All the fixtures from the Malta FA leagues scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will kick off an hour late, the local governing body of football announced yesterday.

The opening games from the senior competitions had been due to start at 4pm but these have now been moved back to 5pm.

The second fixture on the card will begin at 7pm, at the National Stadium and Centenary Stadium, and 7.15pm at the other venues.

The Malta FA gave no reason for the change in the kick-off times but the sweltering heat over the past few days was probably the main factor behind their decision.

Last weekend’s games were played in stifling humidity with referees allowing a number of drinking breaks during matches to minimise the risk of dehydration.

Calls for the MFA to address the situation have increased in the last few days after it emerged that a Swieqi United player had fallen ill during half-time of their BOV Division Two 3-0 defeat to Ħamrun Spartans at the Charles Abela Stadium, Mosta on Sunday.

Jonathan Briscoe White felt unwell in the steaming dressing room during the break.

“I sat outside the dressing room with my legs up during the team talk,” Briscoe White recounted.

“Then, when it was time to get back on the pitch, I was struggling to walk and had to lean against the wall. I went down on my knees and then on my side. I suffered a black-out for about two seconds.

“The nurse (on duty at the stadium) and the Żejtun players and committee members came to help me, taking off the tape, shoes and socks as the nurse held me upright. I was given gatorade and a chocolate bar.

“I was meant to continue playing but had to come off at half-time.

“It could have been much worse.”

In a separate message posted on Facebook page Football in Malta, Briscoe White urged the MFA to consider changing kick-off times “at least until the heat of the summer is over”.

Briscoe White thanked all those who assisted him on Sunday, adding that the “only positive is how people come together in the time of need”.