July 2009
Fri 31
- Charles Scerri has been appointed as coach of the Malta Under-17 national team, replacing Oliver Spiteri who joined First Division side Mosta.
Scerri has been working with the MFA technical staff for the past seven years and acted mainly as assistant coach with the Under-17 and Under-19 teams. Earlier this year, he was appointed assistant coach of the Under-21 side.
As a player, Charles Scerri played for Floriana, Rabat Ajax, Sliema Wanderers, Hibernians, Hamrun Spartans and Qormi. With the national team, he played 62 matches, scoring three goals.
Charles Scerri will be assisted by Ramon Zammit. An assistant for Edwin Camilleri for the Under-21 side is yet to be appointed.
Meanwhile Charles Sciberras has been appointed as goalkeepers' coach with the national 'A' team. Roger Camilleri, who held the post of goalkeepers' coach, has tendered his resignation and this has now been accepted by the association.
Frankie Ciantar has been appointed kit-manager of the national 'A' team. He replaces Carmelo Gauci 'il-Busby' who retired after reaching pensionable age.
- The Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices met on Thursday to continue its investigation into the Marsaxlokk FC / Hartshorne corruption case. The case has been deferred to Thursday 20th August when the witnesses will be further questioned and other investigations carried out.
With regards to the Vittoriosa FC / Ancilleri case further analysis is to be carried on Tuesday the 11th of August where the witnesses in this case will be questioned further.
- The Committee of the Vittoriosa Stars Youth Football Nursery, with the assistance of the Vittoriosa's Local Council, recently hosted a function to mark the launch of the official football kits that will be used in the next football season by the children that attend this nursery. This function took place in Couvre Porte, the Vittoriosa Local Council's premises.
The launch of these kits was only made possible through the intervention of Vittoriosa's Mayor and the Vittoriosa's Local Councillors who managed to rope in three entities that are now actively backing the nursery. These entities are the internationally renowned yachting company, Camper & Nicholsons and its local operators the Grand Harbour Marina who manage a marina in Vittoriosa, together with the leading real estate company Dhalia Real Estate that recently set up office in Vittoriosa. Another two sets of kits were donated by the international goalkeeper Thomas Gunther, a swiss national who played for 10 years with FC Basle in Switzerland and who is now residing permanently in Vittoriosa. Thomas Gunther also offered his services to the locality's nursery.
These kits will be distributed free to all the children who registered with the nursery up till the end of the last football season and will also be made available to any new male or female applicants that will join the nursery as from the next football season.
The Vittoriosa Stars Youth Football Nursery was originally set up in 1993 by Vittoriosa's present mayor Mr John Boxall but folded some years later. In 2007 attempts were made to reset up this nursery but these attempts successfully materialised only this year when the nursery engaged the services of the Vittoriosa-born and renowned ex-premiere league goalkeeper Mr Saviour Darmanin as its head coach and when the nursery moved its training sessions to the De La Salle synthetic football grounds.
The football nursery's main aim is to provide a healthy environment for the children of Vittoriosa and its environs, for the development of both their character and their technical abilities. This nursery also aims to intertwine sport activities with cultural activities so as to culturally enrich the children. The theme of the nursery is "RESPECT" because every child has the right to enjoy sport in a fun, safe environment but sadly sometimes over enthusiastic parents and carers can often create an atmosphere where a child is fearful of making mistakes. This often means they turn their back on football and the vital healthy lifestyle it cultivates at an early age. Therefore a child's wishes and right to enjoy oneself have to be respected.
A short presentation video produced by the some of the under 15 nursery players was played on the day. This video represented the history of the nursery, how the nursery's rebirth came about, the events that took place in the 2008/2009 football season and outlined the plans for the future.
This was followed by the presentation of the kits by Mr Ben Stuart, General Manager of the Grand Harbour Marina who represent in Malta the international company Camper and Nicholsons, Mr Franco Valletta, Chairman of Dhalia Real Estate and Mr Thomas Gunther, an ex International Swiss goalkeeper. The kits were presented to Vittoriosa's Mayor, Mr John Boxall and a short speech by the Mayor followed.
In his speech the Mayor, on behalf of the Vittoriosa Local Council, thanked Grand Harbour Marina and Dhalia Real Estate, Mr Thomas Gunther, Mr Matthew Dimech, the owner of Café du Brazil in Vittoriosa and all the other proprietors of the various shops in Vittoriosa who helped make the activity possible. The Mayor confessed that this assistance could only be considered as an investment in the children and a guarantee for their future and this not only in the sports sector but also for the benefit of society in general. The Mayor particularly thanked all those volunteers that took the initiative to re-setup this nursery in Vittoriosa and, in the Local Council's name, he promised them all the assistance possible in the running of this nursery. He encouraged the parents that were present to start contributing some of their time to this nursery and thus help the volunteers who were giving up their free time to assist the nursery's children. The Mayor referred to the speech that was delivered by one of the very young members of the football nursery, Matthew Agius, who said that "we the children of this nursery have to do our part so that we not only make our City better but the best of all and in everything".
The evening continued with a reception and the invitees included several distinct personalities and the parents of the nursery's children.
Thu 30
- Women's First Division champions Birkirkara lost their first game against Portuguese side SU 1° Dezembro in a match from Group C of the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying round in Brondby, Denmark on Thursday.
SU 1° Dezembro won 10-0. Carla Couto put them ahead on 17 minutes and Edite Fernandez scored twice on 18 and 26 minutes to make it 3-0. Six minutes from the end of the first half, Dolores Silva scored the fourth goal.
Andreia Silvia made it 5-0 on 54 minutes and three goals in nine minutes between 61 and 69 minutes by Tânia Pinto, Sonia Patricia Pereira Matias and substitute Filipa Galvão increased the lead to eight goals. On 87 minutes, Dolores Silva scored a ninth goal before an own goal in stoppage time sealed the issue.
On Saturday, Birkirkara will be facing hosts Brøndby IF - one of last season's quarter-finalists of the UEFA Women's Cup and runners-up in the Danish league last season. The final game will be on Tuesday against Cardiff City LFC of Wales.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another UEFA ‘C’ Diploma Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre in six different modules spread over a period of time, mostly during weekends. The modules will be as follows:
Module 1. Sat & Sun 19/20 Sept. 2009
Module 2. Sat & Sun 3/4 Oct.
Module 3. Sat & Sun 31 Oct./1 Nov.
Module 4. Sat 28 Nov.
Module 5. Sat 5 Dec. (10 sessions – work in clubs)
Module 6. Fri, Sat, Sun 8 to 10 January 2010 (Assessment)
It is important that participants have access to coaching a team in the nurseries. Knowledge of English is also required as sessions will be conducted in Maltese and English, while Theory exams will be in English.
Application forms are available from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, during office hours.
Closing date for applications will be Friday 11th September 2009. A passport-size photo, a photocopy of the last coaching certificate (CYF or YDD) and a signed certificate by present employing club or nursery are also required.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis since the number of participants is limited.
Wed 29
- Mdina Knights FC are pleased to announce that as from next season the squad will change their kit sponsor, after signing a deal with the local representatives for PUMA sportswear.
Four members of the squad met Mr. Eligio Vella, local representative for PUMA and ERREA, on Saturday 25th July, at the
PUMA outlet in Paola where they had the opportunity to view the new kits and take a commemorative photo.
Mr. Eligio Vella said that for him it is an honour to be associated with the Club following the professional reputation the Knights have built over the past three years.
Furthermore, he wished the team the best of luck for the coming season.
The Executive Committee of Mdina Knights FC would like to thank PUMA and Mr. Vella for the belief shown in the Club.
Mdina Knights are the only club in local football to boast PUMA as Technical Partner.
- Todos FC, the fourth division futsal champions will be organising a BBQ night during which they will present awards for the 2008/09 season. This event will also be an opener for the new season will the hope and aim that it will match the previous season's success.
Everyone is invited to this event which will surely be a great night were Todos FC players and staff will be awarded for their contribution throughout the past season, music and a video presentation displaying the team's adventure.
Naturally, food and beverages will surely not be lacking, with the menu including meat, chicken, salads and even dessert, all for the price of €12. Booking is currently standing at 80 people, and we hope you join us too. For more information call on 79871024 asking for Melvin Xuereb, the club booking representative.
- Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery is participating in the Welsh International Super Cup 2009 which is being held in Aberystwyth. This will be the second time that the Hamrun Nursery is participating in this tournament, the first time being in 2006. For this year's edition, the Nursery will participate with boys from the 1999 and 1998 categories. The group, which is made up of 13 boys, 3 officials and 7 parents, left Malta on Sunday morning and will return on Sunday 2nd August. The training kit has been sponsored by Sports Experience.
The tournament, which has been organized by Team Tours Direct since 2007, will be celebrating the 25th anniversary this year. Football icons such as Ian Rush, Andriv Shevchenko, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Shay Given and Thomas Rosicky have adorned the all star graduate list from the summer showpiece in Aberystwyth these past 24 years.
The Hamrun Nursery is sure that this will be a wonderful experience for the young players.
- Stripes Supporters Club will be organizing a pasta night on Saturday August 8th at l-Istazzjon, Birkirkara.
The official presentation of the players and technical staff for season 2009/2010 will be held during this activity.
Tickets may be obtained from the football club, the bar at the Infetti Grounds or from members of the Supporters Club for € 10.
Tue 28
- Malta international striker Terence Scerri joined Valletta, signing a five-year contract with the Citizens.
Scerri, who was banned by Hibernians for 28 days last week, was a target for Sliema Wanderers. However the Paolites wanted Miguel Ciantar in exchange.
The BOV Premier League top scorer 2008/09 with twenty-six goals missed the double clash with FK Mogren in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round after skipping training sessions.
He made his Premier League debut in season 2000/01 and was a regular choice in the Paolites' starting line-up for the past seven years.
According to the club's official website www.vallettafcofficial.net, Scerri will be travelling to the Netherlands on Wednesday together with president Victor Sciriha and club official Giovanni Cappitta to join the rest of the Valletta squad which is currently on a one-week training camp.
Scerri is the fourth signing for Valletta this season following Jordi Cruyff, Geert den Ouden and Steve Borg. The club's next objective is Marsaxlokk midfielder Kevin Sammut.
- Tarxien Rainbows played a second friendly match as part of their one-week training camp in Italy when they met A.S.D. Equipe Lazio on Tuesday. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with Denni Rocha Dos Santos scoring the only goal for the Rainbows.
Tarxien were a better side in a big part of the match failing to score with several chances in front of goal with Calabretta and Kleyr Vieira Dos Santos.
Tarxien lined up as follows: David Cassar (Anthony Curmi) - Steve Sadowski (Luke Vella Critien), Lee Galea, Everton Antonio Pereira, Andrew Decesare - Manuel Caruana, Mark Tanti (David Camilleri), Gianluca Calabretta (Kurt Magro), Denni Rocha Dos Santos, Warren Chircop - Kleyr Vieira Dos Santos (James Shead).
- After last March's positive experience in Northern Italy and Switzerland for the younger categories, Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery organised another trip to Denmark for the Dana Cup for their Under-13 and Under-14 teams between July 17th and 26th.
No less than 800 teams from all over the world and around 26,000 boys and girls took part in this year's Dana Cup which is held in the city of Hjorring. This tournament is played in excellent facilities which consist of over 84 natural grass pitches.
The Piet` teams did well in the two tournaments they took part in. The Under-13s reached the quarter-finals to place seventh out of 52 teams while the Under-14s reached the last-16 stage and were eliminated after a penalty shoot-out. Eighty four teams took part in the latter tournament. In all, the two teams played 13 games - winning nine, two draws and two defeats.
The contingent was made up of thirty-three including coaches, parents and players. Accompanying the boys were Nursery Head Coach Godfrey Grima and coaches Frankie Ciantar and Jesmond Sultana. It was a wonderful experience for Pietà Hotspurs boys where they played and met different cultures and styles of football.
The Pietà contingent also had time to visit the famous Fun Park Farup Sommerland, Aalborg Zoo and the historic centre of Aalborg.
- Maltese FIFA Referee, Marco Borg, has been appointed to control the UEFA Europa League match between FC Vaduz and FC Slovan Liberec in Liechtenstein on Thursday July 30. Philip Agius and Charles Micallef have been appointed as Assistant Referees and Paul Caruana as Fourth Official.
Mon 27
- John Buttigieg and Carmel Busuttil conducted the first training session for the national squad after being appointed as national coach and assistant national coach last week.
Missing from the squad were Valletta players who travelled for a training camp in the Netherlands and foreign-based players Justin Haber, Andrei Agius, Andre Schembri and Daniel Bogdanovic.
The first commitment for the national team will be the friendly match against Georgia in programme on August 12. Another friendly match will be played against Cape Verde on September 4 before Malta hosts Sweden in a match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round on September 9. The three matches will be played at home.
In October, Malta travels to Portugal - first for a friendly match against Angola on Saturday 10 and then a World Cup qualifier against Portugal four days later.
- Andre Schembri scored his first goal for Austria Kärnten in a 3-2 defeat to Kapfenberger SV away from home. The Maltese international notched the temporary equaliser on 36 minutes after that the hosts had taken the lead.
Austria Kärnten lie at the bottom of the table in the Austrian Bundeliga with two defeats from two matches.
- In view of the forthcoming Premier League campaign, Valletta left Malta on Monday for a one-week training camp in the Netherlands.
The team hardly had a break after playing the U*BET FA Trophy final on May 29. For this reason, the club opted to hold this training camp in Holland under the guidance of Dutch coach Ton Caanen.
Sat 25
- 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 26th July 2008 and the Approval of the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 15th January 2009 - during which a number of amendments to the statute of the Malta Amateur Football Association were approved, the Approval of the Report of Activities of the Association (Administrative Report) for the year 2008/2009 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 biggest focus was on the work of the association's tribunals sector which deals with discipline due to the several cases of alleged corruption.
Following last year's revelation during the Annual General Meeting that there was an alleged case of corruption before the UEFA Cup match between Marsaxlokk and Slaven Belupo, a meeting was held with police officials and the Minister of Interior and Justice. The MFA started investigating all cases, including anonymous allegations.
The Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices has been operating for various years following a change in MFA regulations. Earlier it was the council who used to investigate such allegations of corruption. The current board is made up of a lawyer as chairman, a former police superintendent, another two lawyers and the former general manager of a very reputable company.
Out of all cases which were brought in front of the board, there were at least two cases in which a club could be found guilty due to a strict-liability regulation which states that a committee member which is involved in a case of corruption, this would affect the club as well.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that one case was put forward by officials from a club. In this case, there was only one link - the player - who allegedly was approached and asked to approach other players. The club official's case has not been decided yet by court. All the MFA could do at that point was to suspend him temporarily, unlike court which would order arrest. However the player failed to turn up in front of the board.
In the other case, the player who was the main link in the case also failed to turn up in front of the board as he claims he is still awaiting the appeal in court.
The MFA president said the association had to do justice. The association seeks a proof based on balance of probabilities rather than proof beyond any reasonable doubts. As from June 1st, the Council amended new regulations with regards to cases of corruption in order to provide the best possible tools.
These regulations state that any statement in court or affidavit will be taken as evidence by the board. The MFA is entering each case as parte civile in order to be able to access all court documents.
He said the association was obtaining an informal copy but following an appeal against the use of such documents, the MFA was forced to obtain the official copy at an expense but once again, there was an appeal against the association's right to enter such cases as parte civile. The Magistrate is yet to rule on the matter.
Dr Mifsud insisted that the competition should be considered as a regular competition.
In order to help with such cases of corruption, a lawyer has recently been appointed as a "prosecutor" in such cases. The MFA president concluded by saying that whoever is found guilty, will be punished but the association cannot afford having someone who is not guilty being punished.
Meanwhile over the past season, the association organised fifteen competitions, worked hard with respect to coaches and referees education. The MFA took an active part in a UEFA programme of exchange visits for coaches. The UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches project is nearing completion while the project meant to improve the facilities of member clubs and member associations is well underway.
The MFA participated in several congresses, meetings and seminars including the FIFA Congress and the UEFA Congress. MFA officials, MFA Referees Board members, referees and assistant referees also represented the association in FIFA and UEFA international matches. The Malta Football Association was accepted as a member of the UEFA Referees' Convention. This was signed in Copenhagen on March 24 in Copenhagen.
The Council of the Malta Football Association approved a new competition to mark hundred years of the National League. The National League 100 Anniversary Cup will be open to all member clubs. The Council approved new regulations for the Footballer of the Year award while amendments to regulations regarding trophies and medals which are presented to clubs or trophies in the various competitions were discussed and are due to be approved early next season.
