Malta v Portugal 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

SOUTH AFRICA 2010 – FIFA WORLD CUP
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Malta vs. Portugal

6th September 2008@
20.00 hrs.
National Stadium, Ta` Qali

Game Live on Melita Sports

1. General information
2. Support for National Team
3. Match Officials
4. Press Conferences organised by the Malta Football Association
5. Press Conference organised by the Portugal F.A.
6. Accommodation of Teams
7. Training Sessions
8. The National Squads

1. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE MATCH
(i) Stadium Admission Prices
West ‘B’ VIP (to be sold from MFA offices only): 75 Euro
West A Upper: 25 Euro
West A Lower: 12 Euro
West C Upper: 25 Euro
West C Lower: 12 Euro
Millennium Stand: 8 Euro
North Stand: 5 Euro

Tickets, except West ‘B’ VIP, are available from the following outlets as from Thursday, 29th August 2008:

Geraldu Kiosk –Valletta
Star Tourism – Bugibba
Eros Stationery – Paceville
Teamsport – Iklin
Gym at the Millennium Stand, Ta Qali
All Vodafone Outlets

Tickets will only be available on Match Day from the Stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availibility.

(ii) Public Transport

A Public Transport service will be provided for the supporters from City Gate (outside Valletta), direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:30 hrs. Return service from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starting at around 21.45 hrs.

(iii) Opening of Stadium Gates
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two (2) hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 18:00Hrs.
(iv) Pre-Match Entertainment
Prior to the match, starting at 18.45 hrs., the MFA will be providing entertainment for the public present at the stadium. Mr. Peter Busuttil will be the Master of Ceremonies whilst Mr. Colin Fitz will be the D.J.
Official Souvenir Programme
The Malta Football Association’s Media Department will produce an official Souvenir Programme containing useful information and statistics as well as colour photos about the Maltese National ‘A’ team and the visiting Portugal National ‘A’ Team. This will be on sale on Match Day. Retail price: €2
2. SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM
The Maltese public is kindly encouraged to continue providing the wonderful support of recent for the National Team, bringing with them Maltese flags, banners, streamers, and scarves to cheer on our National team. Those attending the match are kindly urged to sing the Maltese National Anthem prior to the start of the match. The text of the national anthem will be provided at the Stadium.
Let us all show respect to our opponents with our good behaviour in a maximum display of Fair Play at all times.
3. MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee BLOM Bernie Raymond (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Asst. Referee 1 SIEBERT Nicholas George (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Asst. Referee 2 VAN ROEKEL Sander (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Fourth Official NIJHIUS Hendrikus Sebestiaan H. (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Referee Assessor LOPEZ Fernandez (FIFA & Spain FA)
Commissioner LAUDI Maurizio (FIFA & Italy FA)

4. PRESS CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE MALTA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Thursday, 04.09.09 @ 13.30 hrs. @ the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali
Saturday, 06.09.08 @ 22:00Hrs @ the MFA Technical Centre, National Stadium.

5. PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE PORTUGAL F.A.
Friday, 05.09.08 @ 16.15 hrs. @ the Conference Hall, MFA Technical Centre, National Stadium, ta’ Qali.

6. ACCOMODATION OF TEAMS
Malta National ‘A’ Team
Corinthia Palace Hotel Attard - Tel: (356) 21440301 Fax: (356) 21465713
Portuguese National ‘A’ Team
Le Meridien Hotel, St. Julian’s - Tel: (356) 23110000 Fax: (356) 23110001
7. TRAINING SESSIONS
04.09.08 Malta @ 17.00 Hrs. - MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali
05.09.08 Malta @ 17.30 Hrs. - MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali
05.09.08 Portugal @ 17.00 Hrs. - National Stadium - This is closed to the public - Open only the Media for 15 mins.
8. THE NATIONAL SQUADS
MALTA NATIONAL ‘A’ TEAM

TECHNICAL STAFF
Mr. Dusan Fitzel - National Coach
Mr. Michael Stritz - Assistant Coach
Mr. Roger Camilleri - Goalkeepers’ Coach
Dr. David Attard - National Team Doctor
Mr. Joseph St. John - Physiotherapist
Mr. Anthony Gambin - Masseur
Mr. Donald Spiteri - Masseur
Mr. Carmelo Gauci - Kit Manager
Mr. Ivan Vella - National Team Secretary

PLAYERS (as on 27.08.08)
Goalkeepers
BORG Omar - Birkirkara
HABER Justin - Sheffield Utd (UK)
HOGG Andrew (Inj.) - Valletta
MUSCAT Mario - Hibernians
Defenders
AZZOPARDI Ian - Sliema Wanderers FC
BRIFFA Roderick - Sliema Wanderers FC
DIMECH Luke - Valletta FC
MIFSUD Josef - Valletta FC
SAID Brian - Sliema Wanderers FC
SCIBERRAS Gareth - Marsaxlokk FC
WELLMAN Stephen - Marsaxlokk FC
SCICLUNA Kenneth - Valletta FC
XUEREB Aaron - Hibernians FC
Midfielders
AGIUS Gilbert - Valletta FC
BAJADA Roderick - Sliema Wanderers FC
BAJADA Shaun - Birkirkara FC
FENECH Ryan - Hamrun Spartans FC
FRENDO Cleven - Valletta FC
MALLIA George - Birkirkara FC
NWOKO Udo - Leixoes (Por.)
PACE Jaime - Marsaxlokk FC
PULLICINO Peter - Marsaxlokk FC
SAMMUT Kevin - Marsaxlokk FC
Forwards
BARBARA Etienne - SC Verl 1924 FC (Ger)
MIFSUD Michael - Coventry FC (UK)
SCERRI Terrence - Hibernians FC
WOODS Ivan - Sliema Wanderers FC
PORTUGAL NATIONAL ‘A’ TEAM

