September 2006
Sat 30
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Floriana 1-0, Marsa vs Birkirkara 1-2
- First Division Qormi vs Tarxien R. 2-1, Mosta vs Naxxar L. 0-4
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Luqa SA 0-2, Qrendi vs Fgura U. 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Qala SJ 1-1
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs S.K. Victoria W. 0-5
Fri 29
- Premier League Hibernians vs Valletta 3-1
- Third Division Zurrieq vs Zejtun C. 3-1, Sirens vs Sta. Lucia 1-0
- As part of their preparation for the UEFA Under-17 Championship qualifying group matches between the 17th and 22nd November when Malta will be hosting Andorra, Italy and Serbia, the Maltese U-17 team will be playing two friendly matches against their counterparts from Northern Ireland at the Ta’ Qali Training Grounds on Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 5th October 2006 both with a 18:00 kick-off.
Northern Ireland, who include in their ranks players on the books of West Ham, Burnley, Stoke, Linfield and Coleraine, will certainly provide our boys with a stiff test before Oliver Spiteri’s team start their competitive venture in November.
The Irish, will also treat this encounter as part of their preparation for their Euro qualifying group matches of the same category.
The Maltese had performed with credit when they took part in the Milk Cup in Ireland some weeks ago.
The players selected by coach Oliver Spiteri for these friendly matches are:
goalkeepers Daniel Balzan (Qormi), Paul Camilleri (Tarxien), Michael Incorvaja (Sliema);
defenders Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Keith Fenech (Birkirkara), Timothy Fleri Soler (Hibs), Ismail Grech (Mosta), Andrew Kamsky (St. Andrews), Jonathan Xerri (Hibs), Clint Zammit (Birkirkara);
midfielders Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Paul Kane Farrugia (Sliema), Sheldon Grech (Pietà), Dylon Grima (Pietà), Christopher Mackay (Pietà), Randall Refalo (Hibs), Mark Scerri (Sliema);
forwards Nathan Busuttil (Pietà), Michael Calleja (St. Andrews), Leighton Grech (Hibs), Mark Vella (Pietà).
- The Malta Amateur side bowed out of the UEFA Regions Cup Mini-Tournament held in Wroclaw, Poland, with yet another big defeat this time against the strong Italian regional champions Toscana by nine goals to nil.
Playing with a depleted side shorn of key injured and suspended players, the Maltese played bravely and tenaciously but were no match to the classy Italians who had lost to the Poles (1-2) and beat the Germans (1-0) earlier this week to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Finals - depending on the result of the last mini-tournament encounter between Dolnoslazski and Sachsoscher.
Wed 27
- Women's League Birkirkara vs Mosta 4-0
- Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Pietà were worst hit after they had three players sent off during the game against Hibernians. Claudio Calleja, Daniel Theuma and Digger Okonkwo are therefore ruled out of the game against Sliema.
On the other hand, Birkirkara will be without Mark Anthony Bonnici and Kenneth Scicluna for the game against Marsa. The former collected a fourth yellow card while the latter was sent off in the game against Sliema.
Meanwhile Godfrey Camilleri was suspended for one match in Division 3. Ramon Bonello (Zebbug) and Andre Ricca (Birzebbuga) were banned for three and two matches respectively in the Youth League.
Youth players Jean Paul Mercieca (Birzebbuga), Samuel Cassar (Hibs), Craig Macdonald (St. Andrews) and Noel Aquilina (Zebbug) were suspended for one match.
- Malta’s amateur team suffered another heavy defeat when they conceded 11 goals against the Polish regional champions Dolnoslazski at the Oporowska Stadium, in Wroclaw, Poland on Wednesday.
The match was valid for the 5th UEFA Regions’ Cup 2006/07 in which regional champions from the European countries participate.
The Polish team proved to be just as formidable opponents for the Maltese as the German champions were on Monday. Our opponents were already six goals up at half-time and then went on to consolidate their victory with five further goals in the second period. Four goals came from penalties.
The defeat was compounded by three dismissals from the ranks of the Malta amateur team - Matthew Borg, Emmanuel Cutajar and goalkeeper Michael Carter.
The Maltese are due to end their Intermediary Round commitments when they play the Italian top regional team, Toscana, on Friday.
MALTA: Michael Carter, Michael Ciappara, Jeffrey Fenech, Thane Micallef (23' Andre Formosa), Emanuel Sank, Anthony Portelli, Emmanuel Cutajar, Matthew Borg, Gregory Degabriele (74' Jeremy Dalli), Ivan Zammit, Alan Spiteri (65' Chris Farrugia).
Tue 26
- Women's League Sta. Venera L. vs Mgarr U. 6-2
- The draws for the first round of the U*BET FA Trophy and the preliminary round of the First Division Knock-Out Competition were held on Tuesday during the programme MFA Magazine.
Six Premier League clubs will be facing opposition from Division 1 in the U*BET FA Trophy while the remaining four teams from Division 1 were drawn against each other. The draws resulted as follows:
Valletta vs San Gwann
Vittoriosa Stars vs Pieta Hotspurs
Marsa vs Qormi
Mqabba vs St. George's
Floriana vs Mosta
Naxxar Lions vs Msida St. Joseph
Tarxien R. vs Hamrun Spartans
St. Patrick vs Senglea Athletic
These matches will be played on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November 2006 at the Centenary Stadium.
Meanwhile in the Preliminary Round of the First Division Knock-Out, Senglea Athletic will be facing Hamrun Spartans while Naxxar Lions will be meeting Mqabba.
These two matches will be played on Saturday 18th November 2006 at the Centenary Stadium.
- The Futsal League 2006/2007 kicks-off next week with the first matches from the four divisions. Sixty-four teams are taking part this season.
There will be the usual fourteen teams divided into two sections in the First Division and another fourteen teams divided into two sections in the Second Division.
The Third Division will be made up of eighteen teams divided into three sections of six teams each.
The eighteen new teams that are taking part this season will be playing in the Fourth Division which will also be divided into three sections of six teams each.
At the end of the regular season, the top two teams in each section of the First Division will be fighting out for the championship in a mini-league based on one round. Two teams from each section are relegated to the Second Division.
From the Second Division, four teams are promoted - two from each section. A championship decider will be played between the section winners. Two teams from each section are relegated to the Third Division.
Four teams are promoted from the Third to the Second Division. Besides the three section winners, there will be a mini-tournament between the three runners-up and from this tournament, another team will secure promotion to the Second Division. The team ending last in each section will be relegated to the Fourth Division.
The winners of each section in the Fourth Division will be promoted to the Third Division.
First and Second Division matches will be played at the Corradino Complex while Third and Fourth Division matches will be played at Gudja, Zebbug, Zabbar and Paola.
