2020/21 domestic competitions – Latest COVID-19 update

15th October, 2020: The Malta Football Association is continuing to closely monitor the evolving scenarios and developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. First and foremost, the Malta FA’s thoughts are with those affected by the coronavirus, especially players and other members of the local footballing community. In light of the ongoing difficulties caused by the increase in the number of players who have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks, these matches are being postponed in accordance with the Association’s Special rules applicable to Competitions due to COVID-19 (Section V): BOV PREMIER LEAGUEAs Sirens FC don’t have a minimum of 16 players (including two goalkeepers) available from the squad list due to COVID-19 issues, their next four matches – against Tarxien Rainbows FC (17/10/2020), Valletta FC (21/10), Mosta FC (25/10) and Lija Athletic FC (31/10) – will be rescheduled to a later date. The rescheduling of these fixtures is in accordance with the mandatory 14-day period for players currently in self-isolation or quarantine plus a seven-day training period prior to affected club’s first match post-COVID-19 recovery as laid out in the Malta FA’s Return to Play Protocol. BOV CHALLENGE LEAGUE In the BOV Challenge League, the following fixtures involving Marsa FC and Marsaxlokk FC will be rescheduled for the above-mentioned reasons. • Marsa FC – vs Naxxar Lions FC (18/10), Pietà Hotspurs FC (22/10), Qormi FC (25/10) and Swieqi United FC (29/10). • Marsaxlokk FC – vs Mqabba FC (17/10), Fgura United FC (20/10), Qrendi FC (24/10) and Vittoriosa Stars FC (28/10). BOV NATIONAL AMATEUR LEAGUE The 2020/21 BOV National Amateur League will be played over two rounds instead of three in view of the challenges caused by the fluid COVID-19 situation. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Malta Football Association Bureau following consultations with the Executive Committee members representing clubs in this division as well as the Exco officials representing member clubs overall. The shortened duration of the championship is intended to minimise the disruption caused by the inevitable rescheduling of matches. In the meantime, Luqa St Andrews’ opening-day Group B fixture against Siġġiewi on Sunday, 17 October, 2020, has been postponed to a later date.2020/21 NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUES Due to the increasing difficulties caused by the COVID-19 situation, the Malta FA Bureau has decided to postpone the start of the 2020/21 National Youth Leagues to a later date which will be communicated in due course. The Women’s Under-19 and Under-15 leagues are also being postponed. PREVENTIVE MEASURES DURING TRAINING All clubs are being urged to adopt all the preventive measures and follow the guidelines of the Malta FA Return To Play Protocols for their training sessions and all other activities. Furthermore, clubs are reminded that no friendly matches are to be organised until further notice.