July 2008

Thu 31

• UEFA Cup Birkirkara vs Hajduk Split 0-3, Slaven Koprivnica vs Marsaxlokk 4-0
• 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 25 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 22nd.
  Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, Millennium Stand - 2nd Floor, Ta' Qali.
• First Division side Vittoriosa Stars continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of two goalkeepers who played in the Premier League last season. They signed Alex Camilleri from St. Patrick and Jurgen Micallef from Floriana.
  Camilleri spent the last three years on loan with Hibernians and had played for Sliema in season 2003/04. Micallef, on the other hand, played for Floriana but spent one season with Marsaxlokk in 2005/06.
• Nigerian striker Anthony Ewurum will be playing for Mosta next season.
  Ewurum had already played for the Blues in season 2006/07. Last season, he was on the books of Senglea Athletic, scoring thirteen goals.

Wed 30

• Maltese international goalkeeper Justin Haber joined Sheffield United in the Coca-Cola Championship. He passed a medical test with the Blades and will be presented to the media and supporters on Thursday.
  Haber will be sporting the Blades number 22 shirt and fighting to earn his place in this very competitive Coca-Cola Championship league.
  After settling down well at Greek second division side Haidairi last year, the former Floriana and Birkirkara goalkeeper had a couple of Greek clubs willing to sign him up but opted for the English Championship to continue enhancing his sporting career.
  "I am very happy to be here especially after the manager showed such interest in me and knew a lot about me. Like always I will be ready to compete for a place in the squad and will do my utmost to continue improving myself," said Haber.
  Two years ago, he was invited for a trial by Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock who was very interested in capturing his signature. With Sheffield then being in the Premiership, the manager had decided to better see him in action with another club in Belgium where he had been temporarily parked. Unfortunately for Justin, Warnock moved on from the Blades and thus all interest was dropped.
  Agent Carly Barnes and Peter Paul Gauci revived this interest after the current manager Kevin Blackwell was scouting for a quality goal keeper to add to his squad early last year. After seeing him perform well in international duty and at club level, Blackwell asked Haber to sit for his medical test and joined the squad last Monday.
  This will be the fifth foreign team for Haber after playing for SK Dobrudzha in Bulgaria, US Quevilly in France and Excelsior Virton in Belgium before moving to Haidari last season.
• Bristol City manager Gary Johnson announced that negotiations with Michael Mifsud about a proposed transfer has ended unsuccessfully.
  The manager told the club's website bcfc.co.uk: "I don't think he's right for us. I know people will be shocked by that and this is not me trying to enhance my reputation for interview techniques. I can't commit £1.5m of the club's money to people that I don't think can be committed to the club over three years."
  "When I talk to people and try and do a deal with them you get to know their weaknesses. Although they might be very good players, in the end if they aren't the right personality for me and the club they'll let you down in the end."
  "I'm sorry for the supporters and especially sorry for the chairman because he's done exactly what I wanted him to do. He's come up twice with £1.5m for (Egypt striker Emad) Meteb and Mifsud. However good the players are, you will lose them in the end if they don't come across as what we need for this football club."
  Chairman Steve Lansdown announced during and Open Day at Ashton Gate that Mifsud had agreed terms and was expected to sign on Monday.
  "I had a text from the player (Mifsud) on Saturday saying that he had enjoyed looking around Bristol and would be down on Monday to sign. I told the chairman that and he obviously announced that at the Open Day, like I had done to many fans. The lad reneged on that and at that point I started questioning things."
  "Him, his representative and lawyer took negotiations to a new level that I've never been before, not as in finances necesarily, but in the way they were conducting business. In my opinion it wasn't very professional and certainly not respectful of this football club."
• Birkirkara will be hosting HNK Hajduk Split in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at the National Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 18:00.
  The match was originally scheduled for 20:30 but kick-off time was anticipated as it will be screened live in Croatia.
  In the first leg, a goal after just three minutes by Senijad Ibricic paved the way for a comfortable win for Hajduk. Nikola Kalinic doubled the score mid-way through the first half and goals by Tomislav Busic and Mario Ticinovic after the break sealed the issue for the Croatian side.
  Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg is expected to adopt a cautious approach as the Stripes aim for a good performance and possibly a positive result at Ta' Qali.
  Thomas Paris will be back after serving a one-match ban.
  The Hajduk squad which travelled to Malta is made up of:
  Daniel Subasic, Jozinovic, Jurica Buljat, Boris Zivkovic, Toni Pezo, Sinisa Linic, Nikola Kalinic, Senijad Ibricic, Vjekoslav Tomic, Marin Ljubicic, Drago Gabric, Mladen Bartolovic, Ivan Strinic, Mirko Oremus, Marijan Buljat, Mario Maloca, Mario Ticinovic, Goran Rubil.
  Former Juventus and Croatia international defender Igor Tudor is not part of the squad after announcing he was quitting football last week.
  The match will be controlled by Irish referee David Mckeon who will be assisted by Ciaran Delaney and David Wogan and fourth official Tomas Connolly.
• After suffering a heavy 0-4 defeat at Ta' Qali, Marsaxlokk will be hoping to do better at the Gradski Stadium in Koprivnica when they face NK Slaven Belupo in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.
  Three goals in the first half by Matija Kristic, Dalibor Poldrugac and Franjo Tepuric and another in the second half by Bojan Vrucina gave Slaven a most comfortable win in the first leg with the Southseasiders' performance being highly disappointing.
  Marsaxlokk welcome back William Camenzuli who missed the first leg as he was serving a one-match ban.
  The match, which kicks-off at 20:15, will be controlled by Vusal Aliyev from Azerbaijan. He will be assisted by Azad Huseynov and Elman Musaev and fourth official Afgan Hamzayev.
• FIFA Referee Marco Borg will be controlling his first UEFA Cup match on Thursday when he will be in charge of the match between St Patrick Athletic and JFK Olimps which is being played in Dublin.
  He will be flanked by FIFA Assistant Referees Ingmar Spiteri and Mariano Debono, while Adrian Azzopardi will act as Fourth Official.

Tue 29

• Hamrun Spartans presented their new players during a press conference which was held at the showroom of Immagine Casa in Mriehel.
  The Spartans strengthened their squad with the signing of Manolito Micallef from Floriana, Dylan Kokavessis from Pietà Hotspurs and three new foreigners - Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic and Brazilian duo Alex Norona and Ronaldo Paulista.
  The three foreigners replace Branislav Timotic, Precious Monye and Alfred Effiong who were released. The only other player who is no longer in squad is Kevin Borg who joined Tarxien Rainbows on loan.
  Team manager Victor Cassar said that last year, the club aimed at securing a top-six finish. A target which some thought was out of the Spartans' reach. However they defied the odds and managed to secure a place in the Championship Pool. He said that the club worked hard to strengthen the squad and besides making sure of retaining one of the club's key players - Ryan Fenech, they managed to sign five players who will help the team do better.
  Cassar said that Hamrun had two main assets. The first one was the nursery and the second is the Victor Tedesco Stadium. He announced that the newly-installed FIFA Recommended 2-star artificial turf pitch will be inaugurated on Monday 4th August.
  Hamrun coach Marco Gerada said that last season, the team's objectives seemed to be quite difficult to achieve, considering that they had just won promotion. However the team worked hard and despite difficulties, Hamrun made it to the top-six.
  Gerada said that the objectives for this season were those of doing better than last year. The former St. George's coach said that with the addition of the new players at his disposal, he is convinced the team will do better, saying the main objective will be that of narrowing the gap with the teams on top.
  Vice-president Daniel Sullivan said the standard of the foreigners in squad is better than that of last season and revealed that there could still be one or two new players in squad before the transfer market closes at the end of next month.
  President Gaetano Cuschieri said he was glad to be able to celebrate three important achievements in these three years since he was elected as president. In fact, Hamrun celebrated the club's 100th anniversary, managed to retain their Premier League status and are now set to inaugurate the new artificial turf pitch.
  Cuschieri said his next dream is to see Hamrun Spartans once again taking part in UEFA competitions.
  
  The Hamrun president concluded with an appeal for supporters to follow the team and support the club financially.
  Also addressing the press conference were representatives from the two main sponsors - Immagine Casa and Powerade.
  The inauguration of the artificial turf pitch will be held on Monday. Before the inauguration ceremony which will be held at 20:30, there will be a friendly match between Hamrun Spartans and Marsaxlokk, kick-off at 18:30.
• After the tremendous interest Futsal has generated in Malta we have felt the need to organise the first Futsal tournament on our sister island. Although five-a-side football is already quite popular in Gozo - with over 15 artificial turf pitches - Futsal is something new to the Gozitians.
  The first edition of the Sportika Futsal tournament is being held at the Victoria Sports Complex at the end of August. The tournament will spread over 3 days and will kick off at 17:00 on the 29th August and will come to an end on the 31st August 2008 at around 15:00 and will be open to both Gozitian and Maltese five-a-side football teams. Sixteen teams will be competing divided into 4 groups with the winner and runner up of each group qualifying to the knock-out stage. The four quarter finals, the two semi-finals and the final will all be played on Sunday and will be filmed by Melita Sports.
  On the final day, nursery children and female footballers will be play exhibition matches. Fun games like a penalty shoot-out and a crossbar challenge will also be organised on the final day. Trophies and cash prizes amounting to €1,000 will be presented to winners and runners-up at the end of the tournament.
  Sportika is the main sponsor of the event. Special thanks also go to the secondary sponsors: Gutenberg Press, Hotel Calypso, DownTown Hotel, Enervit Energy Drinks, Kristal Water and Melita Sports.
  Please feel free to contact the organisers on 7901 6016 or email us on maltafutsal@gmail.com for further information.

Mon 28

• A new sponsorship agreement between the Malta Football Association and Maltco Lotteries was signed on Monday. The signing of the agreement, which covers the three knock-out competitions for senior teams, was followed by the draws of the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out and the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
  MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that after the previous agreement covering the FA Trophy and Second & Third Division Knock-Out expired at the end of last season, Maltco Lotteries not only agreed to renew the sponsorship but also accepted the request to sponsor the First Division Knock-Out. Dr Mifsud said that from this sponsorship, participating clubs, especially the winners, will benefit a lot.
  On behalf of Maltco Lotteries, general director Mario Cassar said the company was glad to sponsor these competitions as part of its commitment towards supporting the number one sport on the island which plays an important role in encouraging children in taking part in sports.
  As from this season, the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out will have a new format with the ten teams being divided into two groups of five teams, each group being played on a one-round league basis.
  Holders Dingli Swallows were drawn in Group 1 together with the two teams which were relegated from the Premier League - Pietŕ Hotspurs and Mqabba, newly-promoted Rabat Ajax and last seaon's finalists Vittoriosa Stars.
  The teams in Group 2 are St. Patrick, St. George's, newly-promoted San Gwann, Senglea Athletic and Mosta.
  First round matches will be played on five consecutive weekends between September 13 and October 12. The top two teams in each group reach the semi-finals which will be played on May 23. The final is scheduled for May 29.
  First Division clubs will also be involved in the U*BET FA Trophy. Matches from the first round will be played on October 18, 19, 25 and 26. The second round of the competition will be played on November 1 and 2. The BOV First Division League kicks-off on November 8.
  Meanwhile all the thirty-one clubs in Divisions 2 and 3 are taking part in the quick-Keno Second and Third Division Knock-Out.
  Holders Melita were drawn in Group 6 together with Third Division sides Fgura United, Sirens and Gzira United while finalists Balzan Youths were drawn with Attard, Xghajra Tornados and Marsa in Group 3.
  The draws were as follows:
  Group 1: Pembroke Athleta, Mgarr United, Luqa St. Andrew's, St. Andrews
  Group 2: Zebbug Rangers, Qrendi, Birzebbuga St. Peter's, Mtarfa
  Group 3: Attard, Balzan Youths, Xghajra Tornados, Marsa
  Group 4: Gozo, Gharghur, Sta. Venera Lightnings, Zejtun Corinthians
  Group 5: Kalkara, Naxxar Lions, Zurrieq, Mdina Knights
  Group 6: Fgura United, Sirens, Melita, Gzira United
  Group 7: Sta. Lucia, Ghaxaq, Kirkip United, Mellieha
  Group 8: Siggiewi, Gudja United, Lija Athletic
  
  The first round of the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out will be played between September 3 and 21. The winners of the eight groups reach the quarter-finals which will be played on December 27 and 28 while the semi-finals are scheduled for April 11. The final is programmed for May 30.
  The BOV Second Division League will kick-off on September 27 while the BOV Third Division League gets underway on September 26.
• Birkirkara secured the services of twenty-five year old midfielder Trevor Cilia from Floriana. Cilia is the second Floriana player to join the Stripes in just a few weeks after they signed Angus Buhagiar earlier this month.
  A product of Floriana, Cilia made his Premier League debut in season 2000/01.
  Birkirkara, who will be facing Hajduk Split in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, hope to continue to strengthen their squad further with the signing of a foreign player following the departure of Amed Davy Sylla.
  Trevor Cilia could make his debut for the Stripes in the BOV Super Cup clash against Valletta on August 8.
• Malta Under-21 international midfielder Andrei Agius was one of 31 senior players and 102 youth players on the books of FC Messina Peloro to be released from their contract by the Lega Nazionale Professionisti after the Lega Calcio confirmed that the Sicilian side was not admitted to the Serie B.
  Agius is therefore free to move to another club and is currently on trial with Serie B side Rimini.
  Earlier this month, Messina president Pietro Franza announced he did not find any investor ready to take over the club and since he could not pay the financial guarantees necessary for participation in the Serie B, the club had to start from the amateur leagues.
  Andrei Agius had joined Messina in August 2005 after playing for FK Zemun in the former Yugoslavia and Sporting Mascalucia in Sicily. He played for the Messina primavera side in 2005/06 and then spent one season on loan with AC Martina in the Serie C1 and another on loan with Igea Virtus in the Serie C2.
  Ironically Agius had signed a new contract with Messina last February.
• The Msida St. Joseph Youth Nursery is receiving applications from qualified coaches wishing to join their technical staff.
  Boys and girls, aged 5 to 16, wishing to join the nursery for the coming season should apply at the nursery as from August 1st should apply at the nursery premises between 17:00 and 19:30. Children should be accompanied by their parents.

Sun 27

• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud should sign for Bristol City on Monday according to Robins' chairman Steve Lansdown.
  Speaking at an Open Day at Ashton Gate, the chairman told fans he expects Michael Mifsud to complete his move to City on Monday, admitting that the Malta international striker had already passed a medical and agreed terms.
  The Maltese forward spent the weekend looking at Bristol and should now sign a deal tomorrow.
  "He took his partner around Bristol this weekend and liked what he saw. We expect to seal that deal tomorrow," said Lansdown.
  The transfer fee Bristol City will be paying Coventry City for Mifsud is believed to be in the region of Ł1.5million (€1.9million).