Mon 25
- Third Division Gharghur vs Kalkara 1-2, Attard vs Mdina K. 0-2
- Playing their first match in the Intermediate Round of the 5th UEFA Regions Cup against the German amateur regional champions Sachsoscher FV, Malta’s Amateur XI suffered a heavy 11-0 defeat.
The match, played in Wroclow, Poland, started badly for the Maltese as they suffered three goals by the interval.
The relentless pace of the Germans did not show any signs of abating and our representative team went on to concede eight more goals which included two penalties.
The Malta amateur team’s next commitment will be against Poland’s top regional team Dolnozlalski on Wednesday.
On Friday, they are due to come up against the Italian champions representing the Toscana region in what will be the final match of a very tough qualifying group.
Sun 24
- Premier League Floriana vs Marsa 4-1, Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 3-0
- First Division San Gwann vs Mosta 0-2, Vittoriosa S. vs Senglea A. 2-2
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Birzebbuga SP 2-1, Gozo vs Rabat A. 0-0
- Third Division Gzira U. vs Siggiewi 4-2, Ghaxaq vs Pembroke A. 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Ghajnsielem 2-4
Sat 23
- The Malta Amateur national team will be taking part in the Intermediary Round mini-tournament of the 5th UEFA Regions' Cup in Wroclaw, Poland between September 25 and 29.
In the first game on Monday, Malta will be facing German side Sachsoscher, on Wednesday, Malta meets hosts Dolnoslazski while in the last game on Friday, Malta faces the team from Toscana (Italy).
For the UEFA Regions Cup, only amateur players who have never played Premier League football are eligible.
The players selected by coach JJ Aquilina and his assistant Joe John Bajada are:
goalkeepers Michael Carter (Melita), Sean Mintoff (St. Patrick);
defenders Jeffrey Fenech (Pembroke), Clive Formosa (Birzebbuga), Thane Micallef (Floriana), Michael Ciappara (Birzebbuga), Emanuel Sank (St. Andrews);
midfielders Chris Cuschieri (San Gwann), Emanuel Cutajar (Tarxien), Jeremy Dalli (Marsa), Gregory Degabriele (Melita), Andre Formosa (Mqabba), Matthew Genuis (Zurrieq), Anthony Portelli (Nadur), Ivan Zammit (Mqabba);
forwards Matthew Borg (Melita), Chris Farrugia (Kirkop), Alan SPiteri (San Gwann).
The Malta contingent, led by MFA Executive Member, Mr John Vella as Head of Delegation, leaves Malta on Saturday, 23rd September, 2006 at 13.35hrs via Frankfurt Airport on Flight No. LH 4107.
- During a party recently held for club members and supporters at The Reflections Pub in Mellieha, Mellieha SC presented their squads for the forthcoming season.
The senior team will participate in the BOV 2nd Division and once again includes MSC Player of the Year William Borg, who is on a season loan from Rabat Ajax, striker Ibrahim Tarik and three National team youth players - David Fenech, David Cauchi and James Abela.
The club is close to confirming Wayne Buttigieg on another season loan from Hibernians.
Sat 23
- Premier League Pieta' H. vs Hibernians 1-2, Valletta vs St. George's 4-1
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Mqabba 0-3, Hamrun S. vs St. Patrick 1-2
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Balzan Y. 0-2, Gudja U. vs Lija A. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Gharb R. 1-2, St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 1-4
Fri 22
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 3-3
Thu 21
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sirens vs Sta. Lucia 0-1, Mgarr U. vs Xghajra T. 1-2
- Gozo - Independence Cup Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Zebbug R. 3-0
Wed 20
- Four Premier League players were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after last weekend's matches.
Pietà had David Camenzuli and Carl Sammut both suspended for one game and are therefore ruled out of the game against Hibernians.
Joseph Casha of Marsa will be missing the game against Floriana on Sunday while Edoardo Do Nascimento is ruled out for St. George's in Saturday's game against Valletta.
Meanwhile Antonio Saliba (San Gwann) and Kevin Gauci (Mellieha) were handed a one-match ban while Sta. Venera team-manager Colin Calleja was suspended for two matches.
Tue 19
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kalkara vs Rabat A. 0-5, Attard vs Gudja U. 1-1
- Prolific Valletta F.C. striker, Omar Sebastian Monesterolo, has won the first BOV Player of the Month award this football season. Monesterolo's six goals in the first two BOV Premier League matches for Valletta made him an automatic contender for this award.
Roderick Abela, Head of BOV's Valletta Business Centre presented the trophy to the player during a visit to the Ursuline Sisters in Valletta. The Children's Home was chosen by the player as the beneficiary of the monthly donation linked to the award made available by BOV. The donation was presented by Mr Monesterolo to Madre Christina in the presence of Louis Micallef from the Malta Football Association. The funds will support the running of the sister's home in Valletta.
Roderick Abela congratulated Mr. Monesterolo for his remarkable scoring feat. Mr. Abela said that a new BOV Player of the Month trophy had been designed for this new season with Mr. Monesterolo being the first player to receive the new trophy this year. 'We are delighted that the BOV Player of the Month Award is adding a social dimension to this important sporting achievement," added Mr. Abela. "Both sports and the social aspect are important pillars of BOV's Community Programme. Indeed, we look forward towards another year during which we can support valid social initiatives whilst promoting excellence in local sports," concluded Mr. Abela.
- Like all other Football Federations the Malta FA will be commemorating the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Day by ceremonies prior to the start of all competitive matches at the National Stadium, Centenary Stadium, Hibernians Ground and Victor Tedesco Stadium during the weekend from Friday 22nd September to Sunday 24th September 2006.
The following procedure will be followed:
1. Prior to all matches at the above venues, referees and teams will follow the FIFA Fair Play flag which will be carried onto the playing field by ball boys or the reserve players of both teams in case ball boys are not present.
2. When the teams line up in front of the main enclosure a message is read. At the National Stadium and Victor Tedesco Stadium this is read through the PA system.
3. Prior to kick-off and before the usual handshakes a message will be read by the team captains as suggested by FIFA.
4. At the end of the match all players will line up at the centre of the field of play for the post-match handshakes as a sign of Fair Play.
Prior to the kick-off of the BOV Premier League match Valletta v St. George’s at the National Stadium on Saturday, 23rd September, 2006, at 5.45pm, a FIFA publication entitled ‘Football and Peace in the World’ will be presented to Dr Louis Galea, Minister of Education.
- The Malta Football Association and its President, Dr. Joe Mifsud, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on FIFA World Fair Play Day.
