maltafootball.com

February 2005

Sun 27

Premier League Pietà H. vs Msida SJ 1-1, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 1-2

First Division Mqabba vs San Gwann 2-0, Marsa vs St. George's 2-2

Second Division Gzira U. vs Qormi 0-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Attard 1-1

Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Ghaxaq 0-1, Birzebbuga SP vs Kirkop U. 1-0

Women's First Division Hibernians vs Raiders 3-0, Birkirkara vs Rabat A. 1-1

Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Victoria H. 2-0, Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 4-4

Sat 26

Premier League Birkirkara vs Floriana 3-0, Hibernians vs Valletta 0-3

Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Mellieha 0-3, St. Andrews vs Melita 0-0

Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 1-3

Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Sannat L. 1-3

Fri 25

Third Division Kalkara vs Zejtun C. 0-1, Sirens vs Mgarr U. 1-1

The Police Commissioner issued instructions for supporters attending the Premier League matches on Saturday.
Floriana and Valletta supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mdina Road, Rabat and use the parking area in front of the Millennium Stand and next to the Basketball Pavillion.
They will be seated in the West Side C and Millennium Stand - South side.
Birkirkara and Hibernians supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mosta or Attard (Pitkali Road) and should park their cars in the parking area in front of the Enclosure and the road leading to it.
Birkirkara and Hibernians supporters will be seated in the West Side A and Millennium Stand - North side.
Searches will be carried out by police and objects which could be used as missiles will not be allowed.

Wed 23

Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after receiving a fourth yellow card or after being sent off during the first round of matches in the Championship Pool.
Birkirkara goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin who was sent off in the game against Hibernians on Monday will be missing next Saturday's clash with Floriana.
Also missing the game will be Floriana midfielder Christian Cassar who received his fourth yellow card last weekend.
Marsaxlokk midfielder Andre Schembri and Sliema Wanderers defender Brian Said will be missing Sunday's clash between Marsaxlokk and champions Sliema.
On the other hand, Jonathan Bondin of Valletta will be unavailable for the Citizens against Hibernians on Saturday.

Hamrun Spartans coach Michael Degiorgio was handed a one-year suspension by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following the incidents which took place at the end of the First Division match between Hamrun and Mosta last Sunday.
Philip Camilleri of Mosta who was sent off during the same match was suspended for one match.
Other players to be suspended for one match were Heathcliff Schembri (St. George's) in Division 1, Louis Buhagiar and Stephen Callus (Attard), Victor Fiteni (Dingli) and Eric Sciberras (Zebbug) in Division 2, Antoine Muscat (Xghajra) in Division 3.
Robert Fenech (Hamrun) was handed a one-match ban in the Reserves League while Elon Cassar and Clayton Axisa (Attard), Martin Anastasi (Birkirkara), Steve Meilaq (Hamrun), Justin Farrugia (Mqabba), David Falzon (Sta. Venera) and Clayton D'Amato (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match in the Youth League. Ivan Borg (Marsa) was suspended for three matches in the Youth League.

Mon 21

Premier League Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 4-1, Birkirkara vs Hibernians 1-1

Sun 20

Premier League Lija A. vs St. Patrick 1-0, Sliema W. vs Floriana 2-1

First Division St. George's vs Balzan Y. 3-1, Mosta vs Hamrun S. 1-0

Second Division Zebbug R. vs Dingli S. 0-2, Rabat A. vs Gzira U. 3-3

Third Division Siggiewi vs Pembroke A. 0-1, Gudja U. vs Fgura U. 3-0

Women's First Division Mosta vs Birkirkara 0-2, Melita vs Sta. Venera L. 1-0

Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Nadur Y. 1-4, Xewkija T. vs Xaghra U. 3-2

Sat 19

Premier League Valletta vs Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara vs Hibernians postponed
The two Premier League matches scheduled at the National Stadium on Saturday have been postponed. These matches will now be played on Monday at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.