Sat 26

• There was an attempt to influence the result of a match of one of the local teams in European competitions which was played in Malta. This was revealed by MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud in his concluding address at the MFA Annual General Meeting which was held on Saturday.
  Dr Mifsud revealed that someone from abroad tried to influence the score of the game of one of the teams in a UEFA competition, trying to act through someone in Malta. However luckily this attempt of corruption, meant for persons to register wins in betting, did not go ahead.
  The MFA president spent most of his address on the topic of corruption saying that all efforts to improve the level of the game would be in vain if the shadow of corruption is left to hang over football.
  He said that there are too many rumours of corruption surrounding the game and although it could be that most of them are just rumours, one should not do like ostriches and bury his head in the sand.
  Dr Mifsud once again warned clubs that the association takes corruption very seriously. He appealed to all those involved in the game to report any cases of corruption that they come to know of and not to allow any person ruin a club with involvement in some way or another in cases of corruption.
  He said that with internet betting the risk of trying to influence the outcome of games is now larger and therefore clubs have a duty to report any such cases.
  The MFA president emphasised that it has a policy of zero tolerance towards those involved in corruption and according to the association's disciplinary code, such people are banned from the game for life.
  "Corruption kills football and that is why we will go all the way to take all possible actions against such people," concluded Dr Mifsud.
• 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 28th July 2007 and the Approval of the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 18th March 2008 - during which the Malta Amateur Football Association, the Malta Football Coaches Association and the Malta Football Referees Association were approved as Member Associations, the Approval of the Report of Activities of the Association (Administrative Report) for the year 2007/2008 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.
  The Executive Committee discussed the project meant to improve the facilities of member clubs and member associations. It was agreed that the association would apply for UEFA funds amounting to €2.5million and obtain a € 2million loan from a bank in order to finance this project.
  The association renewed sponsorship agreements with Bank of Valletta and Maltco Lotteries and signed new agreements with Banif Bank Malta, General Soft Drinks and Vodafone.
  The MFA is working towards being accepted as member of the UEFA Referees Conventions. A delegation from UEFA visited the association in November and a report was submitted in June. The association will be investing in a system of communications for referees in top division matches and in software through which information about referees and their progress could be viewed better. The MFA retained four referees, eight assistant referees and a female referee on the FIFA list but lost the two Futsal referees.
  Eight coaching courses were held this season, namely two Coaching Young Footballers in Malta and another one in Gozo, two C Diploma, two UEFA C Diploma - Upgrade and a course for Goalkeepers. The UEFA B Course which was due to be held this season will be held next year due to the small number of applicants. The association discussed the possibility of holding a UEFA Pro Licence course. However it emerged that it was better to negotiate with one or more foreign football associations in order to have local coaches attending such courses there.
  Following the installation of glass panels to replace the fencing at the West Stand and the installation of a new scoreboard last summer, facilities at the National Stadium were improved with the installation of artificial turf on the track around the pitch. New seats are being installed at the North Stand and the South Stand while the dressing rooms are being refurbished. A new ticket booth will be built at the West Stand while entrance to the VIP stand will be from a bridge leading to the parking area.
  Following the installation of a FIFA 2-star artificial turf pitch at the Centenary Stadium, floodlights were replaced while new benches for reserves and a new scoreboard were installed. Seats for spectators will also be installed.
  One of the pitches at the MFA Training Grounds will be replaced by an artificial turf pith in order to be able to host youth league matches. The association has already applied for funds from FIFA under the Goal Programme 3 for this project.
  A total of 1,571 matches were played this season. This figure includes 606 matches from the National League and other senior competitions, 407 Youth League and Knock-Out matches, 478 Futsal League and Knock-Out matches and 80 matches in the Women's competitions.
  Fourteen doping tests were carried out on a total of 56 players. Seven players tested positive with sanctions ranging from four months to one year. Towards the end of the season, FIFA appealed against the decisions of three of these cases in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne, claiming these players had to be suspended for two years each. Until there is decision on these cases, the association will be suspending its Anti-doping Programme.
  Attendance for competitive matches amounted to 164,250 - an increase of 37,817 spectators over the previous season. A total of 67,423 spectators paid for Premier League matches - an increase of 19,450. Attendance for the other leagues were as follows: First Division 15,069 - an increase of 1,880; Second Division 9,222 - an increase of 1,606; Third Division 5,572 - reduction of 1,551. Attendance for FA Trophy matches increased by 8,363 to 19,892. The gross income amounted to €581,371 out of which the MFA had to pay €88,762 in VAT.
  The national team played five matches from the EURO 2008 qualifying round, obtaining a prestigious 2-2 draw with Turkey, losing the other four matches to Hungary, Moldova, Greece and Norway. Malta failed to reach its objective of avoiding the bottom place in the table but managed to collect the largest number of points ever. Malta also played friendly matches against Albania, Armenia, Liechtenstein, the Belgian Olympic Team and Austria and hosted the Malta International Football Tournament, meeting Armenia, Belarus and Iceland. In view of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Malta will be playing a friendly match against Estonia on August 20 following a short training camp.
  The Under-21 national team won one game and lost five in the UEFA Under-21 qualifiers. The team will be playing a friendly match against Liechtenstein on August 19 in preparation for the final qualifier against France in September.
  The Under-19 and the Under-17 sides took part in UEFA mini-tournaments with the Under-17 side also taking part in the FISEC Games in which they claimed the gold medal. The women's national team took part in two mini-tournaments, claiming its first ever win against Estonia last month. The futsal national team took part in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, doing quite well despite suffering three defeats.
  More UEFA mini-pitches were installed which brings now a total of fifteen pitches in Malta and six in Gozo. Another three will be installed at Mtarfa, Mgarr and the Dar tal-Provvidenza. The MFA will be ordering a mobile mini-pitch of size 35m x 15m which could be used in football events for children around Malta and Gozo.
  More than thirty member clubs and the Gozo FA have applied to receive funds for projects meant to improve facilities. A number of clubs have already completed their projects, namely Melita and St. Patrick while those of Marsaxlokk, Pembroke Athleta and Hamrun Spartans are well underway. Floodlights will be installed at the Hibernians Ground. An important condition for these projects is that the association could make use of these facilities. This would mean that youth teams in sections B, C and D would be able to play their league matches on artificial turf pitches.

  Elections for Executive Committee

  Elections were necessary to elect the ordinary members of the Executive Committee to represent Premier League clubs, Second Division clubs and Member Clubs in general.
  In the election for the two Council Members to represent Premier League clubs in the Executive Committee, Joseph Gauci (Birkirkara) and Jesmond Abela (Hibernians) were elected with 61 votes and 44 votes respectively. John Vella (Tarxien) obtained 35 votes and Redeno Apap (Qormi) 26 votes.
  Salvu Vella (Mellieha) will be representing Second Division clubs after obtaining 56 votes. Charles J. Scerri (Lija) obtained 34 votes.
  Raymond Micallef and Bjorn Vassallo will be representing Member Clubs in general after they obtained 41 and 42 votes respectively. The other two candidates obtained the following number of votes: Redeno Apap (Qormi) 20 votes, John Vella (Tarxien) 30 votes.
  The eleven ordinary members on the Executive Committee of the Association are therefore:
  Premier Division: Jesmond Abela and Joseph Gauci (BKR)
  First Division: Charles Caruana and Joseph Sammut
  Second Division: Salvu Vella
  Third Division: Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
  Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general: Raymond Micallef and Bjorn Vassallo
  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
  There were three proposed amendments to the statute of the association. The first was a proposal to increase the number of representatives of the District Football Association from one to two and the second was a proposal to add a member to represent the Gozo Football Association in the Executive Committee. These were proposed by the District Football League and the Gozo Football Association respectively.
  Both amendments were approved and therefore in a year's time, the District Football Association will have two Council Members while the Gozo Football Association will be represented by a member in the Executive Committee.
  Another amendment regarded rule 63 on the composition of The Referees' Board. The amendment, proposed by the MFA Council, was approved as well.
  
• 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 association's income amounted to €3,726,573 while the expenditure amounted to €3,365,594. Expenditure included €2,683,790 in indirect operating and administrative costs and €681,804 depreciation.
  Considering an unrealised loss on exchange, the profit, or better the excess of income over expenditure, amounted to €298,840.
  At the end of season 2006/07, the excess of income over expenditure amounted to €630,156. However, this time last year, the association had registered an unrealised gain of €248,818 on exchange.
  The Accumulated fund at the end of the year amounts to €3,932,124 compared to the €3,633,284 at the end of last year.

  BALANCE SHEET

  Assets

  Fixed Assets €10,635,627
  Current Assets €1,401,285
   Total Assets €12,036,912

  Accumulated Funds & Liabilities

  Accumulated Fund €3,932,124
  Non-Current Liabilities €6,698,729
  Current Liabilities €1,406,059
   Total Accumulated Fund and Liabilities €12,036,912
  INCOME & EXPENDITURE IN DETAIL

  Administration

  Income: €1,694,934
   (including local matches €31,568; FIFA and UEFA subsidy and refunds €1,465,769; sponsorships €74,640; disciplinary fines - club fines and damages €24,935; disciplinary fines - others €26,392; affiliation and other fees €34,872; interest receivable €5,628; advertising €22,839; sundry income €8,291)
  Expenditure: €904,114
   (including salaries €204,329; MFA officials' allowances €71,225; foreign officials' expenses €14,553; referees' fees €79,687; presentations and awards €21,185; travelling and accommodation €14,586; professional fees €2,970; advertising €25,143; insurance €3,329; printing and stationery €31,571; office maintenance €9,261; telecommunications €26,221; water and electricity €43,276; referees' training allowance €30,566; audit fees €3,261; refreshments, fairs and ceremonies €11,414; bank loan interest and charges €275,066; difference on exchange €27,264; general expenses €9,207)
  Surplus of income over expenditure (following depreciation amounting to €108,250) €682,570

  National Teams, Youths and Grassroots Development

  Income: €1,328,707
   (including international matches €1,253,408 and players' sponsorships €75,299) Expenditure: €1,219,145
   (includes players' training allowance €67,374; bonuses and appearance money €62,885; travelling and accommodation for national teams €643,197; kits and training equipment €71,345; technical staff €306,695; insurance and medical €19,846; advertising €19,805) Surplus of income over expenditure: €109,562

  Sports Facilities

  Income €702,932
   (including share of gates €197,177; bar concessions €52,216; advertising €74,400; broadcasting rights €11,646; complex income €334,880; car park income €7,420; football school subscriptions €6,224; course fees €18,969)
  Expenditure €560,531
   (including wages and personnel expenses €230,636; maintenance €162,956; utility costs €85,303)
  Excess of expenditure over income (following a depreciation amounting to €573,554) €431,153
• The transfer of Malta international striker Michael Mifsud from Coventry City to Bristol City had not been concluded yet.
  Bristol City manager Gary Johnson told the club's official website, "It's not done yet but we are still negotiating. Some people jump the gun a bit when they here about it, but everything has to be right when a player joins us. [The deal's] got to be right for us and it's got to be right for them. Sometimes that takes a little time. I suspect we'll know very early next week."

Fri 25

• Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows continued to strenghten their squad with the signing of 26-year old defender Ivan Carapic from Montenegro. He signed a one-year contract.
  Carapic played for Montenegro champions FK Buducnost Podgorica and was also a member of the Buducnost team which met Valletta in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005.
  Tarxien had earlier secured the services of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Martin Cariaga who signed a two-year contract with the club.
  The 26-year old midfielder, who played for Atletico Policial in Argentina, scored the first goal in the 2-2 draw with Valletta in a friendly match last Saturday.
  The Rainbows have so far signed Warren Chircop from Marsa, Pio Sciriha from Msida and Mark Tanti from St. Patrick.
  Tarxien will be playing another friendly match against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday at 18:30 at the Melita Ground.
• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud could make his debut for Bristol City in a friendly match on Saturday as they take on Bournemouth at the Fitness First Stadium.
  Bristol City and Coventry City had reached an agreement over a transfer fee, reported to be Ł1.5million (€1.9million) on Wednesday.
  Mifsud was then expected to agree terms and sign a contract on Thursday but the deal was delayed while manager Gary Johnson returned from a scouting mission abroad. Provided Mifsud passes a medical test and signs on Friday, he will be available for City's latest pre-season friendly.
  At Bristol City, Mifsud would link once again with former Coventry striker Dele Adebola with whom he formed one of the most exciting strike forces in the Coca-Cola Championship. Adebola was transferred to Bristol in the January transfer window.
  The Robins' manager is now keen to revive their partnership.
• Malta international striker Etienne Barbara is doing quite well with his new club SC Verl, scoring two goals in the first two friendly matches.
  In the first game against SV Lippstadt, the Maltese striker played an excellent game, having a touch in all of the three goals scored by Verl in a 3-0 win. He provided the passes for the first two goals, scoring the third one on 88 minutes.
  Barbara then scored the second goal in a 2-0 win over Rot Weiss Ahlen on 78 minutes after he was included as a substitute in the beginning of the second half.
  SC Verl will be playing in the Regionalliga West (fourth division) after being relegated from the old Regionalliga Nord last season. Due to a change in format of the leagues in Germany, the previous Regionalliga will be replaced by the Third Division (3. Bundesliga).
  SC Verl made several changes to their squad, signing no less than fourteen new players.
  Meanwhile the other Malta international striker based in Germany, Andre Schembri, scored one of the goals in an 11-1 win for FC Carl Zeiss Jena over VfR Bad Lobenstein.
  Carl Zeiss Jena will be playing in the Third Division.
• The Referees Board of the MFA organised a three-day seminar last week, an annual activity on its calendar intended to update the Referees and Assistant Referees on new developments in the game and how best to deal with different situations when controlling a match.
  The well-attended seminar was conducted by the UEFA Referees Committee member Jaap Uilenberg from Holland, who dealt at length with different aspects of the laws of the game, focusing in particular on situations during the Euro 2008 finals last month.
  During the working sessions Referees and Assistants were involved in useful discussion on such matters as how to manage players on the field of play, the various aspects of the offside law and advantage rule and the essential co-operation between Referees and Assistant Referees especially now that in international competitions communication systems are being used by the officials.
  The lectures were backed by filmed clips, with Mr Uilenberg’s delivery being very interesting and free-flowing. The participants were divided into working groups each assigned to analyse specific points of the laws of the game.
  A novelty this year was a lecture given by Adele Muscat on ‘Sports Psychology for Referees’, an item which dealt with such elements as mental skills when referees have to deal with situations of anxiety and stress at moments of mental letdowns.
  The seminar, held at the Centenary Hall, was opened by the MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud, who stressed the importance of such UEFA-assisted activities for Referees and Assistants.
• The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery will be travelling to Manchester between the 26th and 3rd of August to participate in The Manchester International Summer Cup 2008. For this occasion, the Hamrun contingent made up of 44 players will be showing off a brand newly designed football shirt with its new sponsor: mySmoothie, a brand of smoothies imported and distributed from Sweden by master group.
  The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery will be represented by three teams, an under 10 team consisting of 10 players, an under 12 team of 17 players and an under 14 team composed of 17 players. The players will be accompanied by eight officials and 33 parents all lead by Nursery Tournaments Director Noel Debattista.
  “A number of international teams will be participating in The Manchester International Summer Cup 2008 and this will give the nursery and the players a great experience. Apart from participating in the tournament, the contingent will be visiting Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium Museums during their free time.”, said Noel Debattista
  “We are glad to be sponsoring the Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery team for this new exciting summer camp in Manchester and moreover, to be able to do so with a healthy product like mySmoothie,” said Claudio Camilleri, Head Sales and Marketing at master group during the presentation of the football gear to the Hamrun Nursery players.
  “mySmoothie is 100% fruit and more than a drink, it stands as an alternative healthy snack ready to drink with no added sugars, additives or preservatives. Another innovative aspect is the fact that mySmoothie can stay fresh for 12 months, something usually unheard of when it comes to natural food. This capability of remaining fresh for such a long time has been made possible thanks to a unique packaging that makes use of certified aseptic filling and packaging process.”
  mySmoothie currently comes in four distinct flavours namely Raspberry, Mango, Peach and Strawberry, an innovative mix that makes up the recommended 5 daily servings of fruit and veggies and is available from leading stores, supermarkets and cafeterias.

