Champions start title defence against Marsaxlokk

Champions Hibernians will start their title defence with a match against newcomers Marsaxlokk as the draws of the Premier League were made yesterday at Ta' Qali.

The first programme also pits against each other two coaches who have just returned to club football.

Edward Aquilina, who replaced Jeff Wood at Sliema, will guide his troops against Pietà who are under the charge of former Malta U-21 coach Ray Farrugia.

Valletta and Birkirkara, the other likely front-runners, were handed a relatively easy start when they were pitted against Mosta, the other newcomers, and Marsa respectively. The opening day is completed with a clash between two former greats of the local game - Hamrun and Floriana.

The competition kicks off on Saturday, August 24, three days after the national team's friendly against Macedonia in Skopje.

The first phase is set for an interesting finale as Sliema face Birkirkara while Valletta take on arch-rivals Floriana. The championship will stop on five occasions due to the national team's commitments in the Euro Championship qualifiers.

The U-17, U-19 and U-21 teams will also be involved in Euro qualifiers and a selection of amateurs will figure in the Regions Cup in November.

Speaking during yesterday's news conference, MFA president Joe Mifsud said the association was still in search of a sponsor for the Premiership, the FA Trophy and the Super Cup competitions after the Rothmans deal came to a close recently.

"We worked on this matter very hard for the past weeks and held talks with different entities. However, until now no decision was made but hopefully we will find a new partner soon," Mifsud said.

The MFA president said the format for the Premiership will be retained. At the end of the second round the top six teams will form the Championship Pool while the other four clubs will play in the Relegation Pool.

No Reserves League

He also confirmed that there will be no changes in the First, Second and Third Divisions but the Reserves League will not be contested at all.

"Since the Premier League was expanded to the extent that each team is now being involved almost every week, it was at first decided that the Reserves League for the top clubs will not be held," the MFA head said.

"Then, clubs from the other three divisions also voiced their opposition against this competition through a survey. We therefore had no other option but to cancel the Reserves League."

Mifsud said there could be changes in the Second and Third Divisions as from 2003/2004. He added a commission was set up to study the format of these two championships.

As regards the FA Trophy, the MFA Council has already approved a move which sees the quarter-finals staged much earlier than usual.

Moreover, the final will be decided after one match thus eliminating a replay. The next FA Trophy final will be played on May 22 and the Super Cup three days later.

Mifsud said there was an overall drop in attendances for MFA competitions last season.

"This loss could perhaps be attributed to the fact that Kartanzjan holders were no longer granted free entrance to the stadiums," he said.

"However, if one looks at the attendances for the Premier League and Trophy, where the top sides are involved, there was a slight increase in numbers. This shows that the fare offered in these two major competitions is of good quality and attracts the interest of stadium-goers.

"One hopes that the fans will continue to attend matches regularly and support their teams without exceeding the limit. Last season, we had little trouble with unruly supporters and now we expect that this positive trend will be extended for the new season."

The MFA president said the annual general meeting will be held on July 27 and assured club delegates that his organisation is doing its utmost to improve the level of referees.

"Rest assured that only our best referees will be selected to officiate top matches," he said.

"I have full faith in our officials and I am sure that they will do a good job."