TECHNICAL STAFF
Carlos Godinho – Sports Director
Carlos Queiroz – National Head Coach
Agostinho Oliveira – Coach
José Guilherme – Coach
Fernando Brassard – GK Coach
Onofre Costa – Press Officer
Nuno Campos – Doctor
Henrique Jones – Doctor
Carlos Martinho – Physio
António Gaspar – Physio
Simão Ferreira – Physio
António Gonçalves – Kit Manager
Luis Carrapato – Kit Manager
Bruno Pereira – Kit Manager

PLAYERS (as on 27.08.08)
Goalkeepers
EDUARDO DOS REIS CARVALHO
- SC BRAGA
JOAQUIM MANUEL SAMPAIO SILVA
- SL BENFICA
Defenders
BRUNO EDUARDO REGUFE ALVES
- FC PORTO
FERNANDO JOSÉ SILVA FREITAS MEIRA
- GALATASARAY SK
JOSÉ BOSINGWA DA SILVA
- CHELSEA FC
KEPLER LAVERAN DE LIMA FERREIRA
- REAL MADRID CF
LUIS MIGUEL BRITO GARCIA MONTEIRO
- VALENCIA CF
PAULO RENATO REBOCHO FERREIRA
- CHELSEA FC
RICARDO ALBERTO SILVEIRA DE CARVALHO
- CHELSEA FC
VITORINO GABRIEL PACHECO ANTUNES
- US LECCE SPA
Midfielders
ANDERSON LUIS DE SOUZA
- CHELSEA FC
CARLOS JORGE NETO MARTINS
- SL BENFICA
JOÃO FILIPE IRIA SANTOS MOUTINHO
- SPORTING CP
MANUEL HENRIQUE TAVARES FERNANDES
- VALENCIA CF
RAUL JOSÉ TRINDADE MEIRELES
- FC PORTO
SÉRGIO PAULO BARBOSA VALENTE
- MALAGA CF
Forwards
DANNY MIGUEL ALVES GOMES
- DINAMO MOSCOVO
HUGO MIGUEL PEREIRA ALMEIDA
- SV WERDER BREMEN
LUIS CARLOS ALMEIDA CUNHA
- MANCHESTER UFC
NUNO MIGUEL SOARES PEREIRA RIBEIRO
- SL BENFICA
SIMÃO PEDRO FONSECA SABROSA
- ATLÉTICO MADRID

Call for Nominations: MOC Sports Awards 2008

Call for Nominations: MOC Sports Awards 2008

The MOC Sports Awards 2008 will once again be taking place with a gala event on the 7th December at the Excelsior Grand Hotel. This event recognises Maltese Athletes by way of awarding those athletes who truly deserve and merit recognition for a highly outstanding achievement during the year.

Today the MOC has announced its call for nominations from all National Associations to nominate any person they feel should receive an award for the competition period 1st November 2007 to 31st October 2008. Closing date for nominations is the 1st November 2008.

All sports organisations are encouraged to put in their nominations for this year’s Sport Awards. Athletes/Teams nominated must have obtained a high level technical result in a first class Continental / World or other such high caliber International event organised by the International Federation or a recognised International body of World repute. All entries are to be accompanied by the official result issued by the International Federation of that particular sport or the hosts of the event.

Such events highlight the powerful role that Sports plays; through our athletes attempts, successes and dedication they inspire and show our society how important practicing sport is. Not only this but Sport contributes to the development of young people and the community by promoting positive values, teamwork, respect and fairplay.

Established in 2001, the MOC Sports Awards are the premier recognition event for sporting excellence. The Awards fall into the following categories: Platinum Category, Gold Category, Silver Category, and Bronze Category. Nominees for these awards will be announced by the 23rd November 2008. Winners will be announced at the official gala awards ceremony to be held on the 7th December.

Submissions should be sent to: The Chairman, MOC Sports Awards, Maltese Olympic Committee, National Pool Complex, M.T. Spinelli Street, Gzira.

