Champions Floriana were handed a tough-looking start to their title defence as the draws of the 2026-27 Malta Premier League were held on Wednesday.
The Greens, who last May won the league title after defeating Marsaxlokk 2-1 in the Finalissima, will kickstart their campaign against newly-promoted Birżebbuġa St Peter’s.
But things will get much tougher thereafter as they go against Old Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers on MatchDay 2, Ħamrun Spartans the following week, and then face Gżira United and Marsaxlokk.
This year’s championship is set to start on the weekend of the Assumption of St Mary’s, which is celebrated on August 15, and will retain the same format that was used in the last two seasons.
Marsaxlokk, last year’s finalists, kick off their campaign against Balzan but then will come up against Hibernians, Valletta and Mosta.
Ħamrun Spartans open their campaign against Mosta and then renew their rivalry against Birkirkara on MatchDay 2 before taking on Floriana and Żabbar St Patrick.
Valletta have a comfortable-looking start to the campaign with fixtures against Żabbar and Gżira United but then face Marsaxlokk, Hibernians and Balzan.
The Citizens have two back-to-back derbies on their schedule as they first face old rivals Ħamrun Spartans on MatchDay 10, pencilled for October 24 and 25, and then take on Floriana on October 31 or November 1.
None of the Malta Premier League fixtures in August will be played at the National Stadium as the ground will be unavailable, while no big fixtures are being planned to be played in midweek.
Meanwhile, this year’s championship will have new title sponsors in VBET and will be called VBET Malta Premier.
They replace YoHealth, who had been the championship title sponsor for last season.
“The Malta Premier League is delighted to strengthen its partnership with VBET by
welcoming them as the new title sponsor of the 2026/27 league season,” the league organisers said in a statement.
“This renewed commitment is a testament to the strong relationship the MPL has built over recent years and reflects VBET’s continued confidence in the vision and growth of the Malta Premier League.
“The MPL would like to thank VBET for the trust they have consistently shown in the top football competition in Malta.
“Their support has been invaluable since the launch of the MPL, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership as we work together to further enhance the profile and development of the elite football competition in Malta.”
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