July 2007
Tue 31
- On Saturday 28th July 2007 the MFA Council members and club delegates kept faith with the Association’s officials when asked to exercise their democratic right through their vote in a momentous Annual General Meeting that lasted over six hours.
The verdict was in favour of continuity as the President, Dr Joseph Mifsud, had his mandate renewed for another three years, a choice which prolonged his term of office at the helm of the association until at least 2010. At the end of this new term Dr Mifsud will have occupied football’s top job in our country for a staggering 18 years, a span of time unequalled by any of his predecessors.
Dr Mifsud won a close ballot against Norman Darmanin Demajo, a former MFA Hon. Treasurer.
This continuity has also been endorsed by the re-election of three out of four other components of the MFA officials, with the Hon. Secretary Joseph Gauci not having to pass the test of the voters, according to the MFA Statute.
Vice-presidents Carmel Bartolo and Ludovico Micallef A&CE retained their posts, as did Alex Manfre as Hon. Treasurer. The only newcomer in the team was Dr Peter Fenech LL.D MA (Sussex), who replaced the outgoing vice-president John Farrugia. Dr P. Fenech – Factfile
Forty-year-old Dr Fenech, a partner at the Valletta-based law firm Ganado Sammut, and chairman of various entities, including Melita Insurance Brokers Ltd, Mediterranean Conference Centre and the Manoel Theatre, is also involved in several consultancy and research projects dealing with European affairs.
He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta, European Documentation and Research Centre, as well as being active in the European Consultancy Department which deals with Malta’s relations with membership of the EU.
His involvement in sport has been conspicuous through the drafting of various bills, notably the Sports Law and the anti-doping regulations in conformity with those of WADA.
Dr Fenech’s interest in football, has been evident for a number of years now as he has been a member of various committees, including MFA Boards.
He is married to Roberta nee Messina and has two sons, Luigi and Matteo, and two daughters, Elena and Carla.
It was the first time Dr Fenech contested for the post of vice-president of the MFA.
- Sliema Wanderers travel to Lovech in Bulgaria where they will be facing PFC Litex in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at the Gradski Stadium on Thursday.
After losing the first leg 0-3, the Wanderers will be doing their best to give their opponents a hard time with the main objective being that of a good performance away from home.
However Sliema will lack a number of players namely the injured Alex Muscat and Roderick Bajada together with foreigners Murphy Akanji and Aleksandar Madzar. The striker from Montenegro was in fact unable to travel with the squad. New players Etienne Barbara and Nesko Milovanovic are ineligible.
Litex were in action on Thursday as they lost 1-2 to champions Levski Sofia in the Bulgarian Super Cup. After going one goal down early in the first half, Litex levelled matters just before the final whistle thanks to a goal by Andre Roberto Da Silva. However Levski scored again in extra-time to claim the trophy.
The match will be controlled by referee Sergiy Berezka from Ukraine. He will be assisted by assistant referees Sergiy Tsymbal and Oleksandr Yakymenko and fourth official Andriy Shandor (UKR).
- A pre-season Referees' Seminar will again be held this year at the Conference Hall, Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali between Thursday 2nd August and Saturday 4th August 2007.
This annual event, organised by the MFA Referees Board, under the auspices of UEFA, will this year be conducted by David Elleray, a member of UEFA Referees' Committee and an ex-FIFA International Referee who had a distinguished career as a football referee in England.
The subjects covered in the seminar will be:
1. Referee's Personality
2. Management of Free-Kick Situations
3. Determining Offside
4. Consistency in Sanctioning Unsporting Behaviour
5. Reading the Game – Positioning
6. Communications between Officials
MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud will open the seminar on Thursday at 18.00hrs at the Conference Hall of the Technical Centre, Ta' Qali, with an address to the participants, including match inspectors who are invited to attend all sessions of the seminar.
Tom A. Restall, Head, Referees Department of the MFA will introduce the seminar which will include workshops, group reports in Plenary sessions and concluding questions.
Such an activity is very useful towards keeping our Referees and Assistant Referees adjourned on the latest developments in the Refereeing sector.
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery successfully took part in the Welsh International Super Cup 2007 which was held between the 22nd and 29th of July.
The Under-11 group won the Welsh Challenge Cup after beating Welsh side South Ceredigion in the semi-finals and Brodysn FC 4-0 in the final. The team was led by coach Mr. Frankie Ciantar.
The Under-9 side, led by coach Mr. Jesmond Sultana, placed fourth in the Super Cup.
Various countries participated in this tournament namely: England, Italy, India, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, United States and others. In all, 151 teams took part in this tournament.
A contingent of 50 players, Team Manager Damian Saliba, Head Coach Godfrey Grima, club secretary Frankie Ciantar and coach and a number of parents visited Abersystwyth.
It was a wonderful experience for Pietà Hotspurs players as they met other players from other countries who play different styles of football. All games were played on natural turf pitches. The young Pietà players also had the chance to visit some historical sites in Wales.
The Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery thanks the other Maltese nurseries who took part in the Welsh International Super Cup, namely Melita, Luxol, Mosta and Pembroke Athleta for the co-operation throughout the tournament.
Sun 29
- Nigerian-born striker Udochukwu Nwoko joined newly-promoted side Leixões Sport Club in Portugal. The club's official website states that the player signed a three year contract, until 2010.
Nwoko was also attracting the interest of another Portuguese club, União de Leiria. However he finally opted to join Leixões who have just won the Second Division championship and are set to play in the First Division next season.
A product of Hibernians, Nigerian-born Udo Nwoko made his Premier League debut for Hibernians in season 2003/04 before moving to Gozo where he played for Xewkija Tigers. He spent the following season on loan, once again with Xewkija. In season 2005/06, he had a successful season with Mosta in the Premier League.
Nwoko spent the first part of last season with Hibernians, joining Marsaxlokk on loan in January. With the Southseasiders he won the BOV Premier League championship.
This summer, Nwoko, who is set to obtain Maltese citizenship in the coming months, played for Hibernians in the Euro Challenge Cup and the UEFA Cup first qualifying round first leg against FK Vojvodina.
- Paul Zammit was confirmed as coach of Valletta FC after signing a two-year contract with the club.
Zammit had joined Valletta in November 2005 from Mosta. He had started his career as a coach with the Blues, first as a player-coach and then only as a coach.
As a player, Paul Zammit played for Sliema Wanderers, Rabat Ajax, Hibernians, Hamrun Spartans and Mosta.
Valletta were so far the most active club in the transfer market after securing the services of Sliema midfielder Stefan Giglio, Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus, Msida defender Josef Mifsud, Pietà goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, Birkirkara defender Kenneth Scicluna and Mosta defender Bryan Agius.
- The Gudja United Youth Nursery is once again organisning various soccer activities under the patronage of the MFA and UEFA Grassroots Scheme.
Apart from holding regular training sessions and outings for the children in the nursery, the Youth nursery is organizing various activities in collaboration with other entities in the locality to try and promote both the nursery and the idea of ‘sport for all’. Regular activities with the Primary School are being organized.
The nursery recently organized a Street Football Festival in collaboration with the Gudja Local Council as part of the celebrations of the ‘Jum il-Gudja 2007’ and after its success, it will be organizing another one on the 8th August 2007.
During this summer, after discussions held with the Women's National Team coach, the Gudja Youth Nursery is also holding training sessions for girls for which there was a very good response.
Children, boys and girls, from the age of 6 to 16 willing to take part in the summer activities or willing to join the nursery are to contact the nursery on mobile number 99821120 or by visiting the website www.gudjayn.com
Sat 28
- Dr Joe Mifsud was confirmed as the President of the Malta Football Association for another three years after beating rival candidate Norman Darmanin Demajo in the election which was held during the MFA's Annual General Meeting which was held on Saturday. At the end of this three year term, Dr Mifsud would have served for a total of eighteen years as MFA president.
Dr Mifsud polled a total of 52 votes against the 49 votes polled by Darmanin Demajo.
Dr Mifsud was first elected as MFA president on July 23rd, 1992, after serving as senior vice-president during Dr George Abela's ten-year term of office. Three years ago, Dr Mifsud was contested by Joe Caruana Curran but retained the post after polling 56 votes out of 97. On previous occasions, although he was not contested, he always requested a vote of confidence and each time, he was confirmed.
Carmelo Bartolo and Ludovico Micallef were confirmed as Vice-Presidents while Dr Peter Fenech was voted as Vice-President for the first time.
Bartolo obtained a total of 82 votes, Ludovico Micallef 61 votes, Dr Peter Fenech 52, Alex Manfrè 49, Pippo Psaila 26 and Joe Hedley 5 votes. Michael Cutajar and Bjorn Vassallo withdrew their nomination.
Alex Manfrè was confirmed as MFA Treasurer after obtaining a total of 66 votes. The other contestant for the post, George Micallef obtained 31 votes. Joe Hedley withdrew his nomination.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that after three years of hard work, he was glad the majority of council members and delegates expressed their faith in him and his colleagues.
"I promise that I will be doing my best in order for the Malta Football Association to keep moving forward for the good of the game."
"For me, this was a difficult election as it is quite difficult for someone to be elected after serving in a post for 15 years. Elections could lead to a divide. However this should not be this case unlike what happened three years ago," said Dr Mifsud.
"What has been promised is fully realisable. We need the support of member clubs and member associations in order to put it into practice. We are not taking any breaks but will start working as from Monday with a meeting of the new Executive Committee and the Council will be discussing the composition of the various boards and committees during a meeting on Wednesday," he said.
Dr Mifsud said this election was the proof that the Malta Football Association is a democratic institution where everyone had the right to have a different opinion. He said that whoever had sent the letters to member clubs with a photo-montage (depicting the MFA president as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler) was someone who does not know him and the way he works.
He said he was ready for any result as his conscience was clean that he had worked honestly for the association over the past years.
The MFA President said that he has no difficulties working with anyone as this election was no political election. The association will now embark on another three year programme to work on what has been promised. Dr Mifsud concluded by thanking members and wishing that all members supported the MFA in working for the good of the game.
Meanwhile other elections were necessary to elect the ordinary members of the Executive Committee to represent Premier League clubs, Member Clubs in general and Member Associations.
In the election for the two Council Members to represent Premier League clubs in the Executive Committee, Jesmond Abela (Hibernians) and Joseph Sammut (Pietà) were elected with 60 votes and 44 votes respectively. Joseph Gauci (Birkirkara) obtained 39 votes and Paul Spiteri 24 votes.
Raymond Micallef and Joseph Gauci will be representing Member Clubs in general after obtaining 40 votes and 39 votes respectively. The other candidates obtained the following number of votes: Joseph Hedley 11, Charles Scerri 29, Paul Spiteri 18, Salvu Vella 36.
Charles Calleja and Joseph Cassar Naudi were elected to represent Member Associations in the Executive Committee after obtaining 57 votes and 56 votes respectively. Kenneth Cassar obtained 36 votes.