Futsal Tournament on Melita Sports

The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament was launched by Mr. Alex Falzon and Mr. Jonathan Pisani at a Press Conference held on Monday 28th July 2008 at Corradino Sports Pavilion. Mr. Alex Falzon announced that The Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will start on the 29th August and end on the 31st August. During this three-day event 16 teams will be competing, divided in four groups followed by a knock out stage. The tournament which will be played indoors at the Victoria Sports Complex in Gozo will also be aired on a delayed basis on Melita Sports

A €800 cash price will be awarded to the winning team whilst the runners up will be awarded €200 in cash. Trophies will also be awarded. Prizes will also be given to the Best Player, Top Scorer, Fair play and Best Goalkeeper. The trophies and cash prizes will be presented on Sunday to the winners by Hon. Minister for Gozo Giovanna De Bono.

Mr. Jonathan Pisani, organiser explained how the Futsal game in Malta grew over the past few years with over 90 teams competing in the MFA league divided in 4 divisions and the establishment of the national Futsal team. Mr. Jonathan Pisani also stated that the national team is about to play two friendly matches against England and France. The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will introduce this game on our sister island were five a side football is already very popular. During the three day Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament, a mini tournament for four female teams, an exhibition game amongst two nursery teams and some fun games between the quarter finals and semi finals will also be held.

The organisers are delighted with the high response from teams received. Mr. Jonathan Pisani mentioned that two of the best Gozitian teams will be participating whilst the strongest Maltese Futsal teams will be taking part, the likes of 2006-2007 1st division champions, 2007-2008 1st division runners up and trophy winners, the strongest foreign Futsal team based in Malta and a good representation from the first and second MFA divisions.

Mr. Mark Muscat from Melita Cable announced that the quarter finals, semi finals and final will be filmed by Melita Sports. Melita Sports will screen these seven games at a later stage. Melita Sports is happy to back such sports giving them exposure. The group stage draws were held whilst every team representative was presented with a free Futsal ball by the main sponsor Sportika of the event Mr. Mario Camilleri.

Finally the organising team thanked the main sponsor Sportika, Melita Sports – Media partner and all other secondary sponsors Enervit, Kyrstal Water, Gutenberg Press, Down Town Hotel, Calypso Hotel, Kelloggs and Gozo Sports Complex, Ministry for Gozo. Event contact number 7901 6016 or email maltafutsal@gmail.com.

Two special guests on Kick Off

The first two guests for Kick Off 10 years ago where invited for the first programme of this season. Captain George Kissaun next to Catherine Mifsud and Mr. Joseph Portelli next to Raquel Camenzuli.

Kick OFF - Returns !!

The big kick off is here and the Barclays Premier League gets on its way this weekend. The challengers are ready, new teams, new players old foes and even clubs who are in the top flight for the first time in their history. The big four are always favorites, but there is always the prospect of a surprise package form teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Everton or Manchester City. Kick Off starts again at 7.00pm on the 17th of August, celebrating 10 years of transmission. The first guests 10 years ago where Captain George Kissaun and Mr. Joseph Portelli who return again to the programme for the occasion.

Hamsik brings Napoli to life.

Naples, the city at the foot of the Vesuvius, is noted to be fanatical about their gastronomy, culture and football squad. The latter had made the headlines once again as for the first time in fourteen years they have returned to European Cup glory. It was no easy feat, as they only succeeded to make it to the preliminary round of the UEFA cup through the back door, by participating in the unpopular Intertoto Cup. In the third round they eliminated Panionos of Greece with an identical score line of 1-0, on home and away soil.

Last Saturday, Napoli’s fans, the partenopei, were on cloud number nine when after 64 minutes of play, substitute Inácio Pià crossed for Argentinian striker Germán Denis whose precise header allowed Slovakian international Hamšík to fire in. Hamšík’s could not have wished for a better birthday present! It’s no wonder that, president Aurelio De Laurentis insists the 20-year-old, who is under contract at the Naples-based club, will not be leaving before the new campaign, for any price.

"Hamsik is not going anywhere," said De Laurentis. "He is non-transferable.

More importantly than the actual result in the 3rd round of the Intertoto Competition is the enthusiasm this team has generated. In spite of the summer heat, when it would be more relaxing to cool off at the bay of Naples or take a trip to the blue lagoons of Capri, 55 000 supporters opted to support their team at the Stadio San Paolo. The spectacle on the stands was a déjà vu from the times of Maradona. In those days Napoli, was the side to beat and managed to win twice the domestic league, the Italian and the UEFA Cup.

Today’s squad is not composed of high waged football stars but of quality youth players that are eager to make their mark on the international scene. With players like Levezzi, Blasi, Denis. Maggio, Hamšík, Rinaudo and Russotto Napoli have a bright future and rival opponents like Juventus, Inter, Milan, Fiorentina and Roma should keep their eyes open.

July a very busy month for Judo

When everybody was looking forward to go swimming and slow down the daily routine, or go on holiday, in the 100 years old buildings, ex services Sergeant’s Mess and Band Room, in Pembroke, every day Sunday included, heavily clad in cotton Judo Suits, Judoka young and old were busy studying their Go Kyu (Syllabus) and practicing their Kata. Others were going through hundreds of repetitions up and down the dojo (Hall), and others sitting down on the Tatami looking at PowerPoint presentations and taking notes.

In fact, the Malta Judo Federation had its National Grading, National Team Technical Training and National Coaching requalification courses.