Second Division Attard vs Tarxien R. 0-1, Qormi vs St. Andrews 0-0

Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-2, Oratory Y. vs Qala SJ 1-2

Fri 18

Third Division Luqa SA vs Gharghur 0-4, Xghajra T. vs Sta. Lucia 0-3

MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud issued his reaction to the statement by the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports deploring comments he made during the February 10 programme 'MFA Magazine' on Smash Television.
Dr Mifsud said he does not agree with the statement by the GhKS claim that he could have taken action as deemed in the Press Act and insists he feels he has every right to use adjectives he deemed appropriate to describe persons who offended him and/or damaged his reputation. Recourse to the Press Act is an individual's right but it is not obligatory.
The MFA president has doubts over whether the person who issued the statement had actually watched the programme. Otherwise he would have not made those remarks about my and the MFA's appreciation of the good service the media usually gives to Maltese football, continued Dr Mifsud.
"In fact, I praised and thanked on behalf of the MFA the journalists, including some who worked to undermine my chances of being re-elected to the MFA presidency, for their contribution to local football. But at the same time, I criticised with strong words and with words I deemed appropriate, those who in my opinion say stupid things and/or lie about me or the MFA."
Dr Mifsud concludes his statement by pointing out that in future, he will be more specific about who are these individuals and the stupid things they are saying. This was after all one of the main aims for which the MFA is producing this television programme.

Thu 17

After suffering a 0-3 defeat to Norway at Ta' Qali last week, Malta lost another place in the FIFA Ranking list as published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 136th place.
The next game for Malta is the game against Croatia on March 30. Malta then plays four matches in four days in Sweden on June 4th and Iceland on the 8th.
Among other European countries, Malta is 47th, lying behind Cyprus (108, up 1), Northern Ireland (111, down 2), Azerbaijan (117, down 2), Moldova (115, up 1), Armenia (120) and Faroe Islands (132). Behind Malta are Andorra (139, up 2), Liechtenstein (144), Kazakhstan (149), Luxembourg (154, up 1) and San Marino (161, up 4).

Wed 16

No matches from the Premier League second phase will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium following a decision of the MFA Executive Committee on Friday.
This decision was taken following complaints about the pitch of the Hamrun ground.
Therefore for the next five weeks, Championship Pool and Relegation Pool matches will be played at the National Stadium on Saturdays and the Hibernians Ground on Sundays.

Three Premier League players will be missing the first match of the second phase after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Birkirkara defenders Precious Monye and Mark Anthony Bonnici will be missing the game against Hibernians while Lija Athletic midfielder Gordon Camenzuli will be missing the clash with St. Patrick.
Other players to be suspended for one match were Brian Bonello (Balzan), Martin Borg (Mqabba), Mario Debono (Mellieha), Kristian Galea and Alex Debono (Sirens). James Tabone (Qormi) was suspended one match in the Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
Balzan Youths masseur Tonio Micallef and Gozo FC team manager were fined Lm 15 and Lm 25 respectively. Pembroke Athleta Under-19 coach Gordon Grima Baldacchino was fined Lm 25.
Youth players Conrad Chetcuti and Marco Schembri of Tarxien were both suspended for one match.

The MFA notifies that the closing date for Member Clubs and Member Associations to send contributions in aid of Associations in countries hit by the Tsunami disaster has been extended to Monday 28th February 2005.

Mon 14

Second Division Mellieha vs Sta. Venera L. 1-1, Melita vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1

Sun 13

Premier League Lija A. vs Hibernians 0-1, Valletta vs Pietà H. 4-1

First Division Gozo vs Senglea A. 1-2, Balzan Y. vs Mqabba 1-3, Marsa vs Naxxar L. 1-2

Third Division Ghaxaq vs Kirkop U. 2-2, Zurrieq vs Birzebbuga SP 2-1

Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gudja U. vs Dingli S. 1-1 aet (3-1 pen), Qormi vs Gharghur 2-0

Women's First Division Raiders vs Melita 1-2, Rabat A. vs Hibernians 0-5

Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 1-0

Sat 12

Premier League St. Patrick vs Birkirkara 3-3, Sliema W. vs Floriana 1-0

Third Division Zejtun C. vs Sirens 1-2, Mgarr U. vs Ta' Xbiex 2-0

Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Sannat L. 2-6, Oratory Y. vs SK Victoria W. 1-4

Fri 11

The MFA Technical Centre will be organizing another Coaching Young Footballers (CYC) Course at Ta' Qali Technical Centre on two days, the 12th and 13th March, 2005.
Applications are available from the Technical Centre at Ta' Qali during office hours. A passport-size photo is also required.
The closing date for applications will be on Monday, 7th March, 2005.
Applications will be accepted on a 'first come first served' basis.