The eleven ordinary members on the Executive Committee of the Association are therefore:
Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in the different Divisions:
Premier Division: Jesmond Abela and Joseph Sammut
First Division: Redeno Apap and John Vella
Second Division: Dr. Joe Mifsud (NXR)
Third Division: Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general: Joseph Gauci (BKR) and Raymond Micallef
Council Members in representation of The Youth F.A.: Joe Micallef
Council Members in representation of the other Member Associations: Charles Calleja and Joseph M. Cassar Naudi
A hundred-and-one council members and delegates were entitled to vote in these elections. These included fifty-four Council members and the forty-seven delegates According to the statute of the association, the Officers of the Association, that is the President, the Vice-Presidents, the General Secretary and the Treasurer are not be entitled to vote in these elections.
- The Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association was held on Saturday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Following the Approval of the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 29th July 2006 and the Approval of the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 22nd February 2007, the Approval of the Administrative Report for the year 2006/07 was the next item of the agenda.
This reports includes the association's work in the various sectors - administration, finances and marketing, tribunals, licensing, domestic competitions, international competitions, sports facilities, refereeing and the technical sector.
Besides the usual day-to-day administration, the MFA worked on a number of main projects. These included the transfer of the MFA Headquarters from Valletta to the Millennium Stand, the installation of a new artificial turf pitch and the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches. These projects were almost entirely financed by funds received from FIFA, UEFA and Swiss media and television rights company Infront AG. Works are currently underway on the former MFA Health & Leisure Centre which is being converted into a head-quarters for the National team, the replacement of the fencing at the West Stand with perspex panels and the installation of a new eletronic scoreboard at the National Stadium.
Following amendments to the statute which were approved in February, he Arbitration Board will be abolished and the Independent Arbitration Tribunal will be set-up. This will be the last and final instance, provided that an appeal from a first decision has already been made and decided by the Appeals Board. In any arbitration procedure, the Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman and two other members with the plaintiff and the defendant nominating the two members, each party nominating its own member from the approved list.
The Council will no longer be considered as a disciplinary body and disciplinary action will only be taken by other competent bodies. The Players, Coaches and Member Clubs Complaints Board will now be known as the Players, Coaches, Players' Agents and Member Clubs Complaints Board as this will be dealing with complaints by players' agents against players or member clubs and with complaints of players or member clubs against players' agents. The Board will also be competent to determine all disputes which arise between clubs and/or member associations or between clubs and clubs within the Gozo FA.
Malta applied to form part of the UEFA Referees Convention which was launched this year. The application was accepted and will be signing the convention on December 5th.
Several coaching courses were organised including a UEFA 'A' course for which twenty coaches attended. The MFA is also working on the introduction of a UEFA 'C' course and the possibility of obtaining UEFA recognition for the Pro Level Diploma which is only possible to obtain abroad.
A total of 1,414 matches were played this season. This figure includes 377 Youth League and Knock-Out matches, 424 Futsal League and Knock-Out matches and 61 matches in the Women's competitions.
Fourteen doping tests were carried out on a toal of 56 players. Eight tested positive but three of them had tested positive due to a substance which is produced by the body.
Attendance for competitive matches amounted to 126,433, a reduction of around 30,000 spectators over the previous season. A total of 74,322 spectators paid for Premier League matches. Attendance for the other leagues were as follows: First Division 13,189; Second Division 7,616; Third Division 7,123. Spectators for First Division and Third Division matches increased but the number decreased for other competitions. The gross income amounted to Lm 172,190 out of which the MFA had to pay Lm 26,280 in VAT.
Over the past year, the national team played ten matches - seven from the EURO 2008 qualifiers and three friendly matches. Following a 2-5 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina at Ta' Qali and a 2-0 defeat to Turkey in Frankfurt, Malta registered a historic 2-1 win over Hungary. Malta then drew 1-1 with Moldova in Chisinau and following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Greece at Ta' Qali, the team suffered two defeats to Norway (4-0) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-0) away from home. In friendly matches, Malta lost 3-0 to Slovakia and 1-4 to Lithuania, Malta shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Austria in a game which marked the 50th anniversary of international participation.
The remaining EURO 2008 qualifiers are against Turkey at home on September 8, Hungary away from home on October 13, Moldova at Ta' Qali on October 17, Greece away from home on November 17 and Norway at home on November 21. The team will be going for a training camp in Slovakia between August 12th and 19th and will then play a friendly match against Albania in Tirana on August 22nd.
The Under-21 side played five friendly matches this year and lost narrowly in the only competitive match against Romania last month. The team will be going for a training camp in the Czech Republic between August 12th and 19th and will then play a friendly match against Portugal in Porto on August 21st.
The Under-19 side participated in the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournament obtaining two draws against Denmark and Finland. In the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament, Malta registered a win over San Marino. The Amateur team took part in the UEFA Regions Cup, the Women's team in the UEFA Women's Championship mini-tournament while the Futsal team participated for the first time in the UEFA Futsal Championship.
The administrative report also mentioned future plans for the association.
Clubs whose facilities are used to host competitive matches will be helped financially. These include the floodlighting project at the Hibernians Ground and the installation of a new artificial turf pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The MFA will be helping players who need the services of the MFA Physiotherapy Centre by reducing the fees for the use of the MFA clinic will be reduced. As from season 2007/08, medical tests will be carried out on players from clubs taking part in UEFA competitions.
The national teams, and especially the senior team, will be given its due importance with the objective of collecting more points from the remaining matches. The association will be doing whatever is possible to retain Dusan Fitzel as technical director and national team coach for another two years. In the mean time, the association will continue to work hard to attract more supporters to watch national team matches.
The association will be assisting the Malta Football Coaches Association and the Malta Football Referees Association in finding premises from where they could operate. Meanwhile the MFA will be doing its best to reduce the expenses related to referees for matches from competitions organised by member associations, as it is the case with member clubs.
Administration will be strengthened in order to provide a more professional and efficient service. The MFA website will be re-designed and re-launched and a better way of communication between its members and the MFA administration.
The MFA will be working hard to improve its revenue both from local and foreign sources for the benefit of both the association and the clubs.
The association will continue to work with the Government, Local Councils and the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport so that the rest of the mini-pitches will be installed and so that member clubs and member associations would obtain legal title of the their facilities.
The MFA will be applying to receive € 2,500,000 from the UEFA funds which are reserved for the building or development of facilities. The association will therefore aid financially member clubs and member associations in projects related to facilities such as artificial turf, floodlights and dressing rooms. Financial grants by UEFA for such projects will have to be audited and projects will assessed once completed.
Finally in case of a draw against one of the top European countries (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) which generates high revenue from television rights, either in the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifiers or the EURO 2012 qualifiers, half the sum received from the extra amount of money involved in television rights would be devoted to football development while the other half would be donated to clubs in order to improve their financial situation.
Meanwhile it was also announced that the MFA will be paying all expenses related to referees and UEFA delegates by clubs taking part in UEFA competitions over the past ten years.
- The Audited Accounts and Balance Sheet of the Malta Football Association were presented during the Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association on Saturday.
The MFA's Operating Income amounted to Lm 995,865 (Lm 95,000 more than last year) with the Expenditure amounting to Lm 656,407 (Lm 103,000 more than last year).
Income includes Lm 9,295 from local matches; Lm 411,666 from international matches; Lm 526,686 from FIFA and UEFA in subsidies and refunds; Lm 23,035 from sponsorships; Lm 5,975 from disciplinary fines - club fines and damages; Lm 11,093 from other disciplinary fines; Lm 12,045 from affiliation fees and other fees and Lm 13,927 from advertising.
On the other hand, expenditure included National Teams Lm 412,090; Salaries Lm 60,960; bank loan interest & charges Lm 71,732; MFA officials allowance Lm 28,200; advertising Lm 10,985; referees training allowance Lm 18,954.
Considering an unrealised gain on exchange - Swiss Franc loan of Lm 106,818 and a depreciation of Lm 41,946, the profit, or better the excess of income over expenditure, amounted Lm 404,330.
At the end of season 2005/06, the excess of income over expenditure amounted to Lm 330,904.
The Accumulated fund at the end of the year amounts to Lm 2,598,686 compared to the Lm 2,193,686 at the end of last year
Balance Sheet
Assets
Fixed Assets Lm 4,326,609
Current Assets Lm 779,336
Total Assets Lm 5,105,945
Accumulated Funds & Liabilities
Accumulated Fund Lm 1,559,769
Non-Current Liabilities Lm 3,020,810
Current Liabilities Lm 525,366
Total Accumulated Fund and Liabilities Lm 5,105,945
Income & Expenditure in detail
National Teams and Youth Development
Income: Lm 43,059
Expenditure: Lm 454,783 (includes players' training allowance Lm 30,185; bonuses and appearance money Lm 35,098; travelling and accommodation for national teams Lm 182,248; kits and training equipment Lm 55,279; technical staff Lm 123,700; insurance and medical Lm 18,213)
Excess of expenditure over income: Lm 412,090
Millennium Stand
Income Lm 102,132
Expenditure Lm 80,828
Excess of expenditure over income (following a depreciation amounting to Lm 143,766) Lm 122,462
Centenary Stadium
Income Lm 19,679
Expenditure Lm 13,602
Excess of expenditure over income (following a depreciation amounting to Lm 40,999) Lm 34,922
National Stadium
Income Lm 120,426 (including gates Lm 46,340; bar concessions Lm 20,050; advertising Lm 30,754; broadcasting rights Lm 1,055; car park income Lm 2,574, other income Lm 19,653)
Expenditure Lm 88,639 (including wages and personnel expenses Lm 38,716; ground maintenance Lm 37,361)
Excess of income over expenditure (following a depreciation amounting to Lm 8,210) Lm 23,577
Technical Centre & Training Grounds
Income Lm 42,466 (including complex income Lm 25,475; course fees Lm 12,034; football school subscriptions Lm 3,820)
Expenditure Lm 63,426 (including wages Lm 10,583; travelling allowances Lm 5,588; training grounds maintenance Lm 36,174)
Excess of expenditure over income (following a depreciation amounting to Lm 4,735) Lm 25,695.
- Valletta FC Nursery has just returned from Bulgaria where it participated in the Dapper Cup in Plovdiv. Valletta placed first with the Under-16s, second with the Under-10s with the Under-14 side placing third.
With three teams, a total of 55 players, coaches and delegates, the Nursery went to Plovdiv to participate in the Dapper Cup from the 17th to the 23rd July 2007.
The tournament was very well-organized and the level of football was a very good one. Clubs from Bulgaria, England, Kosovo and Malta took part in the tournament.
The Under-16 team, coached by Mr Twanny Dalli, won their section unbeaten, playing five games in four days, winning 1-0, 3-2, 3-0 and 4-1. Their last game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Under-14 side, coached by Mr Anton Cremona placed third. They also played five games over a four day period. The team won three games 1-0, 2-0 and 1-0, suffering two 3-0 defeats.
The Under-10s placed second. Coached by Mr Patrick Vidal, they played six games - winning three 4-0, 3-0 and 2-1, losing two 0-2 and 0-4 with the other game ending in a 3-3 draw.
Also forming part of this contingent where Head Coach Mr Frans Grioli, Masseur Mr Anthony Coleiro, Nursery Chairman Mr Renato Zampa, Secretary Adrian Grech and team delegates Mr Christopher Farrugia, Mr Stephen Chircop and Mr Egidio Sammut.
The three squads where surprised with the presence of former Valletta FC Coach Mr Krassmir Manolov who presented the Valletta FC Nursery players with the awards achieved.