Thanks to the assistance of the Maltese Olympic Committee, the Federation could invite one of the Life honorary members of the Federation, Maestro Monti, who together with the Federation’s technical people held a marathon of activities.

MJF Starts intensification in preparation for GSSE Cyprus 2009
Only a year away from the Games of the Small States of Europe, the national team, under the leadership of Maestro Monti, started going through a process of technical and endurance preparation. These events are being held daily in the Mornings at Pembroke and in the Federation Clubs in the evening, to give the club members an opportunity to train with the national team.

National Dan Grading,
On Sunday, 6 judoka “sat” for their Dan Grading. The four hour exam was based on the new MJF Syllabus. The Examination Board was:
Maestro Alfredo Monti 7th Dan, Envic Galea 6th Dan. Alex Bezzina 5th Dan, John Zammit 4th Dan
The successful Black Belts were:
Joe Muscat 3rd Dan, Joe Bonello 3rd Dan. Ivan Esposito 2nd Dan, Julien Mozzo 2nd Dan, Domnic Saywell 1st Dan, Rueben Micallef 1st Dan
National Coaching Seminars
34 coaches renewed or qualified for level 2 and level 1 in a week intensive course lasting from Monday to Saturday. This general revision was necessary in order to fulfil the ambitious regeneration plans of the federation in the upgrade of the Judo Clubs and in the qualification to the MOC Clubmark classification. The lectures and practical sessions, based on the Canadian Coaching Programme, were delivered by Course Leaders: Alfredo Monti, 7th Dan ex National Coach Italian Federation (Technical) Envic Galea 6th Dan Masters International Sports Management (Administration & Pedagogical) Alex Bezzina 5th Dan 4th Level EJU High Performance Coach, International Referee (Technical & Sports Science) John Zammit 4th Dan International Referee (Refereeing & Competition rules) and Ivan Esposito 2nd Dan Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine (Medical)

These revision courses were also necessary as this month the European Judo Union has launched the 3rd level advanced coaching course and only those who have fulfilled this 2nd level will be able to participate.

Clubs more ambitious
Last October, during the Annual General Meeting, the Federation decided to empower the clubs in the preparation of members of the National Team, thus acquiring experience as personal coaches to members of the National Team and enabling the Federation to improve her International Competition performance and depend less on foreign professional coaches.
HQ inadequate, new facilities indispensable
Although recently the Federation and the Judo Academy, invested a lot of money in the refurbishing of the premises, these intensive activities were not easy to organise as the halls proved to be too small and many times the activities had to be alternated.
The Success of these activities and the new growing enthusiasm in the clubs encouraged the Federation to increase the attention to the building of the International Judo Centre, mainly as they are conscious that further delay only serves to make the building become more expensive, and that in all these years, the Sport of Judo is missing several International opportunities.
Judo – Sport Tourism more than 1,000 visitors in four star hotels
In less than a year, Maltese Judo organised two European Championships successfully, the Cadet European Championships and the Kata European Championship, The Cadet Championship resulted as the largest single sport activity for Malta with 700 visitors from 43 European Countries. This event streamed live on Internet had a staggering 300,000 hits. Most important is that both events received a lot of compliments for the organisation, with the International Judo Centre in operation; Malta and Maltese Judo would surely become a permanent centre of attraction and the visiting Judoka would only benefit in improving their level of Judo
Flag Bearer flies back to join the Maltese Olympic Contingent for Beijing
Marcon Bezzina, who last week was named by the President of the MOC Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco as the Maltese Flag Bearer, flies back from Bath to join the NOC contingent to Beijing, with Beijing, Maltese Judo would have qualified to attend to 6 Olympic Games, un interrupted since Seoul 1988
Good Luck Marcon you make us proud

Seeking a positive performance in Croatia by Sandro Micallef from Split

Birkirkara seeking a positive performance in Croatia

The training grounds of the Poljud Stadium was the venue for Birkirkara’s first training session ahead of their UEFA Cup first qualifying round match against Hajduk Split of Croatia. The contingent which is led by John Borg and Emanuel Zammit International Secretary and Board member respectively arrived in Split Tuesday evening in view of Thursday’s match which will be played in front of an estimated 25,000 crowd.

The Stripes first training session was held on Wednesday at 11:00 whilst the final re-touch session ahead of Thursday’s game was held later on in the evening in the Poljud Stadium at 21:00 same time of Thursday’s kick-off. The Birkirkara contingent is also being accompanied by the locality Mayor Michael Fenech Adami. The team is composed of 19 players which includes Thomas Paris who will unfortunately miss Thursday’s UEFA Cup encounter against Hajduk since he is suspended following his red card in last season’s first round second leg Intertoto game against Maribor of Slovenia. Birkirkara’s mentor John Buttigieg can choose his starting line up from the following players which are all in Croatia:

Omar Borg, Bernard Paris, Emil Yanchev, Joseph Zerafa, Ronni Hartvig, Roderick Sammut, Paul Fenech, Shaun Bajada, Michael Galea, George Mallia, Alan Tabone, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Lee Lombardi, Martin Anastasi, Angus Buhagiar, Clint Zammit, Luke Sciberras, Andrew Scicluna.