Thu 10

Third Division Pembroke A. vs Gudja U. 0-1, Fgura U. vs Kalkara 2-0

Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mellieha vs Kirkop U. 3-1, Vittoriosa S. vs Gzira U. 1-0 aet

Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Zebbug R. 1-2, Kercem A. vs Victoria H. 3-2

Wed 9

International Friendly Malta vs Norway 0-3

Newly-appointed FIFA referee Chris Lautier was one of the referees who surpassed the 3000 metre-mark in the Cooper Test run at the meeting for new European FIFA Football Referees being held in France.
Twenty of the 30 referees taking part in the course achieved this mark, with Lautier covering 3210 metres in the twelve-minute run. One official failed the test while another had to pull up with muscle spasm. The same officials also did very well in the 50-metre and 400-metre runs.
These targets correspond to what UEFA wants their referees to achieve in this physical fitness test.
Two other FIFA referees Joe Attard and Anton Zammit have also been praised by the UEFA Medical Director Prof. Werner Hertzel for having kept up very high standards of fitness.
Both these referees had formed part of the UEFA Talents Programme. They have kept in direct contact with the medical director, sending him monthly reports on their physical preparation programmes and following any advice given.
Prof. Hertzel has informed the UEFA Referees Committee of his total satisfaction at the achievements of Attard and Zammit.

Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday.
William Camenzuli of Birkirkara, Daddy Okeke of Lija Athletic and Darren Debono of Sliema Wanderers will be missing the last match from the first phase against St. Patrick, Hibernians and Floriana respectively.
On the other hand, Msida St Joseph midfielder Kevin Sammut will be missing the first game of the Relegation Pool against Pietà Hotspurs.
Andrew Decesare (San Gwann), Malcolm Tirchett (Senglea), Christian Micallef (Attard), Angelo Borg (Rabat), Emanuel Sank (St. Andrews), Marco Sultana (Birzebbuga), Karl Vella Petroni and Kris Sargent (Gharghur), Jesmond Azzopardi (Luqa) and Neil Attard and Brian Gilford (Xghajra) were all suspended for one match.
On the other hand, Michael Cutajar was suspended for three matches.

Floriana FC held a press conference at the Hotel Bernard on Wednesday to present their January signings and give details regarding the Xaghra project and the possibility of linking up the club's youth nursery with a foreign football academy.
Addressing the press conference were Acting President Mr Tony Zahra, the Treasurer Mr Trevor Zahra, council member George Carbone, coach Willie Vassallo and Floriana FC Nursery president Dr. Hugh Peralta.
Mr Tony Zahra said that the work on the three 5-a-side synthetic pitches, which can also be used as a 9-a-side pitch, started in January. The project called for the removal of the old infrastructure in place, the erection of a boundary wall all round in cement blocks, the laying of culverts, installing poles, fencing and floodlights and finally the laying of the synthetic turf. The total cost of the upgrading will be around Lm 100,000.
Mr Zahra said that at the end there will be a major improvement in facilities in Floriana, and there will be a major improvement to the environment of Floriana in general. Mr Zahra thanked Minister Ninu Zammit for providing the labour force to remove the old facilities and helping with the building of the walls and the installation of poles and wire fencing. The installation of the synthetic turf is being done by German technicians coming over specifically for the job. Mr Zahra also thanked Minister Louis Galea for all the support he has given to this project.
This project, which was financed by a company named Green Investments Limited, is expected to be completed by mid-April. Booking for these pitches opens on June 1.
Floriana also plan to install a synthetic turf on the 11-a-side pitch in about two years' time. Such a pitch would be much easier to maintain unlike the present natural turf pitch and would pose less problems. In fact, bad weather usually forces the team to carry out training sessions elsewhere.
Floriana are working on the possibility of establishing a tie with a foreign football academy. Discussions with clubs from Northern and Eastern Europe have already been held.
Mr Zahra argued that in Malta, there are promising youngsters until they reach the age of 14 or so. However they do not seem to be able to move from that point to the point where some of them move abroad to play with foreign clubs.
"We now need to move to that stage and the idea of the academy and the tie up is to try and move our young adults from Malta to playing abroad. The size of the country is no excuse," citing Iceland as an example. "A Soccer Academy could be the final push that is necessary to reach this stage and the facilities coupled with the academy could move closer to our goal," added Zahra.
Dr Hugh Peralta agreed that such an idea of a tie with a foreign club is of utmost importance for the nursery in order to improve its standards.
Floriana aim at turning the Xaghra into a centre for sporting excellence. Mr Zahra went on to say, "We have to keep this dream alive and we have to move on to other areas of the Xaghra. This will not be at all easy as it requires a lot if finance and needs to be commercially viable if the facilities are to be maintained to the highest standard."
The Greens have just secured a place in the Championship Pool. Coach Willie Vassallo expressed his satisfaction although he admitted Floriana need to improve.
"Although we are not playing the best football, we still managed obtained good results. I feel that apart the top three teams, we can beat the other teams. The Championship Pool is a different league and therefore the fourth place is not beyond reach."
Tony Zahra stressed that the club's main objective is still a place in one of the UEFA competitions. "It is not easy but I am confident that the team is strong enough to be able to secure that place."
Vassallo believes that Floriana has the pedigree to do well. "Some people wrote off Floriana too quickly. We are seeing a resurgence of enthusiasm, commitment from the supporters and sponsors of Floriana as well as commitment from the Committee which is evident from the activity of the upgrading of the facilities taking place and the acquisition of players".
As regards the new signings, Vassallo said Mauro Brincat will be useful for the club as he is able to play in various positions. On the other hand, Anthony Eviparker could be the striker the team lacked.
Asked about why several Floriana players were released over the past years, Mr Tony Zahra said it was not the club's intention to release players. However when players ask to leave, as it was the case of Shaun Bajada, their request is accepted because the club will not retain any players against their will.
Mentioning Under 21 national goalkeeper Reuben Gauci, who is reportedly interested in joining another club next season as his contract expires in June, Zahra said Floriana offered him a new contract, within the MFA parameters, accepting all his requests.