Thu 24

• Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows secured the services of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Martin Cariaga. He signed a two-year contract with the club.
  The 26-year old midfielder, who played for Atletico Policial in Argentina, scored the first goal in the 2-2 draw with Valletta in a friendly match last Saturday.
  The Rainbows have so far signed Warren Chircop from Marsa, Pio Sciriha from Msida and Mark Tanti from St. Patrick.

Wed 23

• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud is set to join Bristol City.
  A statement on the club's official website confirms that they had an undisclosed offer accepted for Coventry City striker Michael Mifsud.
  The Robins "have been given permission to talk to the player and subject to succesful negotiations and a medical, hope to make the Maltese forward their next summer signing."
  On Tuesday, Coventry City manager Chris Coleman announced that the player handed a transfer request and with Mifsud's contract expiring at the end of the year, the Coventry manager is anxious not to lose him on a free transfer.
  Coleman told the Coventry Telegraph "I've spoken with Michael this week and he has agreed with his agent that it's time to move on. He's said he will hand a transfer request in and there's nothing we can do about that. We have to move on ourselves and if a club comes in and offers the right amount of money then we'll have to look at it."
  Mifsud had joined Coventry in January 2007 from Norwegian side Lillestrom, signing a two-and-a-half year contract with the Sky Blues.
• Maltese striker Daniel Bogdanovic will be going for a trial with Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia.
  Lokomotiv Sofia have earlier this summer appointed Serbian coach Danilo Doncic as first assistant coach to head coach Dragan Okuka and it was on a request by the former Floriana coach that Bogdanovic will be joining them for a trial.
  Lokomotiv are currently in Holland for a pre-season training camp and Bogdanovic will train with the team for a week and play a friendly match - probably against Maccabi Petah Tikva from Israel on Sunday - after which the club will make a decision on whether to offer him a contract or not. They are currently in search of a player with Bogdanovic's qualities as they prepare to take part in the UEFA Cup.
  In fact, last season, Lokomotiv Sofia placed third in the Bulgarian Premier League. They will enter the UEFA Cup in the second qualifying round. Lokomotiv have so far played a friendly match against Turkish champions Galatasaray, holding them in a 1-1 draw.
  Daniel Bogdanovic had joined Italian Serie C1 side Cisco Roma in October, signing a one-year contract. He scored four goals in sixteen league matches.
  If Bogdanovic joins Lokomotiv Sofia, this will be the second Bulgarian club for which he played after playing for Cherno More Varna in season 2002/03. He would also be the second Maltese player to play for the club after Stefan Giglio spent a season on loan with the club. Danilo Doncic had also played for the club when he left Valletta in 1997.

Tue 22

• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud is determined to move to another club after handing Coventry City manager Chris Coleman a transfer request.
  With Mifsud's contract expiring at the end of the year, the Coventry manager is anxious not to lose him on a free transfer.
  Coleman told the Coventry Telegraph "I've spoken with Michael this week and he has agreed with his agent that it's time to move on. He's said he will hand a transfer request in and there's nothing we can do about that. We have to move on ourselves and if a club comes in and offers the right amount of money then we'll have to look at it."
  In recent weeks, three Championship sides - Bristol City, Norwich and Crystal Palace - have all reportedly expressed their interest in the Maltese international. According to reports, Norwich seem to be the favourites to secure his services.
  Mifsud had joined Coventry in January 2007 from Norwegian side Lillestrom, signing a two-and-a-half year contract with the Sky Blues.
• Bulgarian defender Rumen Angelov Galabov is expected to be one of Hibernians' three foreigners for the coming season.
  Last season, the Paolites started the season with Argentine duo Pablo Doffo and Julio Alcorse and Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe. In January, Alcorse was replaced by a midfielder from Cameroon, Narcise Abade Fish on five-month loan spell from an Albanian club.
  It seems that the only player to be confirmed will be Pablo Doffo, who spent the past two years with the Paolites. Other foreigners are expected to arrive for trials, with the first one being Simon Williams.
  Galabov has been playing for Pietà Hotspurs for the past eighteen months. He had earlier spent five months with Valletta in season 2002/03.
  Meanwhile Edmond Lufi will be guiding the team as coach, at least for the early part of the season, after Hibs parted company with coach Robert Gatt. Lufi could eventually be replaced by Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller whose contract expires in November.
  Gatt has been coaching the Paolites for the past nine years, leading them to the Premier League title in 2001/02 and success in the FA Trophy 2006 and 2007, the Super Cup 2007, the Euro Challenge Cup 2006 and 2007 and the Quadrangular Tournament 2005/06.
  Lufi had already acted as player-coach with Naxxar Lions during season 2001/02. After coaching in the Birkirkara youth nursery, he joined Marsa as coach in season 2006/07. Last season, he moved to Hibernians as assistant coach.
• Newly-promoted Qormi FC secured the services of Nigerian-born striker Chucks Nwoko.
  The 29-year old striker arrived in Malta in 1995 to join Birkirkara, staying with the Stripes for over ten years, except for a short spell with CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria. In January 2006, he moved to Marsaxlokk on a six-month loan spell. Then in summer 2006, he signed for Sliema Wanderers.
  However, last season, Nwoko played just one league game as a serious injury he sustained during a friendly match in September ruled him out for the rest of the season.
  Meanwhile Qormi managed to retain midfielder Joseph Farrugia for another season. This will therefore be the third season for Farrugia with the Yellow-Black.
  Qormi had earlier secured the services of Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Massimo Grima and Rennie Forace from Valletta and Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans.
  Jesmond Zerafa's side will be playing a friendly match against Naxxar Lions on Wednesday at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.
• Champions Valletta will be aiming for another good performance on Wednesday as they face FC Artmedia Petrzalka in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round at the TJ Senec Montostroj in Senec, Slovakia.
  In the first leg, which was played at Ta' Qali last week, two goals by Marian Cisovsky on 75 and 79 minutes gave Artmedia a 2-0 win.
  Valletta coach Paul Zammit will be unable to field his best formation due to the absence of Cleavon Frendo who sustained an injury and was ordered to rest for a couple of weeks.
  The game will be controlled by referee Vlado Svilokos, who will be assisted by Sinisa Premuzaj and Robertino Dujela and fourth official Domagoj Vuckov.
  The winner takes on the winner of the clash between Finnish side Tampere United and Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro in the second qualifying round. Tampere won the first leg 2-1.

Mon 21

• Valletta defender Luke Dimech was handed a two-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the Euro Challenge Cup match against Marsaxlokk.
  The Citizens will be facing Birkirkara in the BOV Super Cup on Friday August 8th and then play their first BOV Premier League game against Sliema Wanderers.
  Meanwhile Marsaxlokk striker Marcelo Pereira was also suspended for one game and is therefore ruled out of the Southseasiders' first league game against Qormi.
• Mdina Knights Football Club is proud to announce the formation of an innovative component, which forms part of the Club’s corporate social responsibility - Mdina Knights Foundation.
  This will act as a philanthropic entity whereby its mission is to instil genuine values of sports through the development of social, educational and sporting activities, to promote social well fare and to bolster Mdina Knights FC’s commitment to act as a distinctive model to local sports.
  Since its inception back in 2006, the Club has always striven to achieve the status of one of the leading local sports organisations, notwithstanding its limited resources.
  The creation of Mdina Knights Foundation is a further sign of the on-going development within the Club. Mdina Knights intends to make full use of the power of football and its growing name to help people and communities in need.
  Following affiliation with Transplant Support Group (TSG), presided by Mr. Alfred Debattista, Mdina Knights Foundation’s first exercise is to aid in the awareness campaign of organ donations by organizing activities to encourage its players and members to enroll themselves with TSG and become organ donors.

Sun 20

• Three young Italian players are expected to arrive in Malta on Wednesday for a trial with Sliema Wanderers.
  The three players, aged 19, are Alex Fadda, Emanuele Pace and Giuseppe Mazzitelli. Fadda and Pace are two flank defenders while Mazzitelli is a striker.
  These players are coming from amateur side Atletico Mirafiori, based in Turin. Atletico Mirafiori is one of the feeder nurseries for Juventus.
• Malta claimed gold in both the football and the futsal tournaments in the FISEC Games which were held in Malta over the past five days.
  The Under-17 side, under the guidance of coach Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit, defeated Great Britain 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Steve Pisani scored the only goal for Malta.
  In the group stage, Malta shared the spoils in draws with Great Britain and Spain A, beating the Netherlands 4-3. In the semi-final which was played on Saturday, Malta had defeated Flanders (Belgium) on penalties.
  Spain B placed third after defeating Flanders 1-0 in the final for third and fourth place.
  Meanwhile in futsal, Malta also claimed the gold medal following a 7-4 win over Hungary in their last game.
  Raymond Schembri's side won three of the four matches they played, defeating Portugal 5-2, Spain B 6-2 and Hungary. In the other game, they drew 4-4 with Spain A.
  Spain A finished second and Portugal third.
• Third Division side Kirkop United have appointed Albert Busuttil as player-coach.
  Busuttil, who is a product of Kirkop United, played Premier League football with Floriana, Mosta and Mqabba. Last season, he was on the books of Mqabba.
  This will be his first experience as a coach.
• Fgura United reached an agreement with coach Edward Darmanin for the extension of his contract for another two years - until the end of season 2009/10. Darmanin will be addressing a players' meeting on Friday 25 at the club premises at 19:00. Pre-season training starts the following Monday.
  Meanwhile Fgura United will once again organise the Pre-Season Tournament at the Corradino Hockey Complex in August. The tournament is open for First, Second and Third Division clubs. Qrendi, Kirkop United, Zebbug Rangers and Marsa have already confirmed their participation. Other clubs willing to take part are to inform the Fgura United secretary.

Sat 19

• The Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association for the Year 2008 will be held on Saturday, 26th July at 09:30 at The Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
  The items on the agenda include the Approval of the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 28th July 2007, the Approval of the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 18th March 2008, the Approval of the Report of Activities of the Association (Administrative Report) for the year 2007/2008, the Approval of the Audited Accounts and Balance Sheet of the Association (Financial Report) for the year 2007/2008, the Election of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee for the year 2008/2009, among other items.
  The candidates nominated to fill the eleven (11) ordinary seats on the Executive Committee of the Association are the following:- (a) Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in the different Divisions:
  (i) Premier Division (two (2) vacancies):
  Mr. Jesmond Abela
  Mr. Redeno Apap
  Mr. Joseph Gauci (BKR)
  Mr. John Vella
  
  (ii) First Division (two (2) vacancies):
  Mr. Charles Caruana
  Mr. Joseph Sammut
  
  (iii) Second Division (one (1) vacancy):
  Mr. Charles J. Scerri
  Mr. Salvu Vella
  
  (iv) Third Division (one (1) vacancy):
  Mr. Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
  
  (b) Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general (two (2) vacancies):
  Mr. Redeno Apap
  Mr. Joseph Gauci (BKR)
  Mr. Raymond Micallef
  Mr. Bjorn Vassallo
  Mr. John Vella
  Mr. Salvu Vella
  
  (c) Council Members in representation of The Youth F.A. (one (1) vacancy):
  Mr. Joe Micallef
  (d) Council Members in representation of the other Member Associations (two (2) vacancies):
  Mr. Charles Calleja
  Mr. Joseph M. Cassar Naudi
• Hamrun Spartans secured the services of Dylan Kokavessis from Pietà Hotspurs. He signed a three-year contract.
  The 19-year old striker had started his career with Hamrun but then moved to the Pietà nursery. He made his Premier League debut in season 2004/05.
  Meanwhile Brazilian attacking midfielder Ronaldo Ortega has impressed supporters in his first days in Malta.
• The Malta Under-17 side reached the final of the football tournament in the FISEC Games which are currently being held in Malta after defeating Belgium - Flanders on penalties on Saturday.
  The game ended in a 1-1 draw with Jean Paul Farrugia scoring once again the goal for Malta. In the penalty shoot-out, Malta scored five and Belgium four.
  Malta will now meet Great Britain in the final which will be played on Sunday at 12:15. The locals, under the guidance of coach Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit, had already met Great Britain in the first game of group B with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.
  Meanwhile in futsal, Malta also stands the chance to claim gold after beating Spain B 6-2 on Saturday. Malta faces Hungary on Sunday.
  The futsal team is coached by Raymond Schembri.
• First Division side Mosta have secured the services of midfielder Gianluca Calabretta.
  Calabretta spent last season on loan with Mellieha, scoring six goals. He had previously played for Lija Athletic and Leonzio in Italy.
  Meanwhile the Blues have completed the signing of goalkeeper Jonathan Debono on permanent basis after he spent last season on loan from Birkirkara. A product of Birkirkara, Debono had earlier played for St. Andrews, Birkirkara and Marsa before joining the Blues.
  Mosta, once again under the guidance of Michael Molzahn and Vince Carbonaro, are expected to challenge for promotion after missing out by a whisker losing the promotion play-off to Qormi on penalties.
• First Division side Vittoriosa Stars continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of Kenneth Abela from Hibernians.
  A Hibs product, Abela spent most of his career in Division 1 with various teams where he established himself as a most prolific striker. In attack, he will join Anthony Eviparker who had signed another one-year contract.
  Abela, who played for Senglea last season, had earlier played for St. George's, Marsaxlokk, Marsa, Qormi and Ghajnsielem.
  Meanwhile defender David Gauci signed for another year with Vittoriosa Stars. The club is also close to agreeing with two new goalkeepers for the coming season.
  A players' meeting will be held on Monday with pre-season training starting on Wednesday.
• Former Hibernians and Malta international Johnnie Privitera passed away at the age of 68.
  He started his career with Sliema Wanderers but it was with Hibernians where he spent most of his career - around fifteen years. With the Paolites, he won the league championship three times and the FA Trophy twice besides other honours. On a personal level, he won the Footballer of the Year award in 1968/69. He also played for the national team, making seven appearances.
  For the past years, Privitera was a member of the coaching staff of the Paola Hibs Youth Nursery.
  The funeral will be held on Monday at the Tarxien Parish Church at 16:30.

