May 2006

Wed 31

• Malta completed their programme in the 7th European Tournament for U-18 Youth and Amateur National Teams with victory over the Italian Amateur team after a penalty shoot-out.
  The result after 90 minutes was 1-1, with Tyron Farrugia scoring Malta’s goal in the 24th minute.
  According to competition rules a winner had to be declared on penalties. Malta won after edging the Italians 6-5 on aggregate.
  Poland won the group with four points and proceeded to the final. Italy were second with three points followed by Malta with two.
• The Council of the Malta Football Association approved new rates of payment for referees for the next five years.
  Referees controlling top level matches including Premier League, FA Trophy, Super Cup and Euro Cup matches used to receive Lm 27 for each game. Next year, they will be receiving Lm 31 while as from January 2008, the rate will increase to 75 euro (Lm 32.20). The rates for the next three seasons will then be: 2008/09 - 80 euro (Lm 34.34), 2009/10 and 2010/11 - 100 euro (Lm 42.93).
  Assistant referees for these matches will be paid the following fees: 2006/07 - Lm 15.50; July-December 2007 - Lm 15.50; January-June 2008 - 37.50 euro (Lm 16.10); 2008/09 - 40 euro (Lm 17.17); 2009/10 and 2010/11 - 50 euro (Lm 21.47).
  Fourth officials will be paid the following fees: 2006/07 - Lm 10.50; July-December 2007 - Lm 10.50; January-June 2008 - 25 euro (Lm 10.73); 2008/09 - 27 euro (Lm 17.17); 2009/10 and 2010/11 - 30 euro (Lm 12.58).
  Referees' fees for First Division matches will be as follows: 2006/07 - Lm 18.00; July-December 2007 - Lm 18.00; January-June 2008 - 43 euro (Lm 18.46); 2008/09 - 43 euro (Lm 18.46); 2009/10 and 2010/11 - 50 euro (Lm 21.47).
  Assistant referees in First Division matches will be receiving: 2006/07 - Lm 9.00; July-December 2007 - Lm 9.00; January-June 2008 - 21.50 euro (Lm 9.23); 2008/09 - 21.50 euro (Lm 9.23); 2009/10 and 2010/11 - 25 euro (Lm 10.73).
  Fees for referees in Divisions 2 and 3 will start from Lm 13 as from next season, rising gradually to 35 euro (Lm 15.03) in season 2010/11. Assistant referees will receive Lm 6.50 next season with the fee rising gradually to 17.50 euro (Lm 7.51) in season 2010/11.
  Referees for Youth League, Women's League and futsal matches will receive a fee of Lm 8 as from next season with the fee increasing gradually to 24 euro (Lm 10.30).
  Fees for Under-14 and Under-16 matches start at Lm 5.75 next season rising to 16 euro (Lm 6.87) in five years' time.
  Referees for matches in the GFA First Division will be paid at the same rate as those in the MFA First Division while those for the GFA Second Division will be paid Lm 11.50 next year with the fee increasing gradually to 31 euro (Lm 13.31) in five years' time.

Mon 29

• Marsaxlokk's Andre Schembri received his first national team call as he was named in the provisional squad for the international friendly match against Japan in Dusseldorf next Sunday. This game will be part of the Japanese team's preparation ahead of their FIFA World Cup commitments.
  Schembri will not be the only uncapped player in the Malta squad as Valletta midfielder Jonathan Bondin was also included in the provisional squad. Sliema Wanderers midfielder Roderick Bajada also returns to the squad after making his debut more than two years ago.
  The squad includes three foreign-based players - goalkeeper Justin Haber of US Quevilly, Luke Dimech of Chester City and Andrei Agius of Messina. The latter was included once again in the national squad after making his debut in the game against Moldova in the Coca-Cola and Multiplus International Tournament in February.
  Michael Mifsud is ruled out due to league commitments with Norwegian club SK Lillestrom.
  The squad is therefore made up of:
  goalkeepers Justin Haber (Quevilly), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
  defenders Andrei Agius (Messina), Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Luke Dimech (Chester), Adrian Pulis (Hibs), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Valletta), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
  forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs) and Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk).
  Meanwhile the game against Malta will be the last one for Japan before it opens its World Cup campaign on June 12 against Australia. Coach Zico has no injury concerns and is set to deploy a 3-5-2 formation with Bolton Wanderers midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata and Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura in midfield and Takashi Fukunishi, Akira Kaji and Brazilian-born Alessandro Santos on the wings.
  Japan lacked a cutting edge in front of goal in their past two friendlies at home against Bulgaria and Scotland and will be counting on Atsushi Yanagisawa, who has just recovered from a broken metatarsal, and German-based Naohiro Takahara to provide the spark in attack.
  The Japanese squad is made up of:
  goalkeepers Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo), Yoshikatsku Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight);
  defenders Alex Dos Santos (Urawa Reds), Akira Kaji (Gamba Osaka), Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka), Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F-Marinos), Makato Tanaka (Jubilo Iwata), Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Reds);
  midfielders Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata), Junichi Inamoto (West Bromwich Albion), Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic), Hidetoshi Nakata (Bolton Wanderers), Koji Nakata (Basel), Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers), Shinji Ono (Urawa Reds) and
  forwards Seiichiro Maki (JEF United), Masashi Oguro (Grenoble), Naohiro Takahara (Hamburg), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus Eight), Atsushi Yanagisawa (Kashima Antlers).
  The Maltese contingent leaves Malta, destination Dusseldorff on flight KM 352 at 08:00 on Friday.
• The Malta Under-18 team were beaten 3-1 by Poland today in a match valid for the 7th International Tournament of Paestum, in Italy.
  According to the first reports, despite the result the Maltese played a satisfactory match, more so when considering they had to play with ten men after Jonathan Pearson was sent off in the 42nd minute.
  Malta were one goal down at that moment and had had some goal-scoring opportunities.
  In the second period, Poland went 2-0 ahead, before Tyron Farrugia reduced the deficit three minutes from time. However, the Poles restored their two-goal advantage soon afterwards for a final 3-1 scoreline.
  Malta will be playing against Italy on Wednesday. On Monday, the Italians beat the Poles in the opening group match.