Among the items discussed by the Executive Committee were the activities to mark 50 years of FIFA and UEFA membership and hundred years of the National League, domestic competitions and participation in international competitions, the appeal by FIFA and WADA against an MFA board decision over three doping cases, upgrading at the National Stadium and the Centenary Stadium and the West Stand Parking Area, media rights for the next three years, the extension of sponsorship agreements and the Awards ceremony for season 2008/09. The Executive Committee approved the association's budget for season 2009/2010 which anticipates an income of €5,093,881 and an expenditure of €5,004,041. As from next season, member associations which organise amateur football will benefit from a fifty per cent reduction in referees' fees.
The MFA Bureau discussed the project meant to improve the facilities of member clubs and member associations, the upgrading of the National Stadium and the Centenary Stadium, the building of the National Grassroots Centre and the allegations of corruption in domestic league matches.
The Member Licensing Board issued two types of licenses - the UEFA license and licenses at other levels. The UEFA licensing process started in mid-December. Only four clubs were issued with a UEFA License. Another two applications were rejected while the application of another club was rejected after failing to present tax invoices in time. An appeal by the latter club was rejected. The process of issuing of local licenses started early in May and was due to be completed last week.
Despite the live screening of a number of matches, attendance for MFA competitions increased by around 26,000 spectators for a total of 190,281. The largest increase was registered in the BOV Premier League - 31,452, including 14,802 paid spectators. On the other hand, there was a reduction in the number of spectators for First Division, Second Division, FA Trophy and Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
A total of 1,145 matches were played at the various venues this season. This amount includes 622 matches in senior competitions, 421 matches in youth competitions and 102 matches in women's competitions. 105 matches were played at the National Stadium, 55 at the Hibs Ground, 126 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, 11 at the Gozo Stadium, 522 at the Centenary Stadium, 45 at the Melita Ground, 119 at the Luxol Ground, 30 at the Mellieha Ground and 132 at the St. Patrick Ground. There were a further 508 matches in futsal competitions which were played at the Corradino Pavilion and another four five-a-side pitches.
The national team played eight of the ten matches from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round. The team obtained only one point in a goalless draw with Albania. More disappointing is the fact that Malta is yet to score a goal in the group. The Under-21 side, under the guidance of Edwin Camilleri, suffered two narrow defeats to Slovenia and Ukraine. Camilleri was also in charge of the Under-20 team which took part in the Mediterranean Games which were held last month.
In the UEFA Under-19 Championship, Malta obtained a point from three matches while the Under-17 team lost the three matches in the UEFA Under-17 Championship mini-tournament. The Amateur national team won the qualifying round mini-tournament after defeating teams from Wales, Israel and the Czech Republic although the team was then eliminated in the next stage. The Futsal team took part in the UEFA Futsal Championship, losing the three games.
This season, the national team will be playing the final two matches from the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round. Three friendly matches are scheduled: against Georgia on August 12 and against Cape Verde on September 4 both at home and against Angola in Portugal on October 10. The Under-21 side will continue playing in the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers and will play a friendly match against Albania in Durres on August 12.
Both the Under-19 and Under-17 sides will be taking part in UEFA mini-tournaments in Malta and Andorra respectively. The women's national team will play eight matches from the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Upgrading at the National Stadium included the installation of artificial turf on the athletic track and embellishment of the media section. Current works include the building of new ticket-booths at the West Stand with stores for national teams' equipment underneath. Since the government seems no longer interested in project meant to convert the West Stand parking area into a two-storey car-park, the association is now considering the upgrading of the area with adequate light and electronic entry and exit points.
The pitch of the Centenary Stadium was certified FIFA Two Star by French firm Labosport. Works included the installation of seats and PA system and maintenance in dressing rooms.
As part of the project meant to improve the facilities of member clubs and member associations, artificial turf has been installed so far at the football grounds of Melita, Marsaxlokk, Pembroke Athleta, St. Patrick and Sannat Lions. These clubs were all presented with a sum of €160,000. Thanks to agreements with these clubs, the Malta Football Association holds the right to organise competitive matches at these venues. In fact, as from this season, all MFA competitions were for the first time played on turf. Mqabba also had a smaller-sized artificial turf pitch at their football ground and were duly compensated.
The Victor Tedesco Stadium project was completed with the MFA providing funds amounting to €230,000 while floodlights were installed at the Hibernians Ground. The latter project cost €227,083. A five-year agreement with the management of these two stadiums was signed.
@240 Ltd and 389 Ltd with the products Lano and Limonta respectively were entrusted with the installation of the artificial turf in remaining projects. When these grounds will be completed, in case of pitches with a size within those stipulated in the Laws of the Game, the association would consider the use of these football grounds for home-and-away matches in case of competitive matches for senior teams.
The financing of building of stands in the various grounds would be possible under the UEFA HatTrick Assistance Programme 3 - 2012/2016 if the UEFA Executive Committee continues to support this initiative.
The National Grassroots Centre, for which the plans have recently been submitted to MEPA, will cost €1.2 million - €500,000 as part of the UEFA Hat-Trick Assistance Programme 2, another €500,000 from a Bank of Valletta loan and USD400,000 as part of the FIFA Goal 2007-2011 programme. The project will consist of a FIFA Two-Star artificial turf pitch, a partly covered stand for 1,200 spectators, dressing rooms, conference hall, Futsal pitch and media area.
Refurbishment at the National Stadium will be funded with the sum of €447,000 thanks to funds presented to UEFA by FIFA under the project Win in Europe. Works include maintenance on the facade of the North, South and West Stands, the building of a foot-bridge between the West Stand Parking Area and the VIP Area to serve as access to the VIP area, the replacement of turnstiles at the West Stand, the replacement of shutters for the North, South and West Stands, the building of new hanging media boxes and the installation of a CCTV system consisting of seventy cameras that will also cover the West Stand Parking Area and ticket-booths.
A room at the Centenary Stadium will be converted into a clinic in which medical tests will be carried out. The Executive Committee is currently discussing with Dr David Attard which tests will be carried out in order to ensure the well-being of players.
Elections for Executive Committee
Elections were necessary to elect the ordinary members of the Executive Committee to represent Second Division clubs, Member Clubs in general and the other Member Associations.
Charles J. Scerri (Lija) will be representing Second Division clubs after obtaining 54 votes. Salvu Vella (Mellieha) obtained 44 votes.
Antoine Portelli (Msida) and Victor Cassar (Hamrun) will be representing Member Clubs in general after they obtained 43 and 42 votes respectively. The other four candidates obtained the following number of votes: Charles Caruana (St. Patrick) 10, Malcolm Dimech (Zebbug) 7, Raymond Micallef (Attard) 37 and Salvu Vella (Mellieha) 25.
Joe Cassar Naudi and Donald Spiteri were elected as representatives of the other Member Associations after polling 66 votes and 56 votes respectively. David Abdilla and Lawrence Callus obtained 23 votes and 20 votes respectively.
No election was necessary for the representatives of the Premier Division, First Division, Third Division, the Youth FA and Gozo FA. The election for First Division clubs representatives was not held as Charles Caruana withdrew his nomination.
The eleven ordinary members on the Executive Committee of the Association are therefore:
Premier Division: Joseph Gauci (BKR) and Paul Spiteri
First Division: Joseph Sammut and Bjorn Vassallo
Second Division: Charles J. Scerri
Third Division: Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general: Victor Cassar and Antoine Portelli
Council Member in representation of The Youth F.A.: Joe Micallef
Council Members in representation of the other Member Associations: Joe Cassar Naudi and Donald Spiteri
Council Member in representation of the Gozo F.A.: Charles Calleja
The only proposed amendment to the statute of the association concerned the section of The Referees' Board. The amendment, proposed by the Executive Committee, was approved.
In his concluding speech, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that the approval of the administrative report meant that club members agreed with the association's work over the past year. He said that it was of utmost importance for the association to keep working hard.
The first item on the agenda in the first meeting of the new Executive Committee which will be held next Monday will be that of identifying the members for the various boards and committees which would then be approved on Friday in the first meeting of the Council for season 2009/10.
The MFA president augured that the coming year would be as good as the past year. The main highlight will be the project meant to improve the facilities which include installation of artificial turf pitches, building or refurbishing of dressing rooms and other upgrading. He said the association will be supervising all the work so that it is of the required standard.
Other main projects are those of the refurbishment of the National Stadium, the National Grassroots Centre and the Clinic.
Dr Mifsud said the association needs co-operation from all and is ready to accept criticism from those are ready to offer solutions. He said that constructive criticism was important as long as it was genuine and based on facts.
He mentioned the celebrations which will mark the hundred years of the National League and the fifty years of FIFA and UEFA membership.
The MFA president said that despite changes at the helm of the senior national team and other national teams, he hoped the technical sector will continue to work hard for the good of the game.
Dr Mifsud wished a year of success to all member clubs and member associations and especially to the Inter Amateur Soccer Competition and the Malta Football Coaches Association who will celebrate the 50th anniversary and the Malta Football Referees Association who will celebrate the 60th anniversary.
The MFA president concluded by stressing on fair play - keeping the game as clean as possible, promising to continue in this crusade for fairness in the local game.
- 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.
Once again, the association registered a profit despite a hefty loss on exchange from Swiss Franks to Euro which amounted to €427,373.
The association's income amounted to €5,079,365 while the expenditure amounted to €4,695,449. Expenditure included €3,986,338 in direct operating and administrative costs and €709,111 depreciation.
Considering an unrealised loss on exchange, the profit, or better the surplus of income over expenditure, amounted to €380,671. At the end of season 2007/08, the excess of income over expenditure amounted to €298,840.
The Accumulated fund at the end of the year amounts to €4,312,795 compared to the €3,932,124 at the end of last year.
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Fixed Assets €10,669,122
Current Assets €2,780,876
Total Assets €13,149,998
Accumulated Funds & Liabilities
Accumulated Fund €4,312,795
Non-Current Liabilities €6,362,625
Current Liabilities €2,474,578
Total Accumulated Fund and Liabilities €13,149,998
INCOME & EXPENDITURE IN DETAIL
Administration
Income: €3,229,763
(including local matches €36,407; FIFA and UEFA subsidy and refunds €1,915,369; MFA project - Member Clubs and Member Associations facilities fund €1,038,695; sponsorships €76,118; disciplinary fines - club fines and damages €20,489; disciplinary fines - others €35,728; affiliation and other fees €47,332; interest receivable €4,332; advertising €27,228; sundry income €28,065)
Expenditure: €2,350,203
(including salaries €208,669; MFA officials' allowances €75,605; referees' fees €87,280; MFA project - Member Clubs and Member Associations facilities fund €1,038,695; presentations and awards €19,675; travelling and accommodation €5,520; professional fees €12,793; advertising €17,475; insurance €4,662; printing and stationery €22,273; office maintenance €6,779; telecommunications €26,113; water and electricity €68,689; referees' training allowance €26,934; audit fees €3,261; refreshments, fairs and ceremonies €24,869; bank loan interest and charges €235,160; difference on exchange €427,373; general expenses €14,035)
Surplus of income over expenditure (following depreciation amounting to €95,656) €783,904
Both income and expenditure include €1,038,695 - the sum which was delivered to Member Clubs as part of the project meant to improve facilities.
National Teams, Youths and Grassroots Development
Income: €1,205,871
(including international matches €1,128,245 and players' sponsorships €77,626)
Expenditure: €1,082,674
(includes players' training allowance €61,236; bonuses and appearance money €49,579; travelling and accommodation for national teams €530,341; kits and training equipment €45,217; technical staff €316,441; insurance and medical €43,069; advertising €18,640)
Surplus of income over expenditure: €123,197
Sports Facilities
Income €642,731
(including share of gates €203,342; bar concessions €54,00; advertising €40,934; broadcasting rights €20,000; complex income €280,797; car park income €10,755; football school subscriptions €6,396; course fees €27,507)
Expenditure €553,461
(including wages and personnel expenses €232,078; maintenance €169,709; utility costs €76,977)
Excess of expenditure over income (following a depreciation amounting to €613,455) €523,185
- Tarxien Rainbows lost 1-2 to Cassino Calcio in a friendly match on Friday as part of the Rainbows' one-week training camp in Italy.
Cassino Calcio took the lead on the half-hour thanks to a header by Mucciarelli but five minutes from time, Malta international defender Andrei Agius - who last week joined the Italian Lega Pro Seconda Divisione club - committed a foul inside the area on Gianluca Calabretta and the referee ordered a penalty. Denni Rocha Dos Santos converted.
However Kone gave Cassino victory with a goal on the 90th.
Tarxien lined-up as follows: Anthony Curmi (David Cassar), Lee Galea, Manuel Caruana, Andrew Decesare, Luke Vella Critien (Steven Sadowski), Everton Antonio Pereira, Kurt Magro (Gianluca Calabretta), Mark Tanti, Warren Chircop, Denni Dos Santos, Kleyr Vieira Dos Santos (James Shead).
Everton Antonio Pereira, Kleyr Vieira Dos Santos, Kurt Magro, Gianluca Calabretta and goalkeeeper David Cassar were all making their first appearance in the Tarxien shirt. David Camilleri and Ryan Grech were missing as they are not fully fit.
Fri 24
- Newly-promoted Vittoriosa Stars secured the services of Nigerian midfielder Edafe Uzeh.
The twenty-one year old midfielder who started his career with Dinamo Lagos in Nigeria moved to Malta in summer 2006, joining Valletta. The following season, he turned out for Hibernians.
Uzeh was also attracting the interest of the other newly-promoted side - Dingli Swallows - and played for them in the JPL Cup.
The Stars, who have earlier appointed Winston Muscat as their coach and Saviour Darmanin as his assistant, have already signed a number of players in their bid to strengthen the squad.
New signings include former Malta international defender Jeffrey Chetcuti, Elton Vella, Gary Inguanez, Jonathan Xerri, Roderick Briffa, Kurt Formosa and Mark Camilleri.
Chetcuti joins Vittoriosa after playing for Mosta and St. Andrews, spending eight years with Valletta and another seven years with Sliema Wanderers. Mark Camilleri was on loan from Xewkija Tigers with Msida St. Joseph last season.
- 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 24 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 September 4.
Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, Millennium Stand - 2nd Floor, Ta' Qali.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another UEFA ‘A’ Diploma Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre in eight different modules spread over a period time mostly during weekends.
These modules will be held as follows:
Module 1 - Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October 2009
Module 2 - Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November 2009
Module 3 - Friday 11th to Sunday 13th December 2009
Module 4 - Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th January 2010
Module 5 - Friday 19th to Sunday 21st February 2010
Module 6 - Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th March 2010
Module 7 - March and April 2009 - Work in clubs
Module 8 - Friday 7th to Sunday 9th May (Assessment)
Before participation is approved applicants will have to undergo a pre-assessment test, for which the date will be communicated later.
It is also important that participants have access to coaching a team from the Under 17 category upwards. Knowledge of English is also required as sessions will be conducted in Maltese and English, whilst Theory exams will be in English.
Applications forms are available from the Technical Centre during office fours. Closing date for applications, which will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis since the number of participants is limited, will be Tuesday 18th August 2009.
A passport-size photo, a photocopy of the last coaching certificate (UEFA B), a CV of coaching experience, a signed certificate by present employing club or nursery and a medical certificate are also required.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre on three days, the 4th, 5th and 6th September 2009.
Applications forms can be collected from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, during office hours. These will have to be submitted together with a passport-size photo by Wednesday 26th August 2009. Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis since the number of participants is limited.
Thu 23
- UEFA Europa League Valletta vs St. Patrick's A. 0-1, Maccabi Netanya vs Sliema W. 3-0
Wed 22
- A place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League will be at stake on Thursday as Valletta take on Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic in the second leg at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 17:30.
A week ago in Dublin, new St. Pats' signing Declan O'Brien put the hosts ahead seven minutes from the end of the first half but a goal by Gilbert Agius twenty minutes in the second half gave Valletta a most prestigious 1-1 away draw.
This result means that Valletta need a goalless draw or win to reach the next stage. On the other hand, St. Patrick's have to win or hope for a 2-2 draw or a draw with more goals. In case of a 1-1 draw, the game would go into extra-time.
The Citizens' campaign so far has been excellent. Three weeks ago, goals by Dyson Falzon, Njongo Priso and Geert den Ouden gave Valletta a 3-0 win over Keflavik at Ta' Qali. The following week, they managed a 2-2 draw in Keflavik with Dyson Falzon putting them temporarily 1-0 ahead and Njongo Priso notching the equaliser late in the game.
However Njongo Priso is ruled out of this game after he picked his second yellow card at Richmond Park last week and is therefore suspended. Valletta coach Ton Caanen is expected to rely on Ian Zammit in attack, making no other changes to the starting line-up. In fact, with the sole exception of Cleavon Frendo, all the other players are fully fit.