Giving his comments immediately after Wednesday’s morning session Buttigieg commented: “It will be a difficult game as we are all aware of our opponent’s potential. Hajduk have got a strong squad with individual key tactical players which can make the difference within the 90 minutes. On the other hand we have a very young squad and I can dispose of only two foreigners as Davy Amed Sylla has not yet been replaced added Buttigieg. Asked to comment about his team’s pre-season so far the ex-Malta international remarked “We have been only training for three weeks and we are just into the fourth, considering that the norm for a good pre-season is usually between seven to eight weeks I sincerely do not think that we are physically prepared for this high profile European commitment. We did not have enough time to prepare not even for the Euro Challenge Cup which we won, but as things stand with the existing calendar of Maltese football nothing much more can be done. My aim is to prepare physically and tactically the team for the start of the BOV Premier League but nonetheless I will make all the effort together with my colleagues and players for a positive showing against Hajduk even for the benefit of all the Birkirkara fans that will be watching us live on TV” concluded Buttigieg.

It has been learnt that negotiations for the renewal of contracts for two players that were in the Stripes squad last season have been cut short. The players concerned are Lino Galea and Adrian Ciantar both of them willing to move ahead with their respective careers elsewhere.

In the meantime Birkirkara’s opponents Hajduk Split led by Goran Vucevic will field a strong side in view of the Club’s aspirations to progress till the final stages of this year’s edition of the UEFA Cup. In their last friendly as a build up for Thursday’s encounter Hajduk hosted Italian Serie A team Napoli against which they won by a solitary goal.

Birkirkara v Hajduk Split will be screened live on Melita Sports. To subscribe to Melita Sports and watch this game customers are to call on 27 270 270 or by applying online on www.melitasports.com

Birkirkara FC probable starting line Up

Omar Barg, Lee Lombardi, Emil Yanchev, Ronni Hartvig, Jospeh Zerafa, Paul Fenech, George Mallia, Shaun Bajada, Alan Tabone, Michael Galea (Martin Anastasi) , Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Hajduk Split probable starting line up

D. Subasic, M. Buljat, B. Pandza, G. Rubil, I. Strinic, B. Zivkovic, D. Gabric, S. Linic, S. Ibricic, N.Kalinic, T. Busic.

European commitments of Maltese teams Live on Melita Sports

European commitments of Maltese teams Live on Melita Sports
Saturday 12th July 2008

Melita Cable proudly announces that over the next days it will give the opportunity to its Sports subscribers the chance to watch more local live football after the acquisition of TV rights of the three local clubs who will compete in the 1st Qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup respectively namely Valletta FC, Marsaxlokk FC and Birkirkara FC.

The first game live on Melita Sports for the 2008/09 season will be the home match of Valletta FC which they will play against Artmedia Pertzalka of Slovakia in the 1st Leg of the 1st Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League. This game will be broadcast live on Melita Sports on Tuesday 15th July 2008 at 20:00hrs. The other local team which will play on home ground will be Marsaxlokk FC who will host Slaven Koprivnica also of Slovakia in the 1st Leg of the 1st Qualifying Round of the UEFA Cup. This game is scheduled for Thursday 17th July 2008 at 18:15hrs and will also be screened live on Melita Sports. Commentary for these both games will be undertaken by Pierre Cassar and Joe Micallef with touchline comments and interviews by Bryan Borg.

Melita Cable will also be broadcasting live the game of the other Maltese club involved in Europe. In fact Melita will also broadcast live from Split in Croatia the 1st Leg 1st Qualifying Round game between Hajduk Split and Birkirkara. This game will be live on Melita Sports on Thursday 17th July at 21:00hrs. Commentary of this game will be conducted by Sandro Micallef and Steve D’Amato who will be producing the running commentary from Split.

The full schedule of live games on Melita Sports for next week is as follows:

UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Rd
Valletta v Artmedia Petrzalka
Tuesday 15th July 2008 – 20:00 LIVE

UEFA Cup 1st Qualifying Rd
Hajduk Split v Birkirkara FC
Thursday 17th July 2008 – 21:00 LIVE

UEFA Cup 1st Qualifying Rd
Marsaxlokk v Slaven Koprivnica
Thursday 17th July 2008 – 18:15 LIVE

Melita Sports will also be broadcasting a number of attractive live events over the next weeks as a build up for the new 2008/09 season which is to start in mid August.

Manchester United Tour South Africa LIVE
Saturday 19th July 2008
Thursday 24th July 2008
Saturday 26th July 2008

Spanish Super Cup 2008
Real Madrid v Valencia
Saturday 16th August 2008– 22:00 Leg 1 LIVE
Saturday 23rd August 2008– 22:00 Leg 2 LIVE

XVIII Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi
AC Milan v Juventus FC
Sunday 17th August 2008 – 20:45 LIVE

Gozo Futsal Tournament 2008
Wednesday 3rd September – Quarter Finals 19:00
Thursday 4th September – Semi Finals 19:00
Friday 5th September – Final 20:30

Beach Soccer Malta Cup 2008
Thursday 7th August 2008 – Quarter Finals 19:00
Friday 8th August 2008 – Semi Finals 19:00
Saturday 9th August 2008 – Final 20:30

More information about Melita Sports schedule and programming can be obtained from the portal www.melitasports.com

Qormi FC mean business

Newly promoted Qormi FC seem to mean business next season in the MFA BOV Premier as they have just signed four significant players namely Massimo Grima, Shawn Tellus, Rennie Forace and goalkeeper Reuben Gauci. Led by ex Valletta and Bkara player Jesmond Zerafa Qormi will surely be boosted further if they manage to secure an extension loan for midfielder Jospeh Farrugia of Sliema who last year played an important role in the Qormi side helping them to win the promotion to Premier.

