The group matches involving the team from Malta, which will be represented by a Gozitan selection in the eighth edition of the UEFA Regions Cup, are being played in Gozo.

The teams involved are Gozo, Rinuzi/Strong (Latvia), FC Olimp Moscow (Russia) and ARF Ialoveni (Moldova).

The idea of a pan-European amateur football tournament was first suggested by UEFA 47 years ago, exactly in 1965. However, it was only after the turn of the millennium that technical problems as to what constitutes an amateur player were resolved and proper criteria were laid down.

Eventually the competition, as we know it nowadays, got underway and it is now in its eighth edition. It is contested primarily on a regional rather than a national basis, with teams representing Malta being regarded as eligible.

The programme of matches in this edition to be played between Sunday and Thursday 18 October is as follows:

Match Day One

Today: 11.30am, Gozo (MLT) vs. Rinuzi / Strong (LVA); 2.30pm, FC Olimp Moscow (RUS) vs. ARF Ialoveni (MDA)

Match Day Two

Tuesday: 11.30am, Gozo (MLT) vs. FC Olimp Moscow (RUS); 2.30pm, ARF Ialoveni (MDA) vs. Rinuzi / Strong (LVA)

Match Day Three

Thursday: 11.30am, ARF Ialoveni (MDA) vs. Gozo (MLT); 2.30pm, Rinuzi / Strong (LVA) vs. FC Olimp Moscow (RUS)

Note: Match Day Three will have a concurrent kick-off time if it is decisive for the final classification. This means that the last mentioned match could be transferred to another venue in Malta. 

The Gozo squad, under the charge of coaches Mario Bonello and Anthony Grech, consists of the following players:

Goalkeepers: Mark Grima and Adrian Parnis.

Defenders: Mark Buhagiar, Peter Buttigieg, Joseph Cefai, Daniel Farrugia, David Monday Udoh, Darco Stojanovic.

Midfielders: Michael Bezzina, Brian Meilak, Jean Paul Mizzi, Alex Simoncic, Milos Stojanovic, Elton Vella.

Strikers: Rodney Buttigieg, Kenneth Mercieca, Anthony Portelli and Joseph Portelli.