), Haraldur Gudmundsson (Aalesunds FK) and Bjarni Olafur Eiriksson.
  This will be the eleventh clash between Iceland and Malta. Iceland won eight of these matches. These include a 5-0 win in a friendly match in July 2000 and a 3-0 win in a World Cup qualifier in June 2001. Both matches were played in the Iceland capital.
• The Annual General Meeting of the Youth Football Association will be held on Saturday June 18 at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali, starting at 09:30.
  Items on the agenda include the approval of the minutes of the last AGM, the approval of the administrative and financial report, the election of five members in the council and amendments to the statute.
  There are six candidates for the council namely Godwin Aquilina (Sta. Venera), Charles Cassar (Rabat Depiro), Mario DeBattista (Hamrun Spartans), Malcolm Dimech (Zebbug Rangers), Carmel Farrugia (Birzebbuga Windmills) and Simon Henwood (Mosta).
• The Annual General Meeting of Mgarr United will be held on Sunday 19 June at the club's premises in Triq il-Maghkuba at 10:30.
  Items on the agenda include the reports by the committee and coach, the election of a new committee and amendments in the statute.
• The Annual General Meeting of Tarxien Rainbows F.C. will be held on Thursday June 16th at the club's premises in Triq is-Sorijiet at 18:30.
  Paid members who would like to form part of the committee are asked to inform the secretary in writing.

Mon 6

• The Malta Under-21 side will be playing the second game in five days, facing Iceland in Reykjavik in another UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier. The Maltese side will be hoping to bounce back following a most disappointing 6-0 defeat to Sweden last Friday.
  This heavy defeat came as a surprise considering a series of good performances over the past 15 months.
  In October, it was the game against Iceland which gave Malta the first and only three points obtained so far in this campaign. Cleaven Frendo had scored the all-important goal on 93 minutes.
  Miller is not expected to make much changes from the team which lost to Sweden, with the only change probably being that of Andrei Agius who replaces the suspended Shaun Bajada. The line-up is therefore expected to be: Reuben Gauci, Alex Muscat, Ryan Mintoff, Shawn Tellus, Josef Mifsud, Trevor Cilia, Gareth Sciberras, Roderick Bajada, Andrei Agius, Christian Cassar, Cleaven Frendo.
  The other players in the squad are Kris Calleja, David Farrugia, Roderick Sammut, Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Dyson Falzon, Paul Fenech, Ian Zammit.
  Iceland registered two home wins over Bulgaria and Sweden. Last Friday, they lost 0-1 to Hungary.
• Mqabba FC will be organising a Sumer Football Tournament at the 5-a-side synthetic pitch in Mqabba. The tournament gets underway on June 27.
  Teams may have one guest player from the Premier League and another from Division 1. Applications can be obtained from the club or by phoning Mark Bondin on 79051404. Closing date is June 20.
  Prizes include the sum of Lm 100 and trophies.
  The tournament is being organised in order to raise funds for the club's nursery.

Sat 4

• World Cup Sweden vs Malta 6-0

Fri 3

• UEFA Under-21 Championship Sweden vs Malta 6-0
  The Malta Under-21 national team suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Sweden in a match from the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 8 at the Örjans Vall in Halmstad on Friday.
  Mark Miller's side who did quite well in the recent outings suffered the first goal after just eight minutes with Mikael Dahlberg putting the hosts ahead. Alexander Farnerud doubled the score on 32 minutes.
  Three minutes in the second half, the hosts increased the lead thanks to an own goal. Mikael Dahlberg added another goal on 56 minutes and Jon Jonsson made it 5-0 on 68 minutes. Jonsson sealed the issue with a sixth goal on the 90th.
• National coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil are expected to adopt a defensive approach in order to avoid a repeat of last September's humiliating defeat as Malta faces Sweden at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg on Saturday 4, kick-off at 17:15.
  This game is valid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Round.
  Heese and Busuttil are expected to play with a 4-5-1 formation with Michael Mifsud being the only striker.
  Jeffrey Chetcuti will return in defence after missing the last game against Croatia. Adrian Pulis could be awarded a place in the rear-guard as well together with Brian Said and Luke Dimech.
  In midfield, Ivan Woods and Jamie Pace should make it to the starting line-up together with Gilbert Agius, Peter Pullicino and Stefan Giglio.
  Adrian Pulis and Jamie Pace would therefore make their first appearance for the national team.
  The other players in the squad are Reuben Gauci, Roderick Briffa, Jonathan Bondin, Massimo Grima, George Mallia, Kevin Sammut and Andrew Cohen.
  Meanwhile Barcellona striker Henrik Larsson is missing from the squad. However world-class players in the Swedish squad will definitely make up for his absence.
  Lagerback is expected to name the following players in the starting line-up: Andreas Isaksson, Mikael Nilsson, Olof Mellberg, Teddy Lucic, Erik Edman, Tobias Linderoth, Christian Wilhelmsson, Kim Kallstrom, Fredrik Ljungberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mattias Jonson.
  This will be the ninth clash between Malta and Sweden. The best result obtained by Malta in Sweden was a 1-0 defeat in the European Championship qualifiers in May 1987. In other World Cup qualifiers played in Sweden, Malta had lost 7-0 in Stockholm in October 1972 and 4-0 in Norrkoping in May 1984.
  Sweden are second in Group 8, one point behind Croatia with both sides having played five games. Malta, on the other hand, lie at the bottom of the table with one point.
• Malta registered another goalless in their last match of the 6th European Tournament for U/18 Youth and Amateur National Teams held in Campania, Italy, this week.
  Guided by coach Edwin Camilleri, the Maltese Youth side, dominated the match for long stretches but could not find a way through the Northern Ireland rearguard to score that elusive goal which would have assured a place in the 3rd and 4th place play-off being played tomorrow morning.
  The young Maltese lost the first match by three goals to one against Italy and drew 0-0 against Greece and Northern Ireland in Group A.