FIFA is holding the tenth World Fair Play Day over the week of 18 to 24 September. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably – its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” declared Dr. Joe Mifsud. “We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Malta to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”
President Blatter recognises the fundamental role of Fair Play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children activities. “Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realize how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented. “FIFA Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting Fair Play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging Fair Play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” he said.
“The most common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment for its realization.”
This is the tenth FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the third time that it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top flight football and in many community-based projects.
The Malta FA will be commemorating the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Day by ceremonies prior to the commencement of all competitive matches played on Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 14th September at the National Stadium, the Centenary Stadium, Hibernians Ground and Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Mon 18
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Melita vs Zejtun C. 5-1, Fgura U. vs Dingli S. 1-6
Sun 17
- Premier League St. George's vs Pietà H. 1-1, Msida SJ vs Valletta 2-2
- First Division St. Patrick vs Naxxar L. 4-0, Senglea A. vs Qormi 4-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A. vs Gharghur 4-5, Birzebbuga SP vs Zebbug R. 0-0, Lija A. vs Zurrieq 2-0, Mellieha vs Sta. Venera L. 3-1
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xaghra U. 0-0, Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 3-4
Sat 16
- Premier League Sliema W. Vs Marsa 2-0, Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 4-2
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs San Gwann 2-2, Mqabba vs Mosta 3-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gzira U. Vs Ghaxaq 2-1, St. Andrews vs Balzan Y. 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Xewkija T. 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Victoria H. vs SK Victoria W. 1-0
Fri 15
- Premier League Hibernians vs Birkirkara 3-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Ta' Xbiex vs Luqa SA 0-1, Siggiewi vs Mdina K. 0-0
Thu 14
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gudja U. vs Kirkop U. 2-1, Rabat A. vs Qrendi 1-0
- Futsal League champions Hibernians suffered an 8-2 defeat to Swedish side Skovde AIK in the third and final match from the preliminary round mini-tournament of the UEFA Futsal Cup.
Pantelic and Mijailovic scored the two goals for the Paolites.
In the first two matches, Hibs lost 4-3 to hosts FC Mladost Sofia (goals by Mijailovic, Pantelic and Vukanovic) and 7-3 to KF Tirana of Albania (goals by Martinovic (2) and Mijailovic).
The Maltese side, under the guidance of coach Norman Buttigieg, was made up of Raymond Savvides, John Azzopardi, John Campbell, Vojko Martinovic, Joseph Curmi, Branko Pantelic, Joseph Xuereb, Darko Strinisa, Nebojsa Mijailovic, Slavko Vukanovic and Brian Mizzi.
After beating KF Tirana 8-5 and Mladost 4-2, Skovde AIK secure a place in the main round where they will be facing MNK Split, Athina '90 of Greece and Azerbaijani champions Araz Naxçivan from 12-15 October.
- For the first time ever in Europe, a FIFA Women’s Football Seminar took place on the lovely island of Malta. The Seminar, organised by FIFA with the close co-operation of the Malta Football Association between September 11 and 14 proved to be very successful.
Fourteen member associations met here in Malta to discuss and share their views and aspects over the improvement over Women’s Football.
The seminar, which was officially opened by Carmel Bartolo, Malta Football Association Senior Vice-President, comprised lectures and presentations on various themes of Women’s Football by the participants themselves. A practical demonstration was also put up at the Malta Football Association’s Training Grounds at Ta’ Qali, from the Malta Women Junior team, under the supervision of internationally renowned coach Ms. Pia Sundhage.
The practical session was followed by a meeting with the local Maltese Youth FA Clubs and Women’s teams’ representatives at the Centenary Hall. The significant importance of having women’s team taking an active part in local competitions was discussed and looked into. Ongoing difficulties which these Women’s teams’ representatives come up against was also discussed and taken into account.
On the final day, Ian Riley, FIFA instructor for Marketing put up an impeccable presentation “Marketing, Television and Sponsorship” in which Mr. Riley touched these three “hot” topics in the game of football with detailed information.
Eva Pasquier, FIFA Development Manager Europe had this to say just after the closure of the seminar “The main goal was that of bringing the fourteen Women’s Football Member Associations together in Malta. All delegates had the chance to express their own views, share their experiences and to work over the future network of Women’s Football. Working on the input for the development of women’s football was another interesting topic discussed in the seminar.
The over all organisation put up by the local Malta Football Association turned out to be very positive indeed. Participation was also very good and very active even throughout discussions in working groups.”
Urs Zanitti, FIFA Head of Development and Services Development Division also put his remarks over the seminar “I am sure this seminar proved to be an excellent platform of ideas and experience for all the participants. FIFA is responsible for the organization for the improvement and sharing of benchmarks in the development of the game.
Feedback from this seminar in Malta resulted more than positive. The local Malta Football Association will be putting up a Women’s football seminar with the local clubs as per regards. FIFA will also be ready to help associations such as the Maltese Football Association with technical experts who will help them with ideas to move forward. It is very important to organise football events on a regular basis. The energy is there as per regards women’s football.
Josef Blatter’s message is that of “promoting women’s football all around the globe” and that is what FIFA is doing at the moment.
Thirty seven per cent of spectators who watch football are female – and this is very encouraging as per regards women participating in the football game.
By the end of the year, FIFA will have organized six similar seminars on women’s football.”
Tatjana Haenni is FIFA Manager for Women’s Football. She had this to say “This first Women’s Football seminar in the first European country proved to be very successful in my view. Malta proved to be an excellent host for such a seminar which turned out to be very positive. The participants all made their part in putting forward their respective implementation and discussions on Women’s Football in their respective countries. Difficulties that Associations come up against were also a hot topic on the agenda for most of the participants.
I also noticed from our meeting with the local Maltese clubs, that there is a very good basis as per regards Women’s Football on the island. I also noticed that the nurseries are willing and very enthusiastic to improve the increase of interest on the female side on the island. FIFA commits itself to help and assist all associations around the globe as per regards.” concluded Haenni.
Wed 13
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Xghajra T. vs Fgura U. 0-4, Melita vs Santa Lucia 5-2
- Malta lost no less than twenty-two places in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Ranking as published on Wednesday. The Maltese side dropped to 144th.
This is the worst ever ranking for Malta after falling to 138th in August 2005.
Since the last ranking which was published in August, Malta played three matches. The national team lost 3-0 to Slovakia in a friendly match in Bratislava. Malta then lost 2-5 to Bosnia Herzegovina at Ta' Qali and 2-0 to Turkey in Frankfurt - the two matches valid for the EURO 2008 qualifying round.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th as almost all lower-ranked European countries also lost a number of places in the ranking.