Fri 18

• The Malta Under-17 side registered a fine 4-3 win over the Netherlands in the third and final group match of the football tournament in the FISEC Games which are currently being held in Malta.
  It was a very intense match, with both teams needing points to qualify from Group B together with England, who had already qualified earlier, beating Spain 1-0. Holland needed just one point to qualify, whilst Malta needed all three points, and take the top spot in the group. In the first two games, the team led by Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit, had earned two points in draws with England and Spain.
  The match started on very fast, with the team in Orange pressing hard on the Maltese team. In fact, the Dutch went 2-0 in front early in the first half, with Malta pulling one back a minute before the break from Steven Pisani.
  The second half started off nervously, but the Maltese lads showed their intentions clearly, pressing hard on the Dutch rear-guard, obtaining one corner after another. The Maltese efforts were awarded ten minutes into the second half when the referee ordered a penalty for a clear foul in the Dutch penalty area, with Jean Paul Farrugia equalising from the penalty spot.
  This gave the locals a lot of courage and this was clear as they doubled their efforts. Fifteen minutes from time, Clyde Borg put Malta ahead and five minutes later a second goal from Jean Paul Farrugia increased the lead. This brought a frantic reaction from a very nervous Dutch team, who managed to pull one back few minutes from time, but it was too late to get any closer as the Maltese Under 17 team, closed and kept possession diligently.
  This result put Malta on top of group B, who will meet Belgium at 12.15 on Saturday, in the second semi-final of the day. In the first match, Spain will face England. All matches are played at the Centenary Stadium Ta` Qali, and entrance is free.
• Tarxien Rainbows continued to strengthen their squad after they secured the services of Mark Tanti from St. Patrick.
  The 27-year old had already played Premier League football with St. Patrick. Last season, he played for Senglea Athletic. He had earlier played for St. George's as well.
  Tanti is the club's third signing following Warren Chircop and Pio Sciriha.
  Meanwhile towards the end of this week, three foreign players are expected to arrive in Malta for a trial with the Rainbows.
• Former Floriana striker Yala Bolasie joined Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
  Plymouth completed a deal to sign the 19-year-old former Rushden & Diamonds youngster from Floriana for a nominal fee according to the Western Morning News.
  Bolasie, who has signed a two-year contract with the Devon side, was also attracting interest from Austrian outfit Sturm Graz (with whom he had a trial last month), German top-flight newcomers Hoffenheim, and FC Vaduz, a Swiss League club based in the capital of Liechtenstein.
  Bolasie has been used as a second-half substitute in the Pilgrims' first two pre-season friendlies of the summer, and he is likely to be given a further taste of action at Kidderminster Harriers on Friday.

Thu 17

• The Under-17 side, led by Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit, was held in a goalless draw by Spain A in the football tournament of the FISEC Games which are currently being held in Malta.
  In the first game on Wednesday, Malta shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with England.
  In Futsal, Malta drew 4-4 with Spain A following a 5-2 win over Portugal on Wednesday.
• The White Warriors – Valletta Ultras in collaboration with Urban Jungle are organizing The Urban Jungle White Warriors Tournament a 5-a-side football tournament at the Valletta Salinos Grounds starting on the 24th July onwards. The Group Stage is scheduled for the first days whilst the knockout stage is scheduled for the final day.
  Apart from awarding the first three placed teams, three special prizes for the Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Topscorer will be awarded.
  Those who are interested in taking part in such tournament can phone the organizers on 7982 9011. One can also log on to the official website www.wwultras.blogspot.com for more information.

Wed 16

• Marsaxlokk will be hosting Croatian side Slaven Koprivnica in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at the National Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 20:00.
  The kick-off was originally scheduled for 18:15 but the change in the kick-off time was confirmed on Tuesday.
  After placing second in the BOV Premier League last season, they earned a place in European competitions. This will be their fourth adventure in Europe, having represented Malta in the UEFA Cup 2003/04 against NK Primorje of Slovenia, UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006 againt NK Zrinjski Mostar of Bosnia-Herzegovina and in the UEFA Champions League last season, losing heavily to FK Sarajevo of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  Marsaxlokk are now aiming at a much better performance than they did last season. Despite losing two important players like Jamie Pace and Cleavon Frendo, the committee led by president Robert Micallef worked hard to strengthen the squad, securing the services of Malta international defender Brian Said from Sliema Wanderers, Christian Cassar from Floriana, Clive Brincat from St. George's, Arnold Buttigieg from St. Patrick, Saviour Darmanin from Valletta and two foreigners.
  Brazilian striker Marcelo Pereira joined the club from Mqabba while Argentinean striker Julio Alcorse, who had joined the club on loan from Hibs in January, will spend another season on loan with the club. The third foreigner is Brazilian defender Renato Garcia Conceicao.
  Marsaxlokk's opponents - NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica placed second in the Croatian league on 54 points, twenty-five points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb.
  NK Slaven Koprivnica will be visiting Malta for the second time, having met Hibernians in the first round of the Intertoto Cup in 2004. The Paolites won the first leg at the Hibs Ground 2-1 but then Slaven won 3-0 at home to move on to the next round on a 4-2 aggregate score.
  Slaven gained their first promotion to the Prva HNL in 1997 and have been playing in the league ever since. In 2000, they surprisingly finished fifth in the Prva HNL and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. In their first Intertoto Cup appearance, they managed to reach the third round of the competition before being eliminated by Czech club SK Sigma Olomouc. One year later, they repeated the success and were only stopped by Aston Villa with a 3-2 aggregate defeat. In their next two Intertoto Cup appearances, they were even more successful as they reached the semifinals of the competition on both occasions, only to be eliminated after losing to Stuttgart and Lille respectively.
  In 2007, the club reached the Croatian Cup final after beating defending Cup holders NK Rijeka 3-2 in the second leg of the semifinals, going on to play Dinamo Zagreb in the final. Although losing to Dinamo in the final, 2-1 on aggregate, Slaven took a place in the UEFA Cup qualifying for the first time in their history, since their opponents had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
  Last season, Slaven reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, beating Albanian side KS Teuta Durrës 8-4 on aggregate before being eliminated after a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Turkish club Galatasaray.
  Marsaxlokk vs Slaven Koprivnica will be controlled by officials from the Czech Republic - referee Jan Jilek, assistant referees Antonin Kordula and Martin Vecera and fourth official Jiri Adam.
• U*BET FA Trophy winners Birkirkara will be facing HNK Hajduk Split in the first leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Thursday, kick-off at 21:00. The match will be screened live on Melita Sports.
  It will definitely be a difficult game for the Stripes considering that Hajduk are one of the most successful clubs in Croatia. In fact, they won the Croatian championship six times, the Yugoslav championship nine times, the Croatian Cup four times, the Yugoslav Cup nine times and the Croatian Super Cup six times.
  Since last season, Birkirkara only had slight changes in the squad with the only new arrival so far being Under-21 international striker Angus Buhagiar. On the other hand, Ivory Coast striker Amed Davy Sylla left the club.
  Thomas Paris is unavailable after being sent off in the second leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round second leg against Maribor of Slovenia last season.
  Speaking to Melita Sports on Wednesday, Buttigieg said “It will be a difficult game as we are all aware of our opponent’s potential. Hajduk have got a strong squad with individual key tactical players which can make the difference within the 90 minutes. On the other hand we have a very young squad and I can dispose of only two foreigners as Davy Amed Sylla has not yet been replaced."
  “We have been only training for three weeks and we are just into the fourth, considering that the norm for a good pre-season is usually between seven to eight weeks I sincerely do not think that we are physically prepared for this high profile European commitment. We did not have enough time to prepare not even for the Euro Challenge Cup which we won, but as things stand with the existing calendar of Maltese football nothing much more can be done. My aim is to prepare physically and tactically the team for the start of the BOV Premier League but nonetheless I will make all the effort together with my colleagues and players for a positive showing against Hajduk even for the benefit of all the Birkirkara fans that will be watching us live on TV," concluded Buttigieg.
  HNK Hajduk Split are no newcomers to Malta having played here on various occasions. In 1975, they met Floriana in the Champions Cup, beating the Greens 5-0 at the Gzira Stadium and 3-0 at home. Then in 1982, they visited Malta once again to meet Zurrieq in the UEFA Cup. They won 4-1 at Ta' Qali and 4-0 in Split. Hajduk Split had also played in Malta in 1925, 1928 and 1945 in the Christmas Tournee.
  Hajduk reached the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup/UEFA Champions League three times - the last time being in 1995 and two European semifinals - Cup Winners' Cup 1973 and UEFA Cup 1984 where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur on the away goals rule.
  Last season, they defeated Buducnost Podgorica 2-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, losing with a 1-2 aggregate score to Sampdoria in the second qualifying round.
  In the Prva HNL, Hajduk Split placed fifth on 52 points, two points behind runners-up Slaven Koprivnica. However they reached the final of the Croatian cup, losing 0-3 on aggregate to champions Dinamo Zagreb.
  Hajduk Split vs Birkirkara will be controlled by referee Carlo Bertolini, assistant referees Devis Dettamanti and Stefan Buhlmann and fourth official Daniel Wermelinger from Switzerland.
• The Under-17 side, led by coach Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit, was held in a 1-1 draw by Great Britain in day 1 of the football tournament as part of the FISEC Games which are currently being held in Malta.
  Following a goalless first half, Malta took the lead early in the second half with a goal by Jean Paul Farrugia but a few minutes later, Great Britain notched the equaliser.
  In a penalty shoot-out, Malta won 4-3 with goalkeeper Sam Bartolo saving two penalties. Rules for this games stipulate that after every match, whatever the result, both teams will take five penalty kicks, the results of which would only be taken into account when the teams end up on equal points at the end of group matches.

Tue 15

• UEFA Champions League Valletta vs Artmedia Petrzalka 0-2
• The 2008 Beach Soccer Tour kicks-off at Golden Bay on Thursday 17. On perfectly rigged golden sand, few steps away from the water's edge and under scorching sunshine, players will confront each other for the prestigious Coca-Cola Zero Beach Soccer Cup.
  All matches will be played in Ghajn Tuffieha, where a beach soccer stadium will appositely be built for three weeks to hold all the activities scheduled for this edition.
  This year's edition will be organised by MBA Sports World in collaboration with the Malta Sports Council and the Mellieha Local Council. The Tour is being sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero (General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd.), Motta (Nestle Malta), Sixt (Meli Group), Eurosport (Michele Peresso Co. Ltd.), Union Print, Big Exhibits, AllSports International, Heineken (Charles Grech Co. Ltd.), Unique Promotios and Munchies Beach Café, whilst stephengatt.com, XFM, Melita Sports and One Sport are the official media partners.
  A total of 21 male teams have registered to take part in this year's edition. Teams will be divided into 4 groups, with 1 group made of 6 teams and 3 groups made of 5 teams respectively. The ladies’ teams - Spartans, Birkirkara and T.I. - will play in one straight round on a league-basis.
  Group A: Ta' Zirbi, San Gwann Boys, Betfair, Export Lions, Petroni and Beach Warriors
  Group B: Beachlona, Egyptians, Muppets, Billiard Boys and Dry Zone
  Group C: Wiggles, XFM, White Eagles, Qormi Boys and Outsiders
  Group D: Aluserv Boys, Underdogs, Oasis Melita, Maximuscle and Conquistadores
  The top two teams in each group will make it to the Quarter-finals. The Final will be played on Sunday 3rd August at 19:00 hrs.
  Matches from the group phase will be played during the first two weeks of the event, whilst the final phase will be played during the last week of the Tour.
  On Sunday 3rd August, the final day of the Tour, a match between local national team players from this era and others from the past will confront themselves in the Masters match. The Tour ends with the awards presentation at 20:00 hrs.
  All Beach Soccer matches will be played between Thursdays and Sundays whilst during the other days alternative sports activities will be organised.
  Every Wednesday throughout the three weeks the Malta Handball Association will organise a Beach Handball Tournament. On the other days, other beach soccer matches for kids Under 12 will be organised. The Mellieha Local Council, hosts of this event will also organise sports activities for the Mellieha community.
  Apart from sporting events, this edition of the Tour will also bring to you the Beach Babe Contest Competition.
  Ten Beach Babes will be contesting each other on the final day of the Tour. The final selection will be judged by a jury made up of competent individuals in this field.
  Different prizes will be at stake during this year’ s edition of the Tour. The winning team from the males’ category will win the prestigious COCA-COLA ZERO BEACH SOCCER CUP and will also fly to Spain to participate in a 4 day Beach Soccer Tournament in the Iberian country. The winners shall travel to Spain in September and the lads will also be followed by a local TV Crew as a special TV show will be produced and televised during that same month.
  The organisers, MBA Sports World, can be contacted on 9944 7297 or by email on beachsoccermalta@yahoo.com.
• The Zurrieq FC Youth Nursery is accepting applications for licence C coaches who are interested in forming part of the Nursery coaching staff for season 2008/2009.
  Interested coaches are to submit a detailed CV and a copy of their coaching certificate at Zurrieq FC YN 30, Main Street, Zurrieq or by email on zurrieqfcyn@gmail.com
• MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud delivered the traditional concluding address during the last meeting of the Council for season 2007/08 which was held on Monday.
  Dr Mifsud gave a comprehensive view of the work done by all those connected with the game. He mentioned the input of clubs, football nurseries, players, coaches, supporters, referees, officials of the association, the Council, the Executive Committee, members of the several MFA Boards and MFA staff.
  He said that besides the ordinary work, the MFA was once again busy with a number of projects, mainly the completion of the UEFA mini-pitches and the project meant for the development and improvement of clubs' facilities.
  In conjunction with UEFA, the MFA is assisting member clubs in improving their facilities. He said that there is great interest in such an ambitious project, which among other facilities, will cater for 13 full-size pitches around the country. The projects at the Melita Ground and the St. Patrick Ground in Zabbar have already been completed while works are underway on the grounds at Pembroke, Marsaxlokk and Hamrun. Floodlights will soon be installed at the Hibernians Ground. Projects include full-size pitches, smaller pitches, dressing rooms and installation of floodlights.
  As regards administrative work, Dr Mifsud said that over the past twelve months, twelve Council meetings, eighteen Executive Committee meetings and ten MFA Bureau meetings were held.
  Attendance for football matches over the past season increased by around 37,000, with the Premier Division accounting for 19,000.
  The National Team also came for special mention and the 2-2 draw against Turkey in a Euro qualifier was cited as drawing the attention of other countries as a remarkable result obtained by a small country. Malta managed to collect the largest number of points ever although the objective of avoiding the bottom of the table was not reached.
  The administrative and financial report to be presented at the forthcoming AGM reflects all the good work of the association during the past season.
  
  Finally, Dr Mifsud thanked all those who have unselfishly worked hard for the cause of football and augured that next year the MFA will work harder for the benefit of the game.
  Meanwhile during the same meeting of the Malta Football Association, sisters of the Ursuline Creche of Gwardamangia were presented with a cheque for €1,200, a donation to help them in their charitable work for the less fortunate children.
  This is an annual presentation in commemoration of the visit to the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, of Pope John Paul II in May 1990.