Massimo Grima last season had a short spell with Mosta, whilst Tellus and Gauci were on the book of Marsaxlokk but were rarley used by Talbot. On the other hand Rennie Forace the ex U/21 Malta international played for second Division side San Gwann and help his team led by Joe Brincat to win the promotion to Div One. Forace like Grima is a Valletta player and insiders have told Melita Sports that it was thanks to the good relationship between coach Zerafa and the Valletta committee that the latter transfer was possible.

Maltese Waterpolo Referees

Mr. Massimo Angileri and Mr Peter Balzan , waterpolo international referees, have been appointed by the L.E.N to officiate in another two tournaments.

The matches are scheduled to take place between the 9th and 16th of July, 2007. The assigned delegates for this tournament will be Mr. Salamon of Hungary and Mr Firoiu of Germany

Mr. Angileri will be in Syros Greece for the under 17 Tournament .The Vikelas cup and he will be assisted by other six referees from Greece, Turkey, Hungary , Czech Republic, Romania, Scotland, and Australia.
Participating teams will be Germany, Montenegro, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and Australia.
Mr Balzan will be in Turkey for the CANER EGORU TOURNAMENT and will be assisted by referees from Turkey, Croatia, Belgium, Greece, and Romania
Participating Teams will be israel, Serbia, France, Slovenia, Turkey, and Russia.

Premier League and infringement of trademark

The Premier League has won control over the domain premiershiplive.net, which has been used to offer an unauthorised subscription football streaming service.

Premiershiplive.net sold membership via PayPal for £9.95. It promised streams of every game in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and other European leagues, grabbed from legal satellite broadcasts abroad. Dozens of similar sites have sprung up to take advantage of the rise of broadband and the expense of satellite TV subscriptions in the UK.

The League sells rights for legal streaming of games online, so is naturally keen to guard their value by shutting down the legit sites' black market rivals. It employs an internet intellectual property (IP) protection firm called NetResult to search out and attack dodgy streams.

In February the High Court granted an injuction ordering the owner and operators of premiershiplive.net, and two other similar streaming services, to stop using the domain because it infringed the Premier League's "Barclays Premiership" trademark. Wresting control of a domain is often seen by rights holders as a quicker means of achieving results than a direct copyright infringement suit.

But by the time the judge ruled premiershiplive.net had already changed hands twice, according to law firm Clarke Willmott, which acts in domain disputes but was not directly involved in the premierleague.net case. It bounced from an individual in the UK to one in Ukraine, and then to the Isle of Man.

A spokesman for the Premier League said: "This was a simple case of copyright theft. There are increasing numbers of wesites that offer a whole range of football illegally. We have and will continue to take action against illegal services." "This wasn't about the domain name [as such]," he added.

When the High Court ruled, the domain was registered to a business in the Isle of Man, a haven from commercial regulators, owned by "Mr Marko Oleksiy". Clarke Willmott says Oleksiy was apparently "falsely using an Isle of Man postal address while presumed to be based in the Ukraine".

The League was forced to pursue the domain again, this time through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), which oversees international domain disputes. In May, it found in the League's favour and said the domain was being used in bad faith.

Oleksiy unsuccessfully argued that the Premier League had no trademark for either "premiership" on its own or "premiershiplive". He also claimed that because Premier League sponsors Barclays were part of the site's payment system, the Premier League must have endorsed use of its logo. The admistrative panel decision is here.

Clarke Willmot IP and sports partner Ravi Mohindra commented: "Any use of a domain name which has been held by a court to be infringement of trade mark rights can only be use in bad faith, and as the owner of the name must have known of the Premier League's rights in its trade mark at the time that it registered the name due to it being so well known, the final point relating to bad faith had also been proved."

The Premier League's lawyers and IP investigators shouldn't be short of business, however. There's myriad hooky streaming sites ready to serve premiershiplive.net's audience and to target for take-down once its domain is transferred to the trademark owner.

Michael Mifsud - Goals of the Season!

Rugby team Stompers awards

Stompers TGI Friday’s RFC. held there annual dinner on Friday the 20th June at TGI Fridays in Sliema. Over 50 club members attended the event where the following awards where presented.
Best senior player: Chris Morton
Most Improved Senior Player: Luke Debattista
The Boki Award (Senior Clubman of the year): Andrew Camilleri
Best Youth player: Matthew Camilleri
Most improved Youth player: Thomas Pace Moore
Youth Clubman of the year: Thomas Vernon.
The club coach Noah Hardie was also presented with a token of farewell, as this is his last season with the club.

