Referees' exchange with the Republic of Ireland

referees-in-nireland-oct-2013For the second consecutive season, the Malta FA Refereeing Department announces an exchange with Republic of Ireland involving four match officials and a referee observer.

On Saturday 12th October, Elite Referee Adrian Azzopardi has been appointed to control the important Airtricity Premier Division match, Drogheda United vs UCD at Hunky Dory Park at 19:00. Drogheda United qualified for this season’s Irish Cup Final, while UCD are fighting to escape relegation.

Elite Assistant Referees Roberto Vella and Albert Borg Cardona have been appointed as assistant referees, while an Irish referee is being appointed as Fourth Official. For Albert Borg Cardona, this match will mark his debut in a competitive match overseas.

On the same day, Elite Referee Malcolm Spiteri shall be in charge of the Division 1 match between Wexford Youths vs Mervue United, to be played at Ferrycarrig Park in Wexford at 1945hrs. He shall be assisted by Irish match officials.

With one match to play for the end of this season’s campaign, Wexford Youths lie fifth in the Division 1 standings, while Mervue United occupy fourth position with just one point away from the play-off places.

The teams who finish second and third in the Division 1 shall play each other over two legs and the winners will then play the team who finishes second from bottom in the Premier Division. The winners of this match will have a place in the Premier Division next season.

Philip-AgiusMalta FA Referee Observer Philip Agius shall be accompanying the match officials on this exchange visit to Republic of Ireland. On Sunday 13th October, he shall be the referee observer of the Airtricity Premier Division match, St Patrick’s Athletic vs Sligo Rovers, being played at Richmond Park in Dublin.

St Patrick’s Athletic are the current leaders and favourites to win the title, while Sligo Rovers won the championship in 2012 and are currently in third place.

A FIFA Referee from the Republic of Ireland shall be in charge of this match.

Adrian Azzopardi, Malcolm Spiteri, Roberto Vella and Albert Borg Cardona shall be attending this match as guests of the Football Association of Ireland.