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The Malta Football Association is a member of the Federation Internationale de Football Associations (FIFA) and the Union des Associations Europeenes de Football (UEFA)

Publisher The Media Department of the Malta FA, Millennium Stand, Floor Two, The National Stadium, Ta’ Qali ATD 4000

Tel 00356 2338 6000 E-mail info@mfa.com.mt generalhelpdesk@mfa.com.mtWebsite www.mfa.com.mtFax 00356 2338 6900

DisclaimerViews expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of the Malta Football Association

The reproduction of articles or extracts of any information published in this Quarterly Review is

authorised provided the source is indicated

Malta FA Office Hours The Malta Football Association advises that its administrative offices are open daily from Mondays to Fridays between 09.00hrs and 19.00hrs except on Public Holidays. These offices will close one (1) hour before the start of any international fixture involving the National A team or the Malta Under-21 team.

The offices will be closed after 13.00hrs on the following days:

Our Lady of SorrowsMaundy Thursday24th December31st December

No letters or correspondence, registrations, appeals or any other documents will be accepted by the Malta Football Association unless these are filed in these official hours.

Back IssuesA limited number of Back Numbers of the Malta FA’s Quarterly Review are still available at the Malta FA Headquarters, Millennium Stand (Floor Two), The National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, ATD 4000. These are being sold at 2 euros per copy (including postage).

Place your order by writing to The Editor, The Malta FA Quarterly Review, Millennium Stand (Floor Two), National Stadium, Ta’ Qali ATD 4000, enclosing the relative payment in Malta mint stamps, money order or cheque, payable to the Malta Football Association.

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EditorManuel Gauci

ContributorsAlex Vella, Louis Micallef & Norman Saliba

Pictures (photographers)Domenic Aquilina, Paul Zammit Cutajar, Joseph Borg, Louis Micallef, Rodney Pisani, Medialink, UEFA and the Malta FA archives

Design Ikona Artworks Ltd, Mosta

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On the coverCelebrations after the away win in Armenia 07.06.2013

Photo © Joe Borg

5 A Magic Night in Yerevan 18 Malta earn Top

Spot in WC Group

03 All Honours decided

05 A night of magic in Yerevan

07 Shock defeat in Sofia

08 Malta beaten again by Italy

11 A competitive away victory after 20 years

13 Two late goals sink gallant U21’s

15 Cyprus win U-17 Easter Tournament

18 Malta earn top spot in World Cup Group

21 Malta teams meet Prim Minister

23 Birkirkara FC Champions 2013-14

24 Naxxar Lions clinch BOV First Division

26 Where the honours went

31 Hibernians U*Bet FA Trophy winners

33 Birkirkara & Raiders Luxol Champions

34 Paul Fenech MFA Footballer of the Year

36 Maltese referees

41 Fantastic Fun Park & match

43 Rescued dog national teams mascot

45 UEFA Grassroots Day

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33 Paul Fenech MFA Footballer of the Year

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It was very tight at the top as Pieta Hotspur placed third with 43 points followed by Lija Athletic with 42.

Żebbuġ Rangers were runaway winners in the Second Division which comprised 14 teams. They totalled 62 points followed by Msida St Joseph ten points adrift, Żurrieq (50) and St George’s with 49 points. All these four clubs are no newcomers for the first division and in the past had Premier status as well.

The third division title was won by Senglea Athletic who preceded Mdina Knights, Marsaskala and Marsa in this order. Mdina and Marsaskala are newcomers for the second divisionIn the women’s league Birkirkara won the First Division title when they defeated Mosta in a deciding match after both teams had shared top spot.

In the Second Division the honours went to Raiders who were clear winners, with Kirkop Utd. finishing second.

The second major honour which ended the 2012-13 season was the 75th edition of the U*BET FA Trophy, won for the 10th time by Hibernians, after defeating Qormi again in the final with the same score of last season’s edition. Hibernians won the final 3-1.

The season’s curtain fell with the announcement of the winners of all individual honours, on top of which was B’Kara F.C. and Malta International midfielder Paul Fenech as MFA Footballer of the Year 2012-13. Paul Fenech was presented with the award during the MFA Awards 2013 ceremony held at the M.F.C.C.on the 14th June.

ALL HONOURS DECIDED

The title-holders of each division in the National Championships 2012-2013 sponsored by the Bank of Valletta are known. The last issue was resolved when Birkirkara beat Hibernians 3-1 in the first ever decider of the Premier Division to clinch the top honour in Maltese football.

Paul Fenech, Malta Football Association Footballer of the Year 2012 - 2013

Photo © Dominic Aquilina

editorial

The play-off was necessitated after both the Stripes and the Paolites ended their 32-match trek on 45 points apiece. Valleta and Sliema placed joint third with 36 points each.

Another deciding match was needed to confirm the First Division champions. After Naxxar Lions and Vittoriosa Stars finished on 44 points each, Naxxar won the showdown encounter 2-1 to lift the title.

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I have been asked to write 500 words for our Quarterly Review, however, this time I think it would be more appropriate to let the pictures tell the story.

Norman Darmanin DemajoMFA President

ARMENIA 0 MALTA 1

A NIGHT OF MAGICIN YEREVAN

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It was quite fitting that on the same day that the Maltese Nation commemorates the fallen Maltese heroes who died during the riots of 1919, another batch of heroes made their country and their football proud with a display of courage, guts and determination that made us all proud to be Maltese.

“For all Maltese football fans Sette Gugno will now also have another special meaning.”

report

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BULGARIA 6malta 0

FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014 QUALIFIERSVASIL LEVSKI STADIUM, SOFIA | 07.10.2011 fired a low shot past Malta keeper A.

Hogg. Bulgaria’s second came seven minutes before the break after a blunder by Hogg on a central shot by Tonev. Any hopes of a Malta revival after the resumption of play were soon shattered when after only two minutes an unmarked I. Popov scored from close range after a low cross from the left side. Another huge defensive mistake, this time by defender L. Dimech opened the way for Gargarov to beat Hogg with a low shot to make it 4-0 for the home side. A. Tonev rounded up his hat-trick for the home side midway through the second half, with I. Ivanov making the final 6-0 scoreline in the 78th minute. All in all a total domination by the home team against a dismal performance by the boys in red who now needed to work hard to gather themselves up for the next qualifier against Italy.

Photo © Paul Zammit Cutajar

Malta suffered a shock 0-6 defeat against Bulgaria in their fourth 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualification matches.

Pitch and climatic conditions along with defensive blunders did not help Malta’s hopes of obtaining another respectable result ahead of Tuesday’s long awaited encounter against football giants Italy on home soil. The match was played behind closed doors after Bulgaria were sanctioned by FIFA for the racist behaviour of their fans during the qualifier against Denmark. It took only six minutes for the home side to start netting their goals when striker A. Tonev ran into the box and

Bulgaria 6 (2) Nikolay Mihaylov (Gk), Nikolay Bodurov, Yordan Minev (Radoslav Dimitrov 63’), Ivelin Popov, Veselin Minev, Ivan Ivanov, Georgi Milanov, Vladimir Gadzhev (Georgi Sarmov 70’), Alexander Tonev, Georgi Iliev, Emil Gargov (Valeri Bozhinov 56’) Substitutes not used Vladislav Stiyanov (Gk), Stanislav Manolev, Petar Zanev, Pavel Vidanov, Iliya Milanov, Iliyan Micanski, Hristo Zlatinski, Simeon Slavchev

Coach Lyuboslav Penev

Malta 0 (0) Andrew Hogg (Gk), Jonathan Caruana, Andrei Agius (Ryan Camilleri 56’), Luke Dimech, Roderick Briffa, Michael Mifsud (captain), Clayton Failla, Andre Schembri, Paul Fenech (Rowen Muscat 71’), Edward Herrera, Ryan Fenech

Substitutes not used Justin Haber (Gk), Alex Muscat, Gareth Sciberras, Daniel Bogdanovic, Andrew Cohen

Coach Pietro Ghedin

Scorers Alexander Tonev 3 (6’, 38’, 68’), Ivelin Popov 47’, Emil Gargorov 55’, Ivan Ivanov 78’

SHOCK HEAVY DEFEAT FOR MALTA IN SNOWBOUND SOFIA

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1. MALTA BEATEN 2-0 against football giants Malta went down 0-2 to football giants and group leaders Italy in another 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualifier

A packed Ta’ Qali National Stadium with flags and banners all over the place greeted both teams as they set foot on the pitch from the tunnel.