Sun 28

• Under-21 Friendly Match Malta vs Tunisia 1-2
  The Malta Under-21 National team suffered a 1-2 defeat to Tunisia in a friendly match at Ta' Qali.
  With the Under-21 side have no competitive matches in programme for the next fifteen months, coach Mark Miller opted to introduce two new players in the starting line-up - Melita's Edward Herrera and Joel Sammut Vazquez, a former Birkirkara player, now on the books of Legia Warsaw. Another three young players Christian Caruana and Angus Buhagiar, both of Floriana, and Msida's Tyrone Farrugia, who were included as substitutes, were all making their debut.
  Malta took the lead on 28 minutes when off a cross from the left by Matthew Bartolo, the Tunisian goalkeeper saved partially. Edward Herrera's shot off the rebound was blocked but Ryan Fenech placed the ball at the back of the net.
  Two minutes later, the visitors equalised thanks to a dubious penalty. Referee Chris Lautier judged a challenge by Josef Mifsud on Youssef Mouhibi as a foul and ordered a penalty. Mohammed Ali Garzoul made no mistake from the penalty spot.
  Tunisia took the lead on 68 minutes when off a cross from the left by Aymen Ben Amar, Maher Gamoudi served Harbaqui Hamdi who scored from close range.
  It was only in the final six minutes that the Maltese went close to notching the equalizer. Six minutes from time, an intelligent dipper by Angus Buhagiar was tipped into a corner by the goalkeeper and a minute later, a header by Christian Cassar was blocked by a defender.
  The Tunisian goalkeeper came to the rescue on 86 minutes partially saving a Steve Bezzina effort from close range. Off the rebound, Ian Zammit hit just wide. Finally a direct freekick by Andrei Agius ended just wide in stoppage time.
• Gozo - Super Cup Kercem A. vs Xewkija T. 2-0
• Gozo - Promotion/Relegation Decider Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H. 1-2

Fri 27

• FA Trophy Floriana vs Hibernians 0-1
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Qormi vs Gzira U. 1-1 (5-4 pen)
• Discriminatory behaviour, the use of blasphemous, vulgar or obscene language by players, committee members or supporters could now land local clubs into serious trouble as a record minimum fine of Lm 7,000 is one of the sanctions which is part of the amended MFA regulations dealing with misconduct and incidents during competitive football matches which was approved by the Council of the Malta Football Association last Thursday.
  These harsh sanctions had to be included in the MFA regulations after FIFA threatened any member association who fails to comply with Article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code with the exclusion from international football for two years.
  In a statement issued by FIFA on March 29, FIFA had asked all member associations to impose harsher sanctions following what was described as "a surge in discriminating gestures and language at football matches in recent months."
  Article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code: Non-discrimination was revised and now stipulates a match suspension of five matches at every level of football as well as a minimum fine of CHF 20,000 (around Lm 5,500) for any act or expression of a discriminatory and/or contemptuous nature. If an official commits such an offence, the fine will be CHF 30,000 (around Lm 8,000). Clubs would be fined CHF 30,000 for discriminatory banners or behaviour by their supporters. Points will be deducted automatically from that team.
  The statement says that The confederations and associations are obliged to incorporate the provisions of this article in their disciplinary code and statutes and to enforce the sanctions stipulated. Any association fails to comply with this article will be excluded from international football for two years.
  The following is a summary of the amended MFA regulations:
  Players, officials and supporters who publicly disparage, discriminate against or denigrate someone in a defamatory manner on account of race or language or religion or ethnic origin or had perpetrated any other discriminatory and/or contemptuous act, including the display by supporters of banners bearing discriminatory slogans, or had used blasphemous language or had used vulgar or obscene or insulting language or behaviour in a chorus, shall be punished as follows:
  (a) (i) the Club shall be fined a minimum amount of seven thousand liri (Lm 7,000) for each such offence committed during the season and
  
  (ii) If the offence is committed during a league match, the Club shall have deducted three (3) points for the first such offence during the season, six (6) points for the second such offence during the same season whilst such club shall be relegated for the third such offence during the same season. If the club has less points than those deducted as a result of the application of this rule, those points shall be recorded as deficit points in the league competition in the following season even if the club is relegated; or
  
  (iii) If the offence is committed during a match played on a knock-out basis, the Club shall be removed from the competition. If the Club would have not proceeded to a further stage, it shall not be allowed to participate in the same competition during the following season. If the offence had taken place during the final match, the club shall be declared to have lost the match if it had won the competition. If it had lost the match or is declared to have lost the match but it has still qualified for a UEFA Competition through that competition, it shall not be allowed to compete in such UEFA Competition. If the club concerned had neither won the competition nor qualified for a UEFA Competition, it shall be barred from taking part in the same competition in the following season.
  (b) In the case that the offence consists in obscene language or behaviour by the club's supporters in a chorus, the Club shall be fined a minimum amount of Lm l00 for the first offence during the season and a minimum amount of Lm 200 for each and every such subsequent offence committed during the same season. However, if the obscene language includes the patron saint or saints, such obscene language or behaviour shall be deemed to be blasphemous and the sanctions in section (a) shall apply.
  