The curtain goes down

Yesterday night Vienna had to forgo the classical Waltz to make way for the Spanish flamenco as the La Selección returned victorious after a 44 year drought. Spain although gifted with several talented players did not start the football tournament as favourites. The pundits were placing their money on teams like world cup champions Italy, Germany, Portugal and France. In fact, when the tournament kicked off, the odds being quoted were 11 to 2. As usual, football critics noted that Spain was a valid team but has more than often underperformed in major competitions. The fact that the cameras were not Luis Aragonés's men may have helped Spain to reach stardom after so many years.

France were the biggest disappointment and this also brought with it an end to a glorious era that saw them lift the World and the European Cup. The blues only managed to grab a point and finished in last place in what was known as the group of death. Italy, as four time world champions played under par and bowed out of the tournament in the second round. Ironically they lost to Spain in a penalty shoot-out. Just after the Euro, the Italian technical trainer, Donadoni, was sacked only to be replaced by their former trainer Marcello Lippi. This decision may be seen as unfair, as the former Milan winger is not to be blamed with the team’s underperformance and lack of luck. Italy lost their captain, Cannavaro just before the tournament started and was replaced with Juventus, central defender, Chellini . Most probably, the substitute Chellini was the best player of the Italian side. Donandoni re-introduced Cassano who also had some magical moments and stayed out of trouble. Unfortunately, the front line did not manage to deliver the goods as Toni, Del Piero and Di Natale failed to score important goals. It was also amazing how Del Piero and Toni did not even take up a penalty kick against Spain, whereby both are the main takers for their respective clubs.

Portugal, like their Iberic counterparts Spain, is always downed with talented players but fail to make their mark in international tournaments. After a storming start they cooled down and were knocked out of the tournament by Germany 3-2. On the other hand, Germany, were as industrious as ever and managed to reach another final. They were never spectacular but always bagged the points when needed. In the final match of the tournament they were outplayed although they had an additional day of rest. The sorry point was Balack who was so close to win every major cup this season but had to settle for the silver medal in the Champions Cup, the Premier league and the Euro 2008.

At the end, the Spaniards brought the curtain down on the Swiss-Austrian Euro. A tournament that was well organised and well marketed. Apart from the football, it will be remembered for the various candid shots from the stands. Producers were eager to market football as a family and beauty event. Children, teenagers and families flocked to the stadiums dressed in every costume imaginable. A football marketing ploy that costs nothing but speaks volumes!!

At the end, Spain played the best football, suffered the least goals and entertained all supporters. They will be taking the cup home where the party is expected to last days and the sangria will flow through the Spanish streets. Most probably, the unity among the various regions in Spain has never been so strong. Let’s hope, for the good of the game that this is the beginning of an era and not just a day to remember.

Interrupted TV signal by Keith Grech Attard

Security was high for the semi-final match between the Turks and the triple-crown world champions, Germany. The 3-2 score line in favour of the Mannschaft is indicative that both teams fought hard to reach the prestigious European final. Mr. Terims’ side may have failed to reach their first international final in history but they were no pushovers and walked away from the pitch with their heads held high.

As a neutral supporter, my only disappointment was that I could not follow the flow of such an entertaining match. The transmission of the game was interrupted so many times that it brought about a brawl from various supporters around the world rather from all those who opted to fly into Vienna to see the match. In a statement UEFA, Europe's football body which organizes the tournament, said: "The television signal in the International Broadcast Centre for the Germany-Turkey game has been interrupted several times in the second half due to technical reasons which are currently being investigated, in particular to evaluate the impact of the violent electrical storm over Vienna at that time."

Electrical storms or not, the various transmission cuts ruined one of the greatest Euro 2008 football nights in many countries around the globe. When such matters happen there are no consolation prizes for the many supporters around the world. They remain dead frozen in front of a dark screen not really believing what actually happened!

This matter did not really make the news headlines in Malta but I am certain if Italy or England were playing the matter would have been the talk of the town for days if not years! Who knows whom we would have blamed? I have my thoughts about this.....maybe I’ll share them with you some other time.

Was it a lucky or brave Italy? by Sandro Micallef

Seems smiles are back on the faces of the Italian players and Coach Donadoni. Smiles are back also on Matarese's and Abete's faces after they managed to reach the quarter finals of the EURO 2008.

They managed to win 2-0 against mighty France..... but they won against a depleted side who played for more than half of the game with 10 men. Would the italians have beaten the French if Frank Ribery was not forced out of action after injury after just 9 minutes? Italy was lucky to have Toni up front a player that scored tens of goals in the Bundesliga but none so far in Austria-Switzerland. The Bayern player was still very good up front winning many fouls and managing to control that long through ball of Pirlo with his stretch leg forcing the French central defender to hack him down in the area..... penalty, red card and early shower for the unfortunate Abidal.

At the end it was a well deserved win by the Azzurri who managed to secure a quarter final berth but they now face Villa, Torres, Casillias and co. By the way tomorrow morning Donadoni will surely send a thank you post card to his AC Milan team mate Marco Van Basten... He will not call him personally as suggested by a RAI reporter yesterday in the pre-match press briefing...!!