The Valletta squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg, Nicky Vella;
defenders Steve Bezzina, Steve Borg, Roderick Briffa, Luke Dimech, Justin Grioli, Kenneth Scicluna;
midfielders Gilbert Agius, Edmond Agius, Jordi Cruyff, Dyson Falzon, Stefan Giglio, Dylan Grima, Jamie Pace;
forwards Geert Den Ouden, Ian Zammit.
St. Patrick's travelled to Malta with an eighteen-man squad. Since the first leg, they recovered Jason Gavin while Damien Lynch is back after serving a suspension. Glen Fitz, John Lester, Mark Quigley, Gary Dempsey, Mark Leech and Gints Freimanis are all ruled out.
Manager Jeff Kenna is expected to adopt a rather offensive approach as they have to score to maintain hopes of reaching the next stage.
The eighteen players at his disposal are:
Gary Rogers, Brendan Clarke, Stephen Maher, Enda Stephens, Noel Haverty, Jason Gavin, Dave Partridge, Jamie Harris, Damian Lynch, Bobby Ryan, Garret O’Connor, Stuart Byrne, Darragh Ryan, Ryan Guy, Declan O’Brien, Glen Fitzpatrick, Andy Harran, Alan Cawley.
In 2002, St. Pats made Irish footballing history by becoming the first club to progress in the UEFA Intertoto Cup with a victory over Croatian team NK Rijeka over two legs thanks to the away-goals rule. However they were knocked out of the competition in the next round, also due to the same rule against KAA Gent of Belgium.
Last season, they did even better. In the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, they were drawn with Latvian side JFK Olimps Riga, beating them 1-0 away from home and 2-0 at Richmond Park. In the second qualifying round, they surprised IF Elfsborg of Sweden, holding them in a 2-2 draw away from home and beating them 2-1 in Dublin. In the first round proper, they were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by German side Hertha Berlin.
Valletta, on the other hand, hope to be the first Maltese club to reach a third round in a UEFA competition. Their best feat, before this season, was reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League in 1999 when they eliminated Welsh champions Barry Town, following a goalless draw in Wales and a 3-2 win at Ta' Qali.
Valletta vs St. Patrick's Athletic will be controlled by officials from Slovenia, namely referee Matej Jug, assistant referees Bojan Ul and Milan Kogej and fourth official Davor Drecnik.
The winner of this clash will be facing Russian side FC Krylya Sovetov Samara in the third qualifying round with the first leg being played on July 30th and the second being played in Samara on August 6th.
- Sliema Wanderers will be facing no easy task on Thursday as they take on Maccabi Netanya in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, kick-off at 19:00 CET.
Last week, the two teams shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Centenary Stadium despite Sliema having to play for over half an hour in ten men following the dismissal of defender Josef Mifsud.
The result leave options wide open but Maccabi Netanya are expected to do their best to take full advantage of home soil although they will be playing in Tel Aviv, thirty kilometres away from their home city.
Ironically, Maccabi Netanya have never reached a further round in a UEFA competition. In 2003, they were eliminated from the UEFA Intertoto Cup on the away goals rule by Albanian side KF Partizani. In 2007, they were drawn with União de Leiria of Portugal in the UEFA Cup. They drew 0-0 in Portugal but lost 0-1 at home. Last year, they also played in the same competition against Cherno More Varna and following a 1-1 draw at home, they lost 0-2 in Bulgaria.
Sliema, on the other hand, managed to qualify on four occasions. They registered their first success in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1968, when they eliminated Rumelange of Luxembourg on the away goals rule following a 2-1 defeat in Luxembourg and a 1-0 win at home. In 1971, they eliminated IA Akranes of Iceland with a 4-0 aggregate score in the Champions Cup. In 1996, they came from behind to eliminate Margveti Zestaphoni of Georgia from the UEFA Cup. In fact after a 1-3 defeat at Ta' Qali, they registered an incredible 3-0 win in Georgia. Six years ago, the Blues defeated Skonto Riga of Latvia 2-0 at the Hibs Ground, losing 3-1 in Riga but made it to the next stage thanks to the away-goals rule.
Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi is only expected to make one change from the team which drew with Netanya last week with Clifford Gatt Baldacchino replacing the suspended Josef Mifsud.
The squad which travelled to Israel is made up of:
goalkeepers Simon Agius, Henry Bonello;
defenders Ian Azzopardi, Ian Ciantar, Lucian Dronca, Sam Siro Furfaro, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Alex Muscat;
midfielders Matthew Bartolo, Clayton Failla, Ryan Fenech, John Mintoff, Beppe Muscat, Mark Scerri, Noel Turner;
forwards Miguel Ciantar, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Ivan Woods.
Maccabi Netanya vs Sliema Wanderers will be controlled by officials from Armenia, namely referee Karen Nalbandyan, assistant referees Arshak Knyazyan and Erik Arevshatyan and fourth official Ararat Tshagharyan.
Sliema or Maccabi Netanya will be meeting the winner of the clash between FC Tobol Kostanay of Kazakhstan and Turkish giants Galatasaray SK in the third qualifying round. Third qualifying round matches will be played on July 30th and August 6th with either of the latter teams hosting the first leg.
- Birkirkara, Marsaxlokk and Qormi will be taking part in the annual pre-season tournament organised by Hibernians FC.
The tournament which will be played on a one-round league basis between the four teams is scheduled for August 10 to August 14.
The fixtures are as follows:
Mon-10 19:00 Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk
Mon-10 21:00 Birkirkara vs Qormi
Wed-12 19:00 Hibernians vs Qormi
Wed-12 21:00 Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk
Fri-14 19:00 Qormi vs Marsaxlokk
Fri-14 21:00 Hibernians vs Birkirkara
Tue 21
- The Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices assembled on Tuesday to continue its investigation into the alleged Marsaxlokk FC corruption case.
The Board deferred the case to Thursday 30th July when investigations will proceed further.
- The draws for the group stage of both the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out and the Quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out were held on Tuesday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Ten teams will be taking part in the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out. These will be divided into two groups of five teams each. Group matches will be played between Saturday 19th September and Monday 19th October.
Holders St. Patrick were drawn in Group 1 together with Hamrun Spartans, Melita, San Gwann and Mosta. On the other hand, Msida St. Joseph, St. George's, Mqabba, Balzan Youths and Pietà Hotspurs were drawn in Group 2.
The first game for each team will be as follows:
Group 1: Hamrun S. vs Melita, San Gwann vs St. Patrick, Mosta vs Hamrun S.
Group 2: Msida SJ vs St. George's, Mqaba vs Balzan Y., Pietà H. vs Msida SJ
In the semi-finals, the winner of Group 1 will face the runner-up of Group 2 while the runner-up of Group 1 will meet the winner of Group 2.
Meanwhile all Second and Third Division clubs, with the sole exception of Gozo FC, will be taking part in the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
Teams were divided into seven groups of four teams and another group of three teams.
Group 1: Gudja U., Gzira U., Swieqi U., Zebbug R.
Group 2: Lija A., Mtarfa, Rabat A., Attard
Group 3: Pembroke A., Senglea A., Siggiewi, St. Andrews
Group 4: Mdina K., Sirens, Luqa SA, Zurrieq
Group 5: Kirkop U., Mgarr U., Ghaxaq, Birzebbuga SP
Group 6: Fgura U., Santa Lucia, Qrendi, Gharghur
Group 7: Kalkara, Marsa, Xghajra T., Mellieha
Group 8: Zejtun C., Naxxar L., Sta. Venera L.
The winners of the eight groups will reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Addressing the media before the draw, MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud took the opportunity to congratulate Valletta for reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League and for obtaining a prestigious draw away from home. He also congratulated Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara for the positive results they obtained which he said will help improve Malta's coefficient in UEFA competitions and also that of the clubs themselves.
Dr Mifsud spoke about the Annual General Meeting which will be held this Saturday. He said that among the most important items on the agenda is the approval of the administrative report. The MFA president said that most of the items which were promised before the elections of the MFA officials two years ago have now been completed or are in the process of being carried out. He said that despite the current financial situation around the world, the association still managed to improve its financial situation by raising the income and lowering expenses.
Finally he thanked Maltco Lotteries for the support as they sponsor the three knock-out competitions organised by the association.
Speaking on behalf of Maltco, managing director Mario Cassar said his company was honoured to support these competitions for the fifth year. He said Maltco Lotteries was looking forward to continue supporting local clubs and football in general.
- Birkirkara secured the services of Under-21 international midfielder Carl Pulo from First Division side Pietà Hotspurs. Pulo signed a five-year contract with Birkirkara.
He made his Premier League debut in season 2005/06. Since then he featured regularly for the Hotspurs in the Premier League and in Division 1 last season.
Carl Pulo is the second major signing for Birkirkara after they signed Dutch striker Sylvano Comvalius from Hamrun Spartans.
Mon 20
- John Buttigieg has been appointed as the new Malta national team coach after Dusan Fitzel was forced to quit due to health problems. The former Birkirkara coach will be assisted by former national team captain Carmel Busuttil.
Addressing a press conference at the MFA Headquarters on Monday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that the association has been discussing the post of national coach for the past weeks as Dusan Fitzel's contract was due to expire later this year. He said that Fitzel was not willing to extend his contract as he felt the need to return home.
Dr Mifsud said that in consultation with Fitzel, the association started thinking about the possibility of appointing John Buttigieg as national coach and Carmel Busuttil as his assistant. The target was to appoint Buttigieg as national coach as from January 1st, 2010, with Busuttil taking over as assistant coach a few months later due to contractual obligations with his football school.
However when Dusan Fitzel returned to Malta last Friday, he told the association that following a routine medical tests, he was told that he had to undergo a serious operation which had to be carried out on August 12.
The MFA president said that since Fitzel could not guide the team in the forthcoming commitments, including a friendly match against Georgia on August 12, a World qualifier against Sweden in September, a friendly against Angola and another World Cup qualifier against Portugal in October, John Buttigieg and Carmel Busuttil were called in for a meeting and it was decided that both would take over as from August 1st. Dusan Fitzel will retain the job of technical director once he returns back.
Buttigieg and Busuttil were offered a five-year contract, starting with the remaining two 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the EURO 2012 qualifying campaign.
Dr Mifsud said that between the MFA and Dusan Fitzel there was always mutual respect. He said that although in this World Cup qualifying campaign, the national team collected just one point, it was not Fitzel to blame as everyone was aware of the difficult draw. In fact, in the previous EURO 2008 campaign, Malta had obtained a record number of points under the guidance of Dusan Fitzel.
He thanked him for his hard work, full co-operation and professionalism and wished him luck, saying that hopefully Fitzel will be back in Malta in a few weeks' time to continue helping the association.
The MFA president concluded by describing Fitzel as a man who gave all his energy for the local game.
Dusan Fitzel said that the past three-and-a-half years spent in Malta were a beautiful experience. He said it was very difficult for him to finish the job of national coach in this way and promised that he will be back three weeks after the operation if everything goes well.
Fitzel wished John Buttigieg and Carmel Busuttil success in their new appointment and said that he will be ready to give any support or advice they would need.
New national coach John Buttigieg said that although discussions were already being carried out over the past weeks, when he was asked to take over as new coach last Friday, he immediately accepted. Buttigieg said it was a big honour for him to coach the national team and said that together with Busuttil, they will be doing their very best to help the national team and football in general.
Dr Mifsud announced that following talks with the Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio, Buttigieg will be undergoing the UEFA Pro-Licence coaching course in Coverciano, Italy, starting in November. Eventually, Carmel Busuttil will also follow the same course.
The MFA president thanked Edward Schembri for releasing Busuttil from his contract with the company which runs the Buzu Football School, therefore enabling him to take over immediately his new job.
Busuttil said he would have preferred starting the job in a normal way. He thanked Fitzel for what he did for the national team and for the opportunity he gave to coaches like him to address lectures. Both Buttigieg and Busuttil wished Fitzel all the best for the surgery.
The MFA president and Dusan Fitzel denied a report that the latter did something to harm national team goalkeeper Justin Haber's chances at Sheffield United by suggesting a goalkeeper from Slovakia.
Meanwhile Dutch coach Vic Hermans was unveiled as the new coach of the Maltese Futsal national team. Hermans signed a three-year contract.
Vic Hermans has been coaching the Netherlands for the past eight years but decided not to renew his contract with the Dutch FA which expired this year.
As a player, he played 45 times and scored 23 goals for his country. He went on to coach Hong Kong, Malaysia and Iran as well as Lommel SK's football team, before joining the Royal Netherlands Football Association where he has been involved with the Under-21, Under-19 and women's futsal teams.
- Newly-promoted Vittoriosa Stars started its pre-season training which is being held at the Marsaxlokk Ground.
Currently on trial are three foreign players hailing from the Czech Republic, Germany and Nigeria. Another two players from France and Nigeria respectively will be joining the club for a trial next week.
Meanwhile the new Vittoriosa Stars committee for season 2009/10 was elected during an Extraordinary General Meeting.
Erskin Vella was elected as the new president. Gerald Ellul will hold the post of secretary and Roderick Privitelli the post of treasurer. Joseph Scicluna and Christopher Cassar will serve as vice-presidents. Jonathan Vella is the assistant secretary while the two assistant treasurers are Elton Gellel and Jeffrey Grixti. Marlon Galea is the club's PRO while the other members of the committee are Alfred Ancilleri, Tony Cachia, Larry Ciantar and Godwin Vassallo.
Winston Muscat is the new coach and will be assisted by former Pietà, Valletta and Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin as assistant coach. Marlon Galea is the team manager, Aaron Ancilleri masseur and Lorry Ciantar kit manager.
- The Vittoriosa Stars Youth Football Nursery will be holding their annual general meeting on Friday 24 July 2009 at 1930hrs at Gallarija Couvre Porte, Vittoriosa Local Council.
Items on the agenda include the administrative and financial reports of the season 2008-2009 and elections for the President and Committee for the coming season 2009/2010.
Nominations for members of the committee will be received on the same day of the Annual General Meeting or can apply by email to aud1015@maltanet.net. All interested parties are urged to participate.
- Swieqi United will be aiming at consolidating themselves in their first season of participation in MFA competitions.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Swieqi United president Ralph Agius Fernandez said that idea to set up the club was taken a few months ago as the need was felt to have a football team to represent Swieqi - a town with a population larger than Valletta and an area larger than Sliema - in order to give it a much needed identity and community feeling. The club will be the first ever form of sportive representation for Swieqi.
The first committee was established in April 2009 and the present committee was officially elected on June 24th during the club's Annual General Meeting. The Malta Football Association accepted the club's application to take part in the MFA Third Division League.
Agius Fernandez said this was a historic moment for the Swieqi community and all those involved in some way or another should consider themselves proud to form part of this new adventure.
The Swieqi United President thanked the local council - from which the club has the full blessing - for offering the premises which will act as club house. He also thanked the Parish Priest for his support in providing the hall where the press conference was held.
Agius Fernandez also thanked Hon. Robert Arrigo MP for sponsoring the club's kit, Noel Muscat who sponsored the equipment and M-Gas Sound Company who sponsored the training kits.
In order to raise more awareness about the club, a magazine will be issued in autumn and will be distributed in all Swieqi households.
Secretary Michael Calleja said that securing sponsorship was not an easy job and thanked the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport for their support in finding suitable premises for training. He said that one of the club's objectives for the future is to have a youth nursery.
Vice-president Gavin Ellul said that around ninety players were interested to join the club. The players were selected during three try-out sessions which were held at the Infetti Grounds, Birkirkara, Attard and University Grounds.
Swieqi United were drawn in Section B of the BOV Third Division League. A section which includes Gudja United and Sta. Lucia who were among the main challengers for promotion last season, Naxxar Lions who were relegated from Division 2 and Zejtun Corinthians who will start as the main favourites for promotion after an intensive transfer campaign.
Coach Roberto Debrincat admits Swieqi were drawn in a difficult group. However he said that the team will be doing its best to give a hard time to all opponents.
Debrincat thanked Ghaxaq who will be providing their training ground to Swieqi for one of the weekly training sessions. The other two weekly sessions will be held at the University Ground and the St. Benedict College. Although three training sessions will be held during the season, during pre-season, training will be held four times a week.
The Swieqi coach said that on observing Third Division football, one could notice that physically, the level of several players is not that high. Therefore he aimed at having his players being prepared well physically. He complained that the biggest problem concerning this competition was the lack of interest from many, including the media.
Debrincat said that his main emphasis will be on performance rather than results. He said that the main objective for this first season will be that of avoiding the bottom place.
He concluded by saying that the most important thing is that throughout the season, there will be the same enthusiasm from all those involved in the club. With a united team and good fighting spirit, the results the club aims for will be achieved.