Tue 8

Under-21 Friendly Malta vs Norway 2-1

Marsaxlokk midfielder Jamie Pace is set for his national team debut as Malta takes on Norway in a friendly match at Ta' Qali on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:00.
Pace is one of three uncapped players in the squad although he played for the Malta XI in a friendly match against a selection from the region of Andalucia in December.
Malta vs Norway will also be a farewell match for David Carabott.
Carabott, who is currently playing for Ghajnsielem in Gozo after joining them on loan from Marsaxlokk in November, had decided to quit the national team to concentrate on club football last May. He collected a record number of 122 national team caps since making his debut on November 15, 1987 in a European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.
The inclusion of Carabott will probably be the only change from the team which played against Andalucia. He will replace Alex Muscat who was in the Under-21 team which defeated Norway 2-1 on Tuesday.
Justin Haber will be confirmed in goal although the other goalkeeper in the squad - Saviour Darmanin was preferred to Haber in the last two matches for Birkirkara after joining them from Pietà.
David Carabott will be joining Jeffrey Chetcuti, Brian Said and Stephen Wellman in defence.
The four midfielders will be Gilbert Agius, Jamie Pace, George Mallia and Ian Azzopardi.
Joining Ivan Woods in attack will be Andrew Cohen of Hibernians who scored 13 goals in the Premier League. Woods is the current top scorer with 14 goals. Strikers Michael Mifsud and Michael Galea were dropped from the squad as they were recovering from slight injuries.
The other players at the disposal of Horst Heese are Adrian Pulis, Stefan Giglio, Massimo Grima, Kevin Sammut, Peter Pullicino and Etienne Barbara.
This will be the sixth game between the two countries. The first match was a friendly match at the Empire Stadium in Gzira in November 1961 which ended in a 1-1 draw. In another friendly played in Trondheim in July 1972, Norway registered a comfortable 5-0 win. Malta then hosted Norway in the Rothmans Tournament in February 1990 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The last two games between the two countries were European Championship qualifiers. Norway won 1-0 at Ta' Qali in December 1994 and 2-0 in Oslo in June 1995.
The game will be controlled by referee David Malcolm (FIFA & N. Ireland FA). He will be assisted by assistant referees Ingmar Spiteri and Konrad G. Borg and fourth offical Lorry Sammut.

