Sixty-four clubs will be taking part in the 77th edition of the FA Trophy. The draws for the first and second rounds, open for teams from the BOV First, Second and Third Division and Gozo, were held at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
The first round will be reserved for the Gozitan clubs and Third Division clubs while First and Second Division clubs enter the second round. Premier League clubs, on the other hand, enter the third round.
Only three Gozitan clubs failed to apply – Gharb Rangers, Sannat Lions and Zebbug Rovers.
Addressing the media before the draws, MFA General Secretary Bjorn Vassallo said the FA trophy was a competition with long tradition which was given a new dimension with the inclusion of Gozitan teams three years ago.
The competition, which was sponsored by Maltco Lotteries in recent years is yet without a sponsor for this season. The association is currently in discussions with local and foreign companies over a possible sponsor but whatever the outcome, the prizes will be guaranteed by the association. He thanked Maltco for their sponsorship in recent years.
Vassallo said that as from this season, in case the winner of the FA Trophy would have already secured a place in European football, the losing finalist will no longer qualify for the UEFA League following a decision of the UEFA Top Executive Programme which as later confirmed by the UEFA Congress.
The first round will be played between the 4rd and 10th September while the second round is scheduled for the weekend 24th to 26th October.
The third round is scheduled for November 28 to December 3, the fourth round for January 17 to 21, the quarter-finals for February 13 and 14, the semi-finals for May 16 and 17 and the final for May 24.
First Round
1 Oratory Youths vs Luqa St. Andrew’s
2 Xewkija Tigers vs Kirkop United
3 Qrendi vs Marsaxlokk
4 Xaghra United vs Nadur Youngsters
5 Mdina Knights vs St. Lawrence Spurs
6 Marsaskala vs Sta. Venera Lightnings
7 Ghajnsielem vs Mtarfa
8 Mgarr United vs Kalkara
9 Qala Saints vs Santa Lucia
10 SK Victoria Wanderers vs Munxar Falcons
11 Kercem Ajax vs Attard
12 Ta’ Xbiex vs Victoria HotspursSecond Round
Winner Match 10 vs Winner Match 2
Fgura United vs Winner Match 4
Melita vs Zejtun Corinthians
Msida St. Joseph vs Marsa
Sirens vs San Gwann
Zabbar St. Patrick vs Winner Match 9
Mellieha vs Winner Match 12
Hamrun Spartans vs Vittoriosa Stars
Xghajra Tornados vs Siggiewi
Gzira United vs Ghaxaq
Lija Athletic vs Winner Match 1
Dingli Swallows vs Zurrieq
Winner Match 7 vs Gudja United
Winner Match 8 vs Swieqi United
Gharghur vs Winner Match 5
Birzebbuga St. Peter’s vs Winner Match 11
Pembroke Athleta vs Rabat Ajax
Mqabba vs Senglea Athletic
Winner Match 3 vs Winner Match 6
St. George’s vs St. Andrews