Eight Premier League clubs will be taking part in the second edition of the AME Cup which will be held between Saturday 20th and Sunday 4th August at the Sirens Stadium. The AME Cup 2013 was launched during a press conference which was held at the Hotel Cavalieri, St. Julian’s on Friday.
Newly-promoted Naxxar Lions, Mosta, Tarxien Rainbows and Balzan were drawn in Group A while Floriana, Rabat Ajax, Qormi and the other newly-promoted side Vittoriosa Stars were drawn in Group B. The tournament is organised by JPL Sport Events and Luxol Sports.
Photos: Copyright © Joe Borg
Louis Agius from JPL Sport Events explained that just like last season, eight Premier League clubs were taking part in the tournament. Teams were divided into two groups of four.
Even in group matches, in case of draws, penalty-kicks will determine the winner. Points will be awarded as follows: 3 points for a win at the end of the 90 minutes, 2 points for a win on penalties, 1 point for a loss on penalties and no points for a loss at the end of the 90 minutes.
The top two teams in each group will reach the semi-finals. In case of teams on an equal number of points, the direct encounter would determine who will qualify.
A maximum of six substitutions will be allowed in games.
Entrance fee will be €4 for adults and €2 for children with the adults’ ticket being redeemable for a pizza from Rookies. The sixteen games will be broadcast on Melita Sports.
Louis Agius thanked the sponsors, namely AME Health & Safety, Mutti, TeamSporT, Old Spice, Misto, HalMann Vella Limited – Silestone, S&S Bathrooms, Coca-Cola, The Convenience Shop, The Institute of Healthy Happiness, Cavalieri Hotel and Rookies Sports Bar and Grill.
Steve Abela from Luxol St. Andrew’s said he was glad the tournament was being held once again as this provided an excellent opportunity for clubs to play a number of pre-season matches without the need of organising friendly matches.
Mario Camilleri from AME Health and Safety Services Ltd said the company did not only focus on health and safety on the work place but also in sports. He said the company felt it could raise awareness by being part of this tournament.
Event Co-Ordinator Anthony Briguglio explained how the Fair Play mechanism will work with two points being deducted for each yellow card and five points for each red card. He said that in the event of more than one player ending on top the list of scorers, the winner of the top scorer award will be determined by the highest number of goals scored in a single game or the fastest goal in a particular game.
Saturday 20th July – Group A
18:30 Naxxar L. vs Balzan
20:30 Mosta vs Tarxien R.Monday 22nd July – Group B
18:30 Floriana vs Vittoriosa S.
20:30 Rabat A. vs QormiWednesday 24th July – Group A
18:30 Naxxar L. vs Mosta
20:30 Tarxien R. vs BalzanFriday 26th July – Group B
18:30 Floriana vs Rabat A.
20:30 Qormi vs Vittoriosa S.Saturday 27th July – Group A
18:30 Balzan vs Mosta
20:30 Naxxar L. vs Tarxien R.Monday 29th July – Group B
18:30 Vittoriosa S. vs Rabat A.
20:30 Floriana vs QormiThursday 1st August – Semi-Finals
18:30 Winner Group A vs Runner-Up Group B
20:30 Winner Group B vs Runner-Up Group ASunday 4th August – Finals
18:30 Final 3rd/4th Place
20:30 FinalAll matches will be played at the Sirens Stadium