Mon 7

National coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil named the final squad for next Wednesday's friendly match against Norway at Ta' Qali.
The game will serve as preparation for next month's European Championship qualifier against Croatia in Zagreb and another two away fixtures to Sweden and Iceland in June.
Two players were dropped from the provisional squad - Michael Mifsud of Norwegian side Lillestrom and Birkirkara striker Michael Galea. Michael Mifsud has just recovered from an injury he sustained while on a training camp with his club. Galea, on the other hand, suffered a slight injury in last Saturday's game against Lija.
The squad includes former national team captain David Carabott who is set for one final appearance.
Carabott, who is currently playing for Ghajnsielem in Gozo after joining them on loan from Marsaxlokk in November, had decided to quit the national team to concentrate on club football last May. He collected a record number of 122 national team caps since making his debut on November 15, 1987 in a European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.
Massimo Grima (Valletta) and Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), who were both included in the friendly match against a selection from the Spanish region of Andalucia in December, were retained in the squad. Pace is one of three uncapped players together with Adrian Pulis and Kevin Sammut. On the other hand, Grima is back for the national team after six years.
The players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), David Carabott (Ghajnsielem), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema) and
forwards Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk).
This will be the sixth game between the two countries. The first match was a friendly match at the Empire Stadium in Gzira in November 1961 which ended in a 1-1 draw. In another friendly played in Trondheim in July 1972, Norway registered a comfortable 5-0 win. Malta then hosted Norway in the Rothmans Tournament in February 1990 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The last two games between the two countries were European Championship qualifiers. Norway won 1-0 at Ta' Qali in December 1994 and 2-0 in Oslo in June 1995.
The game will be controlled by referee David Malcolm (FIFA & N. Ireland FA). He will be assisted by assistant referees Ingmar Spiteri and Konrad G. Borg and fourth offical Lorry Sammut.
The game kicks-off at 19:00. Match-ticket prices are:
West Stand Sides 'A' and 'C' (Enclosure) - Lm 3.00
Millennium Stand - Lm 2.00
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Card Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders - Free.
Tickets will be available from the National Stadium on match-day. Ticket-booths will open at 18:00.

Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller dropped four players from the squad for Tuesday's friendly against Norway at the Hibernians Ground.
Pietà defenders David Camenzuli and Andrew Spiteri, Hibernians midfielder Clayton Failla and Floriana striker Nicolò Baldacchino were in fact left out of the 18-man squad.
For the Under-21 side, the game against Norway will be the second match in two weeks following a fine performance against the Italian Under-20 side last week. This match will serve as preparation for next month's Under-21 Championship qualifier against Croatia in Zagreb and another two away fixtures to Sweden and Iceland in June.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Shawn Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
forwards Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians).
The match will be controlled by Adrian D. Casha who will be assisted by assistant referees Joe Rapa and Joe Camilleri and fourth official Chris Lautier.
The match kicks-off at 14:00. Entrance is free of charge.

The Norwegian senior and Under 21 sides arrived in Malta on Monday afternoon on Air Malta flight KM 2647 from Oslo for the friendly matches in programme on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Under-21 game is scheduled at the Hibs Ground on Tuesday at 14:00 while the senior sides' game kicks-off at 19:00 at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
Norway coach Age Hareide named a 20-man squad which includes all the top players who play in various European countries. The squad in fact includes England-based players Klaus Lundekvam, Morten Gamst Pedersen and John-Arne Riise, John Carew of Besiktas and Sigurd Rushfeldt of Austria Wien.
SK Brann midfielder Raymond Kvisvik has been named in a full-strength Norway squad for the first time. Kvisvik scored twice on Norway's recent three-match tour of the Middle East.
There was one last-minute change in the squad as Tromso goalkeeper Knut Borch replaced Thomas Myhre of Sunderland. Twenty-four year old Borch has been in impeccable form that led to an invitation to train with Arsenal in December.
The players selected by Hareide are:
Espen Johnsen (Rosenborg BK), Knut Borch (Tromso IL), Trond Andersen (Aalborg BK - Denmark), Andre Bergdomo (BV Borussia Dortmund - Germany), John Carew (Besiktas JK - Turkey), Hassan El Fakiri (Monaco FC - France), Erik Hagen (FC Zenit St. Petersburg - Russia), Thorstein Helstad (Rosenborg BK), Magne Hoset (FK Kobenhavn - Denmark), Steffen Iversen (Valerenga IF), Azar Karadas (SL Benfica - Portugal), Frode Kippe (Lillestrom SK), Raymond Kvisvik (SK Brann), Tommy Svindal Larsen (1. FC Nurnberg - Germany), Claus Lundekvam (Southampton FC), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers FC - England), John Arne Riise (Liverpool FC - England), Petter Rudi (Molde FK), Sigurd Rushfeldt (FK Austria Wien - Austria) and Stale Stensaas (Rosenborg BK).
Norway lead the standings in Group 5 of the European Championship qualifiers, together with Slovenia, on seven points from 4 matches, one point ahead of Italy.
Meanwhile Under-21 coach Hallvar Thoresen named an 18-man squad for this game.
The players selected by Thoresen are:
Iven Austbo (Viking), Jan Kjell Larsen (Haugesund), Trond Erik Bertelsen (Fredrikstad), Tarjei Dale (Odd Grenland), Lars Martin Engedal (Start), Espen Ruud (Odd Grenland), Henning Hauger (Stabaek), Daniel Fredheim Holm (Valerenga), Oyvind Hoas (Molde), Kristofer Haestad (Start), Petter Vaagan Moen (Ham.Kam), Tommy Eide Moster (Molde), Kristian Flittie Onstad (FC Lyn Oslo), Bjorn Helge Riise (FC Brussels), Armin Sistek (Odd Grenland), Morten M. Skjonsberg (Stabaek), Aleksander Gabrielsen (Viking), Lars Iver Strand (Tromso).
The Norwegian contingent leaves Malta on Thursday at 11:00.

