Champions Sliema Wanderers were yesterday drawn to meet their rivals and FA Trophy holders Birkirkara in the opening match of the new season – the first match in connection with the Euro Cup.

This is a competition reserved for the three teams representing Malta in the European club competitions. The other club taking part is Hibernians.

The Sliema-Birkirkara match will be played on 4 July. Hibs will face the losers of that match on 6 July and the final match is on Friday 8 July between Hibernians and the winners of the first match.

All matches are being played at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, always with an 8pm kick-off.

The rules of the competition state that in case the first match is drawn, the third club (Hibernians) shall play the second match against the first club drawn (Sliema).

If at the end of the competition more than one team finish equal on points after playing all their matches, the following criteria will be used in the following order to determine the ranking: (a) superior goal difference; (b) greater number of goals scored; (c) drawing of lots.