Mifsud says no influence in UEFA decision

Malta FA president Joe Mifsud yesterday denied he had influenced UEFA's decision to declare the Hibs Ground not suitable to hold Champions League matches last week.

UEFA's decision stirred controversy after Sliema Wanderers, Malta's representatives in the Champions League, were earlier given the go-ahead to play their first qualifying round home leg, against FC Skonto, at the ground in Corradino.

Mifsud, speaking during the draw of the 2003 Lowenbrau Cup, added UEFA had acted according to its rules on Champions League venues.

"UEFA's inspector for the Sliema-FC Skonto match was of the opinion that the Hibs Ground qualified to host the match. However, that does not mean that his decision was final.

"UEFA had other information to rely on. In the end, the Competitions Department ruled that the ground was not suitable to host Champions League matches."

Sliema and the MFA were in-volved in a hot dispute before the July 16 qualifier after the association had imposed a Lm5,000 'guarantee' on the use of the National Stadium. Sliema opted for the Hibs Ground and arranged to have seating facilities installed in time for the match.

Among the points UEFA highlighted in a statement to explain the reasons for its decision not to have Champions League matches at the Hibs Ground, was no control room, no up-to-date scoreboard and PA system and lack of safety on the terraces.

"Contrary to what is being rumoured, I had nothing to do with that decision," Mifsud, a member in the UEFA executive said. "It's no good to expose certain antagonisms in public, that could only harm our image on the international scene."

The 2003 Lowenbrau Cup, with the participation of Birkirkara, Valletta and Hibernians, will be played on Monday, Thursday, August 7 and Saturday, August 9.

Sliema, the holders, will not be able to defend their title as they will be involved in the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round against FC Copenhagen today week.

These four matches will be played at the National Stadium. Parking behind the enclosure area will cost patrons 40 cents as from Monday.

"Originally, Lowenbrau Cup dates were different but last March the council had agreed to move the second fixture back by 24 hours to make way for any possible home leg from the Champions League second qualifying round," Mifsud said.

"This means we had full confidence in our teams in Europe. Unfortunately, it's impossible for Sliema to play in this year's Lowenbrau Cup. This happened a few years back when Valletta eliminated Barry Town in the opening round."

When the draw was made Hibernians were paired with Valletta in the opening match on Monday. Losers of this match, or Hibs in case of a draw, will play the following Thursday against Birkirkara. Both matches start at 7.30 p.m. The last match on August 9 kicks off at 7 p.m.

Managing director Paul Debattista said it was Lowenbrau's 11th time to sponsor the pre-season tournament.

"The competition was rather low-key at the start but now it has gained in popularity," he said. "The teams taking part are seeing the tournament as an ideal build-up for European commitments. Response from the teams and the public is becoming increasingly encouraging.

"Some clubs are experiencing financial difficulties at the moment but sponsorships like the ones of Lowenbrau are needed as more financial partners should be found.

"New ways of generating funds have to be introduced to put our football clubs on more solid grounds."