Sun 19
- Hamrun Spartans midfielder Evano Briffa left Malta on Sunday, destination Belgium, where he will be undergoing surgery which will be carried out by Prof Marc Martens at his clinic in Antwerp.
The twenty-three year old midfielder had sustained an injury during a Premier League match mid-way through season 2007/08 and has been out of the game since then.
Accompanying Briffa in Belgium is Hamrun Spartans committee member Joe Borg.
- Fgura United will once again be holding their annual pre-season tournament at the Corradino Hockey Complex between the 10th and the 25th August.
To date Second Division sides Zurrieq and Senglea Athletic confirmed their participation who will be joined by organisers Fgura United, Naxxar Lions, Marsa, Kirkop United and newcomers Swieqi United all hailing from the Third Division.
The Committee wish to remind all those interested that there is just one vacancy left in order to fill the needed complement and the remaining spot will be filled on a first come first served basis. Clubs hailing from the First, Second and Third Divisions of the National League are eligible to participate.
For further details one can make enquiries on 79707390.
- A goalkeeper from the Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School which took part in a training camp in Italy last week was chosen for a trial with Italian side ASD Chieti Calcio.
Goalkeeper Noel Attard, a product of the Mosta nursery, born in 1991, will be travelling back to Italy on Monday to start a three-day trial with the Italian club.
Attard was one of the seventeen goalkeepers which took part in a training camp at the Scuola Numero Uno, leaving a good impression while training in front of a number of Italian scouts.
Sat 18
- Valletta will be facing Russian side FC Krylya Sovetov Samara in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League if they manage to eliminate St. Patrick's Athletic next week. If Sliema reach the next round, they would face the winner of the clash between FC Tobol Kostanay of Kazakhstan and Turkish giants Galatasaray SK.
The draw was held at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday.
Third qualifying round matches will be played on July 30 and August 6 as follows:
St. Patrick or Valletta vs Krylya Sovetov
Tobol or Galatasaray vs Sliema or Netanya
The Citizens held Irish side St. Patrick's in a 1-1 draw in the first leg on Thursday. The return match will be played next Thursday and a goalless draw would be enough for Ton Caanen's side.
Krylya are based in Samara. Their highest achievement was a third place in the Russian Premier League in 2004. In the former USSR top division league, their best-placing was a fourth place in 1951. In 2004, they also managed to reach the final of the Russian Cup.
Krylya Sovetov first played in a European competition in 2002 when they tok part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, eliminating Dinaburg of Latvia. In 2005, they beat BATE Borisov of Belarus with a 4-0 aggregate score but despite defeating Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 5-3 in the first leg, they lost 1-3 in the second leg to move out on the away goals rule.
Sliema held Maccabi Netanya in a goalless draw in the first leg of the second qualifying round clash at the Centenary Stadium last Tuesday and in case of a 1-1 draw in the second leg which will be played next week, they will also reach the next round.
The first leg in Kazakhstan ended in a 1-1 draw. Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev put Tobol ahead after just two minutes with Milan Baroš equalising on 58 minutes for Frank Rijkaard's side.
Galatasaray are well-known in Europe. They are one of the most successful teams in Turkish football, holding the joint record for Turkish League titles, and record number of both Turkish Cup and TSYD Cups. They are the only Turkish team to have won the UEFA Cup in 2000, and the only Turkish team to reach a Champions Cup semi-final in 1989.
Tobol Kostanay, on the other hand, finished runners-up in the Kazakhstan Premier League four times. They have been taking part in European competitions since 2003. They did remarkably in the Intertoto Cup in 2003 and 2007 - winning the latter edition after defeating FC Zestafoni, Slovan Liberec and OFI Crete. Tobol took part three times in the UEFA Cup and once in the UEFA Champions League but never reached a second round.
- The Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association will be held on Saturday 25th July at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Items on the agenda include the approval of the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, the minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on the 15th January, the Report of Activities of the Association (Administrative Report) and the Audited Accounts and Balance Sheet of the Association (Financial Report). Also on the agenda is the election of the ordinary members of the Executive Committee for the year 2009/2010, additions or alterations to the MFA Statute and motions.
Elections for the officials of the association will be held next year when their current three-year term comes to an end.
The candidates nominated to fill the twelve ordinary seats on the Executive Committee for the year 2009/2010 are:
(a) Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in the different Divisions:
(i) Premier Division (two vacancies):
Mr. Joseph Gauci (BKR)
Mr. Paul Spiteri
(ii) First Division (two vacancies):
Mr. Charles Caruana
Mr. Joseph Sammut
Mr. Bjorn Vassallo
(iii) Second Division (one vacancy):
Mr. Charles J. Scerri
Mr. Salvu Vella
(iv) Third Division (one vacancy):
Mr. Joseph Farrugia (KIR)
(b) Council Members in representation of Member Clubs in general (two vacancies):
Mr. Charles Caruana
Mr. Victor Cassar
Mr. Malcolm Dimech
Mr. Raymond Micallef
Mr. Antoine Portelli
Mr. Salvu Vella
(c) Council Members in representation of the other Member Associations (two vacancies):
Mr. David Abdilla
Mr. Lawrence Callus
Mr. Joseph M. Cassar Naudi
Mr. Donald Spiteri
(d) Council Members in representation of The Youth F.A. (one vacancy):
Mr. Joe Micallef
(e) Council Members in representation of the Gozo F.A. (one vacancy):
Mr. Charles Calleja
Therefore elections are necessary for the representatives of the First Division and Second Division, for Member Clubs in general and for Member Associations.
Fri 17
- A total of 110 teams, including Valletta and Sliema Wanderers, will be involved in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon this afternoon, starting at 13.30CET.
Forty of these teams will disappear from the picture once the second qualifying round ties reach their conclusion next Thursday. The 40 winners in those contests will advance to the next round along with 30 new contenders, and a seeding system based on UEFA coefficients for each club will help determine which teams face which in the two-legged ties due to be played between 30 July and 6 August.
Sliema held Maccabi Netanya in a goalless draw in the first leg of the second qualifying round clash at the Centenary Stadium while Valletta return to Malta with a prestigious 1-1 draw obtained in Richmond Park against St. Patrick's Athletic.
To reach the next stage, Valletta need just a goalless draw while a 1-1 draw would be enough for Sliema to make it to the next round.
The teams were placed is seven different groups.
Valletta were placed in Group 3 which includes:
- Hamburger SV (GER)
- Rosenborg BK (NOR) or FK Qarabag (AZE) [first leg 0-0]
- FC Slovan Liberec (CZE)
- PFC Krylya Sovetov Samara (RUS)
- SK Rapid Wien (AUT) or KS Vllaznia (ALB) [first leg 5-0]
The unseeded teams are Falkirk FC (SCO) or FC Vaduz (LIE); FK Suduva (LTU) or Randers FC (DEN); APOP/Kinyras Peyias FC (CYP); Saint Patrick's Athletic FC (IRL) or Valletta FC (MLT); FC Honka Espoo (FIN) or Bangor City FC (WAL).
Sliema, on the other hand, were placed in Group 7 which includes:
- FC Basel 1893 (SUI) or FC Santa Coloma (AND) [first leg 3-0]
- FC Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) or Galatasaray SK (TUR) [first leg 1-1]
- Fulham FC (ENG)
- NK Rudar Velenje (SVN) or FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) [first leg 0-1]
- NAC Breda (NED) or FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM) [first leg 6-0]
The unseeded teams are KR Reykjavík (ISL) or Larissa FC (GRE); SK Liepajas Metalurgs (LVA) or FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO); Sliema Wanderers FC (MLT) or Maccabi Netanya FC (ISR); KSP Polonia Warszawa (POL) or AC Juvenes-Dogana (SMR); FK Vetra (LTU) or HJK Helsinki (FIN)
Thu 16
- UEFA Europa League St. Patrick's A. vs Valletta 1-1
- Sliema Wanderers won the triangular tournament marking their hundredth anniversary - the Sliema Wanderers Centennial Cup after beating Sheffield Wednesday and Birkirkara. The tournament was held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Thursday.
In the first match, Birkirkara and Sheffield Wednesday shared the spoils in a goalless draw. Penalties therefore had to decide the issue. Marcus Tudgay, Michael Gray, Ryan France and Sean McAllister scored for Sheffield Wednesday while Richard Wood's penalty was neutralised by Birkirkara's Italian goalkeeper Francesco Maiorani. Sylvano Comvalius, Nemanja Vukanac, Paul Fenech, Alan Tabone and Trevor Cilia scored the five penalties for the Stripes who therefore won 5-4.
Sheffield Wednesday met Sliema Wanderers in the second game. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza scored the all-important goal after just forty-six seconds as Sliema won 1-0.
Playing for the Owls was Malta international striker Etienne Barbara.
The third game was Birkirkara vs Sliema Wanderers. Matthew Bartolo put Sliema ahead on 16 minutes. Sylvano Comvalius levelled matters three minutes later but Bartolo scored again for Sliema on 27 minutes to give the Blues a 2-1 win.
- Malta international defender Andrei Agius will be playing for SS Cassino Calcio in the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione next season.
The club which hails from the town of Cassino, close to Frosinone, announced that they have secured the services of Andrei Agius in co-ownership with Serie B side Salernitana Calcio.
After playing for Santa Lucia and Sliema Wanderers, at the age of 16, Agius joined Serbian First Division side FC Zemun where he played for their youth team. In summer 2004, he moved to Sporting Mascalucia and after one year with the club, he joined Messina Calcio who played in the Italian Serie A. Still being a youth player, he turned out for the club's primavera side. In season 2006/07, he was loaned to Martina Franca in the Serie C1 and the following season, he was loaned to Igea Virtus in the Serie C2.
Last summer, Agius was due to return with Messina after signing a new contract in February 2008 but with the club going bankrupt, he opted to join Igea Virtus once again.
Andrei Agius will join his new-team mates on Thursday at the pre-season training camp which is being held in Formia.
- Birkirkara goalkeeper Bernard Paris joined Floriana on loan.
A product of Birkirkara, Paris had played for one season with Balzan Youths before turning out for St. George's in the Premier League 2006/07.
Jurgen Micallef, who was on loan with Vittoriosa Stars last season, is back with the Greens. On the other hand, Glen Zammit, who was on loan with Floriana from Gudja United, is expected to join Marsaxlokk.
Birkirkara, on the other hand, have two foreign goalkeepers on trial - one from Italy and another from Hungary.
- Between August 3rd and 15th, the German city of Leipzig for the second time will become the meeting place for about thirty young ladies from Algeria, Jordan, Bulgaria, Malta, Norway, Palestine and Germany who are mad about football. Thus Leipzig, the traditional sports' city and one of the venues of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, once more will host a unique sporting event. For two weeks, young female players from Arab and European countries are invited to train together in the founding city of the German Football Association - to learn from and about one another beyond national and religious borders.
This is a project of Eurient e.V., and it will take place under the patronage of Anuschka Bernhard, youth coordinator of the football club Hertha BSC.
In light of the current discussion on Islam and Gender, the training camp is meant to make possible a "Dialogue of Cultures" - because: "Kick It! There's no offside for women!
This year, five players from Malta who play with the Pembroke Athleta Women's team will be participating in this event. They will be training along with other female players from other countries in the bid to learn from each other, not only football but also with regards to cultural differences.
Wed 15
- After an impressive season with Tarxien Rainbows, Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno caught the attention of Polish top division side MKS Odra Wodzislaw Slaski with whom he signed a three-year contract.
Last season, Bueno scored twenty-three out of the thirty-three goals scored by the Rainbows, finishing in second place in the top scorers' list behind Hibs striker Terence Scerri. This will be the third European club for Bueno who had earlier played for Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic.
Another foreign player is expected to join the Rainbows in the coming days as a replacement for Bueno.
The other two foreigners will be midfielder Denni Rocha Dos Santos who had joined the club in January and 29-year old midfielder Everton Antonio Pereira who replaces Everson Alan De Lima who was not retained.
Everton started his career with America FC and then moved to Clube Atletico Paranaense in the Brazilian top division in season 1999/2000. The following season, he tried his luck in Europe with SC Uniao Torreense in the Portuguese Second Division. He returned to Brazil where he played for Corinthians but in 2004, he joined SC Tavriya Simferopol in Ukraine.
Everton then spent a couple of years in Lithuania with FC Vilnius while for the last two years, he played for FC Jagiellona Bialystock in Poland.
Meanwhile another new signing for Tarxien is goalkeeper David Cassar, who joins the club on loan from Hibernians. Cassar was on loan with St. Patrick last season.
On the other hand, Tarxien striker Simon Shead, who was on loan with Pietà Hotspurs last year, has been loaned to newly-promoted First Division side Balzan Youths.
- After spending the last three-and-a-half years in Malta with Valletta, except for short spells in Kuwait and Israel, Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo left Malta to join East Bengal in India. The player was presented on Tuesday.
Monesterolo who played several years for the Boca Juniors youth team and for Malaysia's MPPJ Selangor before moving to Malta, had an excellent first spell with the Citizens when he arrived here in January 2006. By scoring twenty-seven goals in twenty-five league games over one calendar year, he caught the attention of Kuwait SC, moving there in Januar 2007.
The following summer, he returned to Malta and after a rather slow start, he managed to score nineteen goals to be crowned top scorer as Valletta won the BOV Premier League title 2007/08.
In summer 2008, he moved abroad once again, trying his luck with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and then Hapoel Bnei Lod in Israel. However he failed to settle down and returned to Malta last January. But this time, he spent most of the time on the bench, scoring just one goal.
The contract Monesterolo signed with East Bengal, who play in the Indian National Football League, is performance-based.
- Msida St. Joseph started their pre-season training under the guidance of new coach Mark Marlow.
After playing for several teams at club level including Hamrun Spartans, Floriana and Naxxar Lions in the Premier League, his first experience in coaching was as a player-coach with Kercem Ajax in Gozo. He then was a member of the coaching staff at the Paola Hibs Youth Nursery, coaching the Under-11 team.
Marlow then spent three years at the MFA Technical Centre where he was in charge of the Under-14 team. For the past two years, he was also the assistant coach of the Malta national futsal team.
- Valletta will be facing Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday at Richmond Park, Dublin, kick-off at 20:45, Malta time.
The Citizens made it to the second qualifying round after beating Keflavik with a 5-2 aggregate score thanks to a 3-0 win at the Centenary Stadium two weeks ago and a 2-2 draw in Keflavik last week.
Without any doubt, the test will be more difficult for Ton Caanen's side. However it is not impossible.
Clubs from Malta and Ireland met only once. Hibernians were drawn with Shelbourne in the UEFA Champions League in 2002. Following a 2-2 draw at Ta' Qali, the Paolites won 1-0 in Ireland to reach the next stage.
Valletta will be in full strength if Njongo Doding Priso solves visa problems and arrives in Ireland in time. In fact, he was not allowed to travel with the squad on Tuesday as he did not have the required visa. Otherwise Caanen is not expected to make changes from the team which met Keflavik last Thursday.
St. Patrick's have a number of players in doubt for the game. In fact, Jason Gavin, Darragh Ryan, Glen Fitz and John Lester are in doubt as they are recovering from slight injuries while Damien Lynch is suspended. Other players including Mark Quigley, Gary Dempsey, Mark Leech and Gints Freimanis are all ruled out injured. However they hope to register striker Declan O'Brien in time for the game.
St. Patrick's Athletic were founded in 1929 and were admitted to the League of Ireland in 1951. They won the championship seven times, the FAI Cup twice, the League Cup twice and the FAI Super Cup once.
In Europe, they took part for the first time in 1961 when they were drawn with Dumfermline Athletic in the Cup Winners Cup. They took part in the Inter Cities Fairs Cup in 1967 where they faced Bordeaux but then had to wait for over twenty years to take part once again in the UEFA Cup. They obtained draws with Dinamo Bucharest in the Champions Cup in 1990 and Celtic in the UEFA Champions League in 1998.
In 2002, St. Pats made Irish footballing history by becoming the first club to progress in the UEFA Intertoto Cup with a victory over Croatian team NK Rijeka over two legs thanks to the away-goals rule. However they were knocked out of the competition in the next round, also due to the same rule against K.A.A. Gent of Belgium.
Last season, they did even better. In the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, they were drawn with Latvian side JFK Olimps Riga, beating them 1-0 away from home and 2-0 at Richmond Park. In the second qualifying round, they surprised IF Elfsborg of Sweden, holding them in a 2-2 draw away from home and beating them 2-1 in Dublin. In the first round proper, they were beaten 2-0 on aggregate by German side Hertha Berlin.
After finishing second last season, they are currently joint-fifth in the Irish Premier Division with 23 points from nineteen matches.
St. Patrick's Athletic vs Valletta will be controlled by officials from Latvia, namely referee Andrejs Sipailo, assistant referees Arnis Lemkins and Vladislavs Kohans and fourth official Aleksejs Spasjonnikovs.