Although Italy enjoyed more possession during the first half, Malta were generally solid at the back and gave the Italians something to think about when they moved forward. Following a steady start by the locals, came the 12th minute when defender Luke Dimech floored spiky-haired El Sharaway inside the area and Mario Balotelli scored from the resultant penalty.

Malta were by no means surrendering after this and barely 3 mins had passed when Briffa went past two opponents and served Schembri on the left inside the area. Buffon barged in and floored Schembri. Referee awarded a penalty but Buffon escaped at least a booking. Mifsud takes the spot-kick to the right of Buffon who pulled off a diving save.On the 19 min mark Michael Mifsud swept past Bonucci and hit a 20-metre shot against the bar with Buffon looking on. Malta cursed their luck

MALTA 0ITALIA 2

FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014 QUALIFIERS GROUP BNational Stadium, Ta’ Qali | 07.09.2012

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MALTA BEATEN 2-0 against football giants Malta went down 0-2 to football giants and group leaders Italy in another 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualifier

Photos © Dominic Aquilina & Paul Zammit Cutajar

Two minutes after Balotelli shot past Haber’s right-hand post. in the 29th minute, Clayton Failla brought the best out of Buffon as the Italian goalkeeper dived full length to his left to turn a low 30-metre free-kick to corner.

Notwithstanding this positive spell by the boys in red, Malta conceded a second goal right on the 45 minute mark when El Sharaway ran for a through ball on the left and played ball back to Balotelli who whipped past Haber.

The Italians again enjoyed swathes of possession in the second half, with Pirlo masterminding their approach work. However, a resolute Malta held firm in midfield and at the back, with chances being restricted for both teams. Haber did not have any difficult shots to deal with.

Though they may not have had plenty of possession, Malta were however always willing to move forward with cogent play.

Malta (0) Justin Haber (Gk), Jonathan Caruana, Alexander Muscat, Gareth Sciberras, Luke Dimech, Clayton Failla (Andrew Cohen 82’), Roderuick Briffa, Michael Mifsud (Terence Vella 88’), Andre Schembri, Edward Herrera, Ryan Camilleri

Substitutes not used: Andrew Hogg (Gk), Andrei Agius, Ryan Fenech, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat, Jacob Borg

Coach: Pietro Ghedin

Italia 2 (0) Gianluigi Buffon, Mattia De Sciglio, Ignazio Abate, Cklaudio Marchisio, Mario Balotelli (Alberto Gilardino (84’), Stephan El Shaarawy (Alessio Cerci (76’), Andrea Barzagli, Riccardo Montolivo, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Pirlo, Emanuele Giaccherini (Antonio Candreva 61’)

Substitutes not used: Salvatore Sirigu (Gk), Christian Maggio, Luca Antonelli, Alessandro Florenzi, Andrea Poli, Sebas-tian Giovinco, Morgan De Sanctis, Andrea Ranocchia, Alessandro Diamanti

Coach: Cesare Prandelli

Scorer: Mario Balotelli (1 pen)

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Photo © Paul Zammit Cutajar

Malta stood firm to keep Armenia at bay and manage a historic 1-0 away victory. Malta’s first positive result in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualification matches and a first away win in a competitive match in 20 years.

The all important goal was scored by captain Michael Mifsud after 8 minutes of play after receiving a well timed through pass from Gareth Sciberras. This was Michael’s 37th goal for Malta in 96 matches, wearing the red and white shirt. The boys, dressed all in white for the occasion, stood firm from then on to the almost continuous onslaught by the Armenians with keeper Justin Haber and defender Alex Muscat featuring amongst the best performers on the day. Nonetheless credit is to be given to all the players who battled their hearts out throughout the 90 minutes, encouraged by a number of Maltese fans who made the trip to Yerevan. The final whistle was followed by celebrations throughout the Maltese clan.

Armenia 0 (0) Roman Berezovski (Gk C), Valeri Aleksanyan, Taron Vos-kanyan, Robert Arzumanyan, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Davit Manoyan (Artur Sarkisov 67’), Karlen Mkrtchyan, Araz Ozbiliz, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcos Pizzelli, Edgar Manucharyan (Artur Avagyan 46’) Substitutes not used Gevorg Kasparov (Gk), Artur Harutyunyan, Varazdat Haroyan, Artyom Kha-chaturov, Artur Edigaryan, Artur Yuspashyan, Karen Muradyan, Norayr Aslanyan, Sargis Adamyan

Coach Vardan Minasyan Pietro Ghedin

Malta 1 (1) Justin Haber (GK), Jonathan Caruana , Gareth Sciberras (Paul Fenech 56’), Ryan Camilleri, Luke Dimech , Clayton Failla, Roderick Briffa (Rowen Muscat 83’),Michael Mifsud (C) ( Terence Vella 91’), Edward Herrera, Andre Schembr, Alexander Muscat

Substitutes not used Mario Muscat (Gk), Glenn Zammit, Andrew Cohen, Jacob Borg, Shaun Bajada, Jean Pierre MIfsud Triganza, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Justin Grioli

Coach Pietro Ghedin

Scorer Michael Mifsud (C) 8’

A COMPETITIVE

AWAY VICTORY AFTER 20 YEARS

ARMENIA 0malta 1

FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014 QUALIFIERSREPUBLIC STADIUM, YEREVAN | 07.06.2013

STANDINGS

P W D L F A PTSITALY 6 4 2 0 12 4 14BULGARIA 6 2 4 0 11 4 10CECH. REPUBLIC 6 2 3 1 6 4 9ARMENIA 6 2 0 4 6 8 6DANMARK 6 1 3 2 6 9 5MALTA 6 1 0 5 2 14 3

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13

Though the Poles had the better of the possession in the first half, the Malta team played at par with their opponents, and gave as much as they conceded creating as many scoring opportunities as their hosts did who hit the post three times during the 90 minutes. Poland however started to pile up the pressure on the Malta rearguard soon after the resumption of play, but keeper J.Borg, and the post, kept the hosts at bay until the dying minutes. Milik in the 85th minute and Chrapek in the 89th minute then scored the all important goals for the home team.

POLAND 2MALTA 0

UEFA EURO QUALIFIER UNDER 21 MATCHMarszałek Piłsudski - Krakow | 06-06-2013

Two goals scored in the last five minutes of the match spoiled Malta U21s’ gallant performace in the first of the U21

qualification matches.