Looking forward for the Quarter Finals. Teams are gearing up!

Sandro

Euro 2008 My Prediction - What is yours?

After having produced succesfully the 7th edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards I found again some time to write on this Melita Sports blog. As you might guess I'm following also the current EURO 2008 competition like most of you. And therefore i will express my views on some teams namely, Italy, Croatia, Holland, Portugal, Turkey, Germany and obviously England.

Italy: Very poor showing against Holland in thier first match. Lost concentration after one goal down. Too soft against Romania. Too much long balls towards Luca Toni, although he is a good player Italy must change tactics against France and should play the ball more on the ground.

Croatia: By far best team so far. Very good coach, good pressing, good defence very good goalkeeper and all the time focused on result.

Holland: Great results versus Italy and France. The fact that Van Basten declared that he will not coach the national team any more after this tournament is a positive thing as he and the players want to make the mark before his official divorce with the Orange.

Portugal: Start as favorites to win quarter final vs Turkey but disappointed thier fans in their last group game v the Swiss.

Turkey: Lucky in their second and third game. Very good comeback. Fatih Therim excellent motivator.

Germany: I will bet EUR100 that they will be eliminated very soon. Poor central defenders.

England: A EURO tournament is not the same without the 3 Lions !!! better luck next time.

Tournament winners personal bet CROATIA!!

Melita Sports UEFA Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg Match Preview - Live

Liverpool vs Chelsea 20:00Hrs

It is another clash of the titans again tonight and yet again one of these two big English teams will be heading for the coveted final in Moscow.

Who will it be?

Our prediction: Draw perhaps 0-0

Barcelona vs Manchester United

Will the return to the Nou Camp bring back the luck United had met in 99 and do a repeat of that year?

We will see tonight starting at 20:00hrs with Peter Paul Gauci Champions League Preview LIVE on melitasports!

Our prediction: Win for Barcelona 2-1

Kick Off this Sunday

The Barclays Premier League is reaching its final chapters with only four games left to play and with things at the top a whole lot clearer. Manchester United are leading the pack with Chelsea trying to close the gap, Arsenal and Liverpool have all but secured 3rd and 4th place with Everton seemingly taking 5th place and competing in Europe next season. At the other end of the table the scenario is not so clear. Derby County are the only certainty of Championship football next season and host of clubs namely Fulham, Bolton Wanders, Birmingham City, Reading and Wigan have Premiership survival to play for. All the twists and turns, controversies, goals and action Live on Kick Off Melita Sports at 19:00 with Peter Paul Gauci, Raquel Camenzuli, Catherine Mifsud and Mark Mizzi.

www.melitacable.com

Melita Digital Malta Football Awards 6th June 2008

More info out soon on www.melitacable.com

Finals in May 2008 on Melita Sports

Finals in May.. FA Cup, UEFA Champions League Final and more
by Sandro Micallef

The month of May is synonymous with plenty of finals as the majority of the football league competitions come to an end. Amongst this month’s finals Melita Sports will broadcast to the comfort of your home The UEFA Champions League Final, The UEFA Cup Final, the FA Cup Final together with the U*Bet FA Trophy Final. Apart from these one match high tension fixtures May will also witness live the penultimate and last Barclays Premier League match day in addition to the Coca-Cola Championship Playoffs.

The FA Cup Final this year will se Cardiff City take on Premier League side Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp’s side start as favourites as they stand in front minnows Cardiff in Wembley. In the UEFA Champions League yet another two big European guns will try their fortunes in Moscow in the Luzhniki Stadium. Meanwhile the football ground of Manchester City in the UK will host the UEFA Cup Final. Another Final scheduled for May is the U*Bet FA Trophy at the Ta` Qali National Stadium the final where passionate local football fans can’t miss.

This month will also include live transmissions on Melita Sports of the last decisive matches of the Barclays English Premier League, The Italian Serie A, Primera Liga, Bundesliga, and the BOV Premier. Keep tuned to watch your beloved team in these last matches as teams mathematically get crowned domestic Champions.

FA Cup Final – 17th May
Barclays Premier League Last Match Day – 11th May
UEFA Cup Final – 14th May
UEFA Champions League Final – 21st May
Coca-Cola Championship Playoffs Final – 24th May
U*Bet FA Trophy – 24th May

Melita Sports Champions League

Melita Sports Champions League

Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 April from 8pm

LIVE on Melita SportsXtra

(Channel 702)

Four teams, four games and two winners for Moscow next May, simple formula with an easy answer. The Semi Finals of the UEFA Champions League are anything but straight forward, with three English teams out of the four challenging for Europe’s top and most exciting football competition. Melita Sports takes you to the heart of the action, covering team arrivals, up to the minute information about the line-ups and exclusive footage of player warm ups and interviews. Getting closer to the action before and after the game with Catherine Mifsud, Peter Paul Gauci and Malta’s top football journalists on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd form 20:00 hours LIVE on Melita Sports.

www.melitacable.com