  (c) In the case that the offence consists in moral violence in a chorus against others or the use of vulgar or insulting language or behaviour by supporters in a chorus, the Club shall be fined a minimum amount of Lm 25 for the first offence during the season. However, if the moral violence in a chorus against others includes the patron saint or saints of cities, towns or villages, such moral violence shall be deemed to be blasphemous and the sanctions in section (a) shall apply.
  (d) In case that during the commission of any of the above mentioned offences musical instruments were used by supporters the club shall be prohibited from having its supporters use musical instruments during at least the rest of the season. If such prohibition is not adhered to, the club concerned shall be guilty of an offence and shall be fined the amount of Lm 500 for each such offence during the prohibition period.
  Meanwhile another amendment in The Players' and Club Officials' Disciplinary Code states that any player who is found guilty of having publicly disparaged, discriminated against or denigrated someone in a defamatory manner on account of race, religion or ethnic origin shall be penalized with a suspension of five (5) matches and with a fine of Lm 5,000. For the same offence, an official will be fined Lm 7,000.
• The Luxol Stadium with a newly-installed artificial turf pitch was inaugurated on Friday. The project cost the club around Lm 350,000.
  Present for the inauguration were Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and Youth FA president Fr Hilary Tagliaferro. They delivered speeches along with the club's technical director Mr Pippo Psaila and club director Mr Norman Darmanin Demajo.
  As part of the inauguration ceremony, there were two matches - one between the club's Old Timers and the present team and another match between the Luxol SC Under-16 team and the Malta Under-15 team.
  Luxol St. Andrews have already started discussions with the Youth FA in view of the possible addition of the Luxol Stadium to the list of venues for Youth FA matches.
  The turf pitch, which is 101 metres long and 62 metres wide, has been installed by Steel and Fence Limited, local representatives of FieldTurf.
  Three tournaments kicked-off on Saturday - one reserved for Under-10s, one for Under-11s and another for Under-14s.
  In the Under-10 Tournament, Rabat Depiro, Birkirkara, Pembroke Athleta, Hamrun Spartans, Qormi, St. Patrick and two teams from Sta. Andrews are taking part while Rabat Depiro, Mosta, Pietà Hotspurs, Birzebbuga Windmills, Paola Hibs, Hamrun Spartans and two teams from St. Andrews are taking part in the Under-11 Tournament.
  St. Andrews, Hamrun Spartans, Pembroke Athleta and English side Trowbridge are participating in the Under-14 Tournament.
  Another tournament reserved for the Under-13s kicks-off on Thursday. Taking part in this tournament are Tarxien Rainbows, St. Andrews, Valletta, Pietà Hotspurs, Paola Hibs, Rabat Depiro, Melita and Birzebbuga Windmills.
• Two new clubs will be taking part in the BOV Third Division after the Council of the Malta Football Association approved them as new members.
  The new clubs are Mdina Knights and Qrendi FC.
  Qrendi will be making a return to MFA competitions after taking part up to season 1996/97. Mdina, on the other hand, are a completely new club.
  Their applications and those of Luqa St. Andrew's and Ta' Xbiex, who were relegated at the end of this season, were investigated by a commission which visited the four applicants.
  A discussion regarding the format of the BOV Third Division for next season.
  There were two proposals - a league with 19 teams based on one round or a league with two sections: one with ten teams and another with nine, both based on two rounds.
  It was decided that the league will once again be played on one round for a total of 171 matches.
  The league kicks-off on September 24 and comes to an end on May 6. The Third Division Play-Offs will be played on May 13, 17 and 20.
  Meanwhile the quick-KENO Second & Third Division Knock-Out kicks-off on September 3 with the first four games from the group stage. This stage comes to an end on September 21.
  The BOV Second Division kicks-off on September 23 and comes to an end on May 6.

Thu 25

• The Malta Under-21 National team will be engaged in a friendly international match against Tunisia Under-21 at the National Stadium on Sunday, kick-off at 16:00.
  The match against the Tunisians, who are also the country's Olympic team, will be the first in a series of friendlies which are being planned as part of Malta’s preparation for the UEFA Under-21 Championship 2007-2009 qualifying campaign.
  These friendlies for the Malta U-21 team will, as far as possible, replace the group matches which have been done away within the Under-21 competition for the 2006-2007 edition.
  The Under-21 team was eliminated 4-2 on aggregate by Georgia in a two-legged play-off played some weeks ago.
  The Tunisians have a number of promising players in their ranks who are playing top class football in their country.
  On the part of the Maltese, coach Mark Miller is seeking to keep his team in trim. These matches will also be an opportunity for him to introduce new faces in his squad.
  Considering Malta’s recent good performances in competition at this level, particularly in the group matches, our team deserves massive support from the Maltese public. It is hoped that this backing will be forthcoming.
  The players selected by Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella are:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà) and Miguel Montfort (Valletta);
  defenders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Christian Caruana (Floriana),Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun) and
  forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Edward Herrera (Melita), Joel Sammut Vazquez (Legia Warsaw), Andrew Scerri (Qormi), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
  Entrance tickets, to be sold at the National Stadium, are at Lm1.50. Women and children enter for free.
• The second phase of the Coca-Cola World Cup 2006 campaign has been launched.
  Ms. Maria Micallef, General Manager of The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd., local authorized bottlers of Coca-Cola products, said "As a major partner of FIFA, Coca-Cola has utilized the image of National Team players in various countries. We felt that we should offer the same opportunity to our National Team players."
  "For this purpose the image of six Maltese National Team players were utilised on the limited edition sleeved bottles. The players chosen were Gilbert Agius, Andrew Cohen, Justin Haber, George Mallia, Michael Mifsud and Brian Said."
  The public can now exchange the World Cup Coca-Cola crowns or caps, together with a nominal value of 30cents, in order to collect any one of the six bottles. The bottles can be redeemed at Franks outlets, in Paola, Valletta, Baystreet St. Julians, Plaza in Sliema and Topline, St. Andrews, or Astral Limited, situated in Ta` Xbiex and San Gwann. In Gozo, gifts can be redeemed at Abela Pharmacy, Rabat.
  With every gift redeemed a ticket will be given, which entitles the holder to take part in the final lottery of the 10th of July 2006.
  On Saturday 27th May, you will be able to meet your favourite players at Smart Supermarket between 10.30 and 11.30am. So take your kids to have their bottles signed and picture taken with Gilbert Agius, Andrew Cohen or Brian Said.