The game will be screened live on Melita Sports.
Tue 14
- UEFA Europa League Sliema W. vs Maccabi Netanya 0-0
- Hibernians and Malta national team goalkeeper Mario Muscat will be playing as a guest player for the Rappresentativa Valdichiana in a friendly game against Serie A side Udinese in Montepulciano on Thursday.
Muscat is currently in Italy with a group of seventeen boys from the Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School who were invited to watch the game. The boys were also invited to visit the Udinese squad which is staying at the Admiral Hotel. They had the opportunity to meet Antonio Di Natale, Gaetano D'Agostino, Samir Handanovic and Gokhan Inler.
The group will have the opportunity to train with the Serie A team on Thursday afternoon and with Ascoli on Tuesday 14th July. On Friday 17th July, a session will be held at the Stadio Artemio Franchi under the supervision of the AC Siena coaching staff.
Mon 13
- Champions Hibernians will start their defence of the BOV Premier League title won last season with a game against Marsaxlokk. The draws for the BOV National League - from the Premier League to the Third Division - were held on Monday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Runners-up Valletta take on Birkirkara while newly-promoted Vittoriosa Stars and Dingli Swallows will be meeting Sliema Wanderers and Tarxien Rainbows respectively. The other game is Floriana vs Qormi.
The first round of matches will be played between August 21 and 23.
The BOV Super Cup will be played on August 17, just four days before the BOV Premier League kicks-off. Throughout the Premier League first phase, there will be five games each week, except for breaks due to national team commitments and other competitions. There will be a two-week break in the festive season with the last games to be played in December being scheduled for the 20th and first games in January scheduled for the 8th.
The first phase comes to an end on February 15. The second phase gets underway on February 27.
The final matches from the Relegation Pool are expected to be played in the weekend 23-25 April while the final league match will be played on May 5.
In the BOV First Division, Msida St. Joseph and Hamrun Spartans, who were relegated from the Premier Division, will be facing Mqabba and Melita respectively in their first league game.
Balzan Youths, who like Melita were promoted from Division 2, will be meeting St. George's. Mosta take on San Gwann and Pietà Hotspurs face St. Patrick.
The BOV First Division will kick-off on November 21 and will come to an end on April 26. The first round ends on February 8. Unlike recent years, all teams will be in action each week with only a few short breaks due to National League 100 Anniversary Cup, Christmas and the New Year, Carnival and Easter.
In the BOV Second Division, Rabat Ajax and Senglea Athletic, who were relegated from Division 1, are set to meet newly-promoted duo Gharghur and Gzira United respectively. The other team to win promotion from Division 3 - Zurrieq - will face Lija Athletic in their first league game.
The other matches for Day 1 are Birzebbuga St. Peter's vs Zebbug Rangers, St. Andrews vs Mellieha and Gozo vs St. Venera Lightnings.
The league kicks-off on September 26 and comes to an end on May 17.
The twenty teams in the BOV Third Division were divided into two sections of ten teams each.
Luqa St. Andrew's, Siggiewi, Mdina Knights, Pembroke Athleta, Mtarfa, Ghaxaq, Kalkara, Mgarr United, Marsa and Fgura United will be playing in Section A while Xghajra Tornadoes, Swieqi United, Naxxar Lions, Gudja United, Qrendi, Zejtun Corinthians, Attard, Kirkop United, Sirens and Sta. Lucia will be playing in Section B.
The league kicks-off on September 27 and comes to an end on May 16. The Third Division Promotion Play-Offs will be played between May 23 and May 30.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud reviewed the past season and gave an outline of plans for the coming season while addressing a press conference ahead of draws for the National League, sponsored by Bank of Valletta.
Dr Mifsud said that that following to changes which were approved by the Council earlier this season, the football season now formally kicks-of on June 8. This change was due to the fact that European competitions are kicking-off much earlier than usual. In fact, three clubs have already played in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
He congratulated the performance of the Maltese teams, and especially Valletta, after they managed to reach the second qualifying round. Dr Mifsud said a 3-0 win in such a competition was something remarkable and wished Valletta similar success in the next round where they would be the first local team to go through two rounds.
The MFA president said that positive results in European competitions, including the UEFA Women's Champions League and the UEFA Futsal Cup, will continue to generate more interest in the game. He said these positive results were a natural continuation for the interesting final for last season's domestic competitions.
Dr Mifsud said that attendance for MFA competitions increased by 26,000 last year, with the biggest increase being that for the Premier League. He said this was a clear sign of the interest which the game is generating, considering that the previous year, another increase in the number of spectators was registered.
This season, the Malta Football Association will be celebrating hundred years since the first ever league which was played in Malta. The main event will be the National League 100 Anniversary Cup which will be open for all 52 member clubs. Clubs in the first two rounds will be seeded but from then onwards, there will be an open draw.
Since next season, the association will celebrate 50 years since joining FIFA and eventually UEFA, a number of activities are being planned. These include a quiz for school children and a series of articles in the Saghtar magazine which is distributed in schools, a set of commemorative stamps depicting stadiums where football was played throughout the years and the publication of a commemorative book.
A number of international meetings and seminars will also be held throughout next season. The first two will be held in September - a course on youth coaching by a FIFA instructor and a UEFA marketing seminar as part of UEFA's Knowledge and Information Sharing Scenario (KISS).
A UEFA Executive Committee meeting will be held in January. FIFA President Joseph Blatter will also be invited as a gala dinner for the presidents of the various football associations will be held at the same period. In February, two referees' seminars will be held in Malta - one for top-class referees and another for new referees on the FIFA panel.
Dr Mifsud also revealed that the association plans to organise a high-profile friendly game for the national team.
The MFA president then referred to the negative aspects which shadowed the local game.
Dr Mifsud said that rumours of corruption has always been shadowing football throughout the years. He said that last year, he had declared that the association was determined to fight this problem. A meeting was held with the Minister for Interior and the Police since help by the Police was necessary as the association cannot take all drastic action that the law permits.
He said that some people continued to abuse and thanks to co-operation with police authorities, a number of cases were taken to court and the MFA's Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices started investigating. The MFA president said that board could only investigate within particular limits but recent amendments to regulations will make it easier for this board. In fact, now even a statement to the police could be taken as evidence by the board. Unlike court where one is only found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, the board could find someone guilty on balance of probabilities.
A lawyer has been employed on a part-time basis to act as a prosecutor in cases of corruption.
The MFA president announced that doping tests will resume as from this season after the programme was suspended over the cases which were taken in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport by FIFA and WADA. He said that the association will make sure that those suspended on doping charges will not be suspended for a period which is less than the minimum stipulated by the MFA regulations.
He concluded that similar to corruption, doping was another act against Fair Play.
Meanwhile Bank of Valletta Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tonio Depasquale stressed on the bank's commitment towards continuing to support Malta's most popular sport. He said he was glad that there was an increase in the number of spectators which means that the competition is generating interest.
Mr Depasquale wished the association a year of success and said he was sure the association will continue to work hard for the good of the game.
- Sheffield Wednesday claimed the JPL Cup after defeating Floriana and Dingli Swallows in the first of two triangular tournaments as part of their one-week training camp in Malta.
The first match put against each other newly-promoted Dingli Swallows against Floriana. Jesmond Zammit's side was the better team, claiming a 2-0 win.
Sheffield Wednesday therefore were due to play Floriana in the second game. A header by Sean McAllister gave the Owls the three points as he headed home off a cross by Tudgay. Malta international striker Etienne Barbara, who is on trial with the Owls, had a good chance to score after being released by Tudgay on 34 minutes but his shot was parried by goalkeeper Jurgen Micallef.
In the third mini-game, a great goal by Etienne Esajas on 35 minutes gave Wednesday a 1-0 win over Dingli Swallows. Three points which enabled Sheffield Wednesday to claim the cup.
Sun 12
- League Championship side Sheffield Wednesday arrived in Malta on Saturday for a one-week training camp during which they will be facing four local clubs in two triangular tournaments.
Manager Brian Laws said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to gel again and also welcome on board the new lads in the squad.”
The Owls' manager has issued early praise to the team looking after the SWFC contingent at their five-star hotel accommodation in Malta. He added: "I have to say they have been first class in the short time we have been in Malta. We had a welcome meeting late on Saturday afternoon together with Mr. Warren Zahra from Alpine Sterling and Mr. Louis Agius and Mr. Sean Sullivan representing JPL SportEvents, and everything we asked for was granted. The hotel is wonderful. The team over here have bent over backwards to make sure our stay is enjoyable and now we're all looking forward to the week ahead."
On Monday, Sheffield Wednesday take on Floriana and newly-promoted Dingli Swallows in a triangular tournament for the JPL Cup. The tournament, which will be held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kicks-off at 20:00. Games will be played on a 45-minute basis.
In the first game, Floriana take on Dingli. The Owls face the loser of the first game at 21:00 and the winner at 22:00.
In this tournament, three points will be awarded for a win and no points for the loser. In case of a draw, penalty-kicks shall be taken with the winner receiving two points and the loser getting one.
Tickets cost €5.
The second tournament will be the Sliema Wanderers Centennial Cup which will be played on Thursday. Taking part in the tournament are Sliema Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday and Birkirkara.
Trophies for the Winners and the CISK LAGER player of the tournament will be presented after each tournament.
Sat 11
- First Division side St. Patrick have appointed Alfred Attard as their new coach. He replaces Winston Muscat who joined newly-promoted Premier League club Vittoriosa Stars.
After coaching at youth level, Alfred Attard led Sta. Venera to promotion from Division 3 to Division 2 in season 2005/06. Two years later, he took Balzan Youths to the first place in the Second Division but the Youths failed to secure promotion after losing a promotion decider. Last summer, he was appointed assistant coach of Sliema Wanderers.
Under the guidance of Stephen Azzopardi and Alfred Attard, the Wanderers finished last season on a high note as they claimed the U*BET FA Trophy for the twentieth time in the history of the club despite the fact that throughout the season, a number of young players were introduced to the first team.
- The Mqabba F.C. Youth Nursery, this summer will be holding a Summer School for boys and girls aged between 4 to 13 years. Apart from football skills, this summer School will also comprise other physical and educational activities. The summer school will commence on Monday 13th July 2009 and sessions will be led by Head Coach Mark Bondin assisted by the Nursery’s coaching team. Sessions will be held from Monday to Friday between 6.15pm and 7.45pm on the new synthetic turf pitches at the Mqabba F.C. Training Complex. Eurosport will provide t-shirts for all the children attending the activities.
Meanwhile, the Nursery welcomes applications from parents of boys and girls aged 4 years an over who are interested in joining the Nursery’ training activities next season and hence be part of a great fun and learning experience.
Those parents who are interested in enrolling their children in the Summer school or require further information about next season’s training sessions commencing mid-September 2009 are to contact Mark on 79051404 or Gilbert on 99827767 or send an email on mqabbanursery@gmail.com
Fri 10
- Newly-promoted Vittoriosa Stars have appointed Winston Muscat as their new coach. The agreement was signed on Thursday.
Muscat replaces Raymond Camilleri and George Faure who guided the team to the second place in Division 1 and hence promotion to the Premier League last season.
After coaching in the MFA's youth sector, Muscat joined St. Patrick in the First Division in summer 2007 and has been coaching the Saints for the past two years. Last season, the Zabbar side won the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out.
- An early penalty by Brian Howard gave Sheffield United a narrow 1-0 win over Floriana in a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground on Friday.
For this game which marked the debut of new Floriana coach Roddy Collins, the Greens had only one new player in squad - Serbian striker Daniel Milovanovic who started on the bench - while goalkeeper Jurgen Micallef and midfielder Roberto Brincat were back after being on loan with Vittoriosa Stars and San Gwann respectively.
For Sheffield United, Justin Haber played the whole ninety minutes, hoping that this season, he would finally get his first team debut.
The Blades scored the all-important goal on 15 minutes when Sunday Eboh floored Nick Montgomery inside the area and referee Clayton Pisani ordered a penalty which was converted by Brian Howard.
Goalkeeper Jurgen Micallef produced a great save on Robertson while the Greens replied with a fine freekick by Ryan Darmanin.
After the break, the Blades went close with another Robertson effort while a Darmanin header off a cross from the right by Christian Caruana ended just wide.
Substitute Daniel Milovanovic tested Haber with an inswinging corner while Roberto Brincat headed wide towards the end.
FLORIANA Jurgen Micallef, Julian Briffa, Sunday Eboh, Owen Bugeja, Clyde Camoin, Luke Agius, Joseph Borg, Marlon Briffa, Roberto Brincat, Christian Caruana, Ryan Darmanin.
Subs: John Agius, Duncan Pisani, Jermain Brincat, Ayrton Buhagiar, Jamie Portelli, Orosco Anonam, Daniel Milovanovic.
SHEFFIELD UNITED Justin Haber, Connor Brown, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Nathaniel Foster, Glen Little, Nick Montgomery, Brian Howard, Julian Gray, Jordan Robertson, Billy Sharp.
Subs: Leigh Bromby, Walker, David Cotterill, Lee Williamson, Stephen Quinn, Kyle Reid, Jamie Ward.
Referee: Clayton Pisani
- Melita Football Club have appointed Paul Zammit as President after the long-standing President Anton Naudi announced his retirement from the Presidency last month.
Speaking at the Club’s annual general meeting held at the end of last month, Mr Naudi thanked all who collaborated with him during his 26-year presidency and 48 years since joining the club as a player, steering the club to many successes, culminating in the promotion to first division last season.
Mr Naudi said he believes there is just the right blend to guarantee continuity. He said that last year’s memorable season was only possible through the great sacrifice, hard work, determination and organisation shown by all at the Club thus reaching their goal of gaining promotion to First Division. The club's Nursery was also instrumental in this, as it provided young and talented players for our Senior squads.
The Club was successful on all fronts last season, apart from promotion to the First Division, this included winners of the 2nd/3rd Div KO Competition, Youths Section B champions and the youth KO competition.
Mr Naudi also thanked all the club's amateur players, who he considers his sons, for their dedication and above all their love for the game and the club.
He finally augured Mr Paul Zammit in particular and the whole committee many more successful years in managing this club and keeping the famous “Amateur Flag” ever flying.
The new committee that was elected is made up as follows: Mr Paul Zammit as President and Mr William Martin as Vice-President. Mr Joe Borg was confirmed treasurer. Mr Alfred Zammit is the new club secretary, who replaces Oliver Lautier, who still sits on the committee and will be the club's Council Member. Other committee members include Alex Borg as Assistant Treasurer, Anthony Polidano as Kit Manager, Charles Xuereb, and newcomers John Naudi and Matthew Naudi, now the club's PRO.
Before ending the AGM, the new President, Paul Zammit, thanked all present for their trust in electing him to lead this club and, in particular, Mr. Naudi for all his hard and dedicated work throughout. He said that it is his intention to continue working in the interest of this unique club and promised to maintain the club's “amateur” status all through his term as President.
At the first meeting of the newly appointed committee it was agreed that the same coaching staff, who steered our teams to promotion last season, would be retained. This team of coaches will be led by Martin Gregory as Head Coach and assisted by Neil Zarb Cousin, Nikolai Attard and Kevin Ellul.
The committee believes that with the current and prospective players and coaches, the Club's aim of retaining first division status could be achieved.
The winners of the club's annual awards were also announced as follows:
Youth Player of the Year - Karl Zahra
Youth Top Scorer - Kane Micallef
Youth Most Dedicated Player - Justin Attard Montalto
Senior Footballer of the Year - Michael Martin
Senior Top Scorer - Matthew Borg 11
Senior Most Dedicated Player - Luke Fenech
Ladies Player of the Year - Gabriella Zahra
Ladies Top Scorer - Gabriella Zahra/Pat Borg
- Mdina Knights FC elected eleven committee members for season 2009/2010 during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday 25th June.
Subsequently, the newly elected Executive Committee re-appointed Joe Vella as Mdina Knights’ President for the second year running. Gilbert Camilleri was once again confirmed as Vice-President but will also manage the Marketing and Branding aspect of the Club. Dr David Zahra will serve as General Secretary whilst Neville Pullicino was confirmed as Treasurer.
The other members of the committee are Joseph Formosa as Sporting Director; Edmond Camilleri as Team Manager; Luke
Dalli as PRO; James Vella as Ass. Treasurer and Events Co-ordinator; Keith Galea as Ass. General Secretary and Consultant; Notary Joe Abela as the Infrastructural Co-ordinator; whilst Sean Buhagiar will administer the Mdina Knights Foundation.
Furthermore, the executive members unanimously agreed to appoint Mr. George Barbaro Sant, Director of Alberta Group, as Honorary President.