Malta 0 (0)Jurgen Borg (GK), Christian Grech, Zach Muscat (C) , Bjorn Kristensen, Stephen Pisani (70’ Lydon Micallef), Sacha Borg, Clyde Borg (88’ Brooke Farrugia), Louis John Cutajar, Ryan Camenzuli (82’ Jurgen Pisani), Ryan Scicluna, Jean Paul Farrugia

Coach: Raumond Farrugia

Poland 2 (0)Jakub Szumski (Gk), Rafał Janicki, Adam Pazio, Marcin Kamiński, Mateusz Lewandowski, Dominik Furman (C) , Arkadiusz Milik , Rafał Wolski (64’ Michal Chrapek), Damian Dąbrowski (76’ Kacper Przybyłko), Julien Tadrowski (46’ Michał Żyro), Bartłomiej Pawłowski

Scorers A. Milik 85’, M. Chrapek 90’ (POL

TWO LATE GOALS

sink gallant Malta U21s

Photo © Rodney Pisani

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The Malta International Under 17 Easter Tournament

Cyprus win the U-17 International Easter Tournament

MALTA INTERNATIONAL UNDER 17 EASTER TOURNAMENTV. TEDESCO STADIUM, HAMRUN | CENTENARY STADIUM, TA’ QALI29th - 31st March 2013

ALL THE RESULTS

malta vs N. Ireland 0 1

CYPRUS VS GREECE 2 1

malta vs GREECE 0 3

CYPRUS vs N. Ireland 1 0

CYPRUS vs MALTA 4 2

GREECE vs n. ireland 2 0

Cyprus beat Malta 4-2 on the last day of the Under 17 International Easter Tournament to end up winners on maximun points from three matches.

Malta lost the opening match 1-0 against Northern Irleand and its second game 3-0 againts Greece.

The players used by coach Sergio Soldano during this tournament wereMikhail Sciberras (Gk)Jamie Azzopardi (Gk)Daniel BuckleNick GhioConor Borg (captain)Neil SpiteriAidan FriggieriJake GrechJoseph MbongJuan Carlos CorbalanMirco VellaJacob WalkerIousef MeliGianfranco MicallefMauro SultanaLuca BrincatKyrian NwokoMatthew Guillaumier

The Malta International Under 17 Easter Tournament

Cyprus win the U-17 International Easter Tournament FINAL STANDINGS

P W D L F A PtsCyprus 3 2 0 0 7 3 9Greece 3 2 0 1 6 1 6Northern Ireland 3 1 0 2 1 3 3Malta 3 0 0 3 2 8 0

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Photo © Dominic Aquilina

U16 UEFA DEVELOPMENT TOURNAMENT

MALTESE BOYS & GIRLS SAT FOR EXAMS IN GREECEDURING THE UEFA TOURNAMENT

matches

An unusual experience for two groups of Maltese players, has confirmed the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that unites the Malta Football Association (MFA) and the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), as well as the education authorities of the two countries.

Several weeks before Malta’s Under 16 men’s and women’s team were due to travel to Chalkida in Greece to take part in a UEFA development tournament, it became apparent that the event clashed with important university-related examinations in Malta.

Undaunted, the Maltese authorities held discussions involving all those concerned in order to find a way for the players to sit these important exams while they were abroad.

Communication with the EPO and Greece’s education authorities led to all the necessary logistical arrangements being finalised in the minutest detail. As a result, the players were able to sit their exams at the appropriate time.Everything went as planned, and so the Maltese players were then able to honour their sporting commitments on the pitch on behalf of their country.

This episode confirmed that innovative ways of resolving exam-related problems involving sport can always be found, as long as there is goodwill.The top officials at the MFA were equally grateful. They explained that, thanks to careful planning, a template had been established for overcoming such difficulties in the future.

OUR GIRLSOBTAIN TWO WINSOur girls obtain two wins Malta’s Under 16 girls beat Azerbaijan 1-0 in their final match from the UEFA Development Tournament held in Chalkida in Greece. This was their second victory in three matches played.Substitute Nicole Borg scored the all important goal in the 69th minute.Earlier Malta beat Israel 1-0 with a goal scored by Emily Pace in their first match of the tournament, and lost 0-5 to the tournament hosts. The girls’ team was under the guidance of Coach Pierre Brincat.

The Maltese group was made up of these players:

Keoney Demicoli (Gk), Rachel Borg (Gk), Tara Attard, Charlene Cassia, Emily Pace, Megan Jones, Allishia Sultana, Brenda Borg, Nicole Borg, Rodianna Borg, Raina Giusti, Darya Attard, Nicole Cutajar, Celine Galea, Leanne Micallef, Luana Vella, Andy Zammit Mizzi, Yanika Mercieca, Rodianne Zerafa, Nicole Micallef.

OUR BOYS LOST ALLTHREE MATCHESOur Under 16 boys under the guidance of Sergio Soldano lost all three matches played, losing 1-0 against Azerbaijan, 4-1 against host Greece and 3-1 against Israel. The Malta goals were scored through Conor Borg against Greece and Jake Gech in the third and last match against Israel.

The group was made up of these players:

Mikhail Sciberras (Gk), Daniel Buckle, Jean Borg, Neil Spiteri, Conor Borg, Nick Ghio, Matthew Guillaumier, Jake Grech, Luca Brincat, Juan Carlos Corbolan, Kyrian Nwoko, Jamie Azzopardi (Gk), Andre Cachia, Mark Anthony Scicluna, Mirco Vella, Luke Galea, Clint Zammit, Aidan Jake Friggieri, Joseph Mbong, Christian Degabriele

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U16 UEFA DEVELOPMENT TOURNAMENT

MALTESE BOYS & GIRLS SAT FOR EXAMS IN GREECEDURING THE UEFA TOURNAMENT

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WOMEN’S WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

MALTA EARN TOP SPOT

AND QUALIFY FOR THE NEXT PHASE

It took just 12 minutes for the local girls to open the scoring through Y. Carabott and from this point onwards they never looked back to open a four goal margin by the time the match was half way through. D. Theuma and N. Buttigieg each netted a brace with R. Cuschieri grabbing the other goal for Malta.

Albania also won their last match - 2-1 against Luxembourg - to end up on seven points same as hosts Malta who both now qualify for the next phase.

The draw for the group stage of the UEFA qualifying competition took place on 16 April 2013, with group matches to be played between 21 September 2013 and 17 September 2014. The decisive play-off fixtures, which will determine the continent’s eight Canada 2015 participants, will take place between 25 October and 27 November 2014.

Photo © Joe Borg

Goals by Dorianne Theuma and Rachel Cuschieri gave

Malta Women’s team a 2-0 win over Latvia in the last match of the European Qualifying Group A for the 7th FIFA

Women’s World Cup to be held in Canada in 2015, to finish top of the group on better goal

difference than Albania.

Both opening matches in this Qualifying Group for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Canada in 2015, ended up in a draw.

Malta’s women’s team opened their commitments with a match against Albania, which ended in a 1-1 draw. After a goalless first half , the visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 76th minute, with the locals replying four minutes later directly from a corner taken by Dorianne Theuma. In the second match of the day Luxembourg and Latvia shared the spoils in a goalless draw.All matches were played at the Centenary Stadium at Ta’ Qali

Malta lead the standings on better goal difference after day two after a 6-0 drubbing of Luxembourg in their second match.

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For the northern countries Malta and Israel will be welcome places to visit in terms of warm and bright weather. The UEFA CEO, Gianni Infantino pointed this out casually when saying ‘Malta and Israel - Sunshine guaranteed.’ On his part Malta coach Pierre Brincat was under no illusion regarding the tough customers in our group. ‘This is a tough group for us, with two Nordic teams both of whom participating in the Euro Finals in July. Serbia are another tough team and their coefficient is high compared to the average in pot D.’ ‘We once drew against Switzerland here in Malta but now they have a big advantage as they exported a lot of players to the German league and so they moved ahead in female football.

