The draws of the Futsal Malta Association knock-out competition for the new season were held this week.
The activity heralded the start of the new futsal season in Malta with the campaign officially kicking off on Monday with the Super Cup match at the Corradino Pavilion, and the opening tie from the KO today week.
During a meeting with the media earlier this week, Donald Spiteri, the FMA president, gave a brief account of the first phase of the setting up of the new futsal association and the successful application to join the Malta FA ranks.
“Our relationship with the MFA has immediately yielded results,” he said, “with our application being approved unanimously by the higher organs and with financial support for the Corradino Pavilion already secured.
“We thank the MFA for their assistance, particularly CEO Bjorn Vassallo and president Norman Darmanin Demajo.”
Spiteri also talked about his association’s vision for the future, starting with the introduction of futsal at grassroots level up to the introduction of an U-21 national team.
“A lot more still needs to be done, however. Such as the provision of more venues which is currently a major issue,” Spiteri added.
Also present for the meeting was Mark Borg, the FMA vice president.
He went on to highlight the main achievements of the association, namely the organisation’s structure, established by a newly-approved statute.
The new rules, he contended, give power back to the clubs.
Changes also include innovative regulations that deal with registrations, professional players, more foreigners and the adoption of home grown-talent concept among others.
Borg, emphasised that the major milestone was the acceptance by the MFA that all amateur players are free to play with any club of their choice.
The Super Cup pits together derby rivals Balzan FC and Lija Athletic. The match on Monday kicks off at 7.30 p.m.
A preliminary qualifier was required to complete the draw of this year’s KO tournament. This will be played between Żejtun and Vittoriosa Stars.
First Round Pairings
Żejtun/Vittoriosa vs Balzan; Lija vs Marsa; Pembroke vs Birżebbuġa; Ħamrun vs Sirens; Mqabba vs San Ġwann; Mosta vs Qrendi; Hibs vs Żurrieq; Swieqi vs St Andrew’s; Tar-xien vs Ta’ Xbiex; Mdina vs Msida.