Wed 24

• Gozo - Super Cup Kercem A. vs Sannat L. 4-1
• Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named a provisional squad ahead of the friendly international against Tunisia which will be played next Sunday.
  After being eliminated from the preliminary round of the 2006/07 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the Under-21 side will have no competitive matches in the coming fifteen months, that is when the qualifying campaign for the 2007/2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship kicks-off. Therefore upon instructions by coach Mark Miller, the association will be trying to set-up a number of friendly matches for these players to play on a regular basis.
  With a number of players no longer eligible to play for the Under-21 side due to age restrictions, Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella opted to include a number of young players in the squad - the youngest being Msida's Tyrone Farrugia who is still a seventeen year old.
  Other new faces in the squad are Kurt Formosa, Julian Vella and Jonathan Pearson of Hibernians, Thomas Paris of Qormi, Angus Buhagiar of Floriana, Edward Herrera of Melita and Joel Sammut Vazquez of Legia Warsaw.
  Sammut Vazquez and Messina's Andrei Agius are the only two foreign-based players.
  The players selected by Miller are:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà) and Miguel Montfort (Valletta);
  defenders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Christian Caruana (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyron Farrugia (Msida), Kurt Formosa (Hibs), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Julian Vella (Hibs);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Thomas Paris (Qormi), Jonathan Pearson (Hibs) and
  forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Edward Herrera (Melita), Joel Sammut Vazquez (Legia Warsaw), Andrew Scerri (Qormi), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
  The game against Tunisia will be played at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali on Sunday, kick-off at 16:00.

Tue 23

• The Malta Under-18 national team will be taking in an Under-18 Tournament in Paestum, Salerno in Italy between May 29th and June 5th.
  Malta will be playing in Group A together with Italy and Poland. The tournament kicks-off on Monday 29 with the game between Italy and Poland. The losers of this game faces Malta on Tuesday at 16:00. On Wednesday 31, Malta faces the winners of the first game.
  The Semi-Finals will be played on June 1st at 18:30.
  Malta coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Winston Muscat selected a 20-man squad for the tournament. The players in the Maltese squad are:
  goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Nicky Vella (San Gwann);
  defenders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Lawrence Buhagiar (St. Patrick), Fabian Debono (Sliema), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Justin Grioli (Valletta);
  midfielders Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), Lee Grima (Floriana), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Jonathan Pearson (Hibs), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Dylan Zarb (Valletta) and
  forwards Carl Pulo (Pietà), Quilin Refalo (Pietà), Joel Sammut Vazquez (Legia Warsaw), Clive Spiteri.
  The Maltese contingent leaves Malta on Monday, 29th May, 2006 at 06:45.
• Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored three goals in nine days to help Lillestrom stay on top the Norwegian Tippeligaen. With all teams playing nine matches, Lillestrom lead the table together with Brann Bergen on 21 points.
  Mifsud scored his first goal on Friday 12 in a 1-0 win over Valerenga. On Tuesday, the former Sliema striker scored one of the goals in the Canaries' 3-0 win over Molde while on Sunday, Mifsud scored the first goal in a 2-2 draw with Stabaek.
  Although the Malta international striker is playing regularly for Lillestrom, he is expected to move elsewhere at the end of the season. In fact, Lillestrom coach Uwe Rosler revealed in a interview that Mifsud has rejected an offer to sign a new contract.
• The White Warriors – Valletta Ultras in collaboration with Urban Jungle are organizing The Urban Jungle White Warriors Tournament a 2 day 5 a- side football tournament at the Valletta Salinos Grounds on Sunday 4th June and Wednesday 7th June.
  Twenty-four teams will take part in the first edition of the tournament and these will be divided in six groups of four teams each. The Group Stage is scheduled for the first day whilst the knockout stage is scheduled for the final day. Apart from awarding the first three placed teams, three special prizes for the Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Topscorer will be awarded.
  Those who are interested in taking part in such tournament can phone the organizers on 7982 9011 or 9906 4453. One can also log on to the official website www.whitewarriors.net for more information.

Mon 22

• Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery is currently accepting applications for qualified coaches for season 2006/07.
  Interested Coaches must submit their application, together with a detailed CV, two-passaport size photos and a copy of the qualification to Mr. Henry Bray, Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery Chairman, at the Infetti Training Grounds, Birkirkara, by not later than Friday 9th June 2005. For further information please phone on 99468248.

Sun 21

• Third Division Play-Offs Sirens vs Sta. Lucia 1-0, Gzira U. vs Rabat A. 1-4
• GFA Cup Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-4
• The women's national team lost three places in the FIFA Women's World Ranking and is now 107th.
  Since March, Malta played one game, losing 1-3 to Slovenia at the Hibs Ground. Thanks to this win, Slovenia climbed nine places to move into the 62nd place.
  Among European countries, Malta is 42nd. Just ahead of Malta are Bosnia-Herzegovina (90th) and Moldova (97th) while behind Malta are Armenia (110th), Cyprus (115th) and FYR Macedonia (121st).
  Malta's next commitment is another home match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 7th.