Ahead of Malta are Latvia (94, down 16), Estonia (102, down 24), Cyprus (103, down 13), Armenia (112, down 8), Azerbaijan (117, down 11) and Kazakhstan (120, up 21). Behind Malta are Liechtenstein (155, down 31), Andorra (160, down 28), Faroe Islands (179, down 10), Luxembourg (193, up 2) and San Marino (194, down 3).
- Two Valletta players were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after last Monday's BOV Premier League clash against Marsaxlokk. Branko Nisevic and Sebastian Monesterolo are ruled of next Sunday's match against leaders Msida St. Joseph.
Nisevic was sent off while Monesterolo was reported after the game. Valletta official Anton Abela was suspended for two matches.
Msida St. Joseph striker Daniel Chimezie Nwoke is also ruled out of the game after being suspended for one match.
Meanwhile in the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out, Mdina Knights had three players suspended. Sean Buhagiar was suspended for three months while Roderick Sciberras and Matthew Francalanza were suspended for two matches and one match respectively. Mdina team-manager Eric Schembri was suspended for two matches.
Other players to be suspended include Josef Axisa (Attard), Reuben Cini (St. Andrews), Elton Caruana (Zejtun) and Jason Saliba (Zurrieq).
Youth players Christian Bugeja (Maraxlokk) and Matthew Muscat (Mgarr) were handed a one-match ban while Philip Chircop (Sta. Venera) was banned for two matches.
Adrian Borg (Mosta) and Eman Bugeja (Pietà) were suspended for one game in the Mosta Tournament.
- FIFA Referee Chris Lautier is currently in Kavala, Greece, where he will be controlling matches in connection with the UEFA Under 17 Mini-Tournament.
The matches are those in Group 7, which comprises Greece, Austria, Liechtenstein and Sweden.
The Maltese referee will be flanked by FIFA Assistant Referee Alan Camilleri, in the matches Liechtenstein are playing against Austria and Sweden.
Tue 12
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zejtun C. vs Sirens 1-2, Mgarr U. vs Dingli S. 0-3
- Any girls who would like to start playing football can contact Alfred Zammit on dunalf@onvol.net or Pierre Brincat on brincatp@di-ve.com. These will help them by giving them information on nurseries close by or nurseries just for girls.
Currently there are four nurseries who cater for girls only - Birkirkara, Hibernians, Pembroke and Valletta.
Mon 11
- Premier League Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 1-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A. vs Zurrieq 1-3, Mellieha vs Ghaxaq 5-0
- Women's football for season 2006/2007 will start on Tuesday, 19th September at 19.30 hrs with a match valid for the Super Cup between Champions Hibernians and League runners-up Birkirkara.
This inaugural match of the new season is being played at the Luxol Ground, St Andrews, where a good turnout is expected to watch the current top two teams on the Island.
Meanwhile, the league programme is due to get underway a week later, on Tuesday 26th September, at the same venue. This opening match is between St Venera Lightnings and newcomers Mgarr Utd. Kick-off is at 20.15 hrs.
There are eight teams competing in the Women’s National League, which is expected to attract great interest among the participants and their supporters.
The teams, representing a fairly extensive cross-section of localities around the Island, are Birkirkara, Hibernians, Melita, Mgarr United, Mosta, Rabat Ajax, Sliema Raiders (formerly Raiders) and St Venera Lightnings.
- Futsal League champions Hibernians are currently taking part in the preliminary round of the UEFA Futsal Cup. The Paolites are taking part in a mini-tournament which is being played in Sofia, Bulgaria.
On Sunday, Hibs lost 4-3 to hosts FC Mladost Sofia while on Monday, Hibs lost 3-7 to KF Tirana of Albania. The third game will be against Skovde AIK of Sweden.
The winners of the group will move on to the Main Round where they will join MNK Split of Croatia, Athina '90 of Greece and Araz Naxcivan (Azerbaijan). The tournament will be played in Croatia between October 9th and 15th.
- The Malta Football Association is currently hosting a three-day FIFA seminar between 11 and 13 September with the participation of delegates from various European federations, including those from top countries such as Germany, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
The theme is ‘Developing Women’s Football’ and the aim is to make member associations aware of FIFA’s technical, financial and social assistance programmes for the further development of women’s football and the long-term planning process worldwide.
The event was officially opened by Mr Carmel Bartolo, the MFA Senior Vice-president who welcomed the FIFA officials and participants and spoke on the importance of such seminars in the process of developing women’s football globally.
Several themes, most of which visually backed, are on the agenda. There are also practical demonstrations at the MFA training grounds and a ‘Get Together Football Match’ to be played on the newly-laid artificial turf at Luxol St Andrews Ground.
Another item on the programme is a discussion with the local FA youth clubs and nurseries, including women’s teams’ representatives.
The MFA delegates at the seminar are vice-president John Farrugia, who is also responsible for Women’s Football, Malta national women’s team coach, Pierre Brincat and Mary Micallef, a member of the Women’s Football Committee. There are also observers from local women’s teams.
Sun 10
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Msida SJ 0-3, Floriana vs Sliema W. 1-1
- First Division San Gwann vs Mqabba 0-3, Tarxien R. vs Hamrun S. 1-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Siggiewi vs Zebbug R. 0-2, Balzan Y. vs Ta' Xbiex 6-0, Gharghur vs Lija A. 0-4, Sta. Venera L. vs Gzira U. 5-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Nadur Y. vs Qala SJ 2-0, Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 0-0 (5-3 pen)
Sat 9
- Premier League Marsa vs Hibernians 1-3, Birkirkara vs St. George's 4-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mdina K. vs Birzebbuga SP, St. Andrews vs Luqa SA
Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Zebbug R. vs Victoria H. 0-1, SK Victoria W. vs Oratory Y. 4-3
- A FIFA Women’s Football Seminar will be organised by the MFA between the 10th and 14th September 2006 with the participation of FIFA representatives.
The activity will comprise lectures on various themes of Women’s Football and a practical demonstration at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali, by the Malta Women Junior team under the charge of Ms P. Sundhage. This is being held on Tuesday 12 September at 16.00 hrs.
The practical session will be followed at 17.30 hrs by a meeting for the Youth FA Clubs and Women’s teams’ representatives at the Centenary Hall, during which the importance of having women’s teams taking part in competitions will be looked into.
Mr Carmel Bartolo, MFA senior vice-president, will officially open the seminar at the Corinthia San Gorg on Monday, 11th September at 9.00 hrs.
Fri 8
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sta. Lucia vs Zejtun C. 1-1, Dingli S. vs Xghajra T. 7-0, Qrendi vs Kalkara 3-0, Kirkop U. vs Attard 3-0
- Melita Cable PLC has announced that it will broadcast live 35 BOV Premier League games on an exclusive basis on its Sports packages.