Mon 14

• Champions Valletta will be facing Sliema Wanderers in their first game from the BOV Premier League 2008/09. The draws for the BOV National League - Premier League, First Division, Second Division and Third Division - were held on Monday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
  The other games for day 1 are:
  Floriana vs Hamrun Spartans
  Tarxien Rainbows vs Birkirkara
  Marsaxlokk vs Qormi
  Hibernians vs Msida St. Joseph
  The match sequence for each team is as follows:
  

  Floriana - HAM BKR SLI MSI MXL QOR HIB VAL TAR
  Hamrun S. - FLO SLI MXL HIB TAR BKR MSI QOR VAL
  Tarxien R. - BKR MSI QOR VAL HAM SLI MXL HIB FLO
  Birkirkara - TAR FLO MSI QOR VAL HAM SLI MXL HIB
  Sliema W. - VAL HAM FLO MXL HIB TAR BKR MSI QOR
  Valletta - SLI MXL HIB TAR BKR MSI QOR FLO HAM
  Marsaxlokk - QOR VAL HAM SLI FLO HIB TAR BKR MSI
  Qormi - MXL HIB TAR BKR MSI FLO VAL HAM SLI
  Hibernians - MSI QOR VAL HAM SLI MXL FLO TAR BKR
  Msida SJ - HIB TAR BKR FLO QOR VAL HAM SLI MXL

  
  The BOV Premier League 2008/09 will kick-off on August 23 and will come to an end on May 24.
  Following the first two complete programmes of matches, there will be a short break due to the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal at Ta' Qali and Albania in Tirana on September 6 and 10 respectively. There will be another four complete programmes of matches between September 13 and October 5 before another two World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Hungary on October 11 and 15.
  A programme of four matches will be played on October 18 and 19 and in the following three weekends, the U*BET FA Trophy takes centre stage with matches from the first and second rounds. In fact as from this season, the first two rounds will be played on consecutive weekends.
  The BOV Premier League resumes on November 15. Except for a break due to the festive season on December 27/28, there will be four matches each weekend until February 1.
  The quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy will be played on February 6 and 7 and the national team plays Albania on February 11.
  The first phase of the BOV Premier League comes to an end on March 2 while the semi-finals of the FA Trophy will be played the following weekend - March 7 and 8.
  The BOV Premier League second phase gets underway on March 14 with the last matches from the Relegation Pool being played in the first weekend of May and the last game from the Championship Pool will be played on May 24.
  Meanwhile while addressing the media before the draws, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that last season there was a considerable increase in the total number of spectators for league matches. An increase was registered in the Premier League, First Division and the Second Division with the only reduction being registered in the Third Division. The amount of spectators for Premier League matches increased by 19,000.
  The MFA president said the increase in number of spectators took place even if a number of matches were screened live on Melita Cable with most of the remaining matches being covered in delayed form on Smash Television. This experiment will continue and there is the possibility of screening First Division matches on a delayed basis on another television station as from this season.
  Dr Mifsud said the spectators' behaviour was usually good with very small exceptions but unfortunately these few persons were harming the clubs they support and the game in general. He announced that the association is looking forward to discussing with the government the possibility of introducing harsher penalties for those found guilty of incidents at sports venues.
  The MFA president concluded by thanking Bank of Valletta for their financial support. He said that clubs benefit directly from this sponsorship, which has just been renewed for another three years. Dr Mifsud added that BOV went beyond their contractual obligations and helped the association in other projects such as the new scoreboard at the Centenary Stadium.
  Mqabba will be facing Mosta while Pietŕ Hotspurs take on newly-promoted San Gwann in two of the five matches of Day 1 in the BOV First Division 2008/09.
  Vittoriosa Stars will meet Dingli Swallows while St. Patrick face the other team promoted from Division 2 - Rabat Ajax. The other match is one of the Cottonera derbies - St. George's vs Senglea Athletic.
  The BOV First Division League 2008/09 will kick-off on November 8 as the first round of the First Division Knock-Out and the first two rounds of the FA Trophy will be played in September and October.
  Matches will be played every weekend without interruption except for February 6 and 7 for the FA Trophy quarter-finals. The league comes to an end on May 17.
  The match sequence will be as follows:
  

  Vittoriosa S. - DIN MQA STP SGW STG SEN PIE RAB MOS
  Dingli S. - VIT STP STG PIE MOS MQA SGW SEN RAB
  Mosta - MQA SGW SEN RAB DIN STP STG PIE VIT
  Mqabba - MOS VIT SGW SEN RAB DIN STP STG PIE
  St. Patrick - RAB DIN VIT STG PIE MOS MQA SGW SEN
  Rabat A. - STP STG PIE MOS MQA SGW SEN VIT DIN
  St. George's - SEN RAB DIN STP VIT PIE MOS MQA SGW
  Senglea A. - STG PIE MOS MQA SGW VIT RAB DIN STP
  Pietŕ H. - SGW SEN RAB DIN STP STG VIT MOS MQA
  San Gwann - PIE MOS MQA VIT SEN RAB DIN STP STG

  
  In the BOV Second Division, Mellieha and Marsa, who were relegated from Division 1 will face Naxxar Lions and newly-promoted Zebbug Rangers respectively on Day 1.
  Third Division champions Gozo FC take on St. Andrews.
  The first programme of matches will be:
  Gozo vs St. Andrews
  Melita vs Sta. Venera L.
  Naxxar L. vs Mellieha
  Marsa vs Zebbug R.
  Mgarr U. vs Lija A.
  Birzebbuga SP vs Balzan Y.
  
  The match sequence will be as follows:
  

  Gozo: STA STV NAX ZEB MGA BAL BBG LIJ MRS MLH MLT
  St. Andrews: GOZ NAX MGA BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB BAL LIJ MLH
  Melita: STV ZEB BAL LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA BBG MRS GOZ
  Sta. Venera L.: MLT GOZ ZEB BAL LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA BBG MRS
  Naxxar L.: MLH STA GOZ MGA BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB BAL LIJ
  Mellieha: NAX MGA BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB BAL LIJ GOZ STA
  Marsa: ZEB BAL LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA BBG GOZ MLT STV
  Zebbug R.: MRS MLT STV GOZ BAL LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA BBG
  Mgarr U.: LIJ MLH STA NAX GOZ BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB BAL
  Lija A.: MGA BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB BAL GOZ MLH STA NAX
  Birzebbuga SP: BAL LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA GOZ MRS MLT STV ZEB
  Balzan Y.: BBG MRS MLT STV ZEB GOZ LIJ MLH STA NAX MGA

  
  The BOV Second Division League will kick-off on September 27 while the BOV Third Division League gets underway on September 26.
  The Second Division League comes to an end on May 10. The Third Division League also comes to an end on May 10 but the play-offs will be played between May 17 and 24.
  The nineteen teams in the BOV Third Division were once again divided into two sections - one with ten teams and another with nine.
  The teams in Section A are: Sirens, Kalkara, Fgura U., Xghajra T., Qrendi, Gudja U., Mdina K., Gharghur, Ghaxaq and Luqa SA.
  Mtarfa, Gzira U., Zurrieq, Siggiewi, Attard, Kirkop U., Zejtun C., Sta. Lucia and Pembroke A. make up Section B.
  The programme for the first round of matches will be as follows:
  Section A:
  Sirens vs Kalkara
  Fgura U. vs Xghajra T.
  Qrendi vs Gudja U.
  Mdina K. vs Gharghur
  Ghaxaq vs Luqa SA
  
  Match Sequence:

  Sirens: KAL XGH QRE LUQ MDI GHR GHX GUD FGU
  Kalkara: SIR QRE MDI GHX FGU XGH LUQ GHR GUD
  Fgura U.: XGH LUQ GHR GUD KAL QRE MDI GHX SIR
  Xghajra T.: FGU SIR LUQ GHR GUD KAL QRE MDI GHX
  Qrendi: GUD KAL SIR MDI GHX FGU XGH LUQ GHR
  Gudja U.: QRE MDI GHX FGU XGH LUQ GHR SIR KAL
  Mdina K.: GHR GUD KAL QRE SIR GHX FGU XGH LUQ
  Gharghur: MDI GHX FGU XGH LUQ SIR GUD KAL QRE
  Ghaxaq: LUQ GHR GUD KAL QRE MDI SIR FGU XGH
  Luqa SA: GHX FGU XGH SIR GHR GUD KAL QRE MDI

  
  Section B:
  Mtarfa vs Gzira U.
  Zurrieq vs Siggiewi
  Attard vs Kirkop U.
  Zejtun C. vs Sta. Lucia
  Pembroke A. bye (1st match ve Mtarfa)
  
  Match Sequence:

  Mtarfa: GZI PEM ZUR STL ATT KIR ZEJ SIG **
  Gzira U.: MTA ZUR ATT ZEJ ** PEM STL KIR SIG
  Zurrieq: SIG GZI MTA ATT ZEJ ** PEM STL KIR
  Siggiewi: ZUR ATT ZEJ ** PEM STL KIR MTA GZI
  Attard: KIR SIG GZI ZUR MTA ZEJ ** PEM STL
  Kirkop U.: ATT ZEJ ** PEM STL MTA SIG GZI ZUR
  Zejtun C.: STL KIR SIG GZI ZUR ATT MTA ** PEM
  Sta. Lucia: ZEJ ** PEM MTA KIR SIG GZI ZUR ATT
  Pembroke A.: ** MTA STL KIR SIG GZI ZUR ATT ZEJ

• Although Birkirkara withdrew the protest over the ineligibility of Luke Dimech in the Euro Challenge Cup match between Birkirkara and Valletta on July 7, the case is not over yet.
  Valletta had used the player in this game on Monday 7 although they were yet to receive his international transfer certificate. Birkirkara filed a protest but this was withdrawn on Wednesday 9 and therefore the MFA Protests' Board could not decide on the matter.
  However on Monday, the Council decided to refer the case to the Board of Control and Discipline, accusing Valletta FC, Luke Dimech and Valletta coach Paul Zammit on this matter.
  It is now therefore up to the Board of Control and Discipline to decide on who, among the club, the player and the coach, were guilty or not of any wrongdoing.
• The MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices found no proof of corruption after investigating two cases of alleged corruption following an anonymous letter.
  However the board pointed out that had the author of the letter not chosen to stay anonymous, the author could have given the board more material on which they could build a better investigation.
  Speaking on Monday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that the association had received the letter in January and although it was an anonymous letter, the association still referred the case to the board in order to investigate the allegations.
  The letter contained two allegations - one of an attempted bribe of a Balzan Youths player and another concerning the BOV Second Division match between Balzan Youths and Birzebbuga St. Peter's.
  The board sent for all players and officials mentioned in the letter and others who could have possibly known about the two cases. However the board found no evidence of corruption in the two cases.
  Speaking about the matter, Dr Mifsud once again warned clubs that the association takes corruption very seriously. In fact, even if in this case, it was an anonymous letter, the association still referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices. He said that there is no mercy with regards to anyone involved in corruption and any cases would then be referred to police.
  The MFA president said that corruption does exist in football - although it is difficult to say to what extent it is spread. However there is definitely some element of corruption as it was the case in other countries.
  "Corruption kills football and that is why those persons found guilty of corruption receive a life suspension," concluded Dr Mifsud.

Sun 13

• FIFA assistant referee Konrad G. Borg has been selected by UEFA to participate in the UEFA Under-19 Championship finals which get underway on Monday in Prague in the Czech Republic.
  In all, there are six referees, eight assistant referees and two fourth officials.
  His first match will be on the opening day between Germany and Spain. The referee on this occasion will be William Callum from Scotland who was in Malta last March to control the historic game against Liechtenstein which Malta won 7-1.
  Meanwhile another twelve officials have received appointments for UEFA Cup first qualifying round matches.
  Chris Lautier will be controlling the match between Danish side Brondby and B36 of the Faroe Islands. For this game which will be played on July 17 in Brondby, he will be assisted by Philip Agius and Edward Spiteri and fourth official Clayton Pisani.
  On the same day, Anton Zammit will control the clash between Glentoran of Northern Ireland and SK Liepajas Metalurgs of Lithuania in Belfast. The assistant referees are Charles Micallef and Joe Camilleri. Fourth official is Adrian Casha.
  On July 31, Marco Borg will be controlling the game between St. Patrick (Ireland) and Olimps Riga (Latvia) in Dublin. He will be assisted by Ingmar Spiteri and Mariano Debono with Adrian Azzopardi as fourth official.

Sat 12

• Valletta will be hosting Slovakian champions FC Artmedia Petržalka in the first leg of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League first qualifying round at the National Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off at 20:00.
  It will definitely be a difficult game for Paul Zammit's side considering that Artmedia Petržalka were the second highest ranked team in the first qualifying round draw.
  After losing their three foreigners - Frank Temile, Sebastian Monesterolo and Heiner Backhaus, the Citizens did their best to strengthen their squad. They secured the services of three national team players - Luke Dimech, Jamie Pace and Cleavon Frendo and Under-21 international Edmond Agius.
  As regards foreigners, they are yet to complete their foreign line-up, only signing Cameroon Under-23 international Njongo Priso last Thursday.
  In the Euro Challenge Cup which was played last week, the Citizens shared the spoils in two draws - 1-1 with U*BET FA Trophy winners Birkirkara and 2-2 with BOV Premier League runners-up Marsaxlokk.
  Artmedia Petržalka had reached the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in 2005/06 after wins over Kairat Almaty, Celtic and Partizan Belgrade in the qualifying rounds. They eventually placed third in the group following an impressive 3-2 win away from home against Porto and draws with Rangers (0-0 in Glagow and 2-2 in Bratislava) and Porto (0-0) in Bratislava. They lost narrowly to Inter (0-1 at home).
  Artmedia Petržalka won the title in Slovakia with 84 points from 33 matches, eleven ahead of runners-up MŠK Žilina and twenty-seven ahead of third-placed FC Nitra. This was the second championship for Artmedia after winning their first ever title in 2004/05. This season, they also claimed the double after beating Spartak Trnava 1-0 in the final.
  In the past two years they took part in the UEFA Cup, each time reaching the first round proper of the competition. Last year, they eliminated Zimbru Chisinau (Moldova) and Mika Ashtarak (Armenia) but were eliminated by Panathinaikos.
  Artmedia have already started their pre-season training, playing a number of friendly matches. They lost 0-2 to Dunajska Streda but then registered three wins, beating Lokomotiv Moscow 3-2, Fehervar 4-0 and Austria Magna 4-2.
  This will be the second time, Valletta will be meeting a team from Slovakia. In the Cup Winners Cup 1995/96, the Citizens met Inter Bratislava. Following a 0-0 draw at Ta' Qali, they lost 2-5 in Bratislava.
  Valletta vs Artmedia will be controlled by officials from Greece, namely referee Christoforos Zografos, assistant referees Dimitrios Bersis and Damianos Efthimiadis and fourth official Georgios Daloukas.
  The second leg will be played in a week's time at the TJ Senec Montostroj in Senec. The winner then takes on the winner of the clash between Finnish side Tampere United and Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro in the second qualifying round.