Fri 27
- Norman Darmanin Demajo concluded his electoral campaign with a press conference during which he spoke about the meetings he had with member clubs and member associations and what he promises to do should he be elected to the post of MFA President during Saturday's Annual General Meeting.
Darmanin Demajo said that the campaign was a most beautiful experience for him as it gave him the opportunity to meet all clubs. He said that during these meetings, he confirmed his thoughts with regards to the way forward.
The candidate for the MFA presidency went on to highlight the points which he will be working on if he is elected to the post. One of the main objectives is financial assistance to clubs. One of the main sources for this would be the result of the change in the system of gate money where now, clubs only get a small percentage. He said clubs will no longer be charged for the use of these facilities. Gate-money would also be improved thanks to incentives which would lure spectators to the different venues which will be hosting competitive matches.
Darmanin Demajo is aiming that within two years, those member clubs who enjoy legal title over their facilities, will be given financial assistance in order to install an artificial turf pitch and floodlights. A project which will cost around Lm 3 million. He said that in this way, young players within the club's youth sector will be able to train on an artificial turf. Naturally the senior team would therefore have better facilities for training and these facilities could earn the club more income if they are rented.
Through analysis of the association's accounts and after taking the opinion of professionals in the banking and accounting sector, he said that such a loan could be obtained immediately, not necessarily from banks, but from other sources.
Since artificial turf requires maintenance in order to extend its lifespan, a centralised maintenance programme would be developed.
"Improvement of the facilities at club level is crucial for the development of the game," said Darmanin Demajo. "
He went on to say that the association's facilities should be made available for the use by clubs for free.
The former MFA treasurer said that a Board of Internal Auditors would be set-up in order make sure of a transparent way in how the association's finances are run, especially with regards to funds received from UEFA and television rights.
"It is important that all money ends up where it is due," he said.
Darmanin Demajo mentioned other measures which would be taken such as the introduction of an MFA Help Desk, a football ombudsman and a clubs' reimbursement fund. "Clubs want to be treated with respect," he said.
Clubs in the Youth FA, Gozo FA and other member associations would no longer pay for referees as fees will be paid by the association.
He said that during the meetings with clubs, he found out that most clubs were against the current league format and that there was a wide consensus on a Premier League with twelve clubs. If the Council were to agree, this could be changed immediately, he said.
Darmanin Demajo said he is ready to work with any of the vice-presidents and other officers which will be elected on Saturday. However these should be ready to work on his 'electoral programme' as he has no intention of backing off from this programme.
He thanked current president Dr Joe Mifsud for his work over the past 15 years and emphasised that, if elected to the post of president, he will not only continue building on past achievements but will make sure that his programme will be put into effect.
Before the press conference, Darmanin Demajo condemned letters which were sent to all clubs with a photo montage of MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud. He said such acts definitely were not of any help for his campaign.
The photo-montage depicted Dr Mifsud as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Thu 26
- hundred-and-one council members and delegates were entitled to vote in these elections. These included fifty-four Council members and the forty-seven delegates According to the statute of the association, the Officers of the Association, that is the President, the Vice-Presidents, the General Secretary and the Treasurer are not be entitled to vote in these elections.
Those eligible to vote are therefore:
(a) the following Council Members (except for the Officers of the association):
(i) a number of representatives of the Member Clubs as follows:
- ten representing all Premier League clubs.
- ten representing all First Division clubs.
- ten representing Second Division clubs.
- ten representing Third Division clubs.
(ii) a number of representatives of the Member Associations as follows:
- two representatives of the Gozo Football Association.
- two representatives of the Inter Amateur Soccer Competition.
- two representatives of the Industries Soccer Association.
- two representatives of the Employees Sports Association.
- one representative of the Hotels and Restaurants Sports Association.
- one representative of the District Football League.
- two representatives of The Youth Football Association.
(iii) Representatives of the licensed coaches and the licensed referee as follows:
- one representative of the Malta Football Coaches Association.
- one representative of the Malta Football Referees Association.
(b) The following number of delegates of Member Clubs and Member Associations:
(i) A delegate from each Member Club in the Premier League and the First.
(ii) Ten delegates from Second Division clubs and ten delegates from Third Division clubs. In case there are more than ten Second Division clubs' delegates and ten Third Division clubs' delegates present, a ballot will be held to determine which delegates will be entitled to vote.
(iii) A delegate from each Member Association (GFA, IASC, ISA, ESA, HRSA, DFL and YFA).
Tue 24
- UEFA Champions League FK Sarajevo vs Marsaxlokk 3-1
- The Associazione Italiana Arbitri (AIA) invited the Malta Referees Board to send two referees for the pre-season one-week long seminar being held at Sportilia, Forli.
International Maltese Referees Adrian D. Casha and Anthony Zammit are currently attending this pre-season seminar organised for the 40 Italian Referees and 84 Assistant Referees who will be controlling the Serie ‘A’ and Serie ‘B’ matches during the forthcoming season.
During the seminar, the Maltese referees will be participating in all physical training sessions and attending lectures.
The seminar is conducted by Pier Luigi Collina, who was recently appointed Appointments Officer of AIA (FIGC).
AIA President Cesare Gussoni opened the seminar which ends on 30 July.
Mon 23
- The new FIFA Two-Star artificial turf at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, was inaugurated on Monday by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud in the presence of Minister for Education, Youth and Employment Dr Louis Galea and UEFA Meridian/HatTrick Manager Mr Mohamed Taa.
The FIFA Recommended 2-Star Certification for football turf is now the prerequisite for the official approval of artificial turf playing surfaces for national and international competitions, ranging from the UEFA Under-17 matches to the UEFA Champions League.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud spoke about the history of this stadium. Back in 1997, the association had decided to build a stadium which would host competitions for Second and Third Division clubs, which at that time, used to be played at the Pace Grasso Ground.
Thanks to contributions by all member clubs, which were eventually refunded, the MFA managed to build the stadium which was inaugurated on August 13, 1999.
Last year, the association decided to replace the pitch, which hosts an average of over 500 matches annually. Tenders were issued and the tender was awarded to John G. Cassar, the local representatives for Polytan GmbH.
Polytan have installed several pitches of this kind worldwide. These include the stadium of Red Bulls Salzburg in Austria and the National Stadium in Berne, Switzerland which is the first national stadium to have an artificial turf pitch of this kind. The type of turf which will be installed in Malta is the Ligaturf 240. The same kind of football turf as that used in Salzburg, Berne and a number of training grounds including those of Celtic, Everton and Aston Villa.
An sprinkler water system was installed around the pitch in order to prevent sand blown from the adjacent motor-cycle track from settling on the turf and to keep its temperature low in hot weather.
The turf, which is guaranteed for five years, will have to undergo annual tests by a FIFA-approved laboratory for the duration of this term. The expenses for these tests, which could amount up to Lm 35,000, will be covered by UEFA.
Dr Mifsud thanked UEFA for their financial support which made it possible for the MFA to acquire the best possible product available in the market.
UEFA Meridian/HatTrick Manager Mr Mohamed Taa thanked the government for co-operating with the association. On the other hand, Minister for Education, Youth and Employment Dr Louis Galea thanked UEFA for supporting such projects undertaken by the Malta Football Association which raise the standards of sports facilities on the island.
The new turf at the Centenary Stadium will host the BOV Second and Third Division League matches, the Quick-Keno Knock-Out Competition for the same categories, a number of BOV First Division League matches and several Youth League matches, besides, possibly, other top matches, including internationals.
- Following a heavy 0-6 defeat at Ta' Qali champions Marsaxlokk will be hoping for a better performance and a better result as they take on Bosnia champions FK Sarajevo at the Olympic Stadium Asim Ferhatovic Hase, Sarajevo on Tuesday.
At Ta' Qali, the visitors scored four in the first half, adding another two after the break. A result which left no doubts which team will be facing Belgian side KRC Genk in the next round which will be played over the next two weeks.
A boost for Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot is the return of prolific striker Cleavon Frendo who had skipped the first leg as he was serving a one-match ban by UEFA. In the Euro Challenge Cup which was played a fortnight ago, Frendo scored three of the four goals scored by Marsaxlokk.
Except for the inclusion of Cleavon Frendo, Talbot is not expected to make changes with the starting line-up therefore set to be: Reuben Gauci, Malcolm Licari, Shawn Tellus, Charlo Magro, Peter Pullicino, Stephen Wellman, Gareth Sciberras, Jamie Pace, Kevin Sammut, Cleavon Frendo, Shaun Bajada.
The match will be controlled by Bulgarian referee Stanislav Todorov who will be assisted by assistant referees Nikolay Angelov and Nedeltcho Chakarov and fourth official Nikolay Iordanov.
- Valletta defender Rennie Forace signed a one year deal with the club, therefore squashing rumours that he could move elsewhere.
A product of Valletta, Forace has been a regular starter for Valletta in the past ten years.
Meanwhile another Valletta product, nineteen-year old Dylan Zarb joined newly-promoted Mqabba on loan.
The former Under-17 and Under-19 international made his Premier League debut in season 2004/2005.
- Following a trial with Ross County, Birkirkara midfielder Jonathan Holland joined Scottish Third Division Elgin City for another trial.
Holland got the opportunity to play in a friendly match for Elgin in a friendly against Iverness Thistle. However he left the pitch injured and therefore his chances of impressing before the end of the trial have diminished.
A product of Floriana, Holland played non-league football in England for Bradford Park Avenue in season 2004/05.
The 27-year old midfielder made his Premier League debut in season 1994/95 and has played regularly for the Greens until season 2003/04. He joined Birkirkara in summer 2005.
- A group from Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery have just experienced a one week football training camp in northern Italy between the 7th and 16th of July 2007.
This event is organised annually by Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, the Italian Serie A football club renowned mostly for promoting youth soccer players, for a six week period during the summer months. This year, amongst the hundreds of youngsters who attended this sporting event held at Val di Fiemme, Cavalese (Trento), where sixteen boys, three girls and two coaches from the Birkirkara football school who experienced this venture with great success.
The children had the opportunity to train under the guidance of professional Italian coaches and be assessed individually during competitive games. Every participant was given training kits to use during the sessions and other sportswear for keeps together with a technical report, photos and other official Atalanta material.
Apart from learning football skills, the kids enjoyed themselves in other social activities organized namely outings and picnics in the mountains, table tennis, table soccer, 'giochi senza frontieri' and swimming. During the week, the kids also had the chance to watch the first team of Italian football club Sampdoria during a session of their pre-season training at Moena - what an exclusive treat!
Prior to attending the training camp, the group spent an afternoon in Milan where apart from visiting cultural places namely Il Duomo, La Galleria and La Scala, also had the time to stop at the San Siro Museo and Tour and even spend some significant moments at the Inter and Milan luxurious dressing rooms to take photos. Before leaving Italy, the group also had the opportunity to spend a full day at Gardaland Theme Park and party till sunset.
It was also a unique experience for the Maltese coaches, Franco Agius and Jeffrey Mifsud, who accompanied the whole group during the week and had the opportunity to train and help out on the field with foreign coaches Bonaccorso, Fumagalli, Butti, Pandolfi and Biffi - all professional coaches at Atalanta football school.
Special thanks go to Eurosport Ltd of Birkirkara who provided leisure kits for all the participants who together with their coaches and parents, spent an unforgettable nine day adventure which will surely remain at heart.