The first live game will be next Sunday 10th September 2006 between Floriana and Sliema kick off at 18:00, but live transmission from Ta` Qali National Stadium will commence as from 17:30 with a Preview show. The transmission will be on Melita Sports - Channel 703 and Sports Channel 48.
The company has reached an agreement with the Malta Football Association to transmit a total of 35 games of the current 2006/07 season. Melita Cable PLC has agreed with the MFA that all teams taking part in this season’s Premier League should at least be screened live once throughout the season. Melita Cable PLC will transmit 14 games in the first phase, 14 games from the Championship Pool, 4 from the Relegation Pool and 3 games from the U*BET FA Trophy at the end of the season.
All games will be produced in high-quality and for the first time a 7-camera set-up will be used to broadcast the games. The games will be transmitted with Maltese commentary utilizing the services of experienced journalists and technical experts from the field, including Coaches and ex-National team players. Transmission for each game will commence half an hour before the actual Kick Off time with a preview show live from the National Stadium. The actual programme will also include live interviews with players, coaches and team officials both before and after the game.
Although this will be the first time that such a large number of matches will be screened live on TV, this will not be the first time a Premier League match was screened live. The first one was the decisive Premier League clash for the title between Birkirkara and Valletta on May 2nd, 1998 which was screened by TVM.
Thu 7
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sirens vs Melita 0-1, Fgura U. vs Mgarr U. 1-6
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional meeting on Monday 11th September 2006 for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence coaches.
This practical meeting will commence at 17.30 hrs at the Ta' Qali Training Grounds.
All coaches are advised to be punctual for this instructional session and wear the appropriate attire.
Wed 6
- EURO 2008 Turkey vs Malta 2-0
- The Malta Under-20 side lost 1-2 to Switzerland in a friendly match which was played at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
The visitors took the lead thanks to a goal by Rakitic on 36 minutes.
Ian Zammit converted a penalty six minutes in the second half to level the score but substitute Eren Derdiyok scored on 78 minutes to give Switzerland victory.
Malta coach Mark Miller used this game to try new players ahead of the UEFA Under-21 Championship 2007/08.
Malta: Miguel Montfort, Justin Grioli, Clayton Failla (78' Andrew Spiteri), Edmond Agius, Steven Bezzina (86' Andrew Scerri), Paul Fenech, Matthew Bartolo (83' Tyrone Farrugia), Dyson Falzon, Ian Zammit, Christian Caruana (53' Angus Buhagiar), Ryan Fenech (76' Julian Vella).
- A six-goal burst in the first two league matches of the 2006/07 season rewarded Valletta’s Argentinian recruit Omar Sebastian Monesterolo with an early bonanza in the shape of the BOV Player of the Month for August.
Last season, the Valletta forward’s predatory instincts as a poacher soon caught the eye after he joined the Citizens. The Valletta mentors rightly acknowledged these striking qualities and, needless to say, Monesterolo was in the plans of coach Paul Zammit for the current season.
The retention of the Argentinian as a diamond-cutting edge for a strengthened Valletta formation was soon vindicated as he netted a poker and a brace in his team’s first two matches against Pietà Hotspurs and Floriana.
More of the same from this speedy South American forward will definitely mean a welcome boost for Valletta as they aim to regain an eminent place in Maltese football.
- Two five-a-Side football tournaments for U-19 and U-13 girls were held on Monday, at the San Gwann Football Ground, kindly offered by the San Gwann Ground Management.
Seven teams participated in the U-19 event which was played on a round-robin basis.
The matches turned out to be balanced affairs as up to the last match no fewer than four teams were still in contention to win the tournament.
Mosta and Birkirkara finished on top with 13 points each, with Mosta being declared winners on the basis of their direct encounter with Birkirkara. Melita claimed third place with 11 points, followed by Hibernians, Mgarr, who surprisingly beat the Paolites, Sta. Venera and Rabat.
The U-13 tournament was contested between Hibernians and Mgarr, with the former winning all their three matches.
MFA Vice-President, Mr John Farrugia, Chairman of the Women’s Football Board presented medals to all participants in the presence of the Organising Committee composed of Alfred Zammit, Pierre Brincat, Anna Agius, Jackie Ellul Soler, Lorraine Zammit, Robert Agius and Physiotherapist Elaine Vella.
The event was sponsored by Sports Experience of Attard.
Tue 5
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Ghaxaq vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1, Zurrieq vs Gharghur 3-1
- After losing 2-5 to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Malta will be hoping to make life difficult for Turkey as they face Fatih Terim's side in a match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifiers at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt on Wednesday.
The performance of the team was not that bad against Bosnia-Herzegovina. In midfield and attack, the players worked hard especially with players like Jamie Pace and Michael Mifsud.
It was the defence that left much to be desired. Malta coach Dusan Fitzel is, in fact, expected to make changes as the team faces Turkey.
From the squad for Saturday's game, there was only one change as George Mallia dropped out of the squad due to work commitments.
The players who made the trip to Germany are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Excelsior Virton), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ian Ciantar (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Msida), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Malta and Turkey met four times at 'A' international level but the last game was played no less than 27 years ago. In the World Cup qualifiers leading to the 1978 World Cup, Turkey won 4-0 in Izmir and 3-0 at The Stadium, Gzira while in the 1980 European Championship qualifiers, Malta lost 1-2 in Izmir and 1-2 at The Stadium.
The game is being played in Germany after FIFA handed a three home-match ban, with the games being played behind closed doors at the neutral venue, after Turkey's players were involved in a brawl in the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg against Switzerland in Istanbul last November.
Turkey coach Fatih Terim named a 22-man squad ahead of next Wednesday's EURO 2008 qualifier against Malta at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
Missing from the squad is Kayserispor forward Gokhan Unal, who is ruled out with a muscle strain. However Brazilian midfielder Mehmet Aurelio, who has recently acquired Turkish citizenship, is part of the squad.
The players selected by Terim are:
goalkeepers Rustu Recber (Fenerbahce), Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahce), Ozden Ongun (Konyaspor);
defenders Can Arat (Fenerbahce), Tolga Seyhan (Galatasaray), Orhan Ak (Galatasaray), Gokhan Zan (Besiktas), Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas), Ergun Penbe (Galatasaray);
midfielders Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce), Tumer Metin (Fenerbahce), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Hamit Altintop (Schalke 04), Mehmet Topuz (Kayserispor), Huseyin Cimsir (Trabzonspor), Yildiray Basturk (Hertha Berlin), Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund);
forwards Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce), Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray), Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal), Fatih Tekke (Zenit St Petersburg), Halil Altintop (Schalke 04).