As for Israel they are a new team for us but we won against them with our Under 16’s recently in Greece.’ ‘Nevertheless, we will prepare and do our best when facing these teams and we will never give up,’ Brincat ended by saying.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

MALTA DRAWN

AGAINST STRONG OPPOSITION IN WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP

When the European participants were drawn in the Women’s 2014 World Cup qualifying

groups in Nyon, Malta came up against tough opposition. As one of the teams with the lowest average of coefficients in pot F we were paired in Group C with Denmark and Iceland two traditionally strong countries, with the other teams being Serbia, Switzerland and Israel.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTV. TEDESCO STADIUM, HAMRUN | CENTENARY STADIUM, TA’ QALI29th - 31st March 2013

ALL THE RESULTS

malta vs ALBANIA 1 1

LUXEMBOURG VS LATVIA 0 0

malta vs LUXEMBOURG 6 0

ALBANIA vs LATVIA 2 0

MALTA vs LATVIA 2 0

LUXEMBOURG vs ALBANIA 1 2

FINAL STANDINGS P W D L F A PtsMalta 3 2 1 0 9 1 6Albania 3 2 1 0 5 2 6Latvia 3 0 1 2 0 4 1Luxembourg 3 0 1 2 1 8 1

The Malta Squad Agius Kelly GraceBorg BrendaButtigieg Nicole ImeldaCarabott YleniaChircop RebeccaCostantino Sharon (Gk)Cuschieri RachaeD’Agostino Rebecca (C)Demicoli Keoney (Gk)Farrugia StephaniaFeasey Kirsty Grech AmberPace NatashaSammut AntoinetteTheuma Dorianne Xuereb EmmaZahra GabriellaZammit Charlene CoachPierre Brincat

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MALTA TEAM PLAYERS MEET

PRIME MINISTERreport

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MALTA TEAM PLAYERS MEET

PRIME MINISTERMalta team players and coach Pietro Ghedin were also present.for this cour-tesy visit which was held on the eve of the World Cup qualifier against Italy at Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

Team captain Michael Mifsud introduced the players to Dr Muscat, while the MFA president presented the Prime Minister with a Givova football bearing the signature of the players.

MFA president, Norman Darmanin Demajo, CEO Bjorn Vassallo, besides other officials of the association, had a

very cordial meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat, at Castille on Tuesday 25th March 2013.

report

Photos © Dominic Aquilina

The officials, players and coaches spoke to the Prime Minister about their commitments when represent-ing Malta. Despite the fact that that our women’s national team has only been participating at international level for only ten years, great progress has been made and today football is being taught in our country to girls of a young age.

After being introduced to the whole group by coach Pierre Brincat and national team captain Rebecca D’Agostino, the Prime Minister said that Malta is proud of the impressive results that its women’s national team is obtaining in a sport that is traditionally associatedwith men.

Also present for this meeting was Minister Helena Dalli and Pariamen-tary Secretary Stefan Buontempo.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat recently welcomed the women’s national team who managed to make history a

few weeks ago when they finished top of their FIFA World Cup 2015 qualifying group.

MALTA IS PROUD OF ITS NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM

NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM

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On a very wet day Valley Road in Birkirkara is notorious for torrential rainwater which sweeps ferociously down this town’s principal thoroughfare and very often wreaks havoc in the central zone of one of the most populous localities in Malta.

Not so on the calm spring evening of Saturday the 11th May 2013. It was champagne and beer that flowed profusely as corks went popping up from the bottle tops and foamy white liquid gushed out of the cans amid the revelry of numerous fans who celebrated Birkirkara’s fourth Malta championship success. Just after 8.15 pm the Stripes’s unassuming captain and midfielder Gareth Sciberras was on an appropriately-prepared platform in the middle of the Ta’ Qali Stadium pitch to be presented with the handsome BOV Championship Cup by MFA president, Norman Darmanin Demajo, in the presence of Charles

Borg, the BOV CEO. Birkirkara had come from behind to beat Hibernians 3-1 in the first-ever decider since the top league was re-classified to Premier Division. A crowd of just under 10,000 watched an intense duel which had that lasting volte face in the second period after Hibernians had taken a first-half 1-0 lead. At the final whistle by referee Alan Mario Sant the field of play and the Birkirkara stands were awash with the yellow-red colours as flags and banners jinked and swayed with the celebratory movement of the numerous Stripes fans. Their chorus of chanting was deafening.

It was an evening to remember for their amiable coach Paul Zammit who steered his relatively young team to their fourth championship title after they had won it in 2000, 2006 and 2010. The Birkirkara lads had never for a moment lost their self-belief after finishing the first phase in third place, a

point behind joint leaders, Valletta and Hibernians. They stuck doggedly to their task of chasing the front runners and succeeded in picking 23 points in the ten championship pool matches. This tally was more than any of their rivals managed.

That left them with a decider against the Paolites to negotiate, a showdown which finally ended in triumph for them. Their positive mentality was a trump card.

A big well done for the Stripes...! It was a truly deserved success for the players’ and their coach’s work ethics. Credit also goes to the losers for playing their part in the tango.

Above all, it was a day when football emerged triumphant.

Photo © Dominic Aquilina

Champagne flows down Birkirkara’s Valley Road as

STRIPES SWEEP to sweet 2013 title success

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The recipients of the First Division BOV Championship

title are Naxxar Lions. Congratulations go to the

players, their coach Winston Muscat and all the technical staff for a bumper

season. They managed to secure their prize when they

won 2-1 at the death in a deciding match against

Vittoriosa Stars.

It had been an intriguingly close campaign throughout the season especially for the top four teams. After 22 games played by each of the 12 contestants and several changes at the helm of the table, Naxxar and Vittoriosa were locked at the top on 44 points each, a mere one and two points above Pieta Hotspurs and Lija Athletic respectively.

The Lions owe their triumph thanks to their resilient play and staying power. When it came to the crunch matches they showed the necessary character and zest to lift the title which also meant that they return to the top division after an absence of some years. So did the Stars from Vittoriosa.

Photos © Courtsey BOV

NAXXAR LIONS CLINCH BOV FIRST

DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

Photo © Joe Borg

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WHERE THE HONOURS

WENT

MFA SEASON 2012 - 2013

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Żebbuġ Rangers were presented with the BOV Second Division trophy following the 2-1 win over Pembroke Athleta by MFA vice-president Alex Manfre.

Msida St. Joseph secured the runner-up spot thanks to a 2-0 win over San Ġwann while Żurrieq and St. George’s made sure of promotion after beating Siġġiewi 2-0 and Għargħur 7-1 respectively.

Senglea Athletic were presented with the cup after being declared BOV Third Division champions by MFA General Secretary Joe Gauci and Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Research, Youth and Sport Stefan Buontempo.

Apart from Senglea, the other teams to win promotion to Division 2 were Mdina Knights, Marsaskala and Marsa.

ZEBBUG RANGERS BOV 2ND DIVISION CHAMPIONS

SENGLEA ATHLETICBOV 3RD DIVISION CHAMPIONS

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www.maltco.com Helpline: 2388 3333

LIVE THE GAME...

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HIBERNIANS’ REDEMPTION AS QORMI HOODOO PERSITSThe Paolites were on a redemption mission barely 11 days after they had been flattened by Birkirkara 3-1 in a championship decider. Their disappointment after having failed that test somehow had to be cast aside. It was a mental mountain they had to climb. The prize for Michael Woods and his troupes was a lucrative ending to the season.

The bold Qormi were in their way. Would the hoodoo which had tormented the yellow blacks in their previous two finals persist? They were on the losing end in 2010 and in 2012 against Valletta and Hibernains respectively. Their faithful supporters were hoping that the team would at last sail their vessel triumphantly into port.