Sat 21
- Dr Joe Mifsud and Mr Norman Darmanin Demajo will be running for the post of President of the Malta Football Association and eight candidates were nominated to fill the posts of three Vice-Presidents in next Saturday's Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be held on Saturday 28th July at 09:30 at The Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
The complete list of candidates nominated to fill the posts of Officers of the Association and the candidates nominated to fill the eleven ordinary seats on the Executive Committee of the Association were revealed on Saturday.
The elections are the main item on the agenda.
The candidates nominated to fill the posts of Officers of the Association are the following:
Candidates nominated to fill the post of President:
Mr. Norman Darmanin Demajo
Dr. Joe Mifsud LL.D.
Candidates nominated to fill the posts of three Vice-Presidents:
Mr. Carmelo Bartolo
Mr. Michael Cutajar
Dr. Peter Fenech LL.D.
Mr. Joseph Hedley
Mr. Alex Manfre’
Mr. Ludovico Micallef A&CE
Mr. Pippo Psaila
Mr. Bjorn Vassallo
Candidates nominated to fill the post of Treasurer:
Mr. Joseph Hedley
Mr. Alex Manfre’
Mr. George Micallef
The candidates nominated to fill the eleven ordinary seats on the Executive Committee of the Association are the following:
Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in the different Divisions:
Premier Division (two vacancies):
Mr. Jesmond Abela
Mr. Joseph Gauci (BKR)
Mr. Joseph Sammut
Mr. Paul Spiteri
First Division (two vacancies):
Mr. Redeno Apap
Mr. John Vella
Second Division (one vacancy):
Dr. Joe Mifsud (NXR)
Third Division (one vacancy):
Mr. Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general (two vacancies):
Mr. Joseph Gauci (BKR)
Mr. Joseph Hedley
Mr. Raymond Micallef
Mr. Charles J. Scerri
Mr. Paul Spiteri
Mr. Salvu Vella
Council Members in representation of The Youth F.A. (one vacancy):
Mr. Joe Micallef
Council Members in representation of the other Member Associations (two vacancies):
Mr. Charles Calleja
Mr. Kenneth Cassar
Mr. Joseph M. Cassar Naudi
As usual, on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting are the Approval of the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 29th July 2006, the Approval of the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 22nd February 2007, the Approval of the Report of Activities of the Association (Administrative Report) for the year 2006/2007, the Approval of the Audited Accounts and Balance Sheet of the Association (Financial Report) for the year 2006/2007, the Nomination of the External Auditors of the Association for the year 2007/2008, Additions or Alterations to the MFA Statute and Motions.
Fri 20
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech will be moving back to England after joining League Two side Macclesfield Town.
Dimech signed a one-year contract.
The thirty year old defender started his career with Lincoln City in England moving to Malta in summer 1995 when he joined Sliema Wanderers. After seven years with the Blues, he moved once again to the UK, signing for Irish side Shamrock Rovers. At the end of the season in Ireland, Dimech returned to Malta, joining Birkirkara in January 2003.
In August 2003, Dimech moved back to England, signing for Mansfield Town where he spent two years in League Two. Then he joined Chester City. Last summer, he joined Marsaxlokk, helping the Southseasiders to claim their first ever Premier League title.
- The new FIFA Two-Star artificial turf at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, will be inaugurated on Monday 23rd July at 19:30.
This will be the culmination of yet another project by the Malta Football Association aimed at raising the infrastructural standards of its sports facilities in our country.
The MFA had felt it necessary to replace the old artificial surface laid in 1999 with a new one of topmost quality. The German firm Polytan won the contract and work on the laying of the new surface started at the 2006-2007 close season under the supervision of qualified personnel.
The FIFA-approved artificial turf is regarded as the best available in the world and recognised by UEFA as suitable to host international matches. It is equipped with an irrigation system which enables it to withstand the hot climatic conditions in Malta, whilst neutralising the dusty environment of the surrounding area at Ta’ Qali.
The turf, which is guaranteed for five years, will have to undergo annual FIFA-approved tests for the duration of this term. It was recently announced that the expenses for these tests, totalling about Lm 35,000, will be covered by UEFA.
The new turf at the Centenary Stadium will host the BOV Second and Third Division League matches, the Quick-Keno Knock-Out Competition for the same categories, a number of BOV First Division League matches and several Youth League matches, besides, possibly, other top matches, including internationals.
- After extending his contract with Messina, Malta Under-21 international Andrei Agius joined Italian Serie C2 side Igea Virtus on loan.
This will be the fourth Italian club for Agius. After spending a season in the former Yugoslavia with FK Zemun, he joined Sporting Mascalucia in season 2004/05. In summer 2005, he signed for Serie A side Messina where he was a member of the Primavera squad. Last season, he was on loan with AC Martina in the Serie C1.
Thu 19
- UEFA Cup Sliema W. vs Litex 0-3, Vojvodina vs Hibernians 5-1
Wed 18
- UEFA Champions League Marsaxlokk vs Sarajevo 0-6
- Despite not playing any international matches over the past month, Malta slipped three places and is now 120th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking which was published on Wednesday.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 46th. Ahead of Malta are Georgia (95, up 2), Moldova (102, down 1), Azerbaijan (109), Iceland (109), Latvia (111, down 4) and Kazakhstan (118, up 1). Behind Malta are Estonia (124, down 3), Liechtenstein (133), Andorra (157), Luxembourg (174), Faroe Islands (188, down 2), San Marino (195) and Montengero (199).
Malta's next game is a friendly match against Albania in Tirana on August 22 which is part of the team's preparation ahead of the EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey at Ta' Qali on September 8.
- The Hibernians squad left Malta on Tuesday morning, destination Serbia, where the Paolites face FK Vojvodina in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at the Stadion Karadorde, Novi Sad on Thursday.
The Paolites, winners of the U*BET FA Trophy last season, will be aiming at a positive performance in Novi Sad despite the strength of their opponents.
Last week, Hibs claimed the first honour of the season - the Euro Challenge Cup following a 2-2 draw with Sliema Wanderers and a 3-3 draw with Marsaxlokk.
Missing the trip to Serbia are Jonathan Caruana, Julian Vella and Jonathan Pearson, who are all recovering from injuries. Kevin Cassar is also ruled out due to work commitments.
Since last season, Hibs lost Kenneth Spiteri and Matthew Bartolo to Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers respectively while Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere, who will be undergoing surgery, has been released. The only new face in the squad is Argentine striker Julio Cesar Alcorse.
FK Vojvodina placed third in the Serbian first division, twenty points behind champions Red Star Belgrade and three behind Partizan Belgrade. They lost the Serbian Cup final 0-2 to Red Star.
Vojvodina were founded in 1914 and were a successful side in the former Yugoslavia. They won the championship in 1966 and 1989 and were runners-up in 1957, 1962 and 1975.
They took part in a European competition for the first time in the UEFA Cup 1962/63. In 1966/67, they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup after eliminating Admira Wien and Atletico Madrid. The following season, Vojvodina eliminated Barreiro, Lokomotiv Leipzig and Goztepe to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. The last time they took part in the UEFA Cup was during season 1999/2000 when they were eliminated from the second qualifying round of the competition. They have a record of fifteen wins and five draws in 33 matches in Europe.
Hibernians took part in the UEFA Cup nine times. Last year, Hibs were eliminated by Dinamo Bucharest of Romania with an aggregate score of 9-1.
They qualified twice for a further round eliminating Fram Reykjavik (Iceland) in the Cup winners' Cup 1971/72 and Shelbourne (Ireland) in the UEFA Champions League 2002/03. In Europe, Hibs have a record of eight wins and seven draws in 58 matches.
Thursday's match will be controlled by Greek referee Heraklis Tsikinis, assistant referees Konstantinos Galanos and Nikolaos Iosifoglou and fourth official Michail Koukoulakis.
The return leg will be played at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali on August 2nd.
- Sliema Wanderers will be hosting Bulgarian side PFC Litex Lovech in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round on Thursday, kick-off at 19:30.
After finishing in the runner-up position behind champions Marsaxlokk, the Wanderers are looking forward to a most positive season.
The team was strengthened with the signing of a number of players, namely Floriana defender Ian Azzopardi, Hibernians midfielder Matthew Bartolo and finally Birkirkara striker Etienne Barbara.
Out of last season's squad, Stefan Giglio left the club to join Valletta while the contract of Italian defender Mauro Di Lello was terminated by mutual agreement. Goalkeeper Murphy Akanji is yet to join the squad and therefore young Henry Bonello will be guarding the posts for Sliema.
The Blues' task will be no easy one considering the strength of Bulgarian clubs.
Litex, who were founded in 1921, placed fourth in the Bulgarian First Division with 62 points, fifteen behind champions Levski Sofia. They also reached the final of the Bulgarian Cup, losing 0-1 to Levski.
This summer, Ferrario Spasov was appointed as their new coach following the departure of Ljubo Petrovic. They signed three French players - 21-year-old defender Cedric Cambon, 28-year-old midfielder Fabien Boudarène and 29-year-old Cédric Uras.
The team went for a training camp in Germany. They played a number of friendly matches. The first two were against Polish side GKS Belchatow with Litex winning the second one 1-0 following a goalless draw in the first game. Another two games against Belgian side Mons and Romanian side Steaua Bucharest ended in a 1-1 draw and a 0-0 draw respectively.
After the draw, coach Ferrario Spasov insisted his side "would not underestimate the opposition".
Litex have a good record in Europe, with nineteen wins and nine draws in 44 matches. They first took part in a European competition in 1998. After eliminating Swedish side Halmstads BK in the Champions League first qualifying round, they were beaten heavily by Spartak Moscow. Their best performance was in season 2005/06. After eliminating NK Rijeka in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, they moved on to the group stage after beating KRC Genk 3-2 on aggregate. After beating Grasshoppers and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and losing to AZ Alkmaar and Middlesbrough, they still reached the third round but lost to Strasbourg on a 0-2 aggregate. Litex's largest win in a European competition was a 7-0 win over KN Zeljeznicar in the UEFA Cup qualifiers in August 2004.
Last season, Litex took part in the UEFA Cup. They eliminated NK Koper with a 6-0 aggregate score, Omonia Nicosia with a 2-1 aggregate score but were then eliminated by Maccabi Haifa.
They won the Bulgarian championship twice (1998 and 1999) and the Bulgarian Cup twice (2001 and 2004).
For Sliema Wanderers, this will be the sixteenth participation in the UEFA Cup. Last season they were eliminated by Rapid Bucharest with a 6-0 aggregate score.
The Wanderers managed to reach a second round on four occasions - Cup Winners Cup 1968/69 eliminating Rumelange (Luxembourg), Champions Cup 1971/72 eliminating IA Akranes (Iceland), UEFA Cup 1996-97 eliminating Margveti Zestaphoni (Georgia) and Champions League 2003-04 eliminating Skonto Riga (Latvia). In Europe, Sliema have a record of twelve wins and three draws in 74 matches.
Thursday's game will be controlled by officials from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Referee Rusmir Mrkovic will be assisted by assistant referees Mujo Tutun and Miroslav Miric and fourth official Novo Panic.