The game, which kicks-off at 20:00, will be controlled by Spanish referee Bernardino González Vázquez, assisted by Antonio Artero Gallardo and Alfonso Costoya Rodríguez and fourth official Carlos Velasco Carballo.
- Elliot Navarro is in England for a week for a trial with Bristol Rovers FC.
He was spotted by a scout he recently attended the Football Frenzy Soccer
School in Malta.
Elliott played in a friendly game last night described by the British press as "a
furious game" and as the fast and the furious game on very difficult
conditions Elliott who normally plays in the midfield played as a striker
against very experience Swansea defenders, Elliott had a header saved by
the Swansea keeper and another shot went wide.
Paul Trollope, Bristol Rovers manager, said he's very pleased with the
team's performance considering that Bristol rovers are a league lower than
Swansea and a lot of upcoming youngsters knocking at the door he also said
that the trialist did ok and he was very happy.
Elliott said that "It was no doubt the toughest game of my life thank god
that I had worked very hard on my fitness I had to play non-stop.
They don't even give you time to think every time I get the ball their
defenders are on you so aggressively. I would have preferred to have played
in my positions, also on a trial being a striker. You have the pressure to
score goals, to really impress but I really enjoyed the game which I gained
a lot of experience and knowledge of what to expect."
"Thanks to the Football Frenzy people scouts who are really working hard here with me to get me to
play in such a level. in fact I been told that there are more clubs
interested so I have a couple of more trials before I come back. Reporters
were interested that I had also been on trials with Manchester United a
couple of years ago," concluded Navarro.
- The Malta Under-17 side ended its commitments in the Under-17 International Youth Football Tournament which was held in Chios Islands, Greece on a positive note after beating hosts Chios 5-1.
At the end of the first half, Malta was losing 0-1.
On Saturday, the Under-17 side lost 2-0 to Greece and on Sunday, Malta lost narrowly to Georgia 2-3.
Mon 4
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gzira U. vs Mellieha 2-3, Lija A. vs Pembroke A. 5-0
Sun 3
- First Division Qormi vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1, Naxxar L. vs Tarxien R. 3-3, Mosta vs St. Patrick 2-0, Hamrun S. vs Senglea A. 0-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Ta' Xbiex vs St. Andrews 0-4, Birzebbuga SP vs Siggiewi 3-1, Luqa SA vs Balzan Y. 0-6, Zebbug R. vs Mdina K. 1-1
- Gozo - Independence Cup Qala SJ vs Xaghra U. 4-3, Sannat L. vs Ghajnsielem 1-2
- Malta suffered the second defeat in the Under-17 International Youth Football Tournament which is being held in Chios Islands, Greece. The Under-17 side lost 2-3 to Georgia. The score at the end of the first half was 2-2.
Sat 2
- EURO 2008 Malta vs Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-5
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel said the third goal was the whole turning point of the game as Malta went two goals down rather than equalising.
Bosnia-Herzegovina were already leading 2-1 after just nine minutes. Malta went close to equalising with Michael Mifsud but the visitors scored the third goal just before the end of the first half. Two goals early in the second half sealed the issue.
"We knew Bosnia-Herzegovina were a very strong team. I tried to explain that it was very important to avoid suffering goals early in the game. We suffered a goal after committing a mistake but the atmosphere was good once again after equalising," said Fitzel.
The Malta coach said that although Bosnia were playing very well mid-way in the second half, Malta could have equalised. "The third goal arrived at a key moment. Rather than equalising, we suffered a third goal. They scored twice early in the second half and the game was over then."
Mistakes in defence were quite evident during the game. Fitzel agreed, "They were constantly dangerous especially from the flanks. Hrgovic was constantly beating Ciantar. The latter committed mistakes but any player may have an off-day."
"I try to explain what I need from the players but sometimes they are too slow in thinking."
Dusan Fitzel explained that after making some changes and the fact that the visitors slowed down a bit, Malta created chances but unfortunately the team failed to score more goals.
Just four days away from the clash with Turkey, Fitzel will be thinking about the right tactics and the players he should field.
"The game against Turkey will be a very difficult game. After the game against Bosnia, I now know the real level of the players. Today, the performance of some of the players was quite good. Others need to work harder."
He singled out Michael Mifsud, Jamie Pace and Brian Said as the best players for Malta on Saturday.
For the game against Turkey, George Mallia is ruled out as he will be unable to travel with the squad due to work commitments.
Meanwhile Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Blaz Sliskovic was delighted with the fine performance of his players.
"We had an excellent start by scoring after just two minutes. The Maltese goal shocked us but the team recovered well. The team played very well in the first half. Then after scoring twice early in the second half, the game was over," said Sliskovic.
He said he was expecting a stronger challenge from the Maltese side but on the day, his team was clearly a much better side.
Bosnia-Herzegovina play Hungary in four days' time. Sliskovic admits the game will definitely be much more difficult but is looking forward towards another win for a most excellent start to their EURO 2008 qualifying campaign.
- The Malta Under-19 side lost 2-3 to Switzerland in a friendly match which was played at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Tyrone Farrugia put Malta ahead but early in the second half, the visitors equalised. Dylan Zarb put Malta 2-1 ahead but Switzerland scored twice
Meanwhile the Switzerland Under-19 side will be playing another friendly match against the Malta Under-20 side on Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
- Gozo - Independence Cup Xewkija T. vs Nadur Y. 0-3
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Zebbug R. vs Gharb R. 3-1
- Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery are accepting applications from boys and
girls between the age of 5 and 16 who are interested in joining the
nursery from the coming season. Applications can be collected from the
Infetti Training Grounds, B. Bontadini Str; Birkirkara. For more
information one may call on 99468248.
Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery appointed Alfred Cardona and Charles Spiteri
as Technical Advisors, Charles Borg as Academy Headcoach and Franco
Agius as Nursery Headcoach for the season 2006/2007.
Training for boys this year will be conducted on a new artificial turf
pitch at the Nursery’s facilities. One may obtain more details by
phoning 9946-8248, 7943-8248 or email nursery@birkirkarafc.com.
Fri 1
- Malta will be aiming for a positive result as the national 'A' team hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina in a match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifying round on Saturday, kick-off at 19:15.
This will be Dusan Fitzel's first competitive game at the helm of the national team after being appointed as national coach earlier this year.
Since his appointment, Malta played four matches. The team suffered two 0-2 defeats to Moldova and Georgia in the Malta International Tournament. Malta then suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan in Dusseldorf in May before losing 3-0 to Slovakia last month.
