Football in Malta
|
 |
Football in Malta was introduced as early as the mid 19th century when soldiers stationed in Malta would watch and play football. The Malta football association was formed in 1900 but the first championship had to wait until 1909.
Floriana F.C. were the winners of the first championship season with Sliema Wanderers finishing second.
The league format has changed over the years, the current format includes a Premier league and 3 lower divisions. The current season finds Hibernians, Valletta, Birkirkara, Floriana, Sliema Wanderers, Msida SJ, Marsaxlokk, Tarxien R., Hamrun Spartans and Qormi in the Premier League. The biggest rivalries are those between Floriana & Valletta and Valletta & Hamrun Spartans.
National Team
The Maltese national team played it's first game in 1957 but unfortunately for a long time it had to endure some tough defeats. This has changed recently, although Malta has never qualified for any international competitions the team has recently managed some incredible results including a 2-2 draw against Turkey and a 2-1 victory against Hungary. The home games are played at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali.
Foreign Club Teams Supported
The Maltese are avid followers of English & Italian Football, when the English and Italian teams play you can expect many to be glued in front of TVs at home or at various pubs across the island especially during the World Cup and European Championship. The same is also true with club football, many Maltese support English & Italian clubs. Liverpool, Manchester United & Arsenal are the top English teams supported while Juventus, Inter Milan & AC Milan are the most popular Italian ones.
English football & Malta
In the last two seasons there has been a growing contingent of Maltese players playing in the Championship. Maltese international strikers Michael Mifsud & Daniel Bogdanovic have recently been signed by Championship side Barnsley, while Maltese keeper Justin Haber earns his pay at Sheffield United.
Sheffield are also sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority and Chevron Holidays, in the Premiership, Air Malta is the Official airline partner of FA cup winners Portsmouth F.C.
|
|
|
|
|