As it turned out, Hibernians managed to roll the ball effetively as their receptive feet started to combine in perfect sync with their perceptive minds. Qormi had little answer to this and could only hang on until half time.

The damage was to be inflicted after the teams shifted ends. Then Paolites surged into a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Edison Luis Dos Santos before tossing away a handful of golden opprtunities when it was easier to find the net rather than miss the target.

Qormi, who had Alfred Effiong crying off after almost a quarter of an hour when he slumped to the ground and

Photo © Joe Borg

Hibernians were in festive mood on Wednesday 22nd May. Their players’ and officials’ impromptu circle dance all hand in hand in the middle of the Ta’ Qali pitch soon after they defeated Qormi 3-1 in the U*BET FA Trophy final was the first sign of joyous steam being let off following their tenth silver trophy success in their history.

Matthew Gauci dimissed in the 73rd minute, scored a consolation goal in added time through Moises Avila Peres. But that was immediately followed by Jackson Lima’s third goal to make it an identical scoreline to the 2012 final.

After the presentation of the torphy amidst deserved applause for the winners, celebrations at Paola square reached their peak later in the evening. Hibernains were the toast of the town as they ended their season on a triumphant note.

THE ROAD TO THE 75TH FINAL

FIRST ROUND

Xagħra United FC v Oratory Youths 2 - 0 Attard FC v Sirens FC 1 - 3Nadur Youngsters FC v Għarb R. FC 8 - 1 Marsaskala FC v Victoria Hotspurs FC 3 - 0 Ta’ Xbiex SC v Munxar Falcons FC 2 - 1Qala Saints FC v Xewkija Tigers FC 0 - 5Qrendi FC v Luqa St Andrews FC 1 - 4Kerċem Ajax FC v Għajnsielem FC 4 - 2Għaxaq FC v Marsa FC 1 - 2Mdina Knights FC v Swieqi UtdFC (aet) 1 - 2Santa Lucia FC v S.K. Victoria Wanderers 0 - 3 St Lawrence Spurs FC v Senglea Ath FC 0 - 2Sannat Lions FC v Kalkara FC 2 - 0Xgħajra Tornados FC v Mtarfa FC 0 - 5

SECOND ROUND

Pembroke Ath. FC v Xewkija Tigers FC 3 - 2 St Venera L. FC v Xaghra United FC 3 - 2 Gharghur FC v Mtarfa FC 4 - 1 Swieqi United FC v Sannat Lions FC 1 - 6Mġarr United FC v S.K. Victoria W. 1 - 2Nadur Youngsters FC v Marsaxlokk FC 1 - 0 Dingli Swallows FC v Naxxar Lions FC 1 - 4 Senglea Ath.FC v Kercem Ajax FC (pen) 5 - 4St George’s FC v Pieta Hotspurs FC 0 - 1Marsa FC v St Patrick FC (pen) 7 - 8 St Andrews FC v B’Bugia St Peters FC 2 - 0Sirens FC v Gżira United FC 0 - 1Zejtun Corinthians FC v San Ġwann FC 3 - 1 Zebbug Rangers FC v Mellieha FC 3 - 0 Marsaskala FC v Luqa St Andrews FC 3 - 1Zurrieq FC v Fgura United FC 4 - 0Vittoriosa S.FC v Msida St J.FC (aet) 1 - 2Gudja United FC v Ta’ Xbiex S.C. 6 - 0 Mqabba FC v Kirkop United FC 3 - 0Lija Athletic FC v Siggiewi FC 3 - 1

THIRD ROUND

Żurrieq FC v Mqabba FC 1 - 2Ħamrun Spartans FC v Valletta FC 1 - 3 Żejtun C. FC v Nadur Youngsters FC 1 - 3 Pietà Hotspurs FC v Rabat Ajax FC 0 - 1Gżira United FC v S.K. Victoria W. 1 - 0St Patrick FC v Sannat Lions FC 1 - 2Hibernians FC v Mosta FC 2 - 1Qormi FC v Pembroke Athleta FC (aet) 5 - 2Melita FC v Floriana FC 0 - 2Sliema W. FC v Żebbuġ Ran.FC (pen) 7 - 8 Birkirkara FC v Tarxien Rainbows FC 1 - 0Msida St Joseph F.C v St Andrews FC 0 - 2Naxxar Lions FC v Balzan FC (aet) 3 - 4Lija Athletic FC v Gharghur FC 2 - 1Marsaskala FC v St Venera Lightnings FC 3 - 1Gudja United FC v Senglea Athletic FC 2 - 0

FOURTH ROUND

Lija Athletic FC v Floriana FC 1 - 0Qormi FC v Birkirkara FC 2 - 1Valletta FC v Nadur Youngsters FC 2 - 0Sannat Lions FC v Rabat Ajax FC 0 - 5Balzan FC v Gżira United FC (aet) 3 - 2Gudja United FC v Hibernians FC 0 - 4St Andrews FC v Mqabba FC (aet) 4 - 1Marsaskala FC v Żebbuġ Rangers FC 0 - 3

QUARTER FINALS

St Andrews FC v Lija Athletic FC 0 - 1Balzan FC v Qormi FC 0 - 1Rabat Ajax FC v Valletta FC 0 - 3Hibernians FC v Żebbuġ Rangers FC 3 - 0

SEMI FINALS

Valletta FC v Hibernians FC 2 - 3Qormi FC v Lija Athletic FC 1 - 0

FINALQormi FC v Hibernians FC 1-3

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matches

Playing good football throughout the competition, the Stripes deserved to finish at the top of the table. Their collective qualities helped them outwit their nearest challengers Mosta and Hibernians even if there was very little in it at the end. Birkirkara ended on 47 points, three more than Mosta and four above Hibernians.

Birkirkara & Raiders Luxol SECURE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES

The 2nd Division title was won by Raiders (Luxol) who totalled 43 points and remained unbeaten. Second-placed were Kirkop who finished on 33 points. The cadets Under 16 league went the way of Mosta who collected 39 points, four more than runners-up Pembroke.

Two weeks after winning the champion-ship, Birkirkara claimed the double after defeating Mosta on penalties to win the Women’s Knock-Out.

Dorianne Theuma put the Blues ahead but Stephania Farrugia levelled matters. The game went into extra-time with no other goals being scored. Penalties therefore had to decide the issue with Birkirkara scoring four against Mosta’s two.

Birkirkara girls WIN WOMEN’S KNOCK-OUT

The Birkirkara women’s team emulated their male counterparts to carry off the women’s 2012-13 championship title thus adding another honour to their growing list of successes.

Above: Birkirkara First Division Champions

Left: Raiders Luxol Second Division Champions

Photos © Joe Borg

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The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winner of the Player of the Year Award. This prestigious honour went to Birkirkara’s midfield dynamo Paul Fenech who was instrumental in helping his team clinch the BOV Premier League title for the fourth time in the club’s history. Fenech, 26, a Malta international, was a popular winner, having earned the plaudits of the football fraternity in Malta for his non-stop performances for his team and country during the season. He was contested by three other Birkirkar players, Justin Haber, Edward Herrera and Gareth Sciberras as well as Hibernians’ Clayton Failla, all of whom did their part in making it a bright season for their teams. Fenech obtained 53 points, followed by Sciberras, Failla, Herrera and Haber who totalled 46, 45,40 and 12 points respectively

The novelty of the event this year was its combined nature which the MFA succeeded in organising after agreemnet was reached to hold a single event thus doing away with duplication. There were also changes in the voting systems of the various categories making them more representative as a wide cross-section of voters were involved, including team captains, coaches, journalists and the public.