Sat 12

• Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows secured the services of Warren Chircop from Marsa and Pio Sciriha from Msida St. Joseph.
  Nineteen year old Warren Chircop, who is a product of Marsa and a member of the Malta Under-21 squad, signed a five-year contract with the Rainbows.
  Last season, he managed to score ten goals for Marsa although these were relegated to Division 2 last season. He made his Premier League debut in season 2006/07 while playing for Marsa.
  A product of Mosta, Pio Sciriha moved to Msida St. Joseph in summer 2006 and over the past two years, he was a regular choice in Patrick Curmi's squad.
  The twenty-seven year old defender also signed a five-year deal with Tarxien.
• The new committee for season 2008/09 of the Malta Football Referees Association was elected during the Annual General Meeting which was held on June 30th.
  Since according to the statute, top officials are elected for a period of two years, an election was only due for the ordinary members of the committee. However no election was necessary as there were five nominations to fill the five posts.
  The committee will be made up as follows:
  President - Lawrence Sammut, Vice-President - Alexander Arena, Secretary - Alan Camilleri, Treasurer - Andre Arciola, Members - Jonathan Bonello, Mariano Debono, Thomas Debono, Christopher Francalanza, Alan Mario Sant.
• Those who might venture to have a look inside the Ta’ Qali National Stadium during these hot summer days will notice that the place is a veritable beehive of activity.
  A host of workmen are engaged in refurbishing the stands and the area around the pitch to make the place more comfortable for spectators and more pleasing to the eye.
  Despite the intense heat, all the personnel commissioned by the MFA to carry out this work are doing so at a steady pace. In fact, a cursory glance around the stadium will show that the place has taken on a new look even if work is still in progress.
  New seats in the North and South Stands are being installed while sheeting of artificial turf is being rolled around the perimeter of the pitch. The gravel was first smoothened by heavy rollers to render the surface even throughout.
  The carpet of artificial turf around the stadium track and behind the goals will undoubtedly give a new lease of life to the stadium, and when this work is completed the arid sight surrounding the pitch will be a thing of the past.
  Even the playing area is being extended and this is being done within the parameters of the international specifications of the football pitch. Ë
  It is expected that this stadium upgrading and other work in and around the dressing rooms underneath the West Stand will be completed shortly, and definitely in time for the new BOV Premier League season which kicks off next month.

Fri 11

• Euro Challenge Cup Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 2-2
• Valletta secured the services of Cameroon Under-23 international Njongo Lobe Priso Doding. Priso signed a four-year deal with the Citizens.
  Priso had joined Msida last summer, proving to be an instant hit. In fact, he scored eleven goals in twenty matches for the Saints.
  The 23-year old striker, who was reportedly attracting the interest of foreign clubs, is being considered for the final Cameroon squad for the Olympic Games which will be held in Beijing next summer.
  Before signing Priso, Valletta have already secured the services of Edmond Agius, Jamie Pace, Cleavon Frendo and Luke Dimech and are now expected to sign another two foreign players to make up for the departure of Frank Temile, Sebastian Monesterolo and Heiner Backhaus.
• Fifteen goalkeepers from the Mario Muscat Goalkeeper School will be attending a training camp in one of the top schools for goalkeepers in Italy. The training camp will be held between July 12 and 19 at the Scuola Numero Uno in Chianciano, close to Siena.
  A large number of goalkeepers from around Italy attend this summer training camp which is led by Giuseppe De Fidio - a member of the Lazio coaching staff.
  The Maltese goalkeepers will be accompanied by Mario Muscat, Simon Grech and Chris Sant.

Thu 10

• 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 by Marsaxlokk midfielder Kevin Sammut.
  In an introductory speech, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud highlighted the association's work over the past season including the organisation of the various competitions. He revealed that over the past season, there was an increase in the number of spectators for competitive matches with a total of 164,250 watching the various games from the different divisions. This was an increase of 37,817 over the previous season. An increase was registered in the attendance for Premier League, First Division and Second Division matches but there was a reduction in the number of spectators in Division 3 matches. There was also a remarkable increase in the attendance for FA Trophy matches.
  Dr Mifsud announced that during the coming season, the Malta Football Association will be celebrating three important anniversaries. The association will celebrate the 100th anniversary since the first ever league was held in Malta in season 1909/10. The MFA will also celebrate 50 years of membership in FIFA and UEFA. Malta joined FIFA in 1959 and UEFA in 1960. A programme of celebration will mark these anniversaries.
  Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli also delivered a short speech highlighting incentives adopted by the government with regards to sport.
  Other speakers were Bank of Valletta Head CEO's Office Michael Galea and Maltco Lotteries General Manager Mario Cassar. The latter presented the cash prizes for the winners and finalists of the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out - winners Melita and finalists Balzan Youths - and U*BET FA Trophy - winners Birkirkara and finalists Hamrun Spartans.
  MFA Footballer of the Year 1. Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk); 2. George Mallia (Birkirkara); 3. Andrew Hogg (Valletta)
  Best First Division Player 1. Joseph Farrugia (Qormi); 2. Elton Vella (Qormi), 3. Anthony Ewurum (Senglea)
  Best Second Division Player 1. Josef Tonna (Rabat Ajax); 2. Roberto Brincat (San Gwann); 3. Eric Saliba (Birzebbuga SP)
  Best Third Division Player 1. Roderick Debattista (Pembroke A.); 2. Roderick Camilleri (Xghajra T.); 3. Ranier Farrugia (Fgura U.)
  Best Youth Player 1. Sheldon Grech (Pietà H.); 2. Miguel Ciantar (Sliema W.); 3. Kersten Vella (Pietà H.)
  Best Female Player 1. Sharon Costantino (Melita); 2. Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians); 3. Alison Debono (Mosta)
  Best Futsal Player 1. Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv); 2. Predrag Babic (Scandals); 3. Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers).

  Fair Play Awards

  BOV Premier League 1. Sliema Wanderers, 2. Mqabba, 3. Marsaxlokk
  BOV First Division 1. Dingli Swallows, 2. Mosta, 3. St. George's
  BOV Second Division 1. Lija Athletic, 2. Naxxar Lions, 3. Sta. Venera Lightnings
  BOV Third Division 1. Luqa St. Andrew's, 2. Siggiewi, 3. Ghaxaq
  Youth League 1. Pembroke Athleta, 2. Tarxien Rainbows, 3. Siggiewi
  Overall Fair-Play Award Lija Athletic
  

  Top Scorers

  BOV Premier League 1. Omar Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta) 19 goals; 2. Marcelo Pereira (Mqabba) 14; Julio Alcorse (Hibs/M'Xlokk) 12
  BOV First Division 1. Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa S.) 15 goals; 2. Anthony Ewurum (Senglea A.) 13; 3. Christopher Ciappara (Dingli S.) 12
  BOV Second Division 1. Kurt Coleiro (Balzan) 17 goals; 2. Johann Zammit and Ronnie Celeste (Birzebbuga) and Adam Smeir (Rabat) 12 goals
  BOV Third Division 1. Liam Camilleri (Pembroke A.) 14 goals; 2. Eman Ciappara (Siggiewi) 13; Firas Aboulezz (Attard) and Matthew Francalanza (Mdina K.) 11
  Women's League 1. Dorianne Theuma (Hibs) 21 goals; 2. Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) 20 goals; 3. Amanda Atkins (Sliema Raiders) 17.
  Futsal First Division 1. Ismael Achami (Head Hunters FC) 29 goals; 2. Basil Emeka Onuta (Jeepers FC) 27; Nebjosa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy) 26
  Futsal Second Division 1. Xavier Saliba (Pentagon Properties) 22 goals; 2. Timmy Galea (Naxxar Motors) 20; 3. Stephen Cassar (Deportivo Santa Cruz) 17
  Futsal Third Division 1. Ryan Buhagiar (Los Street Boys) 13; 2. Frankie Xerri (River Plate) 12; 3. Nicky Calleja (River Plate) and Mark Mulvaney (Zabbar Chievo) 11
  Futsal Fourth Division 1. Konrad Sultana (The Revolution) 25; 2. Mario Debono (Point Break Bobs) 17; 3. Benji Cremona (Riviera), Simon Galea (Melita) and Nenad Veselji (Sliema Futsal) 13.

Wed 9

• Euro Challenge Cup Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 0-1
• Marsaxlokk unveiled their new signing, new kits and new sponsors during a press conference which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. Julian's on Wednesday.
  In their bid to strengthen the squad for the coming season, Marsaxlokk signed Malta international defender Brian Said from Sliema Wanderers, Christian Cassar from Floriana, Clive Brincat from St. George's, Arnold Buttigieg from St. Patrick and Saviour Darmanin from Valletta.
  As regards foreigners, the Southseasiders secured the services of Brazilian striker Marcelo Pereira who joined the club from Mqabba while Argentinean striker Julio Alcorse, who had joined the club on loan from Hibs in January, will spend another season on loan with Marsaxlokk. The club's third foreigner is Brazilian defender Renato Garcia Conceicao who was confirmed.
  Addressing the media, Marsaxlokk president Robert Micallef said that club worked hard to strengthen the squad. First on the agenda was the confirmation of coach Brian Talbot. The coach who led the Southseasiders to the title two years ago and to the runner-up position last season. Micallef said he was glad Talbot agreed to stay with the club in order to continue working where he had left at the end of last season.
  Micallef said that following the departure of Cleavon Frendo and Jamie Pace, who joined Valletta, the club was determined to make up for their loss with the signing of valid players. He said that Brian Said could be the leader due to his vast experience in the Premier League and with the national team. Cassar should fill the gap left by Jamie Pace which players like Clive Brincat - who joins the club from St. George's after spending last season on loan with Msida and Arnold Buttigieg who joins the club from First Division side St. Patrick should provide more options in defence. The other arrival is that of another veteran player - goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin who spent the last two years with Valletta after playing for Pietà Hotspurs, Birkirkara and Ghajnsielem.
  Besides Frendo and Pace, Aleksandar Madzar was released while Reueben Gauci and Shawn Tellus could move to another club on loan.
  The Marsaxlokk president said although they hope to do well in their UEFA Cup commitments, the club’s main objective is that of challenging for honours.
  Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot said the committee must have surprised everyone this summer with how they strengthened the squad with a number of good signings. He said that unlike this time last season, the team is much better prepared.
  Talbot believes exciting times lie ahead thanks to the players at his disposal and also due to the project of a new stadium which is underway in Marsaxlokk. He said he is looking forward to have the team do better than last season but reminded the players that they should enjoy themselves by winning while playing good football.
  As regards Marsaxlokk’s opponents in the UEFA Cup – Slaven Koprivnica, Brian Talbot is aware that they are a strong side.
  “On paper, Slaven are much better than us but fortunately matches are played on grass and not on paper. We will definitely not play open football as we did last season but we will try to contain them. Our target is to be still in the tie for the second leg,” said Talbot.
  Talbot targets a good start to the Premier League campaign, considering that the team has the chance to settle by the time the league kicks-off.
  Vice-President Anthony Micallef agreed with Talbot saying that unlike last season, the club wanted to make sure to have a complete squad before the season kicks-off.
  For the coming season, Marsaxlokk will be wearing Adidas and Max Sport kits provided by EuroSport.
  Passalacqua and C&M Gypsum are the new sponsors along the club's main sponsor Konica Minolta.
• Birkirkara FC issued a statement in which they stated that they withdrew a protest over the ineligibility of Luke Dimech in last Monday's Euro Challenge Cup match against Valletta.
  The statement states that it was a known fact that the player's International Transfer Certificate had not arrived from England before the game. Birkirkara felt that although in the spirit of fair play, a protest could have been superfluous, they felt that it was their duty in respect towards their supporters to file the protest over the result of the game.
  Birkirkara stated that in the same competition a number of years ago, Valletta had filed a protest over the registration of Italian goalkeeper Crescenzo De Vito with Birkirkara but the protest was declared null due to a mistake in the procedure of the filing of the protest.
  "On Tuesday, several Valletta and Birkirkara supporters were aware that Luke Dimech was ineligible and therefore Birkirkara's failure in lodging a protest would have meant that they were not doing their work well as club officials."
  "Birkirkara FC feels that since this competition is meant to prepare the teams for European competitions, rules should be changed in such a way that the three clubs could make use of Maltese and foreign players who are on trial."
  The statement signed by Birkirkara FC chairman Victor Zammit concludes "Although Birkirkara FC feel that there was a mistake by Valletta in using a player who was ineligible, at the same time, they feel that in this case, the rule of Fair Play should apply and Birkirkara are withdrawing the protest as a sign of goodwill so that the season kicks-off on a better note."

Tue 8

• BOV Premier League runners-up Marsaxlokk continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of Floriana midfielder Christian Cassar. He signs a five-year contract with the Southseasiders.
  A product of Floriana, Cassar made his Premier League debut in season 2000/01. In the past four years, he was a regular choice in the Greens' starting line-up, eventually becoming team captain.
  Marsaxlokk have already secured the services of Brazilian Marcelo Pereira from Mqabba, Argentinean striker Julio Alcorse - who had joined the club on loan from Hibs in January, goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin from Valletta and St. George's defender Clive Brincat. Mark Barbara has re-joined the squad on loan from Valletta. Their next objective is now Sliema Wanderers defender Brian Said.
  Besides Montenegrin striker Aleksandar Madzar who was released, they lost Cleavon Frendo and Jamie Pace to Valletta. Goalkeeper Reuben Gauci is also expected to move elsewhere.
  On the other hand, Floriana had earlier lost Zoran Levnaic and Manolito Micallef who both joined Hamrun Spartans while Angus Buhagiar, who was on loan with Tarxien last season, signed for Birkirkara. Goalkeeper Simon Agius and Trevor Cilia are also expected to leave the club.
• First Division side Pietŕ Hotspurs have appointed Clive Mizzi as their new coach.
  Mizzi had been coaching in the club's youth sector for the past four years and was assistant coach to Carmel Busuttil in the past season.
  The Hotspurs are looking forward to strengthening their squad for the coming campaign with a mixture of young and experienced players in their bid to make a quick return to the Premier League.
• The UEFA Cup is set to be rebranded in a bid to revive its fortunes and earn participating clubs more money. The competition could be named UEFA Europa League better reflect the new group stage system being used in the competition from the 2009-10 season
  Speaking after the inaugural assembly of the European Club Association (ECA) in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday, acting chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that the general impression in recent years was that the UEFA Cup was a second-class competition and therefore re-branding was necessary in order to increase the prize money and make the competition more interesting for the participating clubs.
  While Manchester United earned € 43 million for winning the 2008 UEFA Champions League, clubs who played in the UEFA Cup's 40-team group phase and subsequent knockout rounds shared just € 37 million.
  As regards clubs taking part in the qualifying rounds, like Maltese clubs, the team taking part in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round receives € 260,000 while clubs taking part in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round receive € 70,000. Clubs in the UEFA Intertoto Cup receive € 50,000.
  The UEFA Cup was last renamed in 1971 when it was a well-regarded competition for clubs who just missed out on the championship in their national leagues. However its status has suffered in the last decade as the Champions League expanded to accept teams finishing as low as fourth in their leagues. Many clubs now see entering the UEFA Cup as a poor consolation, after finishing just outside the Champions League qualifying place, winning a domestic cup or losing in a Champions League qualifying round.
  Changes to the UEFA Cup would have to be approved by the UEFA Executive Committee which meets in Bordeaux, France, at the end of September.
  UEFA announced in December that it was revamping the UEFA Cup's format, dropping the unpopular five-team groups in which teams play each opponent just once either home or away in favour of a simpler home and away system.
  The UEFA Cup will feature 48 sides, split into 12 groups of four; the top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout phase and be joined by the eight clubs that finish the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in third place. The knockout stage, with 32 sides and four rounds, will lead to the final, played in a single match at a neutral venue. The first round – currently knockout – will become part of the qualifying phase.
  Only the title-holders will qualify directly for the UEFA Cup group stage, with all other clubs having to qualify. The qualifying process will consist of four rounds, with 37 additional slots compared to the present situation, to accommodate sides that currently qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup (from the associations ranked 9 to 15 and 22 to 51, except Liechtenstein). Losing teams in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round and third qualifying round will move into the UEFA Cup fourth qualifying round and group phase respectively.
  As from season 2009/10, Malta will be represented by three clubs in the UEFA Cup.
  The teams placing second and third in the Premier League would take part in the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Cup while the FA Trophy winners will enter the Second Qualifying Round.
  The UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round will be played during the third and fourth week of June while the Second Qualifying Round will be played in the first and second week of July.