Aiming for a positive result in the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina is a must considering the positive results in the final two matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign last year. Malta, then under the guidance of Horst Heese, had managed to hold Croatia and Bulgaria in two 1-1 draws.
The two teams had never met at competitive level but played twice in friendly matches. Malta had registered a 2-1 win at Ta' Qali in January 1999 with Bosnia-Herzegovina winning 2-0 in Sarajevo in August 2001.
On Thursday, Malta coach Dusan Fitzel dropped four players from the provisional squad he had named on Tuesday, leaving out goalkeeper Andrew Hogg and midfielders Roderick Bajada, Christian Cassar and Dyson Falzon.
Hibs striker Terence Scerri is the only uncapped player in squad while Msida's Peter Pullicino and Birkirkara's Kenneth Scicluna and George Mallia are back in squad after missing the trip to Slovakia.
Mallia should make it to the starting line-up which will probably be Haber, Ciantar, Dimech, Wellman, Azzopardi, Sammut, Mallia, Pace, Mattocks (Sciberras), Agius, Mifsud.
The players selected by Fitzel for this game and for Wednesday's clash with Turkey are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Excelsior Virton), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ian Ciantar (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Msida), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Trevor Cilia (Floriana), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Blaz Sliskovic recalled Hearts midfielder Mirsad Beslija and veteran striker Elvir Bolic of Rijeka for this game. Beslija has the task of replacing Bayern Munich's Hasan Salihamidzic who announced his international retirement last month.
The players at the disposal of Sliskovic are:
goalkeepers Kenan Hasagic (Gaziantepspor), Almir Tolja (Batery Sabat Tehran)
defenders Dzemal Berberovic (Litex Lovech), Emir Spahic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Sasa Papac (Rangers), Vule Trivunovic (Sarajevo), Ninoslav Milenkovic (Germinal Beerschot)
midfielders Vedin Music (Torino), Zlatan Bajramovic (Schalke 04), Vladan Grujic (Litex Lovech), Ivica Grlic (Duisburg), Sergej Barbarez (Bayer Leverkusen), Mladen Bartolovic (Hajduk Split), Admir Vladavic (Zeljeznicar Sarajevo), Mirsad Beslija (Hearts), Dusan Kerkez (Rijeka)
forwards Zvjezdan Misimovic (Bochum), Zlatan Muslimovic (Parma), Mirko Hrgovic (Hajduk Split), Elvir Bolic (Rijeka).
Saturday's game against Bosnia-Herzegovina will be controlled by Danish officials. The referee is Thomas Vejlgaard who will be assisted by Palle Vudsen and Martin Wulff and fourth official Nicolai Vollquartz.
Match ticket prices are as follows:
West Sides A & C - Upper - Lm 7;
West Sides A & C - Lower - Lm 4;
Millennium Stand - Lm 3;
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders and Persons on Wheelchair (in Millennium Stand only) - Lm 2.
Tickets will also be available at the gates just before the match. The gates at the National Stadium will open at 15:30 as an Under-19 friendly match between Malta and Switzerland will be played at 16:15.
During the interval between the Under-19 and the National 'A' Team matches, entertainment will be provided by a number of singers, namely Fabrizio Faniello, Priscilla Psaila, Thea & Friends, Triston B and Kevin Borg. The entertainment is being provided by Events Services.
Bank of Valletta will be distributing plastic balloon sticks to the spectators to help create an atmosphere prior to and during the match.
- Turkey coach Fatih Terim named a 22-man squad ahead of next Wednesday's EURO 2008 qualifier against Malta at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
Missing from the squad is Kayserispor forward Gokhan Unal who is ruled out with a muscle strain. However Brazilian midfielder Mehmet Aurelio, who has recently acquired Turkish citizenship, is part of the squad.
The squad flew to Germany on Friday for the first of three home matches which will be play behind closed doors at a neutral venue.
FIFA handed out the punishment after Turkey's players were involved in a brawl in the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg against Switzerland in Istanbul last November.
The players selected by Terim are:
goalkeepers Rustu Recber (Fenerbahce), Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahce), Ozden Ongun (Konyaspor);
defenders Can Arat (Fenerbahce), Tolga Seyhan (Galatasaray), Orhan Ak (Galatasaray), Gokhan Zan (Besiktas), Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas), Ergun Penbe (Galatasaray);
midfielders Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce), Tumer Metin (Fenerbahce), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Hamit Altintop (Schalke 04), Mehmet Topuz (Kayserispor), Huseyin Cimsir (Trabzonspor), Yildiray Basturk (Hertha Berlin), Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund);
forwards Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce), Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray), Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal), Fatih Tekke (Zenit St Petersburg), Halil Altintop (Schalke 04).
- Sixty-four teams will be taking part in the Futsal League 2006/2007 which kicks-off in October.
There will be the usual fourteen teams divided into two sections in the First Division and another fourteen teams divided into two sections in the Second Division.
The Third Division will be made up of eighteen teams divided into three sections of six teams each.
The eighteen new teams that are taking part this season will be playing in the Fourth Division which will also be divided into three sections of six teams each.
At the end of the regular season, the top two teams in each section of the First Division will be fighting out for the championship in a mini-league based on one round. Two teams from each section are relegated to the Second Division.
From the Second Division, four teams are promoted - two from each section. A championship decider will be played between the section winners. Two teams from each section are relegated to the Third Division.
Four teams are promoted from the Third to the Second Division. Besides the three section winners, there will be a mini-tournament between the three runners-up and from this tournament, another team will secure promotion to the Second Division. The team ending last in each section will be relegated to the Fourth Division.
The winners of each section in the Fourth Division will be promoted to the Third Division.
As from this season, there will be the introduction of a time-keeper, besides the referees, for First Division matches. The association hopes to have a time-keeper for matches in the other divisions as well in future.
Meanwhile the participation fees for Futsal teams for this season will be as follows: First Division - Lm 230; Second Division - Lm 205; Third and Fourth Division - Lm 175. This fee covers the use of the venues and referees.
- The first four of the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches will be inaugurated during the weekend.
The Pembroke Athleta and Rabat Depiro mini-pitches will be inaugurated on Friday while two pitches in Gozo - in Qala and San Lawrenz, will be inaugurated on Saturday.
Present for the inauguration will the UEFA Assistance Programmes Head, Mohammed Ta.
So far, six mini-pitches has been installed and another two will be installed shortly. Another four mini-pitches have been ordered and are due to arrive in Malta later on this month.
Thirty-five mini-pitches will be installed in all. To benefit from this UEFA programme are football clubs, football nurseries, local councils and schools.
These mini-pitches are being funded by UEFA - as part of its celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary. Its main objective was that of providing children a safe place to play football, now that playing street-football is no longer possible.