Referee Chris Lautier, Assistant Referee Konrad Borg, both of whom had been on the FIFA panel, and Richard Casha, were presented with mementoes by Director of Refereeing Adrian Casha for the services they rendered to the game. A new prize this time was the President’s Award which was an honour bestowed to a person or persons who in the opinion of the president of the association made the best contribution for the advancement of football in our islands. This was awarded to Cottonera Utd Youth Nursery.

For the first time the awards ceremony included the draws of the BOV Premier League 2013-2014 which is due to start on the 17th August 2013

BIRKIRKARA’S

PAUL FENECH SCOOPS PLAYER OF YEAR AWARDFootballers, coaches and other football personalities who distinguished themselves during season 2012-2013 were fittingly honoured during s glittering ceremony organised by the Malta Football Association on 14 June. No fewer than 18 prizes were bestowed during the Awards Night held at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali, in the presence of MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo, top officials of the association and other distinguished guests.

. Coach of the Year PAUL ZAMMIT Birkirkara F.C.Young Player of the Year BJORN KRISTENSEN Hibernians F.C.Foreign Player of the Year IGOR CORONADO Floriana F.C.BOV First Division Best Player BEU ERJON Lija Athletic F.C.BOV Second Division Best Player MAURICIO OSMAR BRITTO RODRIGUES Zebbug Rangers F.C.BOV Third Division Best Player TIMOTHY THOMAS Senglea Athletic F.C.BOV Women’s League Best Player DORIANNE THEUMA Mosta F.C.Best Youth League Player LLEWELYN CREMONA Valletta F.C. Top Scorer AwardsBOV Premier League JOSE LUIS ARMARIO NEGRIN Rabat Ajax F.C. / Melita F.C.BOV First Division League RAPHAEL ALAIN KOOH SOHNA Pieta Hotspurs F.C.BOV Second Division League OSI LUCKY AGBOEBINA St Georges F.C. MAURICIO OSMAR BRITTO RODRIGUES Zebbug Rangers F.C.BOV Third Division League TIMOTHY THOMAS Senglea Athletic F.C.BOV Women’s First Division League YLENIA CARABOTT Hibernians F.C.BOV Women’s Second Division League RODIANNE ZERAFA Raiders (Luxol) Fair PlayOverall Fair Play Award PEMBROKE ATHLETA F.C. President’s AwardMFA President’s Award 2012-13 COTTONERA UNITED NURSERY The public was given the opportunity to vote for the Best Goal of the Year with the goal scored by Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara FC) winning this category.

FOOTBALL PERSONALITIES HONOURED DURING GLITTERING CEREMONY

Photos © Dominic Aquilina

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Several efforts by sports organisations have been made to combat these malpractices. UEFA has been the avant garde in this respect. However, a concerted and comprehensive offensive against this malaise had to be in unison with the very highest authorities, including the national police, the judicial authorities and above board gambling operators. This had to be done in conjunction with EU institutions. As a result the European Parliament was called into action by adopting a resolution which calls for a common and unified approach by all stakeholders towards combatting match-fixing in football and other sports. The EU parliament has advocated co-ordinated action to eradicate what UEFA considers to be the cancer of match-fixing since this is one of the main dangers to football’s well-being.

UEFA adopts a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of fraudulent practices that lead to match-fixing. This is in line with one of the motions adopted in the latest European Parliament resolution. The European football’s governing body is very pro-active in this sense as can be seen by several initiatives to address these malpractices. One of these is the Betting Fraud Detection System (BFDS) which monitors all matches (approximately 2000) in UEFA competitions every season as well as over 30,000 domestic league and cup games across the 53 member associations. The European governing body has also pressed for widespread co-operation between sports and state bodies to root out match-fixing from football. Integrity officers have been deployed within its 53 member associations who are working against match-fixing at domestic level and collaborating with UEFA on any integrity matter which arises regarding matches or teams participating in UEFA competitions. The MFA’s Integrity Officer, Franz Tabone, has been assiduously engaged in these operations. Referring to the EU resolution he said that this has long been overdue, stressing that the

discussion stage needs to be speeded up otherwise criminal activity gains further momentum. He said that the MFA has suggested and offered its assistance for specialised law enforcement to tackle match-fixing, while educational programmes are also in the pipeline and are due to start next season. The European Parliament resolution calls on the EU member states to include match-fixing in their national criminal law and establish minimum sanctions to set up law enforcement units to tackle this malpractice. The European Commission and the EU member states have also been urged to initiate co-operation with third countries (non EU members) to fight organised crime. Finally the resolution lays stress on the importance for sports organisations to educate athletes and the public from a young age on the pitfalls of match-fixing – something which the MFA has already taken up - and recommends codes of conduct to be drawn up for all stakeholders in sports.

CONCERTED ACTION

AGAINSTCORRUPTIONIN SPORT

The need to effectively address at the highest level the scourge of corruption in sport has long been felt. Match-fixing, fraud, illicit gambling and other sinister practices have been in the forefront of organised crime for quite some time.

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Photo © UEFA

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The theoretical part of the seminar covered the Initial Goals and Results Achieved since the introduction of AARs in UEFA matches, and the Preparation Required. The Role of the 4th Official was also dealt with. Analysis of UEFA Match Situations showing the importance of efficient teamwork between all members of the refereeing team was also carried out, while guidelines how to mark performances by AARs was also given to referee observers. The practical part consisted of a demonstration at the Centenary Stadium, followed by appointments with six match officials for various Youth matches at different venues, for which Ed Janssen and Adrian Casha were pre-sent to observe and give advice before, during the halftime interval, and at the end of all matches.

Besides the use of “an extra two pairs of eyes” in the FA Trophy Semi-Finals and Final, the MFA announced that it will be one of the first member associations within UEFA to introduce AARs in the top division as from next season.

ADDITIONAL

ASSISTANTREFEREES

SEMINAR

An Additional Assistant Referees’ Seminar for Match Officials and Referee Observers was held at the Referees’ Department Conference Hall. This was

conducted by Dutch Instructor Ed Janssen, assisted by MFA Director of Refereeing Adrian Casha.

Photo © Dominic Aquilina

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MALTA/ANDORRAREFEREE EXCHANGE

Elite Referee Fyodor Zammit assisted by Elite Assistant Referees Luke Portelli and Emanuel Grech travelled to Andorra to control the Championship Play-Off

The Malta FA announces more referees’ exchanges following an agreement reached

between its Refereeing Department and that of Andorra.

match - FC Santa Coloma vs UE Santa Julia, played on Sunday 14th April at Stadium Aixovall. Refereeing Officer Silvio Tanti accompanied the trio in the first of two referees’ exchanges with Andorra this season. Salusta Chato was appointed as referee observer for the Maltese match officials.

Fyodor Zammit, Luke Portelli and Emanuel Grech have attended the

The tournament is reserved for teams in the Under 20 Category. The participating teams this year were Scotland, Mexico, defending champions Cruzeiro from Brazil, Club Brugge, Legia Warsaw, Swansea City, FK Senica from Slovakia and the hosts ADO Den Haag. All matches were played at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague. The first matches for Trustin Farrugia Cann and Luke Portelli were between Cru-zeiro and Scotland and Swansea City vs Legia Warsaw.

This was another of the numerous referees’ exchanges started two years ago by the MFA Referees’ Department. Professional Dutch Referee Ed Janssen was here in Malta earlier to act as referee of the BOV Premier League match, Floriana vs Qormi.

MALTESE OFFICIALSIN THE 60TH ADO DEN HAAGINTERNATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT

As part of the collaboration agreement reached between the Malta FA and Dutch FA referees’

departments elite referee Trustin Farrugia Cann, assisted by elite assistant referee Luke Portelli, were in Holland to officiate in the

60th ADO Den Haag International Youth Tournament.