Sun 6

Second Division Gzira U. vs Zebbug R. 1-1, Dingli S. vs Attard 2-4

Third Division Gharghur vs Xghajra T. 1-1, Santa Lucia vs Siggiewi 4-2

Women's First Division Hibernians vs Mosta 5-0, Birkirkara vs Sta. Venera L. 6-1

Contrary to what has been previously notified in the media earlier on, the MFA Technical Centre will be organizing another Instructional Meeting on Monday, 14th February, 2005, for holders of UEFA A, UEFA B, A and B Licence Certificates. The meeting will commence at 17.30hrs and is intended to be a theoretical session.

Sat 5

Premier League Birkirkara vs Lija A. 4-0, Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 2-1

First Division San Gwann vs Gozo 0-0, Senglea A. vs Mosta 2-1

Second Division St. Andrews vs Rabat A. 4-3, Tarxien R. vs Mellieha 2-1

Gozo - Second Division Qala SJ vs St. Lawrence S. 4-1

Mr Joe Attard has been appointed to control the Friendly 'A' International match between Northern Ireland and Canada which is being played in Belfast on the 9th February, 2005. Assistant referees from the Republic of Ireland will be assisting Mr Attard.
The Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio (FIGC) has invited the Malta FA to appoint officials for the Under 21 friendly International between Italy and Russia which will be played in Olbia, Sardinia on Tuesday, 8 February, 2005. The Malta FA has appointed Mr Anthony Zammit as Referee and Messrs Philip Agius and Charles Micallef as his Assistants.

The Malta Football Association will be organising a course for 'Trainee' Referees. This course will commence on Monday, 21st February 2005. Sessions will be held at the Malta Youth FA Headquarters, 25, Market Street, Floriana.
Interested persons (males and females) are invited to send their application to: The Head, Referees Department, Malta FA, 280, St Paul's Street, Valletta.
Applications can also be sent by email, addressed to: tom.restall@mfa.com.mt
These applications are to reach the Malta FA by not later than Wednesday 16th February 2005.

Fri 4

Premier League Pietà H. vs Sliema W. 2-3, Hibernians vs Valletta 2-1

Third Division Kirkop U. vs Zurrieq 2-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Luqa SA 2-1

Thu 3

Lija Athletic defender Daniel Cosaitis was banned for one match after he was found guilty of hitting an opponent in the match against St. Patrick. The incident went unnoticed by the referee but video-evidence was brought in front of the disciplinary commissioner as a proof.
During the game St. Patrick vs Lija Athletic on January 16 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, which ended in a 2-0 win over St. Patrick, following an argument between Cosaitis and Clayton Failla of St. Patrick, with the Lija defender reacting by hitting Failla. Referee Adrian Azzopardi was looking in the opposite direction and the assistant referees failed to notice the incident as well.
Cosaitis will now served this ban in the next league game against Birkirkara on Saturday.