The Committee would also like to take the opportunity to announce that Mr Eric Schembri will yet again be at the helm of the technical area during the forthcoming season.
- During their first committee meeting, Qrendi FC has re-elected last year’s committee members for season 2009/10.
Daniel Farrugia was confirmed President, Carmel Farrugia as Vice President, Johann Azzopardi as Secretary, Henry Jones as Assistant Secretary/PRO, while Ivan Camenzuli and Jeffery Sacco will be in charge of the club’s finances as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Gerald Caruana, Martin Cachia and Joseph Hedley were confirmed as ordinary members.
Their first and most important signing for the upcoming season is Mr. Jimmy Briffa as coach of the senior team.
A prolific player with Sliema Wanderers FC, and the Malta National Team during the 70s & 80s, Jimmy continued sounding his name as coach with many teams, including Qrendi FC during 85/86.
The committee wishes Mr. Briffa luck and are sure that with his services the club will achieve its goals for promotion to the Second Division.
Thu 9
- UEFA Europa League Birkirkara vs Slaven Koprivnica 0-0, Keflavik vs Valletta 2-2
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- The Malta Football Association will be receiving the sum of €447,000 from UEFA funds for the upgrading of facilities at the National Stadium.
The MFA is only one of six European associations who will be receiving funds from the programme "Win in Europe" which was developed by FIFA and passed on to the European body.
Funds will be used to continue the upgrading of the National Stadium. Works include the facade of the West Stand, the reconstruction of the hanging media-boxes, the construction of a bridge from the parking area to the VIP area, the installation of new turnstiles at the West Stand, new shutter doors for the North, South and West Stands and the installation of a CCTV system.
Over the past weeks, the turnstiles have been ordered while the contract for works on the West Stand facade have been awarded. The association is now waiting for the detailed plans for the bridge leading to the VIP area and the media boxes. -
- The Malta Football Association will reduce referees' fees by 50% for the amateur member associations as from next season. This was revealed during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held earlier this month.
The District Football League, which organises the Swan League, had made such a request and finally the Malta Football Association accepted to reduce referees' fees for these associations by half.
The associations which will benefit from this reduction in fees are the District Football League, the Inter Amateur Soccer Competition and the Malta Amateur Football Association.
- Sta. Venera Lightnings FC will be starting their pre-season training on Monday 13th July at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
During a players' meeting which was held on Monday, coach Patrick Zammit and his assistant Michael Zammit addressed the players in the presence of the club committee.
Patrick Zammit announced that there will be some new faces on trial during the pre-season with some of the players eventually getting to wear the yellow and blue shirt.
- Sheffield United have confirmed that Malta international goalkeeper Justin Haber will start the game against Floriana at the Hibs Ground on Friday, kick-off at 19:30.
Haber said "I have always been very proud to wear a Sheffield United shirt and naturally doing that against my former club will be a very proud moment for me – I hope it will be followed by many more."
"Playing at the stadium won’t be new for me, I have trained and played there on
many occasions."
"Hibernians have done a lot of work on the stadium and I know that special effort was made to be able to accommodate this fixture, so I would like to offer a personal special thank you to the President Bezzina of Hibernians," concluded Haber.
Meanwhile this game will mark the debut for new Floriana coach Roddy Collins.
Tickets will be available at the gate for € 6.
Meanwhile Kevin Blackwell and the Sheffield United squad attended the Blades Charity Evening on Thursday. The event was supported by the well-liked Sheffield band Craine and Maltese singing sensation Ira Losco, who has been the island’s best selling artist for three consecutive years.
The prestigious event was hosted at the Grand Excelsior Hotel Yacht Club in aid of the Inspire Foundation, which is a new Maltese charity working in the disability sector. The foundation currently supports over 1000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities.
Guests enjoyed the opportunity to get autographs from the United squad, as well as soaking up the Yacht Club’s vibrant atmosphere. Located on the doorstep of the city of Valletta, it prides itself on its unique and breathtaking views of the island.
The harbour setting provided a perfect backdrop for Ira Losco and popular Sheffield band Craine to stage a memorable live performance in support of the Inspire Foundation.
Earlier in the week, the Malta Junior Blades hosted an Inspire Foundation Charity Party at the Splash and Fun water park. On Friday evening, two disabled children will represent the charity as the official mascots for the game between Sheffield United and Maltese Premier League club Floriana.
Sheffield United Executive Director Mike Farnan said: "We hope the Blades Charity events will help raise awareness of what a fantastic job the Inspire Foundation has achieved in such a short period, while also ensuring more disabled children and adults from the island can benefit from the charity’s work.”
- After spending the last three years on loan with Qormi, Sliema Wanderers midfielder Joseph Farrugia will be making his move a permanent one and is expected to sign a new contract with the Yellow-Blacks in the coming days.
The agreement with the two clubs was reached following a series of meetings between the two clubs and in particular, Qormi president Matthew Fenech and Sliema Wanderers president Steve Abela.
Farrugia played an important role in the team's promotion to the Premier League in season 2007/08 where he also won the Best Player award and once again was a key player last season as Qormi retained their Premier League status.
Over the past season, Joseph Farrugia was appointed team captain.
Wed 8
- New facilities in the first phase of the Sannat Ground project consisting of an artificial turf, a new lighting system and other amenites were inaugurated on Sunday 5th July 2009. This project was co-financed by the MFA, UEFA, the GFA, the Good Causes Fund, the Ministry for Gozo and Sannat Lions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Sannat Lions president Teddy Bajada said that the club's dream of transforming their ground into such an impressive way which befits the modern times, was fulfilled. In order for Sannat Lions to reach this ambition, voluntary work was necessary and in this respect, the club treasurer Giovan Buttigieg came for special mention. This club official worked for days on end together with others.
Bajada also thanked the numerous sponsors for helping out to complete the first phase of the project. He said that the second phase consisting of the construction of new dressing rooms, a multi-purpose hall and a parking area will soon get underway. Meanwhile, the third phase of the project is already being planned. This will consist of a covered stand for the spectators. The Sannat Lions President concluded by saying that this ground will also be available for all the clubs affiliated to the GFA. He thanked MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud, Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono, Minister for Finance Tonio Fenech, the GFA and all those who assisted towards the realisation of this project.
Gozo Football Association president Alvin Grech congratulated Sannat Lions for this project which will be of benefit to almost all teams in Gozo. This is because several other championships and competitions can now be held at this venue, amongst which the Under 21 and Under 17 competitions.
In this way, a new era will start for football in Gozo whereby all the competitions organised by the GFA will now be played on natural or artificial turf rather than hard, sandy surfaces. For the GFA President, this is a very positive element. Meanwhile, he referred to the project currently in hand by his Association which comprises the construction of new dressing rooms and a new VIP area at the Gozo Stadium. The aim is have the Stadium up to the required standard to host international matches. He thanked all those who helped in this first phase of the project.
MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud said that through his Association's intervention as well as his own, Sannat Lions were granted a handsome sum which could cover the expenses involved in this project. He said that after the inauguration of other facilities in Malta like those at the Centenary Stadium, the Hibernians Stadium, the Hamrun Stadium, and the grounds at Pembroke, Melita and St. Patrick, now it was the turn of the Sannat Lions venue in Gozo for work to be done there after they had applied for financial assistance to benefit from the UEFA Hat-Trick Programme funds which were supplemented to the same amount by the funding from the MFA.
Dr Mifsud expressed his appreciation at the work carried out by the Sannat Lions committee, resulting in a new facility of a high level for Gozitan football. In this way, the game will continue to develop on the island. The MFA President ended by saying that now even the GFA will be in a position to benefit from assistance for improving facilities at the Gozo Stadium, and this so that the standards demanded by UEFA can be reached.
In a concluding address, Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono said that what Dr Mifsud had said regarding the Gozitans' love for football was true. All this adds to the dedication and work put in by the GFA officials and those of all the clubs, especially that of Sannat Lions. The Minister for Gozo expressed her satisfaction at the realisation of this project which was also assisted by her Ministry despite financial constraints and other limitations. This was also true with regard to assistance to other clubs and associations in their bid to improve their sporting facilities.
Giovanna Debono appealed to everyone to use this facility at Sannat, a football venue which makes Sannat Lions and the GFA proud. She ended by showing her appreciation at the work done by the volunteers who were engaged on this project and appealed so that this concept of voluntary work in Gozo will be put on a firmer basis.
Following the speeches, the contract between the MFA, the GFA and Sannat Lions was signed by Dr Mifsud, Joseph Gauci, President and General Secretary of the MFA respectively, Alvin Grech, Joe Bajada and George Cini, President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the GFA respectively and Teddy Bajada, Daniel Camilleri and Giovann Buttigieg, respectively President, Secretary and Treasurer of Sannat Lions. Dr Mifsud then presented a cheque for €160,000 to Teddy Bajada.
A commemorative plaque was then unveiled by Can. Tarcisio Camilleri, Archpriest of Sannat, after which a football match was played between Gozo champions Sannat Lions and Dingli Swallows. Sannat Lions won 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal scored by John Camilleri in the second half.
- Birkirkara will be hosting Croatian side Slaven Koprivnica in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.
Not much was expected by the Stripes in the first leg but despite suffering an early goal, they did not lose composure and escaped from Koprivnica with a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Although Birkirkara are definitely realistic of their chances, a one-goal deficit is not something which they could not overturn. It is a difficult task but not an impossible one.
Slaven Koprivnica, better known as Slaven Belupo, have already eliminated two Maltese clubs in recent years. In the Intertoto Cup 2004, they eliminated Hibernians with a 4-1 aggregate score while last season, Slaven defeated Marsaxlokk 8-0 on aggregate.
On Thursday, new Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit is expected to adopt a cautious approach, considering that once again, he is not able to field his best formation. Undoubtedly the biggest hopes are on their latest recruit - former Hamrun Spartans striker Sylvano Comvalius.
The match will be controlled by Greek referee Georgios Daloukas who will be assisted by assistant referees Cristos Gennaios and Spyridon Tryfonas and fourth official Dimitris Kirkos.
The winner of the clash between Slaven Koprivnica and Birkirkara will face FK Milano of Macedonia with the latter hosting the first leg.
- Valletta take on Keflavik in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round on Thursday at the Keflavíkurvöllur in Keflavik, kick-off at 21:15 (Malta time).
An impressive 3-0 win in the first leg puts Ton Caanen's side as firm favourites to reach the second qualifying round and hence set up a clash with Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic.
At Ta' Qali, the Citizens played an excellent game, holding the initiative throughout the whole ninety minutes and besides scoring three goals, they went close to scoring more.
But still, the game in Iceland will be no easy game for Valletta. The temperature will be around 14 degrees Celsius, much lower than the over 30 degrees experienced during last week's game. Something which will definitely favour Keflavik.
Keflavik will be all out to score the goals they need in order to turn the score in their favour. Valletta therefore need to be careful to avoid suffering early goals in order not to complicate matters.
The Citizens are in full strength for this game with the sole exception of Cleavon Frendo who is still recovering from a long-term injury.
Keflavík reached a second round in UEFA competitions twice. In season 1979/80, they eliminated Swedish side Kalmar FF in the first round of the UEFA Cup. They lost 2-1 in Sweden but qualified on the away goals rule after winning 1-0 at home. They repeated the same success in season 2005/06 where they reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup after eliminating Etzella Ettelbrück of Luxembourg, beating them with a 6-0 aggregate score.
Valletta, on the other hand, made it to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League in 1999 when they eliminated Welsh champions Barry Town, beating them 3-2 at Ta' Qali following a goalless draw away from home.
Thursday's game will be controlled by Welsh referee Mark Whitby who will be assisted by Philip Bates and Kim Fisher and fourth official Andrew Harms.
- The Tarxien Rainbows Supporters Club was set up last month following a meeting between Tarxien Rainbows supporters which was held on June 17th.
This decision was taken after the club managed to retain its Premier League status for the first time in the history of the club. The enthusiasm shown by supporters in the decisive games towards the end of the season was what urged the set-up of this supporters club.
A committee made up of thirteen members has been elected to start working in view of giving the team the deserved support.
- For the second consecutive year, seventeen goalkeepers from the Mario Muscat Goalkeeper School will be attending a training camp in Italy from the 12th to the 18th July.
The goalkeepers will be accompanied by school director Mario Muscat as well as one of the school's coaches Simon Grech and event co-ordinator Chris Sant.
This camp will be held in Tuscany and run by Giuseppe De Fidio. who is not only the director of 'Scuola Numero Uno', a leading goalkeeping school in Italy but also the goalkeeper coach of the youth sector of Lazio.
- On behalf of Hibs supporters, Hibernians Supporters' Club issued a statement to congratulate former Hibs player Clayton Failla after winning the MFA Footballer of the Year. They also congratulated Terence Scerri for winning the top scorer award.
The committee believes the potential of Hibs players, under the guidance of coach Mark Miller and his assistant Edmond Lufi, is the result of the club's hard work over the past season.
The Hibernians Supporters' Club wished the team success for the UEFA Champions League match against FK Mogren.
Tue 7
- The long-awaited decisions over the two alleged cases of corruption involving Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa Stars have been delayed once again as the MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices decided to postpone the hearing after objections were raised by one of the clubs.
Marsaxlokk and Vittoriosa were accused with breaking Rules 113, 114 and 115 of the statute of the Malta Football Association.
The case involving Marsaxlokk will now be heard on July 21 and that of Vittoriosa on July 30.
- FIFA International Referee Marco Borg has been appointed to control the UEFA Europa League match between KS Vilaznia and Sligo Rovers. The match is being played in Shkoder, Albania, on July 9th.
The referee will be accompanied by Ingmar Spiteri and Mariano Debono as Assistant Referees and Kevin Azzopardi as Fourth Official.
- Hibernians will be facing FK Mogren in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round on Wednesday at the Stadion Pod Goricom in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica, kick-off at 20:30.
Despite failing to impress in the first leg, Mogren still managed to take home a 2-0 win. They scored a goal in each half with Marko Cetkovic putting them ahead on 32 minutes and Peter Grbic securing victory with another goal two minutes from time.
Hibernians lacked Rumen Galabov and Terence Scerri in the first game. Galabov was included in the 20-man squad which travelled to Montenegro but Scerri was not included.
The Paolites' objective will be that of a good performance and possibly a positive result although overturning the result seems to be out of question.
The match will be controlled by Welsh referee Huw Jones, assisted by assistant referees Alun Boore and John Swindley and fourth official Darren Adie.
The team which qualifies from this clash will meet Danish champions FC Copenhagen in the second qualifying round. Second round matches will be played on July 14/15 and 21/22.
- The Malta Football Association issued a statement with regards to reports in various sections of the media (not including maltafootball.com) regarding the alleged bribery case, which took place in the game between Zurrieq and Sta. Lucia, which is being heard by Magistrate Antonio Mizzi.
The association issued the statement due to a number of inaccuracies in the reports.
The statement says:
"As soon as the Malta Football Association received information regarding the alleged bribery attempt, Sta. Lucia were invited to immediately report the case to Police, as stipulated by MFA regulations.
Santa Lucija filed a protest against the result of the game. The protest was heard by the MFA Protests Board and a decision was taken.
In the mean time, the Malta Football Association wrote to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices in order to start investigating the case. The board is made up of members who are independent from member clubs. This board's procedures are separate and distinct from any procedures being taken by Police.
The case is still being investigated and therefore reports that the Malta Football Association had failed to take action are not correct."
- Alfred Attard left the post of assistant coach at Sliema Wanderers following a meeting with club officials on Monday.
Attard, who was assistant to coach Stephen Azzopardi for the past season, had abandoned the bench towards the end of the Euro Cup game between Sliema and Valletta on June 26 following a clash between the two.
Under the guidance of Azzopardi and Attard, the Wanderers finished last season on a high note as they claimed the U*BET FA Trophy for the twentieth time in the history of the club despite the fact that throughout the season, a number of young players were introduced to the first team.
The former Sta. Venera Lightnings and Balzan Youths coach is now expected to consider any offers that may come his way.
Attard led Sta. Venera to promotion from Division 3 to Division 2 in season 2005/06. Two years later, he took Balzan Youths to the first place in the Second Division but the Youths failed to secure promotion after losing a promotion decider.
Mon 6
- African Stars and Golden Girls won this year's edition of the Beach Soccer tournaments as part of the Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 which came to an end on Sunday.
The final between African Stars and New Team FC turned out to be a most exciting final as the former won 4-2 after extra-time.
The African Stars dominated the first session, scoring twice through Anthony Eviparker and Alfred Effiong, and having several shots at goal. However from the second session onwards, New Team FC shared the exchanges with their opponents. In the third session, New Team increased the pressure and after pulling one back thanks to Glenn Bonello, in the final stages, they were awarded a penalty which was converted by the same Glenn Bonello.