UEFA Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) Introductory Course last October and are currently preparing for their Consolidation Course next month. Match officials from Andorra were in Malta in the following weekend. FIFA Referee Ignasi Villamayor, assisted by Assistant Referees Manuel Nogueira and Volodymyr Litosh, have been appointed for the BOV Premier League match, Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows, played

FIFA REFEREE

ESTHER AZZOPARDICANDIDATE FOR WORLD CUP 2015

Esther Azzopardi was one of 40 can-didates welcomed in Zurich by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FIFA Head of Women’s Referees, Sonia Denoncourt. Until 2015 the 40 referees from 33 dif-ferent countries were assessed medically, technically and physically before the final selection of candidates is made by the FIFA Refereeing Department and

members of the Referees’ Committee. The candidates will also be under scrutiny to be appointed for three major women’s football tournaments in 2014, namely the FIFA Under17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, the FIFA Un-der 20 Women’s World Cup in Canada and the Women’s Youth Olympic Foot-ball Tournament in China.

FIFA Referee Esther Azzopardi attended an important seminar in Switzerland in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup being held in Canada in 2015.

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However, with the constant help of Mr Dario Pirotta. Prof. Frank Ventura, Head of Matsec Board, and Mr Sean Pollacco all this was programmed to the last detail,’ Abela said. ‘During meetings at the Matsec office in the presence of Bernard Vassallo, the KMS Chairman, it was agreed that these exams should be held at Chalkida. Contacts were made with the Greek FA to finalise transport arrangements.’ ‘On the day of the exams Dr Lefki Papacharalambous, Head of Foreign Languages & Physical Education of Tei Technical Institute and Dr Afroditi Ktena co-ordinated the logistics arrangements,’ Abela replied when asked about such details as transportation, invigilation and provision of exam papers by email and mp3 files for audio transmission. ‘Luckily everything worked out perfectly as we planned to the satisfaction of all concerned,’ the MFA official remarked with a gleaming sense of released suspense. Most of all it, was the 20 candidates and their parents who expressed their gratitude towards

the Matsec Board, the MFA, the Greek education authorities and the FA officials in Chalkida. ‘We are indeed indebted to all the people concerned. Thanks to them we were able to sit for our exams to our satisfaction. It would have been a pity had we been denied this opportunity after years of studying. This provided us with the will and extra effort to do well on the field of play. We are all very happy now,’ one of the candidates said fittingly on behalf of the others. The parents were equally grateful that this ordeal was over successfully. ‘We are also thankful to the MFA, the local University authorities and Greek personnel for giving our children the chance to fulfil both their wishes, that of completing their exams abroad while representing their country in the sport they love,’ one of them remarked. No doubt, this was a case of perfect liaising among all in matters concerning the future of our youths. A trademark example of sowing the seeds in academics and sport.

Those who contend that academics and sport cannot co-exist in harmony have been proved wrong time and again. Experience has shown that not only can the two go together but they have combined to be a successful tandem in the holistic formation of youths.

SOWING THE SEEDS IN

ACADEMICS& SPORT

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Sport complements studies. The other way around holds water. Upright values are important components as new horizons are sought in furthering one’s academic education and at the same time making successful inroads in sport. Several athletes who have reached the summit of local sport to represent Malta and successfully pursued a professional career can be singled out as role models. The list extends from football, swimming, track and field, triathlon and other disciplines too many to mention. An example where students are seeking to further their studies when flying their country’s flag was provided recently when a group of Under 16 male and female footballers representing Malta in a UEFA Youth Development Tournament held in Chalkida Greece presented a perfect setting of what can be done with the collaboration of all to help youths sit for their local exams while attending to their sporting call during their stay abroad. The background to this looming situation was provided by Jesmond Abela, manager, MFA Technical Centre, who assisted the head of delegation, Robert Gatt, when our teams travelled to Greece in the third week in March. ‘When in a meeting weeks before we left we informed the parents about the possibility that their children could be sitting for their exams in Chalkida, they were justifiably worried,’ he said. ‘Apart from the English Listening Comprehension exam, we also had to plan the dates for the PE SEC Exams not to co-incide with the tournament dates. M

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FANTASTIC

FAN PARK & MATCHEMOTIONS

The buzz, the multitude of colours. the emotions, the choreography and all the swinging fun added to the swagger of that late afternoon. All those who ventured to Ta’ Qali for the occasion and the match will be extremely proud they were all part of this fantastic bonanza in a unique setting. The activity was intended to create an organised meeting area for young and old National Team Fans to gather in the vicinities of the stadium prior to the match, rather than such gatherings taking place in different parts of the islands. To promote further the

‘FANtastic FAN PARK’ – That would be an apt descrip-tion of a memorable activ-ity at Ta’ Qali grounds where Maltese football fans of every genre gathered to partake of this colourful event prior to the Malta – Italy World Cup Brazil 2014 Group B quali-fier at the National Stadium some hours later. It was a taste of the Maltese character which reverberated inside the packed stadium when both teams started their sporting toils late in the evening.

Nat. Team and to generate further enthusiasm amongst the Fans. To create further opportunities for MFA and its Sponsors to engage with the Fans and therefore create further commercial opportunities for MFA and its Sponsors. The MFA. cannot be commended enough for a job well done which went ticking all the way. A special commendation also goes to the National Teams’ Platinum and Gold sponsors FXDD and CISK respectively, without whose support the organisation of this activity would not have been possible.

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Photos © Paul Zammit Cutajar

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MFA ‘ADOPTS’

RESCUED DOG AS NATIONAL TEAMS’ MASCOT

The story began following an article that was carried in ‘ The Times’ a few days ago where it was reported that a soaking wet dog was found tied to a wooden fence in a Mellieha field where he had spent the night in the cold rain. The dog was rescued by Fabio Ciappara, from Noah’s Ark animal sanctuary, who said that he had been alerted to the dog’s presence by a hunter who had noticed the animal on Saturday afternoon, but thought that the owner may have tied him there temporarily. But when the hunter spotted the dog still in the same place on Sunday, after a night of wind and rain, he called the sanctuary.

“The dog shivered so much he could barely sit. The rope he was tied with was barely a foot long, so the poor thing could not even rest his head on the ground. When I arrived, the dog initially growled at me, but when I removed the rope and put him in my van he let me dry him with a towel,” Mr Ciappara said. The dog, a black mixed breed that is about 1 year old, was initially named Sunday, the day he was taken into the sanctuary’s warm custody.

The article prompted a reaction from the MFA President, Norman Darmanin Demajo, who is well known for his love of animals, and who decided to contact the sanctuary to enquire about the dog’s health and about the possibility of adopting the dog as a mascot for the MFA National teams. Mr Ciappara welcomed the suggestion and offered to look after the dog and nurse it until ‘Sunday’ can take up official ‘mascot’ duties with the MFA. As a token of appreciation and support for the work carried out at Noah’s Ark, the MFA President presented a cheque to the sanctuary, which is run completely on a voluntary basis.

This is indeed a novel initiative that strengthens the Associations commitment to Social Responsibility that seeks to harness the popularity of football and channel it in the right direction.The message is clear - football can be an instrument in the process of educating people against cruelty to animals.

MFA ‘ADOPTS’

RESCUED DOG AS NATIONAL TEAMS’ MASCOT

Meanwhile the dog will now have suitable surroundings where to stay, which is being made available within the MFA complex at Ta’ Qali. As for a name, it will be Żepp. This was decided upon after the national team’s fans had submitted their proposals for the dog to be given a name.