A 15-year old goalkeeper who attends the Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School will be leaving Malta on Saturday for a one-week trial with English Premiership side Southampton.
Fifteen-year old Adam Debattista, who plays for the Valletta Under-16 side, has been attending the school for the past 18 months and was selected for this trial by one of the agents based in the UK who are linked to the Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School.
During this trial, Debattista will have the opportunity to play a friendly match later next week.

Former national team captain David Carabott is set for one final appearance for Malta next week as national coach Horst Heese included him in the provisional 20-man squad for the friendly match against Norway.
Heese and Under-21 coach Mark Miller named the provisional squads for the two friendly matches against Norway. The Under-21 sides face each other on Tuesday at the Hibernians Ground while the senior sides meet on Wednesday at the National Stadium.
Carabott, who is currently playing for Ghajnsielem in Gozo after joining them on loan from Marsaxlokk in November, had decided to quit the national team to concentrate on club football last May. He collected a record number of 122 national team caps since making his debut on November 15, 1987 in a European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.
Also in the provisional squad are Massimo Grima (Valletta) and Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), who both made their first appearance for the national in a friendly match against a selection from the Spanish region of Andalucia in December.
The players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), David Carabott (Ghajnsielem), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema) and
forwards Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk).
For the Under-21 side, the game against Norway will be the second match in two weeks following a fine performance against the Italian Under-20 side last week.
The 22 players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Shawn Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
forwards Nicolò Badacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians).

The Futsal League is entering an interesting phase with the second round of matches in the three divisions getting underway.
In the First Division Section A, El Mundos closed in on Air Malta Cabin Crew with champions Serbia and Vindaloo, also maintaining their challenge. In Section B, Hibernians lead ahead of Swing Kids and King of Shaves.
Konica Minolta Gunners lead the standings in the Second Division Section A with maximum points and are therefore firm favourites to win the section. Zurrieq FC also claimed maximum points from the matches played so far in the Second Division Section B.
In the Third Division Section A, the team formed during Net Television's reality show, Net Stars extended their positive run to an impressive seven wins in seven matches. Goals by Michael Degiorgio, Malcolm Camilleri and Alessandro Ciantar gave them a 3-0 win over Webcraft on Wednesday.
In Section B, ECB FC lead the table, followed by Korol three points behind. Three teams share the top spot in Section C with 13 points - Lazio Supporters Club, Central Bank and Fugazi. Lazio SC and Central Bank, however have a game in hand. Southsiders, on the other hand, are on top in Section D with a comfortable lead over the other teams.

Wed 2

Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban on Wednesday after collecting a fourth yellow card last weekend. The players are Kris Laferla and Ivan Woods of Sliema, Manrico Porceddu of Msida and Richard Buhagiar. However Buhagiar will not serve this ban with Marsaxlokk as he was transferred to Ghajnsielem in Gozo.
Woods and Laferla will be missing Sliema's next game against Pietà Hotspurs on Friday while Porceddu will be unavailable for Msida against Marsaxlokk on Saturday.
Other players to be suspended for one match include Keith Fabri of Hamrun Spartans, Louis Buhagiar of Attard. Andrea Zammit Tabona of St. Andrews and Kalkara duo Jeremy Gatt and Kevin Schembri.
Three Zebbug Rangers players - Gordon Mallia, Bruce Genovese and Keith Farrugia - were suspended for one match. Zebbug coach Vincent Carbonaro was fined Lm 25.
Christian Abela of Mgarr was also suspended for one match but another two Mgarr players - Neil Busuttil and Gordon Said were suspended indefinitely and their case was referred to the Council of the Malta Football Association.
Mgarr coach Joseph Grech was fined Lm 25 and suspended for six months while kit-manager Josef Galea was also suspended for six months.
Three youth players were banned for one match in the Youth League - Ennio Desira (Birzebbuga), Matthew Camilleri (Naxxar) and Edward Ciantar (Rabat).

