Wanderers request to play both legs in Latvia

Sliema Wanderers' hopes of emulating Hibs' feat last year in overcoming the first hurdle of the Champions League appear slim after the draw in Nyon yesterday pitched them against FC Skonto.

The Latvia champions look firm favourites to progress to the next round and their chances are likely to be bolstered if Sliema have it their way.

This may sound absurd but the Maltese champions have been so infuriated by a MFA decision to impose a Lm5,000 fee for the use of the National Stadium for their European match, that they have proposed to FC Skonto that both legs be played in Riga. Sliema were drawn to play the first leg at home on July 16 with the second tie scheduled for July 23.

Sliema president Robert Arrigo yesterday confirmed that he had given his club's delegation in Nyon the all-clear to make their request to the FC Skonto officials.

"We have proposed that the two legs take place in Riga," Arrigo said.

"I ask... what are the incentives of playing at the National Stadium when we have to pay Lm5,000 to use the ground and cannot field more than three foreigners?" Arrigo added.

Contacted by The Times, Dr Joe Mifsud, the Malta FA president, said that UEFA regulations forbid clubs from playing both legs away.

Sliema have never played FC Skonto before but their coach Edward Aquilina and defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti and Kris Laferla are acquainted with their Latvian rivals having been involved in a two-legged tie against them during their time with Valletta.

The fixture between Valletta and FC Skonto at the start of season 1997-98 had attracted a lot of attention as a money-spinning tie against Spanish giants Barcelona awaited the winner of that clash.

Valletta won the first leg at Ta' Qali 1-0 courtesy of a Lino Galea goal but lost 2-0 in Latvia to bow out 2-1 on aggregate.

FC Skonto have come a long way in recent years and were widely billed as one of the strongest teams in the draw. According to Arrigo, FC Skonto are a perfect example of how a club from a small country have blossomed.

"They have been champions in their country for the last 10 years. I have been told that they have seven foreigners in their squad and that already puts us at a disadvantage.

"FC Skonto encountered Valletta six years ago but they have come by leaps and bounds since then. This fixture is a typical example of two countries and two teams that, up to 10 years ago, were on a par.

"The difference is that we have stayed where we are whereas FC Skonto have made a quantum leap forward," Arrigo said.

Arrigo believes that Maltese teams can only compete abroad if they play on a level field.

"My message to the MFA is to give us the same opportunities as our European counterparts. We are not asking for financial assistance because we can fend for ourselves but we are being held back from facing opponents with the same ammunition," Arrigo said.

Clubs have until July 4 to submit their squads to UEFA. Sliema are expected to include new signing Dybrill Sylla in their squad as well as Jamie Pace.

Pace's deal has yet to be concluded but Sliema have already agreed terms with Pietà over the 26-year-old forward's transfer.

A two-legged tie against FC Skonto is not a lucrative prospect, money-wise, but the winner of the match can look forward to better financial pickings as they meet the champions of Denmark in the next round.

FC Copenhagen are favourites to tie up their third Danish title when they meet 10th placed Aarhus in their final league game tomorrow. FC Copenhagen are two points clear of Brondby.