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Football is automatically associated with the values of Respect and Fair Play, but the MFA administration has now taken the significance of these words to new levels. This is in line with the Association’s policy of exploiting the popularity of football to raise awareness on issues that need to be addressed if we want to live in a better society. The prevention of cruelty to animals is one of these issues.

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Primary schools were invited to take part in what turned out to be an enjoyable morning. Four grades of pupils, from Grade 3 to Grade 6, were able to show their football skills through the organised fun games. To make the activity more far-reaching, several of the participating children had no idea of football. There were a total of about 500 youngsters participating in the different venues. It was a pleasant occasion for all the pupils as well as the hosting nurseries who appreciated this very welcome initiative, this year spread over wider catchment areas. Thanks to their tutors the children were very active and enthusiastic throughout the playing sessions. To add to the interest and enjoyment of everyone present, the women and men’s national team players mingled with the school children. The Malta players felt it was part of their duty to encourage these young children to

get into sport especially football. The game gives you teamwork, health and all the values in a team sport, while keeping young people away from vice and all that is untoward in life. This was reflected in various comments made by teachers in the sense that sport is very positive and helps in the children’s lives. Thanks to an event of this sort there is bigger exposure of football to youngsters. Gozo’s activity had the participation of players forming part of the Gozo regional selection and a number of girls playing for the Gozo FA. The MFA thanks General Soft Drinks for sponsoring this day’s event by providing Kristal water to all the participants.

The events, under the auspices of the MFA, were this year held on a regional basis at five different venues rather than at the training grounds in Ta’ Qali. In this way the playing sessions were scattered over a wide cross-section of the island. Five nurseries from St Patrick FC, Hamrun Spartans FC, Fgura Utd FC, St Andrew’s FC and Mosta FC ran the event which was held jointly with the Grassroots Department of the MFA Technical Centre and the collaboration of the KMS-SPU. Gozo, under the jurisdiction of the Gozo FA, which also played its part to mark Grassroots Day.

UEFA GRASSROOTS DAY IN MALTA MARKED WITH ACTIVITIES

UEFA Grassroots Day on the 22nd May was marked by activities involving schoolchildren who participated in a series of small-sided football matches organised on the day.

Photo © Dominic Aquilina

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The players were accompanied by Robert Gatt, MFA Technical Director, Norman Saliba, the association’s Head of Marketing, Mark Muscat, Media Officer, national teams, Maria Mifsud, Deputy General Secretary Women’s Section and Alfred Zammit, Secretary of the women’s national team.

The school’s football team was afforded the privilege of experiencing a session of fun football alongside the national team players, considered by them to be the idols of students. The national team players distributed team posters of the male and female national teams to the girls while they signed autographs and chatted with them. Being Women’s Day, the male national players presented their female

National Teams Visit

SAN ĠORĠ PRECAGirls Secondary School

The Malta national team, represented amongst other players by captain and striker Michael Mifsud and midfielders Roderick Briffa and Paul Fenech for the men’s team and Ylenia Carabott,Gabriella Zahra, Janice Xuereb and Raina Giusti for the women’s team, visited San Ġorġ Preca Girls’ Secondary School, Hamrun, as part of their ongoing series of visits to several schools intended to bolster the popularity of our national teams, thus bringing them closer to the younger generation of the public.

FGURA PRIMARY SCHOOL HOSTS WOMEN’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM’S YLENIA CARABOTT AND COACH PIERRE BRINCAT

During their morning stay the visitors carried out interesting training sessions for the schoolgirls which helped to further promote football among the young aspirants who dream to start a career in the game. Brincat and Carabott addressed the schoolgirls, stressing the game’s at-tractiveness while also putting in the frame the progress and achievements, especially the recent ones, of the Malta national team when our girls qualified for the next stage of the FIFA 2014 World Cup competition. Commenting on their school visit, coach Brincat said, ‘It was a fantastic experience both for me and Ylenia. We got a big welcome from the puplis,

the school head and Robert Busuttil. Ylenia answered several questions put by the girls about her experiences in the national team.

Recently the Fgura Primary School hosted Pierre Brincat,

the women’s national team coach, Ylenia Carabott, a solid

member of our national teamwho once was a student of

the school.

counterparts as well as the school’s team with a flower each, a gesture also made by the school administration towards the female teachers at the school. The whole activity was conducted with enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness and in the end it turned out to be a very successful visit.

Photos © Paul Zammit Cutajar

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Scoreres 7’, 48’ Dorianne Theuma, 17’ Ylenia Carabott, 45’ Sophie Maurer, 60’ Macahado Da Silva

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KELLOGG’S CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION MARKS

SUCCESSFUL END to MFA swimming school

The young swimmers, comprising boys and girls of different swimming abilities, underwent a well-defined programme of lessons during which they enjoyed every session that was tailored for their needs. The event sponsored by Kellogg’s, was concluded by the presentation of certificates in the presence of the firms’ officials and the pool manager himself who expressed his satisfaction that many youngsters were able to learn the basics of swimming in an excellent environment as that provided by MFA’s swimming facilities, at Ta’ Qali.

The latest swimming school run by the MFA Swimming School Manager, Stan Catalan, and his group of helpers brought another series of swimming instructions to an end.

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SAMSONITE MFA’S ADDITION TO CHAIN

OF PREFERRED COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

Such sponsorship structures following the shift in concept of the MFA’s strategy have been a welcome change from the traditional sponsorships to Partnerships in Brand Communication. These partnerships are based on the creation of commercial opportunities.

Thanks to this agreement, which runs for one year, the MFA will benefit from Samsonite cabin flight luggage bags which will be available for national ‘A’ team players, technical staff and MFA officials.

In turn, Samsonite will benefit from exposure of their product and the creation of commercial opportunities on national team match days.

The brand name is represented in Malta by Airmode Ltd. of Floriana.

he MFA has announced that Samsonite are the latest addition in the association’s chain of Preferred Commercial Partners.

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Photo © Dominic Aquilina

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Across

1. Name of MFA’s adopted dog (6) 6. Agius, Malta and Latina FC central defender (6) 7. Sammut, President of the Malta Football Referees Association (5) 9. Thessaloniki, Sliema Wanderers opponents in UEFA Cup 81/82 (4) 11. Tabone, Zebbug Rangers forward (4) 13. Erjon, Lija Athletic Albanian forward (3) 14. Calleja, played one international match in 1957 (4) 15. Farrugia “Iz-Zazu”, Malta Under-21 national coach (3) 16. Oliver Losco (1,1) 18. “....-Ball”, when the ball is deemed temporarily out-of-play (4) 20. Half-Time (1,1) 21. Gary, Vittoriosa Stars Scottish midfielder (4) 22. Garavaglia, Balzan Youth Nursery’s Italian coach (4) 23. Knock-Out (1,1) 24. Sultana, MFA Elite Assistant Referee (6) 26. Borg and Debattista, two great ex footballers (5)

Down

1. Sergio, in charge of MFA’s Grassrooots Project (7) 2. Buckle, ex Hibernians stalwart (6) 3 & 8. Touré, Manchester City’s midfielder (4) 4. Betting is related to these comparisons (4) 5. Kirsty, a member of the Malta Women national squad (6) 8. See 3 Down 10. Gullit, played 2 matches against Malta in 1991/92 (4) 12. Tony, winner of 9 leagues with Sliema Wanderers (7) 13. Valdeir “....” Vieira, Hibernians first Brazilian player (4) 15. Lucas ..... Dos Santos, Vittoriosa Stars captain (5) 17. Mauro di ....., ex Birkirkara Italian defender (5) 19. Tabone, MFA’s Integrity Officer (5) 23. Sergio Leonel “...” Agüero del Castillo (3) 25. Champions League (1,1)

CROSSWORD

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