Sat 20

• FA Trophy Birkirkara vs Hibernians 0-1

Fri 19

• FA Trophy Floriana vs Sliema W. 2-0
• Floriana striker Adrian Mifsud will be missing the FA Trophy semi-final against Sliema after being suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Ikechukwu Chibueze of Mosta was also suspended for one match.
  Carlo Leonardi (Gzira) and Etienne Bonnici (Sirens) were suspended for one match and will therefore miss the last game from the play-offs.
• Marsaxlokk will be facing HSK Zrinjski Mostar of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
  The Southseasiders will be taking part in the competition after placing third in the BOV Premier League. This will be second participation for Marsaxlokk in UEFA competitions after taking part in the UEFA Cup in summer 2004 when they were eliminated by NK Primorje of Slovenia.
  HSK Zrinjski placed third in the Premijer Liga of Bosnia-Hercegovina with 54 points from thirty matches - nine points behind champions Siroki Brijeg and six behind runners-up Sarajevo.
  The first leg of the Intertoto Cup first round will be played in Mostar on June 17 or 18 with the return leg being played at the Hibs Ground on June 24 or 25.
  The team which qualifies will take on Maccabi Petah-Tikva of Israel on July 1/2 and 8/9.
• The Swiss top division club, FC Basel, are currently in Malta and enjoying a week's rest after a long domestic season and a fine run in the UEFA Cup which saw their elimination by the English Premier Division team, Middlesbrough, in the quarter-finals.
  During their stay on the Island they are keeping in trim with regular training sessions in the morning held at the MFA Training Grounds at Ta' Qali.
  The players are making the most of Malta's fine Spring weather and enjoying the excellent training facilities at the Ta' Qali Complex.
  While here they will be the MFA guests for the U*BET FA Trophy Semi-final between Floriana and Sliema Wanderers.
• The MFA is organising the third in a series of meetings aimed at member clubs for better administration on Tuesday May 30th at the Centenary Hall at 18:30.
  Dr John Consiglio, a lecturer on The Economics of Sports at the University of Malta will be speaking about Clubs as Economic Enterprises.
  Later on this year, the association will also organise a seminar for administrators which will be addressed by foreign experts sent by FIFA. For this seminar, all club officials will be invited.

Thu 18

• Third Division Play-Offs Sirens vs Rabat A. 0-1, Sta. Lucia vs Gzira U. 0-5

Wed 17

• GFA Cup Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-4
• Sliema Wanderers striker Ivan Woods will be missing the FA Trophy semi-final against Floriana after being handed a one-match ban.
  
  Alan Tabone (Tarxien) and Liam Mangion (Sta. Lucia) were also suspended for one match while Derek Grech (St. George's) - an Under-19 player - was suspended for three years.
• In the forthcoming days, Maltese national teams representing different categories will be engaged in international matches.
  The Under 21 team will be playing their counterparts from Tunisia in a friendly at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, on 28th May at 16.00 hrs. After being eliminated by Georgia in a preliminary play-off last March in the European Qualifying competition, this match is part of the team’s preparation for next season’s U-21 European campaign.
  Another friendly ‘A’ International will be that between the Malta ‘A’ team and Japan, a match to be played on 4th June in Dusseldorf, Germany. This is also a preparatory match in view of Malta’s commitments in the European Championships qualifying matches due to start in September.
  The Under 18 team will also be engaged in a tournament for the U-18 Youth national teams. The competition will be held in Salerno, Italy, between 29th May and 5th June and Malta is drawn in the first of three groups, with Italy and Poland.
  On June 7th, it will be the turn of the Women’s team to fly Malta’s colours in a home match. They will be playing Bosnia Herzegovina in the European Qualifying Competition for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007. In March, Bosnia Herzegovina won the away match 1-0.
• Despite not playing any international matches over the past month, Malta lost another two places in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now 125th.
  Malta's next commitment is a friendly match agaisnt Japan on June 4th in Dusseldorf, Germany.
  Among the other European countries, Malta is now 47th. Ahead of Malta are Cyprus (100), Georgia (101), Moldova (104), Armenia (109), Azerbaijan (112) and Liechtenstein (123). Behind Malta are Andorra (129), Kazakhstan (135), Faroe Islands (139), Luxembourg (152) and San Marino (161).
  The new FIFA World Ranking will be published three days after the World Cup final, based on a simplified method of calculation. Next month promises to be a very different picture, given that the evaluation period will be cut from eight to four years and that a plethora of points are lying in wait from the jamboree of 64 World Cup matches. The principles of calculation for the modified World Ranking will be announced to the media and general public during the World Cup final week in Berlin.

Tue 16

• HSK Zrinjski Mostar will be the opponents of the team which will be representing Malta in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
  The Maltese team in the Intertoto Cup is yet to be confirmed but this could be either third-placed Marsaxlokk or fourth-placed Hibernians, depending on which team wins the U*BET FA Trophy.
  HSK Zrinjski placed third in the Premijer Liga of Bosnia-Hercegovina with 54 points from thirty matches - nine points behind champions Siroki Brijeg and six behind runners-up Sarajevo.
  The best achievement for HSK Zrinjski was the Premijer Liga championship in season 2004/2005. However in the Champions League first qualifying round, they disappointed as they were eliminated by F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg losing 4-1 on aggregate. Zrinjski won the first leg 1-0 away from home but in Mostar, Dudelange forced extra-time leading 1-0 at the end of the 90 minutes. In extra-time, Dudelange scored three times to reach the second qualifying round.
  Their coach is Blaz Sliskovic who is also the coach of the national team of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  The first leg of the Intertoto Cup first round will be played in Mostar on June 17 or 18 with the return leg being played at the Hibs Ground on June 24 or 25.
  The team which qualifies will take on a team from Israel on July 1/2 and 8/9.
• FIFA Referee Adrian Casha has been appointed to control the Under-21 European Championship Preliminary Round match between the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan to be played on Thursday, 18th May.
  Other Maltese officials on the FIFA list, Assistant Referees Nicky Debattista and Alan Camilleri, will do line duties, while Paul Caruana will be fourth Official.

Mon 15

• Champions Birkirkara are set to be one of the seeded teams in the first qualifying round draw of the UEFA Champions League which will be held on June 23. This gives the Maltese champions a good chance of reaching the second round of the competition.
  With a ranking of 1.880, Birkirkara should be one of the eleven teams which are seeded, namely the champions of Slovenia, MyPa-47 (Finland), Apollon Limassol (Cyprus), Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia-Herzegovina), FH Hafnarfjardar (Iceland), Metalurgs Liepaja (Latvia), Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova), Sioni Bolnisi (Georgia), Ekranas Panevezys (Lithuania) and Rabotnicki Skopje (Macedonia).
  The unseeded teams, and hence possible opponents for Birkirkara, are Shakhtior Saligorsk (Belarus), Cork City (Ireland), KS Elbasani (Albania), Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia), TVMK Tallinn (Estonia), Linfield (Northern Ireland), Llansantffraid (Wales), the champions of Azerbaijan, F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), B36 Torshavn (Faroe Islands) and FK Aktobe (Kazakhstan).
  Birkirkara have been participating regularly in UEFA competitions since 1997, taking part in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round in July 2000, losing out to KR Reykjavik 2-6 on aggregate.
  They took part in the UEFA Cup eight times, qualifying for a second round in 2001 when they eliminated FC Lokomotiv Tbilisi of Georgia.
  The first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League will be played on July 12 and 19.

