Wanderers' president Arrigo urges Malta FA against Centenary Stadium switch

Sliema Wanderers are calling on the Malta FA to refrain from switching any of their opening two Championship Pool matches to the Centenary Stadium if inclement weather forces management staff to postpone the fixtures at the Hibs Ground.

Disappointed by the MFA decision to stage their next two matches away from the National Stadium, despite Sliema ending the first phase of the Premier League on top of the standings, club president Robert Arrigo yesterday expressed his concern on the likelihood of their match against Floriana being postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

In a message he sent to Joe Gauci, the MFA secretary, Arrigo said that Hibs Ground officials have informed him that the pitch is presently flooded with rainwater and tomorrow's matches are unlikely to go ahead if the wet weather persists.

The Sliema president listed three options he wants to be considered by the MFA if their match against Floriana were to be postponed. These are:

1. If the pitch at the Hibs Ground is fit to host only one match, the clash between Floriana and Sliema should take precedence over the other fixture from the Relegation Pool;

2. In the event that both matches are postponed, the Sliema-Floriana game should be rescheduled for Monday evening at the National Stadium. The cost for the use of the floodlights will be borne by Sliema Wanderers; or

3. The match be played on Monday afternoon at the Hibs Ground.

Arrigo emphasised that Sliema are opposed to having any of their Championship Pool games staged at the Centenary Stadium. The champions have already played three times at that venue during the first part of the Premier League season.