The game therefore went into extra-time. In the first five-minute session, no goals were scored but in the second, Anthony Eviparker scored twice to hand African Stars the Beach Soccer title.
Meanwhile in the final of the ladies' tournament, Golden Girls defeated Cheeky Monkeys 5-3.
Golden Girls were a better side in the first session taking a two-goal lead. They extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second session but Cheeky Monkeys hit back with two goals to move back in contention. However before the end of the second session, Golden Girls made it 4-2. They added another early in the third session with Cheeky Monkeys reducing the gap for a final 5-3 score.
Maria Azzopardi scored three for the Golden Girls with Charlene Zammit and Ingrid Vassallo scoring the other two. Patricia Borg scored two for Cheeky Monkeys and Dorianne Theuma scored one.
- After securing their Premier League status, Tarxien Rainbows have so far signed three players for the coming season.
David Camilleri, who spent the last six months on loan from Valletta, made his move to the club a permanent one. On the other hand, new faces in the Tarxien squad, under the guidance of Noel Coleiro who has been confirmed for another season, are Kurt Magro and Gianluca Calabretta.
Kurt Magro joins Tarxien on loan from Valletta after spending last season on loan with Msida St. Joseph.
Gianluca Calabretta, on the other hand, signed a two-year contract with the club. After playing at youth level with Hamrun Spartans and Floriana, Calabretta played for Lija Athletic and Sicilian side ASD Leonzio. He spent the last two years playing in Division 1 - first with Mellieha and then with Mosta.
Since last season, three players are no longer with the club. Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Kevin Borg return with Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans respectively after spending last season on loan. Malcolm Buttigieg was release by mutual consent.
As regards foreigners, midfielder Denni Dos Santos has been confirmed while Daniel Mariano Bueno is currently on trial in Poland.
- Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong will be staying with Qormi for another season after signing a new contract with the club.
Effiong has been attracting the interest of clubs from Israel and Cyprus but following a meeting with Qormi FC president Matthew Fenech, he decided to stay with the club.
Alfred Effiong spent a couple of years playing in Gozo for Kercem Ajax before joining St. George's in January 2007. He then moved to Hamrun Spartans in summer 2007 but last year, he joined Qormi.
- Third Division side Zejtun Corinthians secured the services of eight new players as the club tries to strengthen the squad in order to make a strong bid for promotion.
The eight new players are goalkeeper Josuel Caruana, defenders Jason Cachia, Darren Vella, Charlo Magro, Sharlon Pace, mdifielder Karl Vassallo and strikers Carmel Formosa and Kenneth Abela.
Most of these players will bring experience to the squad which will be managed by coach Edward Darmanin.
- Alex Delia is the new coach of Naxxar Lions FC. Delia who is an FA Level 3 Uefa B qualified coach will also be responsible for the technical development of club's youth sector.
Naxxar Lions will be playing in Division Three next season after being relegated from Division Two.
Meanwhile following the club's annual general meeting, Michael Zammit Tabona has been confirmed as president. Dione Drago and Maurice Calleja will be holding the posts of secretary and treasurer respectively.
- Hamrun Spartans will be starting their pre-season training on Tuesday July 14th at 19:00 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
A players' meeting will be held on Monday 13 at 19:15. Coach Stephen D'Amato and his assistant Marco Grech will be addressing the players in the presence of team manager Stefan Sultana.
Sun 5
- The various awards to players and clubs were presented during MFA Annual Awards Ceremony which was held at the Montekristo Estates, Hal-Farrug on Saturday.
In an introductory address, MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud spoke about the association's work over the past season. Dr Mifsud revealed that there was an increase in the number of spectators for competitions organised by the association. In fact, there was an increase of twenty-six thousand spectators for a total of 190,000 spectators. The biggest increase was registered in the Premier League - thirty-one thousand more than the previous season.
Dr Mifsud spoke about the projects which were completed over the past year including the installation of the artificial turf pitch at Hamrun, the installation of floodlights at the Hibs Ground, the upgrading of facilities at the Centenary Stadium and the installation of artificial turf in a number of other grounds. He said that the association is focussing on the upgrading of facilities at the National Stadium which will be funded by a €447,000 grant from UEFA. The MFA was one of only six associations which will benefit from this new programme. Other clubs will continue to benefit from funds to improve their facilities over the next year.
As regards negative points, the MFA president mentioned the suspension of the MFA anti-doping programme after FIFA and WADA challenged decisions by the MFA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. Doping tests will resume as from this season. Another negative aspect was the number of allegations of corruption. Temporary suspensions were handed to those involved until the cases were investigated. He said that the Council approved new regulations which will empower more the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices.
Dr Mifsud concluded with thanks to all those involved in the game.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli congratulated Dr Mifsud for being elected as one of the UEFA vice-presidents and said that this appointment was an honour for our country.
Mr Puli said that such awards help build role models for youngsters and that sport was essential for kids to develop a strong character. He thanked the association for its help in the organisation of futsal tournaments for children in primary and secondary schools in which over 500 children took part.
The MFA was being of an example for other associations as it was investing in facilities and said that the government was doing its part by handing facilities to be administered by clubs. Facilities in six schools are being used by clubs after school hours and discussions are underway with other clubs as well for the use of such facilities.
The Parliamentary Secretary revealed that the Malta Football Association will be one of the first associations to benefit from the 20/20 scheme thanks to which government employees will be given twenty hours paid leave for training.
The speeches were followed by the presentation of the Fair Play awards, top-scorers awards and Best Players awards for the various divisions with the main highlight being the presentation of the Footballer of the Year Award.
The presentations will come to and end with the distribution of the Maltco sponsorship money awards to the winners and finalists of all the Quick KENO and U*BET FA Trophy competitions.
Best Players' Awards 2008/09
Footballer of the Year 1. Clayton Failla (Hibernians); 2. Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers); 3. Terence Scerri (Hibernians)
Best First Division Player 1. Jeffrey Farrugia (Dingli S.); 2. Martin Deanov (Pietà H.); 3. Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa S.).
Best Second Division Player 1. George Saliba (Zebbug R.); 2. David Fenech (Mellieha); Neil Chetcuti (St. Andrews).
Best Third Division Player 1. Ayrton Buhagiar (Mdina K.); 2. Daniel Said (Fgura U.); 3. Fulvio Azzopardi (Santa Lucia).
Best Woman Player 1. Dorianne Theuma (Mosta); 2. Gabriella Zahra (Melita);3. Ylenia Carabott (Sliema R.).
Best Youth Player 1. Miguel Ciantar (Sliema Wanderers); 2. Josuel Caruana (Lija A.); 3. Alan Xuereb (Sirens).
Best Futsal Player 1. Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors); 2. Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv); 3. James Ciangura (Pentagon Properties).
Top Scorers 2008/09
Premier League 1. Scerri Terence (Hibernians) 26 goals;
2. Bueno Daniel Mariano (Tarxien R.) 23 goals;
3. Alcorse Julio (Marsaxlokk) 17 goals.
First Division 1. Eviparker Anthony (Vittoriosa S.) and Shead Simon (Pietà Hotspurs) 15 goals;
3. Uchenna Anyanwu (Dingli S.) 14 goals.
Second Division 1. Borg Matthew I (Melita) 18 goals;
2. Agius Aaron (Balzan Y.) 13 goals;
3. Celeste Ronnie (Birzebbuga S.P.) 12 goals.
Third Division 1. Buhagiar Ayrton (Mdina K.), Chetcuti Godfrey (Zurrieq), Zammit Johann (Ghaxaq) 12 goals.
Women's First Division 1 Theuma Dorianne (Mosta), D'Agostino Rebecca (Mosta) 10 goals;
3. Agliano Nora (Birkirkara), Cuschieri Rachel (Birkirkara) 8 goals.
Women's Second Division 1. Xuereb Emma (Gozo) 50 goals;
2. Gafa Joslene (Gozo) 27 goals;
3. Debono Yanika (Sta. Venera L.) 15 goals.
Futsal First Division 1. Alex Ribic (White Eagles); 2. Nebojsa Mijailovic (White Eagles); 3. Basil Onuta Emeka (Jeepers).
Futsal Second Division 1. Gary Zerafa (Paola Downtowns); 2. Darren Agius (Paola Stars Futsal Club); 3. Joseph Meilak (Fugazi 5) and Alan Zammit (Tal-Werqa SG).
Futsal Third Division 1. Charlo Magro (Capital Boys); 2. Silvio Mifsud (Safi Southsiders); 3. Ricky Zammit (ECB).
Futsal Fourth Division 1. Mario Borg (DHL Arrows) and Alan Spiteri (Red Marleys); 3. Nenad Veselji (Sliema Futsal).
Fair Play Awards 2008/09
Overall 1. Zejtun Corinthians; 2. Mdina Knights; 3. St. Venera Lightnings
Premier League Birkirkara;
First Division Mosta;
Second Division St. Venera Lightnings;
Third Division Zejtun Corinthians;
Youth League Sirens;
Women's League Pembroke Athleta.
- On Saturday 4th July, Ira Losco and Sheffield United's Maltese international goalkeeper Justin Haber launched the Blades ‘Football, Fun, Music and Sun’ pre-season tour of Malta by unveiling a giant 26ft by 13ft flag in the bright and colourful streets of Valletta.
Throughout the tour, the Blades will be inviting the people of Malta to sign the ‘friendship flag’ that will be taken back to Bramall Lane and proudly displayed at next season’s home games. Over 1,500 locals and visitors to Valletta signed the flag.
The ‘friendship flag’ features a line from the famous ‘Greasy Chip Buttie’ chant, sung by Sheffield United fans at all Blades games. Additional events where the flag will be on parade will include the Blades’ public training session, taking place on the morning of Thursday 9th July, and at the Blades pre-season friendly against Premier League club Floriana, on the evening of Friday 10th July. Both events will be staged at the Hibernians Ground.
Ira Losco was in Valletta to sign the flag and help promote the Blades Charity evening on Thursday 9th July. The event will be hosted at the Excelsior Yacht Club in aid of Inspire Foundation (Eden/Razzett tal-Hbiberija), with tickets priced at only €10 and available from The Grand Hotel Excelsior or via www.jaggedhouse.com. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Justin Haber and rest of the Blades squad, as well as enjoying a live performance from Ira Losco.
Sheffield United Executive Director Mike Farnan said: “Sheffield United is very appreciative of Ira Losco’s support for our charity event, and let’s hope many more people from the island sign the flag. We were really pleased that it was so well received by the public of Valletta.”
- Swieqi United confirmed Roberto Debrincat as their new coach. The former Fgura youths coach Roberto De Brincat signed a one year contract with the new club last night and started his coaching duties immediately.
Swieqi United held the first of two try-out sessions at the Infetti Grounds, Birkirkara. Another session will be held at the Attard Ground on Wednesday.
Sat 4
- New Floriana coach Roddy Collins is eager to sign Irish midfielder George O'Callaghan according to a report on Independent.ie.
"I've great admiration for George O'Callaghan. George to me is a player who has underachieved. He obviously went and played in the Championship but he has underachieved since he came back -- badly. He needs to play football. I had a chat with him, George would be happy to move down with his partner and his baby and it would be a good move. If he is played the right way and given the right management and looked after, he will be an absolute legend," said Collins.
O'Callaghan started his career with Portvale, first as a youth player, later signing a professional contract. In 2000, he signed a new two year deal with the club despite an offer from Tottenham Hotspur. At the end of his contract in 2002, he joined his hometown club Cork City. With the club, he was voted eircom League Player of the Year for 2005 while Cork City picked up their first league title in 12 years.
In January 2007, O'Callaghan joined Ipswich Town but left twelve moths later as he was not getting regular first-team football. In the mean time, he spent some time on loan with Brighton & Hove Albion. He returned to Cork City but after just six months, he moved to Tranmere Rovers in July 2008. Last February, O'Callaghan, who is now 29-years old joined Dundalk in Ireland after his contract was terminated.
Meanwhile the report also claims that another new signing for Floriana could be Ryan Baldacchino.
Baldacchino started his career at Blackburn Rovers in 1996 with whom he won the Under-17 Premier League and reach the FA Youth Cup final. He went on to become a reserve team regular in forthcoming seasons and was rewarded with a four year professional contract. He soon transferred to Premier League rival Bolton Wanderers in March 2000. In 2001, Baldacchino signed a three-year deal with Carlisle where he was an instant hit.
Ryan Baldacchino was a regular for Carlisle before being prized away by Scottish new boys Gretna. With Baldacchino in squad, Gretna won the Scottish Third, Second and First Division titles. Gretna arrived in style to the Scottish Premier League breaking all records on their way and many players, including Baldacchino, staying loyal to Gretna turning away potential big money moves on the way. When the club was relegated, he was transferred to Australian side Altona Magic and then joined Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
- Qormi secured the services of two Valletta players - Massimo Grima and Jonathan Bondin.
Grima will therefore extend his stay at the club for another season after playing an important role in the club's feat of retaining Premier League status.
A product of Pietà Hotspurs, the thirty-year old midfielder made his Premier League debut for the Hotspurs in season 1996/97. He then moved to Sliema Wanderers in 1998 where he spent four-and-a-half years. Grima joined Valletta mid-way through season 2003/04 but spent the last eighteen months on loan, first with Mosta in Division 1 and then Qormi last season.
Bondin is a Valletta product who made his first appearance in the Premier League in season 1998/99. The 26-year old defender has always played for the Citizens but spent the last six months on loan with Hamrun Spartans.
- The Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 comes to an end on Sunday with the finals of both the men's and ladies' tournaments.
The men's final will be contested by African Stars and New Team FC, kick-off at 18:00.
Ironically both teams played in Group B. New Team FC won the group and then defeated Calypso Music TV, who finished second in Group A, 4-2 in the quarter-finals. On Saturday, they defeated Maximuscle 7-3. On the other hand, after finishing as runners-up in Group B, African Stars defeated Group A winners Fairbet Hamrun 6-5 on penalties in the quarter-finals. Then they beat Wiggles 7-1 in the semi-finals.
Wiggles and Maximuscle will face each other in a final for third place, starting at 16:15.
Meanwhile the last round of matches from the women's tournament was held on Saturday with the following results:
PEMBROKE v CHEEKY MONKEYS 0-1
MGARR v GOLDEN GIRLS 0-4
CHEEKY MONKEYS v GOLDEN GIRLS 3-0
PEMBROKE v MGARR 2-0
PEMBROKE v GOLDEN GIRLS 1-0
CHEEKY MONKEYS v MGARR 3-0
Therefore after placing first and second respectively, Cheeky Monkeys and Golden Girls will be contesting the final which kicks-off at 17:15.
The tournament is being held in Golden Bay where a beach soccer stadium was built for this purpose.
- Gozo’s Joe Bajada was one of three foreign referees who joined the Italian colleagues to form the group of officials to control the matches of the VIVA World Cup 2009. The matches were mainly controlled by Italian referees, except for two matches from the group stage that were controlled by Baker Seerwand Salman of Kurdistan and Per Anders Blind of Sweden.
Due to Joe Bajada’s experience in the sector, he was appointed for the matches from the final stages. Bajada made his debut as a fourth official in the delicate and decisive match from Group 1 between Padania and Kurdistan on Wednesday June 23 at Stadio Rigamonti of Brescia; a match between the best two sides in the tournament that also ended up contesting the final. Padania won this match 2-1, with the decisive goal arriving from a dubious penalty. On this occasion, Bajada was called to make difficult interventions to control the situation on the touch line especially due to protests arriving from the Kurdistan bench. On the next day Bajada was the first assistant referee in the semi-final between Padania and Sapmi at Stadio Silvio Piola of Varese. Padania registered a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Joe Bajada left a positive impression and he was appointed once again as the first assistant referee for the match to determine the third and fourth place between Provence and Sapmi at Stadio Rigamonti of Brescia. The match ended in a dramatic draw of eight goals but Laponia ended third after a 5-4 win in the penalty shoot-out.
As a recognition of Bajada’s contribution and performances, he was honoured with an appointment to control the exhibition match before the final of the tournament at Stadio Bentegodi of Verona between a team of ex-professional players and a team formed of representatives from the community Shalom of Palazzolo sull’Oglio.
In a statement issued by Dott. Mario Mazzoleni, who was the president of the referees Commission for the VIVA World Cup 2009, Joe Bajada was praised for his integration with the group, for his punctuality for the training and the technical meetings and also for his preparation in the technical knowledge. Joe Bajada was awarded a ‘very good’ standard and was recommended to the NF Board to be selected for the next edition of the VIVA World Cup.
Fri 3
- As part of a one-week training camp in Malta, Sheffield Wednesday will be playing in two triangular tournaments against local opposition. This was revealed during a press conference which was held on Friday at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. Julian's.