Tue 1

Norway coach Age Hareide named a 20-man squad ahead of next Wednesday's friendly 'A' international match against Malta at Ta' Qali. After taking an experimental squad drawn almost exclusively from the Norwegian and Swedish leagues for a trip to the Middle East last week, Hareide chose all the top players who ply their trade around Europe for the Malta friendly.
The squad in fact includes England-based players Thomas Myhre, Klaus Lundekvam, Morten Gamst Pedersen and John-Arne Riise, John Carew of Besiktas and Sigurd Rushfeldt of Austria Wien.
The players selected by Hareide are:
Espen Johnsen (Rosenborg), Thomas Myhre (Sunderland - England), Trond Andersen (Aalborg - Denmark), Andre Bergdølmo (Borussia Dortmund - Germany), John Carew (Besiktas - Turkey), Hassan El Fakiri (Monaco - France), Erik Hagen (Zenit St. Petersburg - Russia), Thorstein Helstad (Rosenborg), Magne Hoset (København - Denmark), Steffen Iversen (Valerenga), Azar Karadas (Benfica - Portugal), Frode Kippe (Lillestrøm), Raymond Kvisvik (Brann), Tommy Svindal Larsen (Nurnberg - Germany), Claus Lundekvam (Southampton), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn - England), John Arne Riise (Liverpool - England), Petter Rudi (Molde), Sigurd Rushfeldt (Austria Wien - Austria) and Stale Stensaas (Rosenborg).
The match on Wednesday kicks-off at 19:00. Match-ticket prices are:
West Stand Sides 'A' and 'C' (Enclosure) - Lm 3.00
Millennium Stand - Lm 2.00
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Card Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders - Free.
Tickets will be available from the National Stadium on match-day. Ticket-booths will open at 18:00.
A day earlier, Malta and Norway face each other at Under-21 level. The match will be played at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 14:00. Entrance for Tuesday's game is free of charge.

Reference is made to the Press Release issued by the MFRA on 20th January 2005 which was carried in certain sections of the Press wherein the Referees Association commented on recent disciplinary decisions after incidents involving match officials.
The MFA would like to state that the MFRA should not be drawn into such issues. There are MFA-appointed Boards which are independent of the MFA Executive Organs and whose decisions have to be respected by all.

Newly-appointed FIFA Referee, Chris Lautier, is currently attending a UEFA Course for European Referees whose names have been included for the first time on the Fifa Referees' List.
Besides attending lectures, the referees will also have a Fitness Test and a test on the English language.
The course is being held on the Cote D'Azur, France.

Floriana FC treasurer and PRO, Mr Trevor Zahra issued the following statement following reports in certain media (not maltafootball.com), where it has been alleged that he approached Chris Oretan to join Floriana FC following publication that he was returning to Malta.
Zahra states: "I wish to clarify and put on record the events leading up to the negotiations with Chris Oretan especially in light of Mr. Paul Spiteri's comments directed to me personally on televised Sports program on Sunday 30th January 2005.
"On Thursday 23rd December 2004 I received a message from a colleague of Mr Oretan who plays for a local club informing me that Chris is deciding to return to Malta and would be interested in joining Floriana FC. I personally contacted Chris by telephone and made an offer direct to him, which offer fell 100% in line with the maximum parameters as allowed for a full time non amateur player.
"Mr. Oretan assured me that he was evaluating the offers available and would get back to me. Having not heard from Mr. Oretan I contacted him approximately two weeks later and he informed me that he had decided to Join Valletta instead of Floriana. I accepted and respected his decision wishing him the best of luck. I next crossed paths with Mr. Oretan on Monday 10th January in Floriana itself when Mr. Oretan saw me and approached me to say hello and that he had arrived in Malta. I asked him if he was sure about his decision to which he replied that he was certain. I told Chris that should he decide otherwise, the door would always be open provided we had the vacancy.
"On Monday 17th January, Mr. Oretan called me on my mobile phone and informed me that negotiations had broken down with Valletta and if the offer of Floriana was still open. I Agreed to meet with him and reiterated the same offer that I had made to him in December again in line with MFA parameters. I also confirmed that Floriana would not be able to offer a signing on fee and in such a case he would be granted a free release to join any club he wished to at the end of his contract.
"Mr. Oretan promised me that he would get back to me. At 21:15 on Monday 17th January, Mr. Oretan called me and told me that he had decided to sign for Valletta. I asked him if it was a question of money to which he replied that the offer of Valletta was always better than that of Floriana and the stumbling block stopping him from signing with Valletta was the free release at the end of contract.
"Contrary to Mr. Spiteri's comments on TV on Sunday 30th January 2005, at no point in time did I as representative of Floriana FC ever make an offer to Mr. Oretan that exceeded the maximum parameters as laid down by the Malta Football Association."