Valletta request to reschedule U-19’s decisive league fixture turned down

Valletta’s request to reschedule Monday’s U-19’s title showdown with Mosta was turned down, the Citizens announced on their club website.

The protest comes just a day after Hibernians women’s team lamented their failed request to move back Saturday’s cup final against Birkirkara by an hour.

Read: Hibernians request to move back cup final against Birkirkara by an hour turned down by Malta FA.

Their National Youth League Section A head-to-head is pencilled for next Monday, at the Centenary Stadium with kick-off time set at 8.15pm.

In this winner-takes-it-all match, Valletta enter as leaders of the U-19’s league with 51 points while Mosta trail by just two points.

This important match will not only determine the league winner, but also who will represent Malta in next season’s UEFA Youth League competition.

As reported by Times of Malta Sport last year, Maltese youth teams will have an added incentive to win the youth league title after UEFA had announced that all countries affiliated with the European governing body of football will participate in the Youth League from the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

Read: Maltese clubs to participate in UEFA Youth League from 2024-25 season.

“Valletta FC regrets to announce that despite the effort of officially communicating with the MFA our request for the consideration of the final and decisive match of the National Youth League between Valletta FC and Mosta FC has been rejected. This request stems from a scheduling conflict with a BOV Premier League Senior Match. Although the fixture for the National Youth League match had not yet been communicated, we felt it necessary to proactively address the potential clash,” the club’s statement opened.

“Several players who have transitioned from playing with minors to securing spots in the first 11 of the seniors stand to benefit greatly from this opportunity, both for themselves and for the Club. Their hard work and dedication deserve recognition, and yet they are being denied the chance to participate with their team in the crucial final game of the National Youth League, which determines the league winners.”

“We, Valletta FC, have proposed alternative options such as scheduling the match after the conclusion of the BOV Premier League or considering a weekday fixture instead of a Monday (players are not allowed to play for 2 consecutive days after a seniors match) to accommodate both teams with their full squads available.”

“In light of these circumstances, we urge the MFA to prioritize the interests of both clubs, the players, and the integrity of the game by exercising common sense in scheduling the fixture. This approach would ensure fairness and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship that is fundamental to football.”

Malta FA reply

The Malta FA issued a statement whereby they said that they are ready to shift the kick-off time if both clubs reach an agreement on the matter.

“Reference is made to media reports on the scheduling of the National Youth League Section A match between Valletta FC and Mosta FC on Monday 29th April 2024,” the association’s statement said.

“Youth League Section A matches are played on Monday evenings throughout the entire season with regulations in place that prohibit players who feature with the senior squad for more than 45 minutes during the preceding weekend from playing again with the Youth League team on Monday.”

“While the Association encourages the use of young players in senior teams in many ways, the scheduling of matches should not be called into question at this late stage of the season solely for competitive purposes.”

“Notwithstanding, the Malta FA has no objection to reschedule the match if both clubs are in agreement.”

Last Monday, Valletta youths scored a stoppage-time winner against Hibernians to win 3-2 and maintain their two-point lead above Mosta.

One of the club’s scorers was Zak Barbara who entered the fray in the 86th minute for the senior side during Sunday’s crucial narrow win over Balzan.

Mosta, on their part, had just Sasha Cachia coming up from the U-19’s to play a part with the first team as he came on in the 76th minute in their 3-1 win over Hibernians, on Sunday.

On Monday, he captained the U-19’s side as they beat St Andrews 1-0 to keep their title hopes alive.