  New board for ECA

  Comprising 103 clubs, including Birkirkara who were among the founding members of the association, the ECA is the independent body representing football clubs at European level. It was founded in January, replacing the European Club Forum.
  On Monday, the ECA elected eleven members for its executive board. They are: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich), Ernesto Paolillo (Inter), Fernando Gómes (Porto), Rick Parry (Liverpool), Itamar Chizik (Maccabi Haifa), Damir Vrbanovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Jean-Michel Aulas (Lyon), John McClelland (Rangers), Michel Verschueren (Anderlecht), Ramón Calderón (Real Madrid) and Nils Skutle (Rosenborg).
  
  These newly-elected members will join the three board members already in office who represent the ECA on the Professional Football Strategy Council (PFSC) – Peter Kenyon (Chelsea), Joan Laporta (Barcelona) and Umberto Gandini (Milan). One more member will be appointed to serve on the council. The PFSC comprises UEFA vice-presidents and representatives of the clubs, European professional leagues and European professional players' union (FIFPro Europe).
• The Malta Football Association is receiving applications from teams/clubs interested in taking part in the Youth League (Under 19) and the Women's League for season 2008/09.
  Interested teams/clubs should submit their application to the MFA, Millennium Stand, Floor 2, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, by not later than Friday 18th July.
• Football coach J.J. Aquilina recently again went to the UK to participate in and conduct some training sessions at the Terry Wateridge Football School at Bournemouth.
  He also did some scouting for Reading FC as this school operates in partnership with this club and acts as feeder of talented youngsters to this club.
  J.J. Aquilina is entrusted by this football school to scout for promising talented it is planned that Mr. Wateridge himself and coaches from his school will visit Malta soon to conduct some training sessions mainly for scouting purposes. These sessions will be in partnership with Reading FC and will be coordinated by J.J. Aquilina.
• Gudja United Football Club has launched a new website dedicated to providing the fans regular and updated information about the club.
  Located at www.gudjaunitedfc.com the site uses a design format which is very user-friendly and with its intuitively structure, the site provides easy and rapid access to the latest information.
  In the meantime, Gudja Youth Nursery is receiving applications for kids aged 6-16 wishing to join the nursery for the coming season. Those interested are urged to send an email on nursery@gudjaunitedfc.com or phone Kenneth Bonnici on 79710864.

Mon 7

• Euro Challenge Cup Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-1
• Malta Under-21 international Steve Meilaq signed a new three-year contract with Hamrun Spartans after his previous contract expired at the end of the season.
  The Spartans therefore manage to retain one of the club's key players in its bid to build up on the positive season they had last year.
  In a short statement, the club said the player immediately showed his intentions to prolong his duties for the Club.
  A product of Hamrun, Meilaq made his Premier League debut in season 2003/04. He played for one season in Division 1 with Marsa in 2005/06.
  Hamrun have so far secured the services of Floriana midfielder Manolito Micallef and two new foreign players - Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic who played for Floriana last season and Brazilian striker Ronaldo Paulista. The latter arrived in Malta last Monday.
  The Spartans are now workind hard to strengthen their rear-guard in order to replace Branislav Timotic and Precious Monye.

Sat 5

• Hamrun Spartans and Floriana reached an agreement over the transfer of midfielder Manolito Micallef. Micallef will be signing a three-year deal with the Spartans.
  A product of Floriana, Micallef played for Lija Athletic in season 2003/04 in Division 1 before moving back to the Greens where he made his Premier League debut in season 2004/05. He was a regular choice in the Floriana squad for the past four seasons.
  The Spartans are working hard to strengthening their squad for the coming season after they managed to secure a top-six finish in the BOV Premier League and reaching the final of the U*BET FA Trophy this year.
  After confirming coach Marco Gerada, they secured the services of two new foreign players - Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic who played for Floriana last season and Brazilian striker Ronaldo Paulista. They replace defenders Branislav Timotic and Precious Monye.
• Msida St. Joseph goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo was handed a one-year ban after testing positive in a doping test which was carried out after the BOV Premier League Relegation Pool clash between Hibernians and Msida on March 16.
  Bartolo will therefore miss the coming season as he is ruled out until June 17, 2009.
  Meanwhile during the meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held on Thursday, it was revealed that FIFA has appealed against the MFA's sanctions over three positive doping tests which were carried out this season. FIFA considered the sanctions as being too lenient.
  The cases were those concerning three players who were suspended for four months, one year and nine months (reduced from one year after appeal) respectively.
  FIFA has taken these cases to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne and is demanding that these players are suspended for a longer period.
  It seems that the international body is sending mixed messages in this regard. In fact it was FIFA itself who was quite reluctant in signing the World Anti-Drug Agency (WADA) code which stipulated a minimum two-year ban for first-time offenders. FIFA insists every doping case should be dealt with on its individual merits and that team sports were different from individual events.
  FIFA ratified the World Anti-Doping Agency's revised drug code during its congress in Sydney last May.
• Hamrun Spartans FC have taken advantage of the break from football as an opportunity to upgrade its facilities at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
  A FIFA Recommended 2 Star artificial turf pitch is being laid, a new floodlighting system is being installed and the area next to the scoreboard is being embellished. These improvements will be of great benefit to the club and its nursery. It will also benefit Maltese football in general as football is expected to be played uninterruptedly even during the period when Ta' Qali and Hibs Ground are being re-seeded in Autumn.
  The improvements are partly financed by the UEFA through MFA, government, private investors and the football club itself. A number of volunteers are also working on the embellishments.
  As from next season, the nursery will be entitled for a number of hours per day to make use of the main pitch. The nursery would therefore be able to boast that it is offering the best facilities on the islands as its players would be training on a pitch where top-level football is being played. It is to be noted that the five-a-side pitch, exclusively used by the nursery, has also been re-surfaced with newly-laid artificial turf.
  The new pitch is expected to be laid by end of July and its inauguration is expected to be in early August. Hamrun Spartans FC invites anyone who would like to view the improvements being done to contact the club through email on hamrunspartans@gmail.com or by contacting any member of the Executive Committee or Nursery Committee.
• First Division side St. George's have appointed Joey Falzon as their new coach. He replaces Michael Woods.
  Falzon, a former player of Zurrieq and Mqabba, had led Mqabba to promotion to the Premier League in season 2006/07.
• Newly-promoted First Division side Rabat Ajax have confirmed Joe Gerada as their coach.
  Gerada had joined the Magpies in season 2005/06, helping them to win promotion to Division 2 that season and win promotion to Division 1 at the end of this season.

Fri 4

• Sliema Wanderers were ordered to pay the sum of €24,488 in compensation after they signed Julian Vella last January following a decision by the Players, Coaches and Member Clubs of the Malta Football Association.
  Hibernians will receive the sum of €20,990 while Lija Athletic were awarded €3,498.
  The case goes back to last Autumn when the Malta Under-21 international, who held amateur status, had requested the release from Hibernians in order to play abroad. This was granted and the international transfer certificate was issued by the Malta Football Association.
  However a few weeks later, he returned to Malta and signed a professional contract with Sliema Wanderers.
  The Paolites lodged a complaint claiming that according to FIFA regulations, since the player was under the age of 23, they had the right for training compensation since the player was signing his first contract as a professional. They claimed that this training compensation amounted to over €210,000.
  Lija Athletic also claimed the right for compensation since the player had spent six months on loan with the club and according to FIFA regulations, any club which has contributed to his education and training has receive a proportion of the compensation paid to his previous club.
  The whole issue was the amount to be paid in compensation to the two clubs.
  The board decided that Sliema had to pay just €24,488 as it claimed that FIFA had pointed out that the international body would not decide on the compensation due since the clubs involved were from the same country and therefore it was up to the association to decide on the amount according to its parameters.
• First Division side Senglea Athletic have appointed Jimmy Briffa as their new coach.
  He will be assisted by Billy Hendie.
  Briffa had coached several clubs including Mqabba, Zurrieq, Balzan Youths, St. Andrews, Floriana, Lija Athletic and Marsa.

Thu 3

• Marsaxlokk midfielder Kevin Sammut claimed the MFA Footballer of the Year Award after collecting the largest number of points ahead of Birkirkara midfielder George Mallia and Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.
  In the preliminary vote, Sammut had obtained 59 votes, followed by Andrew Hogg and George Mallia on 47, Ryan Fenech on 41 and David Camilleri on 31.
  Points were then awarded for appearances in BOV Premier League and U*BET FA Trophy matches and with the Malta national team in the EURO 2008 qualifiers. On the other hand, points were deducted in connection with the same matches.
  Kevin Sammut obtained a total of 52.46 points, followed by Mallia on 42.33, Hogg on 38.36, Fenech on 36.66 and Camilleri on 33.19.
  Qormi midfielder Joseph Farrugia was voted the Best First Division Player ahead of Mosta's Elton Vela, Senglea Athletic's Anthony Ewurum and Mark Tanti and Anthony Eviparker of Vittoriosa Stars.
  Josef Tonna (Rabat Ajax) won the Best Second Division Player award. Roberto Brincat (San Gwann) placed second, Eric Saliba (Birzebbuga St. Peter's) third, Kurt Coleiro (Balzan Youths) fourth and Julian Galea (Melita) fifth.
  Roderick Debattista (Pembroke Athleta) claimed the Best Third Division Player award ahead of Roderick Camilleri (Xghajra Tornados), Ranier Farrugia (Fgura United), Mark Said (Luqa St. Andrew's) and Andre White (Gzira United).
  Sheldon Grech (Pietà Hotspurs) won the Best Youth Player award. Miguel Ciantar (Sliema Wanderers) finished second ahead of Kersten Vella (Pietà), Mark Scerri (Sliema) and Dylan Grima (Valletta).
  The award for the Best Female Player went to Melita goalkeeper Sharon Costantino. Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians) placed second, Alison Debono (Mosta) third, Catherine Camilleri (Birkirakra) fourth and Nora Agliano (Birkirkara) fifth.
  Aluserv goalkeeper Bjorn Vassallo won the Best Futsal Player award. He placed first ahead of Predrag Babic (Scandals), Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers), Mario Debono and Kurt Saliba (Point Break Bobs).

  Fair Play Awards

  BOV Premier League 1. Sliema Wanderers, 2. Mqabba, 3. Marsaxlokk
  BOV First Division 1. Dingli Swallows, 2. Mosta, 3. St. George's
  BOV Second Division 1. Lija Athletic, 2. Naxxar Lions, 3. Sta. Venera Lightnings
  BOV Third Division 1. Luqa St. Andrew's, 2. Siggiewi, 3. Ghaxaq
  Youth League 1. Pembroke Athleta, 2. Tarxien Rainbows, 3. Siggiewi
  

  Top Scorers

  BOV Premier League 1. Omar Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta) 19 goals; 2. Marcelo Pereira (Mqabba) 14; Julio Alcorse (Hibs/M'Xlokk) 12
  BOV First Division 1. Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa S.) 15 goals; 2. Anthony Ewurum (Senglea A.) 13; 3. Christopher Ciappara (Dingli S.) 12
  BOV Second Division 1. Kurt Coleiro (Balzan) 17 goals; 2. Johann Zammit and Ronnie Celeste (Birzebbuga) and Adam Smeir (Rabat) 12 goals
  BOV Third Division 1. Liam Camilleri (Pembroke A.) 14 goals; 2. Eman Ciappara (Siggiewi) 13; Firas Aboulezz (Attard) and Matthew Francalanza (Mdina K.) 11
  Women's League 1. Dorianne Theuma (Hibs) 19; 2. Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) 20 goals; 3. Amanda Atkins (Sliema Raiders) 17.
  Futsal First Division 1. Ismael Achami (Head Hunters FC) 29 goals; 2. Basil Emeka Onuta (Jeepers FC) 27; Nebjosa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy) 26
  Futsal Second Division 1. Xavier Saliba (Pentagon Properties) 22 goals; 2. Timmy Galea (Naxxar Motors) 20; 3. Stephen Cassar (Deportivo Santa Cruz) 17
  Futsal Third Division 1. Ryan Buhagiar (Los Street Boys) 13; 2. Frankie Xerri (River Plate) 12; 3. Nicky Calleja (River Plate) and Mark Mulvaney (Zabbar Chievo) 11
  Futsal Fourth Division 1. Konrad Sultana (The Revolution) 25; 2. Mario Debono (Point Break Bobs) 17; 3. Benji Cremona (Riviera), Simon Galea (Melita) and Nenad Veselji (Sliema Futsal) 13.
• Bank of Valletta will remain the main sponsor of football in Malta for the next three seasons. This was announced by BOV Chief Executive Officer, Tonio Depasquale, while addressing the media following the signing of an agreement between Bank of Valletta and the Malta Football Association through which the Bank is being recognized as the Official Sponsor of the National League as well as the Super Cup up to the 2010/2011 season.
  The agreement was signed by Tonio Depasquale, Chief Executive Officer and Igino Xuereb, Chief Officer Operations, on behalf of Bank of Valletta and Dr Joe Mifsud, President, and Alex Manfre, Treasurer, on behalf of the Malta Football Association.
  “Three years ago we started off a relationship with the MFA directed at promoting football which is, undoubtedly, the most popular sport in Malta. We have made a major contribution towards the successful organization of the BOV National League, which was divided into four divisions, the most important of which being the BOV Premier League, and the BOV Super Cup over the past three seasons. Today we are delighted to be looking ahead at another three seasons during which Bank of Valletta will continue to position itself as the main sponsor of sport in Malta,” said Mr. Depasquale.
  “We believe that through our sponsorship we are contributing directly towards the development of sport talent in our country and we are encouraged to note that football continues to attract new talent and to provide a healthy and entertaining environment for all fans and supporters,” concluded Mr. Depasquale.
  Bank of Valletta is in fact the main sponsor of football, waterpolo and basketball. These sponsorships amount to over € two million annually.
  MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud expressed MFA’s satisfaction at the positive conclusion of negotiations leading to this agreement. ”We are extremely pleased that Bank of Valletta is extending its association with Maltese Football and with MFA’s National League in particular.”
  “Bank of Valletta’s efforts in this sporting discipline coincide with the Malta Football Association’s efforts to keep developing the local game of football and improving skills all around. The backing that a name like Bank of Valletta gives to different divisions in the National League will continue to raise the profile of this sport locally”, concluded Dr Mifsud.
  The MFA National League will continue to be officially known as the “BOV National League". The different divisions will be officially referred to as the BOV Premier League, the BOV First Division League, the BOV Second Division League and the BOV Third Division League respectively. The Super Cup Competition will be officially known as the BOV Super Cup.
  The popular BOV Player of the Month Competition also will continue to be held since this has now become part of the local football scene and is greatly awaited by all players and supporters alike.
• While domestic football at the moment is at a standstill there is always something to be done so that our football facilities are kept in optimal condition. The new season is only a few weeks away and the MFA is conscious of the need to keep upgrading the National Football Complex for the benefit of all.
  In fact, works are currently under hand in various parts of the National Stadium to ensure that the place is more amenable for spectators and players alike.
  Last season the fencing along the West and East stands was replaced with durable and safer material and the seats in these sections were changed, while a new electronic scoreboard was installed to replace the old one.
  And only recently, the gym adjacent to the dressing rooms was turned into new fitness quarters for the exclusive use of the national team players. This, besides the work on the new ultra modern MFA Headquarters at the Millennium Stand, completed last year.
  Now attention has been shifted to changing the seats in the North and South Stands, work which has started in earnest. Besides that, and in order to make the surroundings of the pitch more pleasing to the eye, an artificial turf is being laid around the perimeter. This will undoubtedly enhance the aesthetics at the National Stadium.
  The playing area is also being extended, while the interior ground floor section underneath the West Stand, including the dressing-rooms, is being refurbished. The floors of the five dressing-rooms and the corridor leading to these rooms are being changed, while rubber carpets will be laid in the corridor.
  It is expected that all this work will be completed in a short time so that the Stadium will be upgraded in such a way as to, not only meet modern needs, but also to be a centre of excellence.
  Meanwhile due to these works, the three matches from the Euro Challenge Cup in programme next week will be played at the Centenary Stadium.

