The Malta Football Association yesterday signed an agreement with Maltco Lotteries for the sponsorship of the three knock-out competitions for the senior teams.

The agreement was signed between MFA president Joe Mifsud and Maltco Lotteries general director Mario Cassar during a media brief at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali.

After the previous agreement for the Second and Third Division Knock-Out had expired, Maltco Lotteries not only agreed to renew the sponsorship, but also accepted the MFA’s request to sponsor the First Division Knock-Out as well.

As from this season, the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out will have a new format with the participating 10 teams divided in two groups of five each, playing a round-robin one round league. The top two teams in each Group will progress to the semi-finals.

The draws for the two competitions were also held yesterday.

First Division sides were drawn in two groups. Group One comprises Pieta Hotspurs, Mqabba, Rabat Ajax, Vittoriosa Stars and holders Dingli Swallows. Group Two is made up of St Patrick, St George’s, San Gwann, Senglea Athletic and Mosta. All Group matches will be played bewteen 13 September and 12 October.

Meanwhile the draws for the quick-Keno Second and Third Division Knock Out were as follows:

Group 1: Pembroke Athleta, Mgarr United, Luqa St. Andrews, St. Andrews

Group 2: Zebbug Rangers, Qrendi, Birzebbuga St. Peter's, Mtarfa

Group 3: Attard, Balzan Youths, Xghajra Tornados, Marsa

Group 4: Gozo, Gharghur, St. Venera Lightnings, Zejtun Corinthians

Group 5: Kalkara, Naxxar Lions, Zurrieq, Mdina Knights

Group 6: Fgura United, Sirens, Melita, Gzira United

Group 7: Sta. Lucia, Ghaxaq, Kirkip United, Mellieha

Group 8: Siggiewi, Gudja United, Lija Athletic

The first round of this competition will be held between 3 and 21 September, with the winners of each section qualifying to the quarter-finals, which will be played on 27 and 28 December, with the semi-finals scheduled for 11 April, and the final for 30 May.