Ta’ Xbiex have rejoined the Malta FA fold after their application to take part in the BOV Division Three next season gained the approval of the council yesterday.
Following the reform of the national leagues last year, the return of Ta’ Xbiex necessitated further changes to the composition of the divisions.
While the MFA Executive Committee’s initial proposal to reinstate Ta’ Xbiex and increase the number of clubs in Division One to 13 was ditched, the council voted to increase clubs in Division One from 12 to 14 as from season 2013/14.
The purpose behind this move was to avoid further complications if other club not represented in the MFA leagues apply in future.
Malta FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo said some officials have commented favourably on the work and enthusiasm of the people behind Ta’ Xbiex’s membership bid which subsequently received the backing of the Executive Committee.
He argued that Ta’ Xbiex’s potential reinstatement should not necessarily increase the number of clubs in Division Three from 14 to 15.
The Division Three Clubs Standing Committee forwarded a motion recommending the admission of Ta’ Xbiex for season 2012/13, thus taking the number of clubs in the championship to 15 while leaving the composition of the other divisions unaltered.
The ensuing discussion prompted several council members to suggest that Ta’ Xbiex be allowed to play in a 15-strong Division Three next season before trimming the number of teams in the same category by two from 2013/14 by increasing clubs in Division One from 12 to 14.
The amendment, which was rubberstamped during an EGM that was held soon after yesterday’s council meeting, means that at the end of season 2012/13 two teams are relegated from Division One and four promoted from Division Two while two will go down into Division Three and the top four in this championship elevated to Division Two.
From 2013/14, three teams will be relegated and promoted in each of the three divisions outside the Premier League.
Gozitan club Għajnsielem had also filed an application to play in the MFA leagues from next season.
Darmanin Demajo pointed out that the MFA statute doesn’t preclude Gozitan clubs from taking part in the MFA league but, having considering the potential ramifications such a move would have, the Executive Committee recommended that Għajnsielem’s application be declined.
Meanwhile, the re-applications of Marsa and Kalkara, bottom teams in Division Three last season, were approved by the MFA Council.
Serbian midfielder Marko Potezica has been identified as the player who tested positive for doping after the Relegation Pool match between Mqabba and Mosta in April.
Potezica, who was expected to follow coach Clive Mizzi to Sliema Wanderers after impressing for Mqabba last season, has been summoned to appear before the MFA’s Control and Disciplinary Board.
It was also announced yesterday that the case about allegations of a bribery attempt ahead of the match between Mqabba and Mosta last season has been archived.
The MFA revealed that the person implicated is neither a club committee official nor a member of the association. Thus, the MFA has no power to sanction the said person but instead referred the case to the police for further investigations.
It also emerged yesterday that Valletta have placed Massimo Grima, Renie Forace, Steve Bezzina, Andrew Hogg, Kurt Magro, Jamie Pace, Jonathan Francica, David Camilleri and Kenneth Scicluna on the transfer list.
Hibernians have defender Aaron Xuereb transfer-listed as well.
Top player
The race for the 2011/12 MFA footballer of the year award has turned into another duel between Valletta and Hibs.
In the shortlist of five, Valletta provide three contenders, Brazilians William Barbosa and Denni, and defender Jonathan Caruana. The two Hibs candidates for the coveted honour are Andrew Cohen and Clayton Failla.
The five finalists emerged after a vote by the members of the MFA footballer of the year award committee. Valletta midfielder Roderick Briffa won the honour last year.