Wed 2

• Futsal First Division champions Scandals Futsal will be representing Malta in the 2008/09 UEFA Futsal Cup - the draws for which were held on Wednesday at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon.
  Scandals will be playing in Group E of the Preliminary Round together with KMN Gorica of Slovenia, Golden Futsal Team Espoo of Finland and St. Patrick's Athletic FC of Ireland. The mini-tournament, which will be played between August 9 and 17, will be hosted by Espoo.
  The winner of the mini-tournament will then play in Group 1 of the Main Round together with SL Benfica (Portugal), Athina '90 Athens (Greece) and KMF Municipium Pjlevija (Montenegro). The tournament will be hosted by the team from Montenegro between September 6 and 14.
  Taking part in the competition is a record number of 45 teams.
  This is the third time a local futsal team is taking part in the competition. Malta was represented by Hibernians in 2006 and Jeepers FC in 2007.
• The Malta women's national team lost 0-3 to Turkey in the third and final match from the UEFA Mini-Tournament which was played in Estonia.
  As expected, the Turkish side which had claimed maximum points from the first two matches proved to be too strong for Pierre Brincat's side. However in the first half, the Maltese defence, playing the offside rule to perfection, restrained the Turkish team to shots from outside the penalty area. In the second half, the Turks' superiority - both technically and tactically, was evident although the Maltese girls did their best to limit the damage showing great commitment and fighting spirit. Among the best players for Malta were Rebecca D'Agostino and Dorianne Theuma.
  The Maltese created a good scoring opportunity after just one minute when off a good run and a cross by D'Agostino from the left, Roxanne Gatt headed just wide with the Turkish keeper Duygu Yilmaz beaten. The goalkeeper then managed to anticipate D' Agostino following a corner by Theuma. Turkey replied with a fine effort by Aylin Yaren which was neutralised by Michelle Zahra. Bilgin Defterli then missed a good chance hitting high over the bar when served all alone in front of goal. Towards the end of the first half, a freekick by Dorianne Theuma from half-pitch, headed by Gatt in the direction of Catherine Camilleri, whose shot was parried by the Turkish keeper.
  Four minutes in the second half, Turkey managed to break the deadlock with Esra Erol concluding a solo effort in which she dribbled past three Maltese players, entering the penalty area and beating Zahra. On 56 minutes, a freekick from half-pitch for Turkey created havoc in the penalty area and Burcu Duner hit home from close range to make it 2-0.
  Turkey sealed the issue on 61 minutes when Esra Erol managed to beat substitute goalkeeper Sharon Costantino with a cute lob.
  Ylenia Carabott had a good chance of reducing the gap three minutes from time but she concluded wide following a solo effort.
  MALTA: Michelle ZAHRA (61' Sharon COSTANTINO), Lesley Ann GALEA (85' Rebecca CHIRCOP), Natasha PACE, Rebecca D'AGOSTINO, Dorianne THEUMA, Ylenia CARABOTT (90' Karen LIA), Dionne TONNA (59' Rachael CUSCHIERI), Mandy DEBONO, Roxanne GATT (64' Kathleen SALIBA), Stefania FARRUGIA (34' Marisa DEGUARA), Catherine CAMILLERI.
  TURKEY: Duygu YILMAZ (85' Nurcan CELIK), Cigdem BELCI, Kezban GULSEN, Yeliz DEMIR, Cansu YAG, Reyhan SEKER (80' Basak ERSOY), Burcu DUNER (90' Ayse GURBUZ), Bilgin DEFTERLI (76' Ebru GELIRLI), Aylin YAREN (Mevlude OZTURK), Nadire INAN (46' Esra EROL), Lutfiye ERCIMEN.
  Malta therefore ends its commitments in third place following a 3-0 defeat to Croatia and a 1-0 win over hosts Estonia.
• Malta retained the 134th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for July, moving up one place among European countries, now lying in 47th place.
  The national team was not in action over the past month and will only play its next game against Estonia on August 20th.
  Among the other European countries, just ahead of Malta is Armenia (96, down 18), Iceland (98, down 13), Albania (100, down 18), Austria (105, down 13), Estonia (120, up 1), Kazakhstan (124, up 1), Liechtenstein (129, up 2). Lying behind Malta is Azerbaijan (139, down 6), Montenegro (146, down 4), Luxembourg (152, up 1), Andorra (183, up 1), Faroe Islands (195, down 2) and San Marino (199).
• Roland Sollars has been re-appointed Head Coach of Third Division side Pembroke Athleta FC.
  Sollars returns to coaching to the club after a two-year break due to personal commitments, he will be assisted by Godwin Gatt.
  During his tenure at Pembroke, the side reached the Second & Third Division Knock-Out semi-final, the last Third Division side to do so. He had earlier led another Third Division side, Sirens, to the final of the same competition.
  The 42 year-old coach also assisted Robert Kelly at Melita FC and Marsaxlokk besides winning the Women's League championship with Hibernians in 2005.

Tue 1

• Valletta are in for two most difficult games in the first qualifying draw of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League after they were paired with FC Artmedia Petržalka from Slovakia. The draw was held at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon on Tuesday.
  Artmedia Petržalka were in fact the second highest ranked team in the first qualifying round draw.
  Valletta were drawn to play the first leg at home on 15/16 July. The second leg will be played in Bratislava a week later. The winner then takes on the winner of the clash between Finnish side Tampere United and Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro in the second qualifying round.
  Artmedia Petržalka had reached the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in 2005/06 after wins over Kairat Almaty, Celtic and Partizan Belgrade. They beat Almaty 4-3 on aggregate in the first qualifying round despite a 2-0 defeat in the first leg. However it was on 27 July 2005 that they made their mark on the tournament, producing one of the shock results of Champions League history as they beat Celtic 5-0 in the first leg of the second qualifying round. The stunned Celtic side could not quite recover, only managing to win the return leg 4-0, and Artmedia held on to progress in the tournament. Then they clinched a place in the group stages after overcoming Serbian side Partizan Belgrade 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 aggregate scoreline.
  They finished third in the group thanks to an impressive 3-2 win away from home against Porto and draws with Rangers (0-0 in Glagow and 2-2 in Bratislava) and Porto (0-0) in Bratislava. They lost narrowly to Inter (0-1 at home).
  Artmedia Petržalka won the title in Slovakia with 84 points from 33 matches, eleven ahead of runners-up MŠK Žilina and twenty-seven ahead of third-placed FC Nitra. This was the second championship for Artmedia after winning their first ever title in 2004/05. This season, they also claimed the double after beating Spartak Trnava 1-0 in the final.
  In the past two years they took part in the UEFA Cup, each time reaching the first round proper of the competition. Last year, they eliminated Zimbru Chisinau (Moldova) and Mika Ashtarak (Armenia) but were eliminated by Panathinaikos.
  Artmedia have already started their pre-season training, playing a number of friendly matches. They lost 0-2 to Dunajska Streda but then registered three wins, beating Lokomotiv Moscow 3-2, Fehervar 4-0 and Austria Magna 4-2.
  This will be the second time, Valletta will be meeting a team from Slovakia. In the Cup Winners Cup 1995/96, the Citizens met Inter Bratislava. Following a 0-0 draw at Ta' Qali, they lost 2-5 in Bratislava.
• Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk will be travelling to Croatia after being paired with HNK Hajduk Split and NK Slaven Koprivnica respectively in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. The draw was held at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon on Tuesday.
  Teams were divided into three regional groups - Southern, Central-East and Northern. Maltese teams were placed in the Southern section together with teams from Israel, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Liechtenstein, Albania, Montenegro, Andorra and San Marino. But the possible opponents for Maltese clubs were only from Israel, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina as their clubs were seeded.
  The two legs will be played on July 17 and 31. Birkirkara will play the first leg away from home while Marsaxlokk will be playing the first leg at Ta' Qali.
  Slaven Belupo Koprivnica placed second in the Croatian league on 54 points, twenty-five points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb. Hajduk Split placed fifth, two points behind Slaven. However they reached the final of the Croatian cup, losing 0-3 on aggregate to Dinamo Zagreb.
  Marsaxlokk will be playing in the UEFA Cup after placing second in the BOV Premier League. On the other hand, Birkirkara qualified after winning the U*BET FA Trophy.

  HNK Hajduk Split vs Birkirkara FC

  HNK Hajduk Split are no newcomers to Malta having played here on various occasions. In 1975, they met Floriana in the Champions Cup, beating the Greens 5-0 at the Gzira Stadium and 3-0 at home. Then in 1982, they visited Malta once again to meet Zurrieq in the UEFA Cup. They won 4-1 at Ta' Qali and 4-0 in Split. Hajduk Split had also played in Malta in 1925, 1928 and 1945 in the Christmas Tournee.
  Hajduk are one of the most successful clubs in Croatia, having won the Croatian championship six times and the Yugoslav championship for nine times. They won the Croatian Cup four times, the Yugoslav Cup nine times and the Croatian Supercup six times.
  They reached the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup/UEFA Champions League three times - the last time being in 1995 and two European semifinals - Cup Winners' Cup 1973 and UEFA Cup 1984 where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur on the away goals rule.
  Last season, they defeated Buducnost Podgorica 2-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, losing with a 1-2 aggregate score to Sampdoria in the second qualifying round.
  Hajduk Split are renowned for supplying the former Yugoslavia and now Croatia with some of their top players. The list includes Stipe Pletikosa, Slaven Bilic, Robert Jarni, Aljoša Asanovic, Milan Rapaic, Niko Kranjcar, Alen Bokšic and Igor Tudor. Tudor is currently playing with the club after moving back there from Italy.

  Marsaxlokk FC vs NK Slaven Koprivnica

  NK Slaven Koprivnica will be visiting Malta for the second time, having met Hibernians in the first round of the Intertoto Cup in 2004. The Paolites won the first leg at the Hibs Ground 2-1 but then Slaven won 3-0 at home to move on to the next round on a 4-2 aggregate score.
  Slaven gained their first promotion to the Prva HNL in 1997 and have been playing in the league ever since. In 2000, they surprisingly finished fifth in the Prva HNL and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. In their first Intertoto Cup appearance, they managed to reach the third round of the competition before being eliminated by Czech club SK Sigma Olomouc. One year later, they repeated the success and were only stopped by Aston Villa with a 3-2 aggregate defeat. In their next two Intertoto Cup appearances, they were even more successful as they reached the semifinals of the competition on both occasions, only to be eliminated after losing to Stuttgart and Lille respectively. Their last Intertoto Cup appearance in 2005 ended in the third round with a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Spanish club Deportivo La Coruńa.
  In 2007, the club reached the Croatian Cup final after beating defending Cup holders NK Rijeka 3-2 in the second leg of the semifinals, going on to play Dinamo Zagreb in the final. Although losing to Dinamo in the final, 2-1 on aggregate, Slaven took a place in the UEFA Cup qualifying for the first time in their history, since their opponents had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League by virtue of having won the Prva HNL.
  Slaven reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup 2007/08, beating Albanian side KS Teuta Durrës 8-4 on aggregate before being eliminated after a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Turkish club Galatasaray.
• The teams who will be representing Malta in the European competitions started their pre-season training last month and are now concluding their preparation by playing the first friendly matches.
  Champions Valletta will be playing their first friendly match against the Malta Under-17 side on Thursday at 18:30.
  It will be the first test for Paul Zammit's side with the new signings expected to make their first appearance for the club. Zammit will also have the opportunity to take a better look at the foreigners on trial with the club.
  This game will also be a good test for Oliver Spiteri's side which is preparing for the FISEC Games which will be played in Malta between the 15th and 21st July.
  Valletta will then take part in a triangular tournament in Gozo together with Gozo FC and Victoria Hotspurs on Saturday in Xaghra.
  Meanwhile Birkirkara will be playing a friendly match against Scottish First Division side Dundee FC at the Luxol Stadium on Friday at 19:30.
  The Scottish side is currently on a ten-day pre-season training camp in at the Luxol Sports Complex.
  Valletta, Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk will be taking part in the Euro Challenge Cup on July 7, 9 and 11.
• The Secretary General of the Malta Football Association is receiving applications from Futsal teams willing to take part in the Futsal League 2008/09. Applications should be sent by no later than Monday 14th July. Due to the large number of applications which are expected to be submitted, late applications would not be accepted.
  The Form AA should be submitted together with an affiliation fee of €60.
  The Futsal season will kick-off in September 2008 and will come to an end with the Knock-Out Competition in May 2009.