Speaking on behalf of JPL Sports Events, Louis Agius said the company has been working hard to promote local football both in Malta and abroad. The first event was the friendly match between Valletta and Ancona which was played in January. They also played an important role in the organisation of a triangular tournament between Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Udinese. The main objective is that of bringing foreign scouts to Malta in order to send Maltese players abroad and attracting foreign clubs to Malta where they could conduct pre-season training.
The two tournaments, which will be held on Monday 13th and Thursday 16th July at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, will be played on a 45-minutes basis.
Floriana and newly-promoted Dingli Swallows will be taking part in the first tournament which will be held on Monday 13. The first game is between Floriana and Dingli, kick-off at 20:00. This will be followed by the match between the loser of the first game and Sheffield Wednesday at 21:00 and the match between the Owls and the winner of the first game at 22:00. The teams will be playing for the JPL Cup.
The second tournament will be the Sliema Wanderers Centennial Cup which will be played on Thursday 16. Taking part in the tournament are Sliema Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday and another team. The third team is supposed to be Valletta but in case they qualify for the next round of the UEFA Europa League, their place will be taken by Birkirkara. If Birkirkara reach the next round as well, then Sliema will face Sheffield Wednesday in a normal 90-minute game.
The fixtures for this second tournament will be as follows: 20:00 Valletta/Birkirkara vs Sheffield Wednesday; 21:00 loser vs Sliema Wanderers; 22:00 Sliema Wanderers vs winner.
In both tournaments, three points will be awarded for a win and no points for the loser. In case of a draw, penalty-kicks shall be taken with the winner receiving two points and the loser getting one.
Louis Agius said that the participation of Maltese clubs in these two tournaments will continue to help give further exposure to local football abroad. In fact, the Sliema Wanderers Centennial Cup could be screened in the UK as the organisers are currently in talks with Sky, BBC, ITV and Setanta over the TV rights. This tournament will be broadcast by Melita Sports as well.
Sliema Wanderers president Steve Abela said the Sliema Wanderers Centennial Cup is part of the club's celebrations marking the hundredth anniversary. The club had just inaugurated the newly-refurbished club premises in Tower Road and will inaugurate the new complex in Tigne in the coming weeks.
Alpine Sterline Managing director Warren Zahra said that his company, which focusses on incoming tourism, approached Sheffield Wednesday in January, offering them to hold the pre-season training in Malta. The president and team manager visited Malta in February and were satisfied with the high standard of facilities - both training grounds and accomodation. The Owls are now looking forward to this pre-season tour.
Accompanying the team for this one-week training camp - between July 11 and 18 - will be over 260 supporters.
- Sheffield United will be facing Floriana in a friendly match at the Hibs Ground on Friday 10th July as part of the Blades' pre-season tour in Malta.
Sheffield United have announced an exciting range of ‘Football, Fun, Music and Sun’ activities that will enable the Maltese to make the most of the Blades’ pre-season tour which will be held between Monday 6th and Friday 10th July. The first in a series of activities will be on Saturday 4th July, when the Blades’ event team will be displaying a giant Sheffield United flag in Valletta. The people of Malta will be invited to sign the flag that will be taken back to Bramall Lane and proudly displayed at all of the next season’s home games.
On Monday 6th July there is an invitation to join the Malta Junior Blades Charity Evening at the Splash and Fun Water Park, from 17.30 to 21.00 hrs. Tickets will be sold at the park for €10, which includes a meal and drink.
As part of ‘Malta Music Week’, the Blades have invited popular Sheffield-based band Craine to play hits from their debut album, ‘Sleeping Vixen,’ on the evening of Tuesday, 7th July. This music feast will be hosted at Bugibba.
A celebrity Blades team will feature in the Sun Fun Football Tournament on the island on Wednesday 8th July, hosted at the Floriana ‘All Weather Pitches’. The squad features Blades legend Brian Deane, United youngster Travis Binnion, a surprise Maltese player and members of the Sheffield pop band Craine. They will take on teams from The Grand Hotel Excelsior, Fortina Spa Resort and Maritim Antonine Hotel in a 6-a-side Tournament.
On the morning of Thursday 9th July, Sheffield United will be opening their summer training camp to the public at the Hibernians Stadium.
Another highlight of the tour will be a Blades charity evening on Thursday 9th July. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with the Sheffield United first team squad, as well as getting an autograph and photograph with the players. This will be a prestigious occasion to soak up the atmosphere at the Excelsior Yacht Club, where Ira Losco will be joining Craine to provide the entertainment. Tickets are priced at only €10 and available from The Grand Hotel Excelsior or via www.jaggedhouse.com, with all the profits being donated to charity.
Providing a perfect finale to ‘Football, Fun, Music and Sun’, the Blades pre-season game will be staged on the evening of Friday 10th July, against Premier League club Floriana, hosted at the ground of Hibernians FC.
Sheffield United Chief Executive Jason Rockett said: “’Football, Fun, Music and Sun’ demonstrates what a unique relationship we have with Malta. We wanted to create a number of events that will be attended by the Blades squad, so that locals and fans travelling from Sheffield have an opportunity to get closer to the team. Combined with the ‘Music Week’, this promises to be a special occasion for Malta and Sheffield United Football Club.”
A limited number of ‘Blades on Tour’ t-shirts will be handed out free at all the events.
- The Beach Soccer tournaments in the Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 enter the final phase with the semi-finals being played on Saturday and the finals for both the men's and women's tournaments scheduled for Sunday.
In the quarter-finals, Group B runners-up African Stars defeated Group A winners Fairbet Hamrun 6-5 on penalties while Group B winners New Team FC defeated Calypso Music TV, who finished second in Group A, 4-2. Group C winners Wiggles beat Group D runners-up Sao Paolo 4-2 while Maximuscle - winners of Group D - beat Group C runners-up Outsiders 6-3.
In the first semi-final on Saturday, African Stars face Wiggles, kick-off at 18:00, while at 19:00, New Team take on Maximuscle.
Thu 2
- UEFA Europa League Valletta vs Keflavik 3-0, Slaven Koprivnica vs Birkirkara 1-0
- Malta Futsal champions White Eagles were drawn in Group E in the preliminary round of the 2009/10 UEFA Futsal Cup. The draws were held in Nyon on Thursday.
White Eagles will be facing Nautara Kaunas of Lithuania, KF Tirana of Albania and FC Madriu of Andorra. Nautara Kaunas will be hosting the tournament which will be played between August 15 and 23.
The winner of Group E will then play in Group 2 of the main round of the competition together with FK Era-Pack Chrudim (Czech Republic), Hurtapu Leczyca (Poland) and the winners of Group C.
- The Club Management Seminar conducted over two days by FIFA lecturer Jorge S. Baptista on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th June at the Centenary Hall, was concluded successfully, with around 35 club administrators from MFA member clubs gaining invaluable experience in the various aspects of modern club management.
After an insight was given by Mr Baptista on basic requirements for running a club, followed by an exposition of the subject dealing with the transition from a purely amateur to a semi-professional administration, there were questions from the participants followed by discussions on the topics. Those present were then divided into workshop groups, after which each unit representing the Premier/First Division, the Second and the Third Division clubs made very useful presentations which included suggestions for improving their 'modus operandi'.
Communication with all stakeholders turned out to be another interesting and useful topic. The subject was thoroughly dealt with as the association/clubs relations with the media was comprehensively looked into when a general discussion ensued.
The activity, held under the auspices of FIFA, was an excellent opportunity for local clubs administrators to continue developing their skills in club management and this in the wake of the course the MFA has been conducting for these personnel in recent months on the initiative of the Association's Committee for Administrators.
The event was introduced and concluded by MFA Senior Vice-President Carmel Bartolo and co-ordinated by Louis Micallef, the association’s Assistant General Secretary (Administration).
- The Beach Soccer tournaments in the Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 enter the final phase with the final group matches being played on Wednesday and Thursday. This will be followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals which will be played during the weekend.
Wednesday's results: Stuzzico Beach Boys vs Fairbet Hamrun 1-8; Wiggles vs Outsiders 4-2; Jungles vs Sao Paolo FC 0-3; Napoli vs Wiggles 0-1; African Stars vs Export Lions 6-2; Maximuscle vs Jungles
Thursday's results: Calypso Music TV vs Radio 101 3-0
Napoli vs Outsiders 0-3; New Team FC vs African Stars 2-1; Export Lions vs Demons FC 2-3; Maximuscle vs Sao Paolo FC 5-4; Maximuscle vs Jungles 3-0
Fairbet Hamrun won Group A with nine points, three ahead of Calypso Music TV. Stuzzico Beach Boys placed third with three points and Radio 101 fourth with no points. In Group B, New Team FC emerged as winners with 9 points, followed by African Stars on 6, Demons FC on 3 and Export Lions 0.
Wiggles and Outsiders ended their commitments with nine points each in Group C. Wiggles, however, place first thanks to a better goal difference. Napoli placed third in the group. Meanwhile Maximuscle won Group D with maximum points from four matches, ahead of Sao Paolo FC with 6 and Jungles with no points.
The quarter-finals will be held on Friday with the following fixtures:
17:00 FAIRBET HAMRUN v AFRICAN STARS; 17:45 NEW TEAM FC v CALYPSO MUSIC TV; 18:30 WIGGLES v SAO PAOLO FC; 19:15 MAXIMUSCLE v OUTSIDERS
Wed 1
- Valletta will be hosting Keflavik of Iceland in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 17:30.
In the 70s, Maltese teams like Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians had managed to eliminate teams from Iceland, namely Akranes and Fram Reykjavik but the situation changed in recent years when Hibernians and Birkirkara were eliminated by IB Vestmannaeyjar in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 and by KR Reykjavik in the UEFA Champions League in 2000 respectively.
This game is therefore no easy task for the Citizens. After missing out on the Premier League title and the FA Trophy, Valletta are eager to bounce back. Following the signing of new Dutch coach Ton Caanen, two Dutch players were welcomed on board - Jordi Cruyff and Geert den Ouden. The latest addition is Under-21 international Steve Borg who joined the club from Division 1 side Mosta.
Geert den Ouden and Steve Borg are both available for Thursday's game and therefore Ton Caanen has all the players at his disposal since there are no injured players.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Dutch coach said that he would like to see his team playing positive football. Caanen said he was satisfied with how they played in the Euro Cup.
He admitted that the fact that the league in Iceland is well underway puts Keflavik at an advantage but "in football, you always have a chance. If we fight, we have a chance. We have to make our best to show we are well-prepared," said Ton Caanen.
Keflavik have already played ten league matches so far and are currently fourth with 18 points following a 1-1 draw with UMF Grindavik on Sunday. Like Valletta, they placed second last season, one point behind champions FH Hafnarfjördur.
Keflavík are based in the town of Reykjanesbaer in Iceland. They won the championship four times - 1964, 1969, 1971 and 1973 - and the Icelandic Cup another four times - 1975, 1997, 2004, 2006. They played in all the major European competitions, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup, the Cup Winners´ Cup and the Intertoto Cup.
Keflavík played their first game in Europe in 1965 after winning the title the previous year. They were drawn against Hungarian side Ferencváros in the European Cup. The Hungarians won 9-1 and 4-1 for a 13-2 aggregate win. In the early 70s, Keflavík were lucky to be drawn against some of the top European teams including Everton in 1970, Tottenham Hotspur in 1971 and Real Madrid in 1972.
In season 1979/80, they eliminated Swedish side Kalmar FF in the first round of the UEFA Cup. They lost 2-1 in Sweden but qualified on the away goals rule after winning 1-0 at home. They repeated the same success in season 2005/06 where they reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup after eliminating Etzella Ettelbrück of Luxembourg, beating them with a 6-0 aggregate score.
The second leg will be played on Thursday 9. The winner of the clash between Valletta and Keflavik will meet Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic in the second qualifying round.
- Birkirkara face a most difficult task on Thursday as they face Croatian side NK Slaven Koprivnica in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round at the Stadion Gradski in Koprivnica, kick-off at 19:00.
This summer the Stripes lost Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who joined Sliema Wanderers. They released four of their foreign players, namely Bulgarian trio Ivailo Sokolov, Krasen Valkov and Kiril Mihaylov and Italian defender Mauro Di Lello.
New coach Paul Zammit took over last week in the last game of the Euro Cup. A tournament in which they suffered three defeats to Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Hibernians.
To make matters worse, the Stripes could not count on Danish defender Ronni Hartvig who is unavailable for these two matches. The only new players should be foreign players. In fact, last week, four Serbian players turned out for Birkirkara, namely Nemanja Kokanovic, Davor Vidosavljevic, Peter Pavlovic and Nikola Vukanac. They also hope Sylvano Comvalius would be eligible to make it for the game.
NK Slaven Koprivnica, better known as Slaven Belupo, already met Maltese clubs twice. They 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. Last year, they eliminated Marsaxlokk from the UEFA Cup with an 8-0 aggregate score beating them 4-0, both at home and away.
Slaven gained their first promotion to the Prva HNL in 1997 and have been playing in the top Croatian league ever since. 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 Coruña.
In 2007/08, 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. After beating Marsaxlokk last year, they went on to reach the first round of the UEFA Cup as they eliminated Greek side Aris Thessaloniki from the second qualifying round on a 2-1 aggregate score. In the first round, they were beaten with a 3-1 aggregate score by CSKA Moscow.
Last season, Slaven Belupo placed fourth in the league with 55 points from 33 matches.
The second leg will be held at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday 9. The winner of the clash between Slaven Koprivnica and Birkirkara will face FK Milano of Macedonia with the latter hosting the first leg.
- Valletta presented their latest two signings - Geert den Ouden and Steve Borg - during a press conference at the club premises in Valletta on Wednesday.
Thirty-two year old Geert den Ouden is a highly experienced player, having played for a number of clubs in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie - the Dutch Premier and First Division and later in Sweden. He started his career with Excelsior in season 1998/1999 and after three years, he moved to RBC Roosendaal. In 2003, he joined Djurgardens in the Swedish top division. In season 2004/05 he returned to Holland where he played for Den Haag for two years. den Ouden then spent one year with Willem II, another with Excelsior and last year with De Graafschap.
On the other hand, twenty-one year old Steve Borg is a Mosta product and has been a key player in the team for the past years after making his Premier League debut in season 2005/06 when he was still a seventeen-year old. Borg, who played for all youth national teams - Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21, has been attracting the interest of other Premier League clubs including Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara.
Club president Victor Sciriha said it was an honour for Valletta to have a player like Geert den Ouden. He said that such players help to improve the level of the game in Malta and that he believes that he would turn out to be a very valid asset for the Citizens this season. As regards Steve Borg, Sciriha said that he believes the club did a very good choice in signing him. He thanked Nicky Saliba for playing an important role in his signing.
Valletta coach Ton Caanen started by thanking president Victor Sciriha and team manager Nicky Saliba for doing a good job in strengthening the team.
Caanen said that den Ouden is one of the top ten strikers in the Netherlands and is well-known in Sweden, describing him as a player "who was born and lived in the box." He said the Dutch striker has the necessary experience and is able to handle pressure as games in European competitions bring about.
The Dutch coach said that with the arrival of Geert den Ouden, he can opt for any of two or three different systems in attack.
He also suggested that being a top professional player, den Ouden could also be used in youth development in order to inspire young players.
As regards Steve Borg, Ton Caanen said that when the Under-21 international was playing for Malta in Ukraine last month, he was told by two friends of him that one of his main characteristics was that of being able to read the game well.
Caanen said that the fact that Steve Borg opted to join Valletta shows a lot about his character as he is determined and not afraid to challenge for a place in the team.
Asked why he opted to move to Malta, Geert den Ouden said that two weeks ago, he had spoken to Ton Caanen who seemed very enthusiastic about the club. He said that he had decided to leave his former club and the fact that besides Ton Caanen, Valletta had already signed Jordi Cruyff, made him choose the Citizens.
On the other hand, Steve Borg said that Valletta were actually the last team to approach him. He admitted that at one point, he was not sure whether to opt for Sliema or Valletta as both were teams which were due to challenge for the title. However he said that the Citizens showed greater determination and after speaking to coach Ton Caanen, he opted to sign a five-year contract with the Citizens.
Valletta team-manager Nicky Saliba said the move for Steve Borg arrived at such a late stage as they wanted a replacement for Josef Mifsud who joined Sliema Wanderers. Saliba revealed that the deal was agreed in just two hours.
Ton Caanen said the club was not expected to sign more new players although he said that considering the performance of some of the Valletta players while playing for the national team in Sweden, he would not be surprised if there was some offer from abroad for Valletta players.
The Dutch coach admitted he will be on the look-out for young talented players and said he will start creating profiles of such players who are currently with other clubs in order to be prepared to sign them in future if the need arises.