Admission prices are as follows: Men - Lm 3.00 (€ 6.99); Women, Children and Senior Citizens - Lm 1.50 (€ 3.49). The public is reminded that entrance for this match is from the Millennium Stand. The game will also be screened live on Melita Sports at 19:30. A match preview starts at 19:00.
The second leg will be played at the Gradski Stadium in Lovech on Thursday 2nd August.
- Second Division side Balzan Youths launched their new website www.balzanyouthsfc.com
The website includes latest news from the club, fixtures and results and information about the players in the squad. Another section is dedicated to the history of the club.
Supporters will have their say in the Forum.
Tue 17
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud delivered the traditional end-of-the-season speech during the last meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association for season 2006/07.
He spoke about the association's work over the past years and the plans the MFA has in order to implement its programme of providing a realistic and sounder structure for the game in Malta, including schemes of allocating financial aid to member clubs for specific infrastructural projects such as improving their facilities.
Dr Mifsud pointed out the work which the MFA did in the area of legislation during the outgoing administrative year, including amendments to the statute and regulations. He spoke about the big projects the Association had undertaken - the MFA Headquarters, the new pitch at the Centenary Stadium and the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches. Three projects which cost around Lm 750,000 and which were financed thanks to FIFA, UEFA and TV rights partner Infront AG.
For another four years, the Malta Football Association will be represented in the UEFA Executive Committee. This means that at the end of this four-year term, the association would have been represented in the EXCO for a remarkable total of seventeen consecutive years.
Dr Mifsud said that considering that Malta only has a population of 400,000, the MFA has a very high number of clubs, people involved in clubs, players and nurseries. Thanks to the government, Malta has its own national stadium, something which even larger countries, like Italy, do not have.
The Centenary Stadium is a realistic example of co-operation between the association, the government and member clubs. All contributed to the building of this stadium. Ten years ago, a motion stating that the MFA had to request a piece of land and build the stadium with each club member contributing financially to the building of this new stadium was presented during the Annual General Meeting and was approved. In less than six months, the MFA concluded an agreement with the government over a piece of land next to the Training Grounds. Building started and in eighteen months, the stadium was ready. It is a most clear example that the association can make great achievements with the support of the government and member clubs.
The clubs' financial contribution were eventually returned. Now the Centenary Stadium can boast of having one of the best artificial turf pitches in the world as in three months' time, an independent lab should certify the stadium of being a FIFA recommended 2-star football turf pitch.
Dr Mifsud revealed that UEFA will be financing the annual tests which will be carried out on the pitch for the next five years. Tests which would have cost the MFA between Lm 5,000 and Lm 7,000 annually. This amount can now be used to finance other projects.
The MFA president went on to speak about the Annual General Meeting which will be held in less than two weeks' time. Dr Mifsud was clear in pointing out that he did not want the association in falling in the hands of a person who wanted to harm the association six years ago. That was the reason for which he is stand for re-election for the post of president.
Dr Mifsud said that he did not want to start his election campaign at such an early stage even after the other person (Norman Darmanin Demajo) had announced his decision to run for the election in January. The reason was that an electoral campaign would have divided more and the work on the three main projects would not have met the preset targets.
Over the past few weeks, the association's administration met member clubs with the purpose of reminding them the work done by the association - the top officials, the Council, the boards and committees - and to explain the vision for the future. Dr Mifsud said that the majority appreciate that has been done and are ready to support continuity.
The MFA president said that after spending forty years, his decision to stand for re-election is definitely not part of a search for personal glory as he had already served in all possible posts, starting from the secretary of a small member club, going through all possible ranks up to being elected as a member in the UEFA Executive Committee. He said that he was re-submitting his name in the knowledge that he felt he had enough energy to continue steering the MFA ship with the help of the other officials of the Association.
In the recent past, the MFA aimed at improving its general perspective in the eyes of the general public. Since the public is a client of football and football needs the public, the association aimed at improving its image. The MFA's TV programme - MFA Magazine, is helping a lot in making people aware of the association's work although there is still room for improvement.
Dr Mifsud said that during the meetings with clubs, the current administration explained their vision for the way forward which is based on realistic promises. He said that their promises will be written in black and white and will be included in the association's administrative report. Therefore if the current administration is re-elected, the approval of the administrative report would give them the mandate to fulfil these promises.
The MFA president said the time was right to start applying for schemes in order to improve the clubs' facilities, starting from the stadiums which are being used to host competitive matches. He mentioned the floodlighting project at the Hibernians Ground and the installation of a new artificial turf pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Other clubs will start benefiting from such schemes as long as they have serious projects in mind.
Financial grants by UEFA for such projects will have to be audited and projects will assessed once completed.
Dr Mifsud also said that in case of a good draw against one of the top European countries which generates high revenue from television rights, half the sum would be devoted to football development while the other half would be donated to clubs.
The MFA president thanked Executive Committee members, Council members and observers, members of the various boards and committees for their unselfish work throughout the season. He also thanked vice-president John Farrugia, who is not standing for re-election, and other council members who will not form part of the Council next season. Appreciation was also shown to the families of all these officials and members for their cooperation.
- Malta international striker Etienne Barbara joined Sliema Wanderers from Birkirkara on a two-year contract.
Barbara was one of four Birkirkara players who, at the end of last season, were informed that they did not form part of the club’s plans. In fact he did not turn out for the Stripes in their UEFA Intertoto Cup commitments against NK Maribor last month.
The twenty-five year old striker had joined Birkirkara from Marsaxlokk in January 2005 after being very close to joining the Wanderers. On various occasions, Barbara was linked with a move to Sliema.
Etienne Barbara had joined Marsaxlokk from Floriana in January 2003 after going through the Greens' youth sector and playing for three-and-a-half years with the senior team after making his Premier League debut in season 1999/2000.
- San Gwann FC agreed terms with Joe Brincat to lead the senior team during season 2007/08.
In their bid to regain immediate promotion back to the First Division, San Gwann FC will also strengthen their squad with new experienced players.
Joe Brincat an ex-Malta international player will be taking over from former coach Danilo Doncic who joined Floriana FC earlier this month.
Brincat signed a one year deal and will be presented to the players during a meeting on Friday 20th July.
San Gwann FC also confirmed Godwin Cuschieri as their new coach for the Under-18 squad to compete in the Youth League Section A during the coming season.
Godwin Cuschieri will be joining the club on a one year contract.
- Upon instructions by FIFA, the Malta Football Association will be holding an exam for those interested in obtaining a licence to act as Players' Agents on Thursday September 27 at 10:00.
Those interested in sitting for this exam should fill in the application form issued by the MFA and submit it to the MFA General Secretary together with the relevant documents. Application forms should reach the MFA headquarters by not later than August 31st.
Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, Millennium Stand - 2nd Floor, Ta' Qali.
- The Msida St. Joseph is receiving applications from children, boys and girls, aged 5 to 14 to join the nursery.
Training will be held on an artificial turf pitch.
More details may be obtained from the nursery at the Mater Dei School, Misrah il-Barrieri, Msida from Monday to Friday between 17:00 and 21:00 or by contacting chairman Emanuuel Brincat on 99467662 or secretary Lawrence Grech on 79059911.
The Msida St. Joseph is also receiving applications for qualified coaches and a head-coach.
Details can be obtained by contacting the chairman or the secretary of the nursery.
Mon 16
- It will be no easy match for champions Marsaxlokk as they take on FK Sarajevo of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
The winner of the clash between Marsaxlokk and Sarajevo will then meet Belgian side KRC Genk, Carmel Busuttil's former club. The first leg of the second qualifying round takes place on 31 July/1 August in Genk and the second leg on 7/8 August.
After leading the Southseasiders for their first ever Premier League title, Englishman Brian Talbot will now lead the team to their first ever participation in the Champions League qualifiers.
Last season, Marsaxlokk met another team from Bosnia in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup. They were eliminated by NK Zrinjski Mostar, after a 3-0 defeat away from home and a 1-1 draw at the Hibs Ground. In their first appearance in European competitions, Marsaxlokk were eliminated by NK Primorje of Slovenia on a 3-0 aggregate score after losing 0-1 at Ta' Qali and 2-0 in Slovenia in the UEFA Cup 2003/04.
This summer was not only marked by the departure of the family Sciriha from the key positions held in the club's committee but also by the departure of a number of players. Andre Schembri moved to Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany on loan. Justin Haber joined Greek Second Division side Haidari FC while Luke Dimech and Daniel Bogdanovic, who are both out-of-contract, are both abroad trying to secure a deal with a foreign club.
Kevin Mamo quit football while the contract of foreigners Haruna Doda and Samir Garci was not renewed. Udo Nwoko returned with Hibernians after spending the last five months of last season on loan.
The only new player in the squad is English striker Daniel Webb. He will have the difficult task of replacing Daniel Bogdanovic who scored 31 goals last season. Webb scored one of the goals in the 3-3 draw with Hibernians in the Euro Challenge Cup last week. However Cleavon Frendo who scored the other two goals and the goal in the 1-1 draw against Sliema Wanderers is unavailable for Wednesday's game.
In fact, Brian Talbot could not count on Frendo as he is suspended after being sent off in the second leg against NK Zrinjski last year. However Talbot hopes to recover captain Carlo Mamo who missed the Euro Challenge Cup due to an injury.
FK Sarajevo won the Premijer Liga in Bosnia-Herzegovina with a total of 57 points, just three points ahead of NK Zrinjski.
FK Sarajevo were established in 1946 and were one of the most successful Bosnian sides even in the former Yugoslavia, winning two championships in 1967 and 1985. With Bosnia-Herzegovina becoming an independent state, FK Sarajevo won another two championships in 1999 and 2007 and four cups in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2005.
They took part nine times in European competitions. They have a record of eight wins and eight draws in 28 matches.
They took part for the first time in 1967 when they eliminated Olympiakos Nicosia in the first round of the Champions Cup but were then ousted by Manchester United in the second round. In 1983, they reached the third round of the UEFA Cup after eliminating Slavia Sofia and Corvinul Hunedoara but were then eliminated by Anderlecht. Last season, FK Sarajevo took part in the UEFA Cup, beating Andorran side Rangers in the first qualifying round. However in the next round, they were eliminated by Rapid Bucharest on a 2-1 aggregate score. Rapid had beaten Sliema Wanderers 5-0 in Bucharest and 1-0 at Ta' Qali in the first round.
Wednesday's game will be controlled by Slovak referee Mario Vlk who will be assisted by assistant referees Tomas Mokos and Radomir Sluk and fourth official Jozef Pavlik.
Admission prices are as follows: Men - Lm 3.00 (€ 6.99); Women, Children and Senior Citizens - Lm 1.50 (€ 3.49). The public is reminded that entrance for this match is from the Millennium Stand. The game will also be screened live on Melita Sports at 20:00. A match preview starts at 19:30.
The second leg will be played at the Olympic Stadium Asim Ferhatovic Hase, Sarajevo on Tuesday 24.
Mon 16
- FIFA Referee Joe Attard has been appointed by UEFA to control the Champions League First Round first leg match between TNS of Wales and FK Ventspils of Latvia which is being played at Latham Park, Newtown on Tuesday, 17th July.
Philip Agius and Alan Camilleri will be his Assistants, with Chris Lautier as the Fourth Official.
Sat 14
- The organizers of the Mosta Tournaments are inviting applications from clubs interested in taking part in the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament (21-28 August) and the Mosta FC Under-19 Challenge (30th August - 11th September).