Sun 14

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-1
• First Division Lija A. vs St. George's 1-3, Marsa vs St. Patrick 1-3
• Third Division Play-Offs Gzira U. vs Sirens 0-0, Rabat A. vs Sta. Lucia 1-0
• Women's Knock-Out Melita vs Sta. Venera 5-0, Mosta vs Hibernians 0-5

Sat 13

• Premier League Pietà H. vs Hamrun S. 1-1, Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-0
• First Division San Gwann vs Senglea A. 0-1, Tarxien R. vs Mqabba 0-1
• Gozo - First Division S.K. Victoria W. vs Ghajnsielem 3-2, Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 2-2
• Former Hibernians coach Brian Talbot returned to Malta on Thursday to sign for Marsaxlokk. Talbot is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Southseasiders.
  He will be replacing the tandem Ray Farrugia-Oliver Spiteri who have been guiding the team since October.
  It is understood that for next season, the squad will be strengthened with the arrival of two new foreigners with the third foreigner probably being former Floriana midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva who played for Tarxien Rainbows in Division 1 this season.
  Talbot is definitely remembered most for leading Hibernians to two successive Premier League championships in seasons 1993-94 and 1994-95 and the Super Cup in 1994.
  After leaving Malta in 1996, the ex-Ipswich Town, Arsenal and England player, was appointed to the coaching staff of non-league Rushden & Diamonds on 1st March 1997. He was appointed club manager before the start of the 1999-2000 season and at the end of the 2000/01 season Rushden secured promotion to the Football League under his management. The team reached the Division Three playoffs in 2001/02 but lost in the final. In their second season in the League, they secured the 2002/03 Division Three Championship. Talbot left the club in March 2004 after seven years to take over at Oldham Athletic.
  Talbot succeeded in keeping Oldham in the Football League Division Two in 2004, but resigned in March 2005. In May 2005, he signed a two-year contract as manager of Oxford United before the final game of the 2004/05 season. However, after an unsuccessful stint in charge, Talbot was sacked last month, leaving the club 22nd in League Two.

Fri 12

• Premier League Mosta vs Floriana 3-3, Msida SJ vs Valletta 1-2
• Last month, the Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery was invited to attend a coaching course “Stage”, at Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio’s Headquarters in Zingonia, Bergamo.
  This invitation followed a first ever visit by Nursery chairman Henry Bray and Franco Agius, way back in February. Both parties agreed to continue with their meetings, and Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio invited the local Nursery to conduct a four-day stage for its coaches. Five of the Nursery’s coaching staff and the Nursery chairman, embarked on this new venture.
  During the four-day visit, the contingent met Atalanta Settore Giovanile coaches, with whom they exchanged ideas and also worked in groups, both on and off the field of play.
  The Nursery coaches where also given lectures by Atalanta coaches namely, Stefano Bonnacorso, Eugenio Perico and Davide Pandolfini. Also they were invited to attend a lecture by Giovanni Vavassori, now Genoa coach, about tactics and team play. They also had time to meet Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio coach Stefano Colantuono, who has just led this club to the Serie A.
  At the end of the stage, all Nursery coaches where given a certificate, in recognition for the ideas exchanged between coaches. Sig. Favini, responsible for the youth sector, was enthusiastic to continue with this amalgamation, and is willing to visit Malta in a very short time.

Thu 11

• Bank of Valletta are planning for an innovative presentation ceremony next Sunday at the end of the BOV Premier League clash between champions Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers at Ta' Qali.
  This was revealed by Mr Charles Borg, Executive Head, CEO's Office at Bank of Valletta during a courtesy visit to the Birkirkara FC club premises where he presented a commemorative poster of the BOV Premier League Champions 2005/06 - Birkirkara Football Club. The first copy of the poster was presented to Birkirkara FC President, Victor Zammit.
  Speaking during the presentation, Charles Borg congratulated the players and the Committee of the Birkirkara Football Club for winning the BOV Premier League this season.
  "Birkirkara have shown that they were the best team this season and, as such, merit the title of BOV Premier League Champions," said Mr. Borg. "Bank of Valletta has, from this year, entered into a three year agreement with the Malta Football Association to sponsor the all the National Leagues as well as the Super Cup. Indeed, this is the largest single contribution to local sports ever made by BOV and we are pleased to note that our sponsorship has contributed to a successful season," said Mr. Borg.
  Mr. Borg also announced that BOV was arranging for an innovative presentation ceremony to take place on Sunday at Ta' Qali. He did not give further details and said, "We have prepared a surprise for all those who will be at Ta' Qali this Sunday and I am sure that the supporters will not only enjoy the football match but also the innovative presentation ceremony that will follow," said Charles Borg. He also announced that BOV will be distributing balloon sticks to supporters to help make the celebrations an occasion that will be remembered.
  Mr Zammit thanked Bank of Valletta for donating posters to the Club in recognition of this successful season. He said "We are proud to have achieved this year's hard fought championship, the second in Birkirkara's history. The championship is our reward to all our supporters that have been loyal to the team through our highs and lows. This initiative by Bank of Valletta gives our supporters the opportunity to have a special memento of our triumphant season," concluded Mr. Zammit.
• The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence coaches.
  The theoretical meeting will be held at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali, on Monday, 15th May and is due to commence at 1730 hrs.
  All coaches are advised to be punctual for this instructional session.