Thu 2

• FK Buducnost are set to face Valletta FC in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup. OFK Belgrade will be taking part in the UEFA Cup to replace another team which was not granted a UEFA licence.
  FK Buducnost hail from the town of Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. They finished sixth this season after winning promotion to the First League of Serbia & Montenegro last year.
  This will be the second time Buducnost Podgorica are playing in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. In 1995, they were drawn in Group 7 together with Bayer Leverkusen, NEA Salamis (Cyprus), OFI Creta (Greece) and Tervis (Estonia). FK Buducnost defeated Tervis 3-1 away from home and shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with NEA Salamina at home. They lost to Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in Germany and 3-4 to OFI at home.
  FK Buducnost have failed to win any major honour although they reached the final of the Yugoslavian Cup in 1965 and 1977.
  For Valletta, this will be the second appearance in the Intertoto Cup after being eliminated by KS Teuta Durres of Albania with an aggregate score of 2-1 in 2002.
  The first leg will be played at the Hibernians Ground on June 18. The return leg will be played a week later at the Pod Goricom Stadium a week later.
• The Malta Under-21 national team will be hoping to repeat its positive performances of late as Mark Miller's side faces Sweden at the Örjans Vall in Halmstad on Friday 3, kick-off at 19:00, in a match from the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 8 qualifying.
  This will be the sixth game for Malta. In the previous five matches, Malta collected just three points in a win over Iceland but performances were quite positive. In their last outing against Croatia in March, Malta suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in Nova Gorica.
  In Group 8, Sweden won three matches out of five and are currently joint-second together with Hungary, six points behind leaders Croatia.
  In September, Sweden had obtained a narrow win at Ta' Qali with a goal by Alexander Farnerud on 19 minutes giving them the three points.
  Floriana goalkeeper Reuben Gauci will be named in the starting line-up although is part of the senior squad as well.
  Missing from the squad are Pietà's Andrew Hogg and David Camenzuli, who were both sick, the injured Andre Schembri of Marsaxlokk and Hibernians striker Terence Scerri, who was dropped as he skipped a number of training sessions.
  The starting line-up is expected to be: Reuben Gauci, Alex Muscat, Roderick Bajada, Josef Mifsud, Shawn Tellus, Ryan Mintoff, Trevor Cilia, Christian Cassar, Cleaven Frendo, Gareth Sciberras, Shaun Bajada.
  The other players in the squad are Kris Calleja, David Farrugia, Roderick Sammut, Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Dyson Falzon, Paul Fenech, Ian Zammit.
  Meanwhile the Under-21 side faces Iceland in Under-21 Championship qualifier at the KR-Völlur in Reykjavik on Tuesday.

Wed 1

• Malta and Greece shared the spoils in a goalless draw in a game from the 6th European Tournament (Under-18 Youth and Amateur National Teams) which is being held in the region of Campania, Italy.
  It was Malta second’s outing where they are playing in Group ‘A’ with Italy, Greece and Northern Ireland.
  In the first game, the Under-18 side lost to hosts Italy at the Stadio Arechi in Salerno.
  The Maltese started badly and were two goals down inside the first four minutes through goals from Matteo Gritti and Domenico Petitti. After those opening stages play was more or less balanced as efforts from Mark Gauci, Jonathan Pearson, Mark Galea and Andrew Scerri also kept the opposing goalkeeper on the alert.
  Shortly into the second half Francesco Marga made it 3-0. Still, Malta kept fighting and were rewarded with a consolation goal ten minutes from time when Justin Grioli netted off a fine move.
  Italy have four points, followed by Greece and Northern Ireland, on two each, while Malta are on one point. There are two groups and two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals.
  The group matches came to an end on Friday with Malta facing Northern Ireland.