All applications must be submitted by official letter and are to be addressed to:
The Chairman, Mosta Tournaments, c/o 74 Old Mill Street, Mosta MST 06 or by e-mail at mostatournaments@hotmail.com by not later than Friday, 11th August, 2007. MOSTA TOURNAMENTS reserve the right to refuse any applications, while early enquiries will be given preferential considerations.
For more info phone 9904 0675.
- Fgura United FC will be holding its annual Pre-Season Tournament which will once again take place in the Kordin Hockey Centre between the 6th and 28th August.
The invitation is open to Clubs competing in the First, Second and Third Division of the National League.
Interested parties are kindly requested to contact the Club Secretary on fgurautd@maltanet.net or 79707390 to acquire additional information.
Fri 13
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic could become the second Maltese player to play in the Coca-Cola League Championship besides Coventry City's Michael Mifsud after Stoke City offered him a trial.
Bogdanovic, BOV Premier League top scorer with 31 goals last season, is eyeing a move abroad after going a trial with SK Brann in Norway last month.
According to teamtalk.com and sportinglife.com, the Potters, who returned to training last Wednesday, are thought to have had at least four players on trial as manager Tony Pulis continues to seek reinforcements ahead of the new season.
Pulis told The Sentinel: "We cannot make big financial mistakes and then leave the club with a millstone around its neck. We know what we want. It is just a question of being patient and making sure we do it right."
The Potters are likely to give Bogdanovic a runout in Sunday's pre-season friendly at Newcastle Town.
This is not the first trial in the UK for Bogdanovic, having already tried his luck with Crystal Palace and Watford.
After playing in Gozo and later for Esperance Sportive in Tunisia, Daniel Bogdanovic joined Sliema mid-way through season 1999/2000. In summer 2001, Bogdanovic had joined Vasas SC in Hungary but returned to Malta six months later, joining Naxxar Lions. He then moved to Valletta but in January 2003, he signed for Cherno More Varna in Bulgaria.
Back in Malta in summer 2003, Bogdanovic joined Sliema Wanderers but mid-way through the season, he was transferred to Marsaxlokk. In November 2004, he moved to Gozo, on loan with Ghajnsielem. He spent season 2005/06 with Sliema Wanderers but last summer, he returned to Marsaxlokk whom he helped win the Premier League title for the first time after scoring thirty-one goals.
- Valletta continued to strengthen their squad after beating rivals Floriana in the race to sign Mosta defender Bryan Agius. Agius joins Valletta on a one-year loan.
Mosta and Floriana had already reached a verbal agreement but the delay in putting this in writing allowed Valletta to secure his signature.
The twenty-five year old defender has only played for Mosta so far, making his Premier League debut in season 2002/03. He also played Premier League football with Mosta in season 2005/06. However in both seasons, he was unlucky to miss out football for several weeks due to long term injuries.
Meanwhile another Valletta player renewed his contract. Jonathan Bondin signed a three-year deal with the Citizens.
On the other hand, Valletta captain Gilbert Agius extended his stay in Sweden for another week before taking a final decision whether to join the Swedish Second Division club till the end of the season.
- Two young Maltese referees – Fydor Zammit and Trustin Farrugia Cann – will be taking part in football matches being organized for the 25th anniversary of the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. This is the second year in succession that these second class referees will be participating in Belfast.
There are various sections from Under-15 to Under-19 at National level. In the latter section teams from Wales, Chile, Israel, Turkey and the hosts Northern Ireland will be taking part.
It is also interesting to see that young footballers from such top teams as Benfica, Manchester United and others will also compete in the Under-15 and Under-17 sections.
- Second Division side Sta. Venera Lightnings appointed Mr Lolly Aquilina as their new coach. He replaces Alfred Attard who joined Balzan Youths last month.
Aquilina is one of the most experienced coaches having coaches several clubs including Hamrun Spartans, Floriana and Marsa in the Premier League. Two years ago, he coached Sirens in Division 3.
Thu 12
- The draw for the preliminary round of the quick-KENO Second and Third Division Knock-Out Competition was held on Thursday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Thirty clubs are taking part - twelve from Division 2 and eighteen from Division 3.
Holders Balzan Youths were drawn in Group 4 together with Attard, San Gwann and Gudja United. On the other hand, last year's finalists - Birzebbuga St. Peter's were drawn in probably the toughest group with Rabat Ajax, Fgura United and Gzira United.
Group 1: Mtarfa, Melita, Kirkop United, St. Andrews.
Group 2: Mgarr United, Luqa St. Andrew's, Naxxar Lions, Mdina Knights.
Group 3: Gzira United, Birzebbuga St. Peter's, Fgura United, Rabat Ajax.
Group 4: Balzan Youths, Attard, San Gwann, Gudja United.
Group 5: Zebbug Rangers, Lija Athletic, Sta. Lucia, Ghaxaq.
Group 6: Gharghur, Siggiewi, Zurrieq, Zejtun Corinthians.
Group 7: Kalkara, Qrendi, Sta. Venera Lightnings.
Group 8: Xghajra Tornados, Pembroke Athleta, Sirens.
The competition is being sponsored by Maltco Lotteries, through quick-Keno, for the third successive season. MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud thanked the sponsors and said he hopes fresh discussions will be held in the coming months in view of the extension of this sponsorship agreement.
All teams taking part in the competition receive cash prizes besides the prize money awarded to the winners and finalists.
Preliminary Group matches will be played between Saturday 1st and Tuesday 18th September at the Centenary Stadium.
Wed 11
- Birkirkara secured the services of goalkeeper Omar Borg from Msida St. Joseph.
Borg has been a target for a number of clubs over the past years but Msida had managed to keep other clubs away from one of their most prized assets.
The twenty-six year old goalkeeper started his Premier League career with Naxxar Lions, making his debut in season 1997/98. In summer 2002, he moved to Msida St. Joseph in Division 1. He has been the Saints' No. 1 goalkeeper for the past five years.
The arrival of Omar Borg and the return of Bernard Paris from a one-year loan with St. George's will mean that Sean Sullivan will move elsewhere.
Meanwhile Birkirkara signed their second foreigner - Danish defender Ronald Hardvich.
The twenty-six year old defender joins Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev.
- Nigerian striker Ibrahim Babatunde is set to sign for Turkish giants Galatasaray. This was revealed by Msida St. Joseph's official website www.msidastjoseph.com.
Babatunde has been playing in Malta with Msida for the past two years. Throughout these two years, he made several attempts to move to abroad.
Last season, Ibrahim Olalekan Babatunde was voted Best Foreigner in the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards.
He has already played abroad - having played in Italy for Arezzo in the Serie C1 and Piacenza. For the latter, he made two Serie A appearances in season 2002/2003 and three matches in the Serie B the following season. In season 2004/05, he played for AEC Mons in the Belgian top division.
Babatunde is the second highly-rated foreigner to leave Msida after Daniel Nwoke left the club to join Tampere United in Finland last April.
Msida now have only one foreigner on the club's books - Ousseni Zongo. He is also expected to go abroad for a trial.
- Nigerian Precious Monye is Hamrun Spartans' second foreigner after joining the club on a two-year deal.
Monye had ended his second spell with Birkirkara in June after joining them just before the end of the January transfer window.
Thirty-two year old Monye, who had played for Fehervar 96, Ujpesti and Videoton in Hungary, Reggiana and Cosenza in Italy and UT Arad in Romania, first arrived in Malta in January 2004 to join the Stripes. However he was released by the club at the end of season 2005/06 after helping Birkirkara claim their second BOV Premier League championship.
Tue 10
- Sliema Wanderers will be able to sign a new foreigner after they reached an agreement with Italian defender Mauro Di Lello to have his contract terminated.
Di Lello, who had started his career in Malta in 2002 with Pietà Hotspurs, had joined Sliema Wanderers in summer 2005, signing a four-year contract. However this summer, he had failed to turn up for the pre-season training.
Eventually the two parties agreed to have the contract terminated by mutual consent.
With Montenegro striker Aleksandar Madzar confirmed and Nigerian goalkeeper Murphy Akanji expected to sign a new contract with the Blues, they could now sign a new foreign player.
- Mqabba FC Youth Nursery is receiving applications from coaches interested to join its technical staff for season 2007/08. Interested people should contact the Head-coach Mr. Mark Bondin on 79051404 or send an e-mail on markbondin@onvol.net, or send a C.V. on 38, Triq ix-Xriek Mqabba, by the end of July 2007.
Mon 9
- Rivals Valletta and Floriana will be facing each other in the first round of matches in the BOV Premier League 2007/08. The draw for the BOV National League - from the Premier to the Third Division was held on Monday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Champions Marsaxlokk take on Pietà Hotspurs while U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians face Birkirkara. BOV Premier League runners-up Sliema Wanderers meet Msida St. Joseph while the two teams which were promoted from the BOV First Division - Mqabba and Hamrun Spartans face each other in the other match.
The first round of matches will be played between August 25 and 27.
All Premier League clubs will be in action each week between the weekend starting August 25th and the weekend starting October 4th with a one-week break due to national team commitments on September 8. National team commitments will once again disrupt Premier League football in October and November with only two programmes of matches being played on October 20/21 and November 24/25. From then onwards, there will be a programme of four matches each week, bringing the first phase to an end on February 24.
The second phase gets underway on March 8 and comes to an end on May 18.
For the third consecutive year, the National League - from the Premier to the Third Division - will be sponsored by Bank of Valletta.
MFA president Dr Mifsud thanked Bank of Valletta for their support, as their support was not only on a financial but one of constant co-operation with the association.
On the other hand, Mr Charles Borg, Executive Head at the BOV CEO's Office, said it was a pleasure and an honour for the bank to support once again the Malta Football Association, hoping that the competition will once again turn out to be an interesting one.
BOV First Division:
In the first round of matches in the First Division, newly-promoted Mellieha will be playing against Marsa who were relegated from the Premier League. Second Division champions Dingli Swallows take on Mosta. St. George's, who were also relegated from the Premier League, face St. Patrick. In the other two matches, Tarxien Rainbows meet Senglea Athletic while Qormi play Vittoriosa Stars.
The BOV First Division kicks-off on October 6, about a month later than usual following a request by the First Division Clubs Standing Committee. The first round comes to an end on February 9 while the last matches will be played on May 18. Matches will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, the Hibernians Ground and the Centenary Stadium.
BOV Second Division:
Naxxar Lions and San Gwann who were relegated from Division 1 take on Balzan Youths and newly-promoted Sirens respectively on Day 1 in the BOV Second Division. The other teams who were promoted from Division 3 - Mgarr United and Zurrieq face Birzebbuga St. Peter's and Rabat Ajax respectively. The other matches on Day 1 are: Melita vs Sta. Venera Lightnings, Lija Athletic vs St. Andrews.
The league kicks-off on September 21 and comes to an end on May 11. All matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
BOV Third Division:
As from this season, the BOV Third Division will be divided into two sections: ten teams in Section A and nine teams in Section B.
Mdina Knights, Zejtun Corinthians, Xghajra Tornadoes, Siggiewi, Fgura United, Zebbug Rangers, Mtarfa, Attard, Ghaxaq and Qrendi were drawn in Section A.
