Euro Cup: Birkirkara to face Sliema in first match

Champions Birkirkara were drawn to face Sliema Wanderers in the first match of the Euro Cup which gets underway on Monday 21. The draws were held at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali on Monday afternoon.

The loser of the first game will face U*BET FA Trophy winners Valletta on Wednesday 23 while the Citizens take on the winner of the first game in the third and final game on Friday 25. All games will be played at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:15.

In case of a draw in the game between Birkirkara and Sliema, the Stripes will face Valletta in Wednesday’s game.

Photos: Copyright © domenic aquilina

Addressing the press conference, MFA senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo appealed to all fans to support their teams during this tournament even if the focus of football followers right now is on the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The reason for which games are being played at 18:15 is to make it possible for fans to watch the World Cup games starting at 16:00 and then could go back home in time to watch the 20:30 games.

Bartolo said this tournament was providing the teams representing Malta in UEFA competitions, the opportunity to play competitive matches ahead of the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League qualifiers.

The MFA senior vice-president confirmed that since the UEFA Europa League holders Atlético Madrid had already qualified for the third qualifying round of the competition, Valletta and a team from San Marino will get direct access to the second qualifying round of the Europa League due to be played on July 15 and 21.

On the other hand, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers enter the first qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League respectively.

Tickets for the Euro Cup matches will cost €8.