Clubs feel their team don’t have enough time to prepare for April 4 clash given that they have several players with the national teams
The Malta Football Association has rejected a request made by Gżira United and Valletta to reschedule their respective FA Trophy semi-final against Naxxar Lions and Birkirkara, respectively..
Gżira United are due to face Naxxar Lions on Saturday, April 4 at the National Stadium, at 2pm, while Valletta take on Birkirkara on the same day, with the match kicking off at 4.15pm.
The two Premier League clubs made their request as they have several players who have been selected with both the senior national team and the Malta U-21 selection for their respective international commitments, and will only return to the club just three days before the fixture, giving little time for the two clubs to prepare well for the match.
However, both Gżira United and Valletta had their request turned down by the Malta FA after both Naxxar and Birkirkara declined to accept a change in the fixture date.
Gżira United have seven players who have been called by their respective national team selectors.
Skipper Gabriel Mentz is part of the Malta senior national team that will face Luxembourg in a UEFA Nations League play-off.
On the other hand, Deacon Abela, Andy Borg, Karl Sargeant, Dejan Farrugia and Brookly Borg were named in the Malta U-21 squad for the upcoming European Championships against Greece and Georgia. Goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo has also been selected for the San Marino national team.
Valletta, on their part, have Brandon Paiber, Yannick Yankam, Jake Azzopardi and Andrea Zammit are with the Malta national team, while Mattias Ellul is part of the U-21 selection.
In separate statements, both Gżira United and Valletta showed their frustration that their respective requests have been turned down.
Gżira United said that they are requesting the rescheduling of the fixture as they feel that the club will not have enough time to prepare for this crucial clash.
“The players selected will be with the Malta national team selectors for three whole weeks to prepare for their international commitments, leaving our coaching staff with a limited number of players at their disposal to conduct their training sessions and prepare for our club’s match,” Gżira United said.
“While it’s an honour for our club to have four players selected with the U-21 national team and two other players in other international commitments, one with the Malta national team and the other with the San Marino national team, we believe that this international commitment should not create any form of prejudice against that club is investing in young players, and providing an advantage to its opponent.
“The Malta U-21 players will return to Malta on April 1 at 6pm, after a 12-hour flight. They will be involved in away matches on March 27, in Greece, and on March 31 in Georgia. The only day they have to train with the team is on April 2.
“The players selected with the national team will play on March 26 and March 31, away from our shores. This means that these players will not have the opportunity to train with the rest of the squad as the day after they return, they will not be able to train with the rest of the squad, meaning they will only be able to train the day before the match.”
Valletta FC also issued a statement and shared Gżira United’s frustration at having their request to postpone their FA Trophy semi-final clash turned down by both the MFA and Birkirkara FC and also called for the decision to be reconsidered by both the MFA and their FA Trophy opponents.
“Valletta FC expresses its disappointment with the MFA’s decision to proceed with the FA Trophy semi-final as scheduled, despite clearly exceptional circumstances,” the club said.
“Five of our players have been called up to represent their respective National Teams — an honour for the players, the Club and Maltese football. However, their return just two days before the fixture leaves no room for meaningful preparation and raises concerns around player welfare.
“In good faith, Valletta FC proposed a minimal adjustment – to shift the fixture by two days to Monday April 6 – preserving the integrity of the competition while ensuring proper sporting conditions.
“This is not merely a scheduling issue, but one of sporting integrity and competitive fairness. A semi-final should be contested on the basis of equal preparation and full sporting capacity.
“The current decision creates a clear imbalance, effectively penalising Valletta FC for its contribution to National Team commitments.
“This proposal was not accepted by Birkirkara FC and the MFA. While we acknowledge the MFA’s prerogative, we cannot agree with an outcome that results in a clear competitive disadvantage.
“Valletta FC will always support the national cause with pride. However, such support cannot come at the expense of fundamental fairness at club level.
“We call upon Birkirkara FC to reconsider its position and urge the MFA to act responsibly to ensure clubs contributing most to national representation are not disadvantaged.
“Valletta FC will not remain silent when basic principles relating to competition integrity, fairness and respect for the game are compromised.”
Malta FA response
In response, the Malta Football Association (Malta FA) issued a statement to clarify its position regarding the matter.
The local governing body said that the semi-final dates of the competition had been published since last August.
It added that following the requests submitted by Valletta and Gżira United to postpone the matches, the Malta FA engaged in discussion with all four clubs and provided them with the opportunity to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
“Despite these efforts and open dialogue, no agreement could be reached between the clubs,” the MFA said.
In light of this outcome, and in accordance with the established regulations and the previously published competition calendar, the Malta FA has confirmed that the semi-final fixtures will proceed as originally scheduled.
“It is an established practice of the MFA that when fixtures are published, for Integrity and FairPlay, it will only consider a fixture change if mutually agreed by all parties. Unfortunately on this occasion, no such agreement could be reached.”