Wed 10

• Holders Birkirkara were drawn to face Hibernians in the semi-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. The draw was carried out by MFA General Secretary Mr Joe Gauci during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash TV.
  The other semi-final is the Old Firm derby between Floriana and Sliema Wanderers.
  The first match will be played on Friday 19th May at 19:30, while the second is scheduled for Saturday at 17:00. Both matches will be played at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
  Birkirkara and Hibernians both entered the competition in the quarter-finals. Birkirkara defeated Valletta 2-0 after extra-time while Hibernians defeated Hamrun Spartans 1-0.
  The two teams met six times this season. Hibs registered a 2-1 win in the Euro Challenge Cup and a 5-2 win in the Premier League first round. The Paolites then won the Quadrangular Tournament final on penalties following a goalless draw. Birkirkara went on to beat Hibs 2-0, 3-1 and 1-0 in the other three Premier League clashes.
  Meanwhile Floriana are the only team to reach this stage after going through the first two rounds and the quarter-finals. They eliminated Tarxien Rainbows, Senglea Athletic and last year's finalists Msida St. Joseph. On the other hand, Sliema beat Marsaxlokk 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
  The two teams met twice this season in the first phase of the BOV Premier League. Sliema won 1-0 in the first round while the second round clash ended in a goalless draw.
  The final of the U*BET FA Trophy will be played on Friday 26th May.
• Six Premier League players will be missing the final league matches after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Floriana will be missing two players - Julian Briffa and Christian Cassar - for the important Relegation Pool clash against Mosta on Friday. Floriana official Christian Attard was suspended for two matches.
  Claudio Calleja of Pietà will miss the other Relegation Pool clash against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday.
  Etienne Barbara and Alex Muscat are ruled out for the game between Sliema Wanderers and champions Birkirkara on Sunday.
  On the other hand, Omar Borg of Msida is ruled out of the game against Valletta.
  In Division 1, St. Patrick captain Robert Cassar was suspended for six months and removed from captain for one year. Another four St. Patrick players - Matthew Fleri Soler, Albert Caruana, Timothy Massa and Allister Buhagiar - were suspended for one match.
  Leaders St. George's will be without goalkeeper Andrea Gatt and Emanuel Sevasta for the last game against Lija while Marsa will be without Joseph Casha and Steven Meilak for the last game against St. Patrick.
  In Division 2, Edwin Casha (Dingli), Ryan Debattista (Gharghur), Aldrin Muscat (Gudja) and Jonathan Mifsud (Melita) were suspended for one match while Gzira United official Jason Camilleri was suspended for two matches.
  Alex Farrugia (Birzebbuga), Karl Vella (Pembroke), Robert Fenech (Sta. Lucia), Sandro Rapinett and Mark Muscat (both Sta. Venera) and Keith Galea (Xghajra) were henaded a one-match ban while Sta. Venera masseur Rene Briffa was suspended for two matches.

Mon 8

• Second Division Gharghur vs Gudja U. 0-2, Attard vs Gozo 1-2
• The Malta Football Association refers to comments by the Chief Executive of the Agenzija Appogg, Mr Joe Gerada, during the television programme Xarabank on Friday 5th May and an article published by it-Torca on Sunday 7th May with the title "Minkejja li nstab hati ta' pedofilja - L-MFA thalli anzjan jiehu hsieb post tat-tfal zghar", the MFA would like to point out that:
  1. The case took place in December 2003 and from then onwards, no similar cases took place. The association was only notified about the case in February 2006, more than two years later.
  2. The MFA would like to leave the issue of a person who was found guilty of a case of corruption of a minor on one occasion being branded a pedophile to the judgement of the general public.
  3. The MFA has been offering the sports facilities of the Pace-Ground to the Paola School for several years without receiving any compensation despite paying out of its own funds for the service of a groundsman so that children would have a decent area for recreation.
  4. It would have been much wiser for Mr Gerada to contact the head of Paola School in order to know better whether there was any kind of risk for school children rather than ordering the MFA on what to do and attacking the association publicly. The association concludes that Mr Gerada's comments, during a programme which was discussing drugs and not child abuse, were only meant to harm the MFA and its officials.
  5. In order to avoid being unjustly attacked by Mr Gerada and/or those who could support him and to avoid entering into arguments, the Executive Committee of the MFA is terminating the contract of the Pace Grasso Ground groundsman. Mr Gerada had already been informed that his contract will be terminated at the end of the season and since the last games of the season at the Pace Grasso Ground were played on May 7, unwillingly the MFA now has to withdraw the permission for the Paola School to use the facilities of the Pace Grasso Ground.

Sun 7

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Hibernians 1-0
• First Division St. George's vs Marsa 2-2, St. Andrews vs Naxxar L.
• Second Division Dingli S. vs Balzan Y. 2-2, Qormi vs Melita 2-0
• Third Division Mgarr U. vs Fgura U. 0-0, Rabat A. vs Santa Lucia 1-1
• Women's Knock-Out Birkirkara vs Melita 1-3, Raiders vs Sta. Venera L. 2-2 - Sta. Venera through on penalties
• Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 1-3, Nadur Y. vs Xaghra U. 4-1

Sat 6

• Premier League Floriana vs Pietà H. 1-1, Msida SJ vs Sliema W. 3-3
• First Division Senglea A. vs Lija A. 0-2, St. Patrick vs Tarxien R. 2-2
• Second Division Gzira U. vs Mellieha 1-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Zebbug R. 0-0
• Women's Knock-Out Hibernians vs Rabat A. 10-0, Mosta vs Qormi 6-0
• Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 0-1

Fri 5

• Premier League Mosta vs Hamrun S. 0-0, Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 0-2
• Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Sta. Venera L. 1-0, Ghaxaq vs Pembroke A. 1-5

Thu 4

• Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Luqa SA 1-5, Xghajra T. vs Zurrieq 1-2
• Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Thursday.
  Pio Sciriha of Mosta and David Camenzuli of Pietà will be missing the important Relegation Pool clashes against Hamrun Spartans and Floriana respectively.
  Sliema Wanderers defender Darren Debono is ruled out of the clash against Msida St. Joseph while Valletta's Jonathan Bondin will be missing the game against Marsaxlokk.
  In Division 1, three Naxxar Lions players - Reuben Cini, Jose Borg and Victor Bellia were handed a one-match ban. Larry Lagana and Matthew Spiteri (St. George's) and Stacy Vella (San Gwann) were also suspended for one match.
  Rababah Hashem (Attard) was suspended for three matches in Division 2 while Aaron Pendry (Gzira) was banned for two matches. Fabio Cauchi (Dingli), Robert Southward (Gharghur), Elvin Gauci and Jeffrey Farrugia (Gudja), Reuben Vella (Mellieha), Neil Francalanza (Zebbug) were suspended for one match.
  Anton Cassar (Kalkara), William Camilleri (Mgarr), Josef Micallef (Siggiewi) and Jean Paul Abela (Zejtun) were suspended for one match in Division 3 while Joseph Mizzi (Fgura) and Eman Zammit (Siggiewi) were banned for two matches.