The pitches provided were of a standard side. However the applicants were given the possibility of applying for a larger pitch and paying the difference. These mini-pitches can be used for other sports as well.
- Thursday was the last chance for clubs to sign new players as the transfer deadline closed at 19:00.
Premier clubs were mainly involved in the loan of players to other clubs. Mosta defender Ryan Newell joined Floriana while Hamrun Spartans midfielder/striker Diego Cucciardi is set to join Marsa. Both move on a one-year loan deal.
Clubs in the lower divisions were quite active over the past week.
In Division 1, Mqabba secured the services of Ikechukwu Chibueze (Mosta), Matthew Cocks (Gzira), Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana). Jesmond Delia (St. George's) and Mark Farrugia (Zurrieq). Tarxien signed Steve Sadowski and Alan Tabone (both Birkirkara), Paul Camilleri (Birzebbuga), Jonathan Francica (Valletta), Stefan Farrugia (Sta. Venera), Maczerob Okoro (Hamrun), Ryan Darmanin (Floriana) and Emmanuel Cutajar (Hibernians). Goalkeeper Shawn Cardona (Hamrun) and Michael Micallef (Rabat) will spend another season with the club.
Melvin Farrugia (Zebbug) and goalkeepers Joshua Galea (B'Kara) and Claude Carbonaro (Sta. Venera) joined Mosta. St. Patrick secured the services of Eric Saliba and Kurt Coleiro (Tarxien), Kenneth Abela (Hibs) and Vince Camilleri (Zejtun) while Simon Zerafa, Matthew Fleri Soler and Clayton Micallef are once again on loan with the club from Hibs. Hamrun Spartans, whose new coach is Atanas Marinov, welcomed back Evano Briffa and Stephen Meilak who were on loan with Balzan and Marsa respectively and signed Marlon Vella from Siggiewi.
Matthew Borg (Birkirkara), Frank Ellul (Siggiewi), Jeremy Gatt (St. George's), David Gauci and Daniel Cosaitis (Hibs). Clint Caruana (Sliema) and Chima Dozie (Naxxar) join Senglea. San Gwann, who appointed Danilo Doncic as player-coach, signed Michael Valenzia from Sliema. Fabian Debono (Sliema), Justin Zammit and Ismael Zammit (Valletta), Jonathan Grech (Mosta) and Peter Anizoba (San Gwann) joined Naxxar Lions.
Newly-promoted Qormi signed Australian midfielder Jane Talcevski, goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia (Sliema), Kurt Zammit (Valletta), Joseph Farrugia (Sliema) while Joseph Chetcuti, Edward Azzopardi, Thomas Paris and Johann Zammit will be staying as well. On the other hand, Vittoriosa Stars, now under the guidance of Ivan Zammit singed Cedric Sciberras (Gzira), Ivan Cassar (Hibs), Dino Trakosopoulos (Zurrieq), Julian Buhagiar (Pietà) and Uchenna Anyanwu (Mqabba).
Lija signed Tyron Spiteri (Attard), Justin Felice and Kevin Ellul (Floriana), Colin Ciantar (Attard), Anthony Gera (St. Andrews) while Sta. Venera Lightnings secured the services of Dino Bonnici (Zurrieq).
Chris Ciappara (Attard), Roderick Spiteri (Hibs), Jeffrey Farrugia (Siggiewi) and Jeffrey Zammit (Sta. Venera) joined Dingli while newly-promoted Birzebbuga St. Peter's signed Aldrin Muscat (Gudja) and Leslie Burke (Tarxien). Malcolm Tirchett signed for Balzan Youths who retained three Valletta players - Antoine Sacco, Jerryton Agius and Leonid Mackay.
Chris Ciappara (Attard), Roderick Spiteri (Hibs), Jeffrey Farrugia (Siggiewi) and Jeffrey Zammit (Sta. Venera) joined Dingli.
- Maltese midfielder Andrei Agius joined Serie C1 side AC Martina from Messina after the two clubs settled on a a co-ownership agreement. Agius, who had earlier played for Zemun in Serbia and Mascalucia in Sicily, joins Martina on a one-year contract.
- Promoting dialogue in Maltese and European football is the main objective behind a one-day conference which will be held at the The Hilton, Malta on Saturday September 9th.
Speaking during a press conference at the Pietà Hotspurs club premises, Dr Anthony Galea, one of the promoters of this conference together with Prof Robert Siekmann - Director of the ASSER International Sports Law Centre, said that their objective is that of transporting the idea of social dialogue to football. A concept which would lead to improvement in the level of the game.
Dr Galea, himself a footballer, said that all stakeholders need to get around a table to discuss all issues. Issues such as the contracts of players, transfers, opportunities for players and clubs and players' agents.
Dialogue at international level was already taking place. In fact, when new regulations for players were established, all stakeholders were involved in the discussion and all parties involved managed to find a workable solution.
A number of speakers will be presenting papers on a number of issues.
In the first paper "Football Club and Player Contracts", Dr Galea will be examining the rules and regulations of Maltese football and highlight the main issues that arise for discussion when a club and a player negotiate contracts.
Prof Rob Siekmann will speak about "The Possible Participation of EPFL and G-14 in a Social Dialogue in the European Professional Football Sector" - which parties might participate in a future social dialogue in the professional football sector. Dr Siekmann will answer the question whether the EPFL and the G-14 currently meet the EU criteria for participation in a dialogue between management and labour
"Opportunities for Maltese Football Clubs at local and European level" will be the paper presented by Dr Kevin Deguara. He will examine the status of local clubs in the framework of local and European football regulations with the aim of identifying areas of improvement and new opportunities for clubs.
Prof Roberto Branco Martins will be focussing on "The Legal Status of a Professional Football Player in Europe." He will be pointing out on the need of a solution to be made available for the football sector in order to create legal certainty due to the diversity in regulation. Prof Martins will illustrate the diversity in the regulation of players' contracts.
"The Inns and Outs of the Maltese Transfer System" will be the last paper which will be presented by Dr Anthony Galea. He will examine how the system conditions club-to-club and club-to player relations and how player mobility affected by the present system.
The conference will start at 09:30 and there will be an open discussion at around 12:30 following the presentation of the different papers. The chairman for this conference will be Dr Hugh Peralta.
Dr Galea concluded the press conference by thanking the sponsors - General Soft Drinks, Diplomat Hotel and The Hilton - Malta.
- Ethnikos will be organising a five-a-side football tournament on September 16th at the Salinos Ground, Valletta. Applications could be obtained by sending an email to alistair.facciol@gmail.com or phoning 99257542.