On the other hand, Luqa St. Andrews, Sta. Lucia, Gudja United, Gozo, Kalkara, Kirkop United, Gharghur, Pembroke Athleta and Gzira United were drawn in Section B.
The league kicks-off on September 21 and comes to an end on May 11. All matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium, except for Gozo FC's home matches. The Third Division Play-Offs will be played between May 18 and 25.
The winner of each section will be promoted automatically to Division 2.
The two clubs placing third in each section of Division 3 will play a decider and the winner will play another decider against the team placing tenth in Division 2. The winner of this game will play against the winner of another decider between the two clubs placing second in each section of Division 3. The winner of the final decider wins promotion to Division 2.
- The national A team and the Under-21 squad will both go for training camps abroad in view of their EURO 2008 and UEFA Under-21 Championship in the coming months.
The senior side will be holding its training camp in Slovakia between August 12 and 19. After this training camp, the squad travels to Tirana to face Albania in a friendly match.
Malta plays Turkey at Ta' Qali on September 8, Hungary in Budapest on October 13 and Moldova at home four days later, Greece on November 17 away from home and Norway four days later at Ta' Qali. In February, Malta hosts the Malta International Tournament.
The Under-21 national team's training camp, on the other hand, will be held in the Czech Republic over the same period of time.
The Under-21 side will be playing Bosnia-Herzegovina (A) and France (H) in September, Wales (A) in October, Romania (A) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (H) in November and Wales (H) in February.
- The Mtarfa Football Club Youth Nursery is receiving applications from coaches for season 2007/2008. All those coaches interested should send a c.v. to The Secretary, Mtarfa Football Club Youth Nursery, c/o Bradley Borg, 'Fiordaliso' Maisonette 2 Block H, Triq Il- Gladjoli Mtarfa MTF 1490.
Mon 9
- The new artificial turf pitch at the Centenary Stadium is expected to be inaugurated on July 23. This was revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud while speaking during a press conference on Monday.
Works on the installation of a FIFA Recommended 2-Star Certification football turf pitch is well underway with the installation of an automatic irrigation system and the shock pad, better known as elastic support layer, already being completed. The turf will have virgin rubber in-fill rather than rubber from recycled tyres as it was the case of the previous turf at the same venue.
Meanwhile Dr Mifsud said the association is currently preparing for the Annual General Meeting which will be held on July 28.
Those interested in running for one of the posts on the Executive Committee have up to ten days before the election to submit their nomination.
Dr Mifsud revealed that all the current officials will be submitting their nomination with current treasurer Mr Alex Manfre also submitting a nomination for the post of vice-president.
- Msida St. Joseph reached an agreement with Birkirkara FC over the transfer of defender Andrew Spiteri on loan for one season.
The twenty-one year old defender, who was sought by other clubs, is due to start training with the Saints as from Monday.
Spiteri, who is also an Under-21 international, started his career with Pietà Hotspurs making his Premier League debut in season 2002/2003 when he was still a sixteen year old. Last January, he left the club to join Birkirkara.
Andrew Spiteri is the Saints' third signing after they secured the services of Lawrence Mizzi and Clive Brincat from St. George's.
Sat 7
- Marsaxlokk and Hibernians secured the services of foreign strikers as they prepare for their coming season.
In a bid to fill the void left by strikers Daniel Bogdanovic and Andre Schembri, champions Marsaxlokk signed English striker Daniel Webb.
The twenty-five year old forward started his career with Southampton as a trainee before moving to Southend. He played for Hull City, Lincoln, Cambridge, Yeovil Town, Rushden and Woking.
The only other foreigner on the club's books is Brazilian striker Andre Rocha Da Silva who returns with the club after spending a five-month spell on loan with Hibernians. It remains to be seen whether either Tunisian striker Samir Garci or Nigerian forward Haruna Doda will be retained for the coming season.
U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians, on the other hand, secured the services of Argentinean striker Julio Cesar Alcorse.
The twenty-five year old striker played for Guadalupe, Boca Juniors, Almirante Brown de Arrecifes, Deportivo Moron and Sportivo Belgrano in Argentina, Italian amateur side ACDV Entella and Lucerne in Switzerland.
Alcorse joins Argentinean midfielder Pablo Cesar Doffo and Nigerian striker Udochukwu Nwoko. In the coming months, Ndubisi Chukunyere, who for the time being will be released, would be available once again to play for the Paolites after he applied for Maltese citizenship.
- Valletta and Malta international captain Gilbert Agius will be travelling to Sweden on Monday to discuss the possibility of joining Second Division side Enkopings SK.
Agius, who had already played abroad for a short spell with Italian side Pisa, had just signed a new four-year contract with the Citizens. If he reaches an agreement with Enkopings, Valletta captain would move to Sweden on loan till the end of the season, that is November.
Enkopings are currently ninth in the Swedish Second Division.
Meanwhile Valletta goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin signed another one-year contract with the club.
The arrival of Andrew Hogg had fuelled speculation that Darmanin could leave the club. However the former Pietà and Malta national team goalkeeper agreed to play for another year for the Citizens.
Hogg and Darmanin will therefore fight once again for the number one shirt after both played for Pietà Hotspurs. In seasons 2001/02 and 2002/03, Darmanin wore the number 1 shirt at Pietà with Hogg only making a few appearances. However things changed in season 2004/05 when Darmanin made eleven appearances with Hogg playing thirteen matches.
Malta Under-21 goalkeeper Miguel Montfort is now expected to join Pietà Hotspurs on loan. Another player who will leave the club, however on a permanent basis, is defender Sharlon Pace. Pace joins Sliema Wanderers after spending last season on loan with the Blues.
On the other hand, another Valletta player - Keith Fenech, signed a four-year contract with the club.
- A beach soccer tournament will be held once again after a two-year break. The event will be held over a weekend at Golden Bay.
Qualifying group matches will be played on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July while the finals will be played on Sunday 28th July. Prizes will be given to the winners and runners-up. Individual awards such as top scorer, best player and best goalkeeper will be presented as well.
For more information, please call Mark Marlow on 99447297 (markmarlow@onvol.net) or Jonathan Pisani on 79016016 (flash@onvol.net).
Fri 6
- Various awards and trophies were presented at the Annual Honours ceremony which was held at the Millennium Stand, Ta' Qali. Among the awards which were presented was the Footballer of the Year award, won for the third time in his career by Valletta and Malta national team captain Gilbert Agius.
In a short speech, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud highlighted the association's work over the past season including the organisation of the various competitions and the projects undertaken by the MFA over the past months namely, the new MFA Headquarters, the installation of the new pitch at the Centenary Stadium and the upgrading of facilities at the National Stadium such as the installation of glass panels instead of the iron fencing at the West Stand and the installation of a new scoreboard.
Dr Mifsud went on to say that although he had already revealed his intention of standing for re-election for the post of MFA president, he did not waste time in electoral campaigning in the past months as this would have disrupted the association's work. He said that he is now meeting the clubs from the various divisions.
A representative from Maltco Lotteries presented the cash prizes for all the teams who took part in the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out including winners Balzan Youths and finalists Birzebbuga St. Peter's and U*BET FA Trophy finalists Sliema Wanderers and winners Hibernians.
The awards which were presented included the Fair Play awards, the Top Scorer Awards and the Best Player Awards.
Footballer of the Year: 1. Gilbert Agius (Valletta); 2. Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk); 3. George Mallia (Birkirkara)
Best First Division Player: 1. John Paul Muscat (Mqabba); 2. Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick); 3. Alan Tabone (Tarxien Rainbows).
Best Second Division Player: 1. Daniel Scerri (Lija Athletic); 2. Adam Smeir (Rabat Ajax); 3. Wayne Borg St John (Mellieha).
Best Third Division Player: 1. Clint Ellul (Fgura United); 2. Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq); 3. Malcolm Bugeja (Mgarr United).
Best Youth Player: 1. Henry Bonello (Sliema Wanderers); 2. Carl Pulo (Pietà Hotspurs); Domenic Mifsud (Pietà Hotspurs).
Best Female Player: 1. Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara); 2. Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians); 3. Roxanne Gatt (Mosta).
Best Futsal Player: 1. Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers Handyman Centre); 2. Mark Sullivan (Amazon Pago); 3. Antoine Spiteri.
Top Scorers
Premier League: 1. Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk) 31 goals; 2. Ivan Woods (Sliema) 20 goals; 3. Omar Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta) 16 goals.
First Division: 1. Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick) 17 goals; 2. Chima Dozie (Senglea) 16 goals; 3. John Paul Muscat and Johann Zammit (Qormi) 11 goals.
Second Division: 1. Malcolm Tirchett (Balzan) and Chris Ciappara (Dingli) 16 goals; 3. Matthew Borg I (Melita) 14 goals.
Third Division: 1. Clint Ellul (Fgura) 19 goals; 2. Lawrence Vella (Gharghur) 15 goals; 3. Bjorn Dalli (Ghaxaq) and Godwin Mifsud (Zejtun) 13 goals.
Women's League: 1. Ylenia Carabott (Hibs) 18 goals; Amanda Atkins (Sliema Raiders) 13 goals; 3. Sarah Caruana (Hibs) and Dorianne Theuma (Hibs) 12 goals.
Fair Play Awards
Premier League: 1. Marsa, 2. St. George's, 3. Sliema Wanderers.
First Division: 1. Naxxar Lions, 2. Tarxien Rainbows, 3. Qormi.
Second Division: 1. Dingli Swallows, 2. St. Andrews, 3. Melita.
Third Division: 1. Zurrieq, 2. Mdina Knights, 3. Zejtun Corinthians.
Overall: Zurrieq
- The committee of the Malta Football Coaches Association 2007-2009 will be formed as follows:
President: Lawrence Aquilina; V/President: Emanuel Micallef; Secretary: Joseph Calleja; Ass. Secretary: Mario Borg
Treasurer: Joseph Micallef; Ass. Treasurer: Kevin Aquilina; P.R.O.: Stephen D'Amato; Members: Anthony P. Scicluna, John Calleja, Anthony Rocco, Christopher Saliba, John Borg; Council member MFA: Lawrence Aquilina
- The Malta Football Association decided to subsidize part of the expenses related to the attendance of police officers during competititions organised by the association after it emerged that following an agreement which was signed two years ago, clubs from lower divisions ended up paying higher fees.
After analysing the situation and comparing the fees clubs paid in 2004/05 and the fees they are paying now, the association decided that it will be paying up the difference in order to relieve part of the clubs' burden.
This amounts to Lm 1,185 for First Division clubs, Lm 253 for Second Division clubs and Lm 1,183 for Third Division clubs.
In May, the association had already announced that as from next season, member clubs will no longer pay fees related to referees and match inspectors. This amounts to around Lm 55,000.
Thu 5
- Champions Birkirkara were handed a tough draw in the 2007/08 UEFA Women's Cup qualifying round after being placed in a group with teams from Spain, Italy and Slovenia.
The draw for the first and second round of the UEFA Women's Cup was held on Thursday at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.
Birkirkara is the first team to represent Malta in this competition as Hibernians, champions for the previous eight years, had never applied to take part.
Birkirkara FC take on Spain's Athletic Club BFKEB and Italy's ASD CF Bardolino Verona in a group hosted by Slovenia's ŽNK KRKA Novo Mesto. The mini-tournament will be played from August 9 to 14.