Wed 3

• The fifth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards 2005/2006 was launched during a press conference which was held on Wednesday. The awards ceremony will be held on June 7th at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard.
  The chairperson of the organizing committee, Sandro Micallef said the usual awards will be presented but this edition will feature two new awards - the award for the Best Veteran Player aged over 36 and the award for the Best First Division Player.
  Eligible for the Best Veteran Player are those players aged 36 and over who played at least ten matches this season. On the other hand, representatives from First Division clubs and journalists covering this league, will be voting for the Best First Division Player award.
  For this edition, Events Services extended the agreement with General Soft Drinks for the sponsorship of the award for the Best Maltese Player according to the general public, through the brand Powerade. The general public is invited to vote for the desired player by sending an sms to 5061 4005.
  Voting would be possible until quarter of an hour from the end of the gala event. The winner will be announced and the award presented by a representative from the General Soft Drinks.
  The complete list of awards during the fifth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards are: Best Goalkeeper; Best Defender; Best Midfielder; Best Forward; Most Promising Youngster; Best Coach; Best Foreign Player; Best Maltese Player; Best Goal of the Season; Best Female Player; Best Futsal Player; Best Player in the Onvol GFA First Division; Best Player according to the general public; Best Veteran Player and Special career awards
  On an initiative of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports, former Malta national goalkeeper David Cluett will be remembered through the award for the Best Goalkeeper. In fact, the winner of the award will be receiving two trophies - the usual one by Events Services and a trophy by the GhKS which will be retained for one year.
  Events Services will be open to suggestions by the Organising Committee as regards those who deserve a special career award.
  Sandro Micallef said that once again eligible to vote are ten Premier League club presidents, ten coaches and ten captains together with 30 journalists who cover Premier League football.
  Votes will be counted in the presence of Notary Public Dr Roberta Bisazza.
  The presentation of the awards will be transmitted live on Melita Sports 1/Channel 47 and the Information Channel (04 analogue/106 digital).
  Presenting the gala event will be Mario Micallef and Miriam Dalli while a number of personalities will be announcing the winners of the various awards.
  A limited number of tickets will be available for sale by contacting the organisers on eventsservices@onvol.net or 9949 8947.
  On behalf of Events Services, Sandro Micallef thanked the sponsors namely, Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, Corinthia Palace, Melita Digital, Vodafone, Powerade, XFM, Bristow Potteries, Maltco Lotteries, Teamsport, Aristocrat, Alfred Gera and Sons, among others.

Tue 2

• Hibernians striker Andrew Cohen has won the BOV Player of the Month Award for April.
  This season the Paolites diminutive forward has been consistently in the limelight for his team, turning in a series of impressive displays.
  After finishing as top-scorer last season, also landing the MFA Footballer of the Year award for 2004/2005, this nimble-footed player has not only maintained his scoring rate this season, but his versatility has also helped him turn provider for his colleagues to score goals.
• The Malta Football Association is extending the closing date for applications for Staff Coaches within the Youth Sector to the 12th May.
  Interested coaches must preferably be in possession of an MFA/UEFA ‘A’ or MFA/UEFA ‘B’ Diploma, or an MFA ‘A’ or ‘B’ Diploma.
  Applications, including a detailed CV, must reach the MFA Technical Director, Mr Dusan Fitzel, at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, by not later than Friday 12th May 2006.
  Those currently serving as Staff Coaches in the MFA Youth Sector, if interested, also need to apply.

Mon 1

• Second Division Qormi vs Gozo 3-0, Gudja U. vs Attard 3-2
• Women's First Division Rabat A. vs Qormi 3-3, Hibernians vs Raiders 10-0
• Matches from the BOV Premier League could soon be screened live on television following the issue of tenders for the television, radio and mobile telephone rights for local football matches.
  The Malta Football Association is willing to offer matches from the BOV Premier League exclusively to one of the local Pay-TV networks. Such station would be able to screen live two of the four or five Premier League matches every weekend. If there are only two or three matches in programme during a weekend, one match could be screened live.
  Such station/company could also screen international matches and would be able to conduct interviews during the games. The station/company would be obliged to film all Premier League matches as it would have to provide match summaries - 3 to 5-minute video highlights - to the free-to-air television stations.
  The filming of local matches would be produced in a different manner with the use of four cameras. There will be no longer the need for each television station to have its own cameras and camera persons as a single company would be in charge of the filming and would then provide the video highlights to the free-to-air stations.
  The offer for Pay-TV stations is one of five different packages. These packages are for seasons 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.
  Another package is for free-to-air television stations willing to film all the other matches with the possibility of screening them as a film.
  The third package is for free-to-air television stations willing to obtain the 3-5 minute video highlights. These could either take the feed from the Pay-TV or use the current system of the station having its own camera.
  The other two packages are for radio stations and for mobile phone operators.
  In fact, with the introduction of 3G, short video-highlights with goals from the BOV Premier League on mobile phones could be offered.
  The previous television rights contract, which expires at the end of this season, belonged to the Public Broadcasting Services. Although the station had the possibility to screen a limited number of matches live during the season, it was only on a couple of occasions that TVM screened live matches.