Forty teams were split into ten groups of four, representing one of three geographical sections. The first two sections, A and B, have three groups, each with one team apiece from the four seeding pots. Section C contains four groups of as many sides.
This meant that Birkirkara had to be drawn against teams from Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Wales, Slovenia, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia and Croatia as teams from smaller countries do not take part.
The ten group winners and the one best runner-up then join the leading five teams in the second qualifying round.
Wed 4
- Two promising youths from the renowned Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School shall be attending a week-long specialised intensive training course in the Numero Uno School for Goalkeepers in Chiusi, on the outskirts of Rome between the 8th and the 14th of July.
This unique opportunity came about thanks to a scholarship presented by Mario Muscat and one of his principal sponsors ERREA.
The two young keepers are Jean Matthias Vella and Christian Francica from the San Gwann and the Birkirkara Youth Football Nurseries, and both play in the Malta Youth FA Under 16 League. Accompanying them will be Chris Sant, who will be leading the delegation.
Every day the youths will be spending eight hours of intensive training on the grounds and gyms of the school, and shall spend the evenings together with other participants watching videos of their personal training to evaluate their progress. Throughout the course they shall be under the watchful eyes of highly qualified goalkeeping coaches and technical scouts from Italian teams of Lazio, Parma and Torino.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday 9th July 2007 for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence holders.
Since this will be a practical session and also due to the excessively hot weather, this meeting will start at 18.00 hrs.
Coaches are reminded to be punctual.
Tue 3
- Malta and Birkirkara central defender Kenneth Scicluna is the sixth top signing for Valletta after agreeing to join the Citizens on a five-year contract.
Twenty-eight year old Kenneth Scicluna started his career with Luqa St. Andrew's before moving to St. Patrick where he made his Premier League debut in season 1998/99. He then moved on to Birkirkara the following season. He played for the Stripes in the past eight years except for a short spell with Qormi in Division 1 in 1999/2000.
Valletta hadve so far secured the services of Sliema midfielder Stefan Giglio, Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus, Msida defender Josef Mifsud and Pietà goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.
Their next target is now a foreign striking partner for Monesterolo.
- Amendments to the Rules Governing the Youth Football Competitions were approved during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
So far, for a player to take part in the Youth competition, he must be an amateur player and at least sixteen (16) years old when he plays but under eighteen (18) years of age before the 1st January prior to the commencement of the season if such a player is registered with a Club in Section A of the Youth League and under nineteen (19) years of age before the 1st January prior to the commencement of the season in the case of the other Sections of the Youth League.
Clubs winning promotion from Section B to Section A were therefore finding it difficult to form a strong team in order to compete in the Section A as they lost players who were still under-19 (and therefore eligible for Section B) but over-18 (and therefore not eligible for Section A).
According to the amended regulations, teams promoted to Section A will be allowed to name a maximum of five under nineteen players, in the list of eighteen players for each particular game. This is only allowed for the first year after the team wins promotion from Section B to Section A.
- Charles Abela was confirmed as Mosta FC president following the club's Annual General Meeting.
The committee will be formed as follows: President – Charles Abela, Senior Vice-President – Michael Attard, Vice-President – Charles Pace, Secretary – Luke Coppini, Assistant Secretary – Martin Galea, Treasurer – Joseph Gauci, Assistant Treasurer – Anthony Muscat, Ladies’ Team Representative - Rita Camilleri, Club Delegate - Tony Deguara, Vice Club Delegate - Tony Formosa, Council Member/Kit Manager - Joe Muscat, P.R.O. – Joe Quattromani.
On the other hand, the Mosta FC Supporters Club is made up as follows: President - Oliver Camenzuli, Secretary - Luke Busuttil, Treasurer - Carlos Abela, P.R.O - Owen Vella and Members - Stefan Bonanno, Gianluca Theuma, James Scerri, Luciano Baldacchino.
Mon 2
- Malta Futsal champions Jeepers FC will be taking part in the 2007/08 UEFA Futsal Cup. The draw for the Preliminary Round was held at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon on Monday.
A record 44 clubs from 43 nations have entered the competition, including for the first time teams from Estonia, the Republic of Ireland and UEFA newcomers Montenegro as well as the return of an Israeli entry.
Twenty-two teams, including Jeepers FC, will be involved in the preliminary round from 11-19 August. There are four groups of four teams and two of three, with the six group winners to progress to the Main Round.
Jeepers FC were drawn in Group E together with MNK Kaskada Gracanica (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Skövde AIK (Sweden). The mini-tournament will be hosted by Skövde AIK.
Jeepers Handyman Centre, who were founded in 2002, won the 2006/07 MFA Futsal Championship Play-Offs after beating last year's outgoing champions Hibernians 8-3 and the other former champions European Pilot Academy 6-3. A 1-1 draw in the last match with Scandals Bar was enough for Jeepers FC to secure the first league title.
Striker Zeljko Anicic was voted MFA Best Futsal Player of the Year and was a finalist in the same category of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards.
Following the club's Annual General Meeting, Mr Richard Busuttil was elected as the new president. Mr Christopher Borg and Mr Ian Tirchett retained the posts of secretary and treasurer respectively. Mr Noel Attard Flores was confirmed as Team Manager while Mr Gianluca Busuttil is the new PRO. The club officials are Mr Jurgen Darmanin and Mr Mark Serge.
The pre-season training commenced on the 12th June.
Sun 1
- Season 2006/07 marked the beginning of a new three-year cycle for the marketing of the rights to the UEFA club competitions.
According to the regulations, three-fourths of the total revenue received from television and
commercial contracts concluded by UEFA, goes to the clubs, while the remainder will be reserved for European football - for UEFA to cover organisational and administrative costs, as well as to make solidarity payments to associations, clubs and leagues.
A proportion of the revenue from the UEFA Champions League was therefore reserved to the clubs that participated in the Champions League qualifying matches, the qualification phase and first round of the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
As far as the Champions League is concerned, national champions which did not reach the group stage received EUR 160,000 (Lm 68,688). Clubs that participated in the champions League first and/or second qualifying round were awarded EUR 100,000 (Lm 42,930) per round.
As regards the UEFA Cup, each club received EUR 70,000 (Lm 30,051) per round played, from the first qualifying round to the first round proper.
As for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, each participating club received EUR 50,000 (Lm 21,465) per round played.
Therefore Birkirkara received a total of EUR 260,000 (Lm 111,618), Hibernians and Sliema each received the sum of EUR 70,000 (Lm 30,051) while Marsaxlokk received EURO 50,000 (Lm 21,465).
Malta's share from the solidarity payments to the national associations for their clubs amounts to EUR 400,000 (Lm 171,720). This money is intended for the youth development programmes and clubs. Solidarity payments to the 52 UEFA members amounted to EUR 25,080,000.
- Following several transfer rumours, clubs may start registering new players as the 'transfer market' officially opens its doors on Monday July 2.
The most active side in the transfer market so far were Valletta. Following the appointment of Victor Sciriha as their new president, the Citizens have already announced the signing of a number of players, namely Sliema midfielder Stefan Giglio, Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus, Msida defender Josef Mifsud and Pietà goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.
Valletta are also considered as favourites to sign another two players Birkirkara defender Kenneth Scicluna and Msida St. Joseph striker Ibrahim Babatunde. Champions Marsaxlokk are also interested in signing Scicluna while Sliema and Birkirkara join the Citizens in the battle to secure the services of Babatunde whose contract expired at the end of last season.
Serbian defender Branko Nisevic is expected to join another club after failing to agree a new contract with the Citizens. Possible destinations for the veteran defender who is expected to obtain Maltese citizenship in the coming weeks include Floriana and Sliema. Nigerian midfielder Edafe Uzeh could move to Floriana or Hamrun after being released.
Birkirkara have already signed three players - Under-21 internationals Paul Fenech and Kenneth Spiteri and Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev. They are also expected to announce the signing of defender Lee Lombardi from Sliema. They also hope to sign two new foreign players after having a Danish defender and a Bulgarian striker on trial over the past weeks.
William Camenzuli, Etienne Barbara, Mark Anthony Bonnici and Clint Micallef are expected to move elsewhere after being informed by they were no longer in the club's plans. Besides Kenneth Scicluna, another player who is attracting the interest of other clubs, and especially Sliema, is Roderick Briffa. Bernard Paris, Alan Tabone, Thomas Paris and Martin Anastasi, who were on loan with other clubs, will probably be retained.
Sliema Wanderers secured the services of international defender Ian Azzopardi from Floriana and Under-21 midfielder Matthew Bartolo. The only foreign player who is sure of wearing the Sliema shirt next season is Montenegrin striker Aleksandar Madzar. Goalkeeper Murphy Akanji's contract expired at the end of the season and the two parties are yet to reach an agreement. On the other hand, although Mauro Di Lello has still two years of contract, he seems to be willing to return to Italy.
Up front, the Blues were eager to sign Daniel Bogdanovic but with the possibility of the former Marsaxlokk striker moving abroad, they could turn to Etienne Barbara.
Following the departure of Luke Dimech, Andre Schembri and Daniel Bogdanovic, champions Marsaxlokk are looking for a central defender and two strikers, possibly two foreigners. Shaun Bajada and Andre Rocha Da Silva return with the club after spending the last part of the season on loan with Msida and Hibernians respectively.
Hibernians lost Matthew Bartolo and Kenneth Spiteri to Sliema and Birkirkara respectively but welcome back Udo Nwoko after a five-month spell with champions Marsaxlokk. Andre Rocha Da Silva moves in the opposite direction. With Ndubisi Chukunyere and Udo Nwoko probably obtaining Maltese citizenship in the coming weeks, the Paolites are set to sign a new foreigner - a striker from Argentina.
Msida, who confirmed Patrick Curmi as their coach, signed St George's duo Lawrence Mizzi and Clive Brincat on loan for one year. On the other hand, they lost Paul Fenech and Josef Mifsud. Besides Babatunde, goalkeeper Omar Borg is also a target for at least two clubs and could therefore move as well.
After losing Ian Azzopardi to Sliema, Floriana secured the services of St. George's defender Emanuel Sevasta. The Greens, now under the guidance of new coach Danilo Doncic, are also looking forward to sign two new foreigners as Riad Gango-Rtsa's contract was not renewed and Serbian forward Bojan Spasojevic was released. On the other hand, Brazilian Wendell Gomes has been confirmed for another season.
Pietà Hotspurs are once again expected to focus on the young players in their squad. Bulgarian players - Martin Deanov, Rumen Galabov and Svetlan Kondev are expected to be retained by the club.
Newly-promoted Hamrun Spartans have so far appointed Marco Gerada as their new coach, signing Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong from St. George's. The other newly-promoted side, Mqabba, have so far confirmed Joe Falzon as their coach. Their main objective is the signing of two foreign players in order to strengthen their squad.
As regards players who are willing to move abroad besides Andre Schembri and Justin Haber who moved to Germany and Greece respectively, Daniel Bogdanovic had a trial in Norway, Jonathan Holland is on trial with Ross County in Scotland while Luke Dimech is hoping to join a club in England. Foreigners Udo Nwoko, Ousseni Zongo and Martin Deanov were also due to go for trials abroad.