MFA general secretary Angelo Chetcuti told The Malta Independent after the draws that there is certainly no guarantee that the leagues will kick off as scheduled.

He said: “We are still conducting negotiations with the Health authorities and everything depends on the prevailing situation.

“In the opening matches, that is, the Champions League, Europa League matches and the national team matches, we are already in line with the very strict protocol requested by UEFA for such matches. Players have to be tested three days before each match as no one who tests positive will be allowed to take part in local matches or even travel to play with his team abroad.

“As to the local leagues, we will be remaining in constant contact with the Health authorities. In mid-August we will again be having a meeting to possibly determine what other measures we will have to take if the go-ahead is given to kick start the Leagues on schedule,” he said.

This comes after the MFA held the draws for the upcoming season.

The first matches of the BOV Premier League are scheduled for 11 September, with league winners Floriana facing Gzira United, Birkirkara facing Valletta, and Hibernians facing Sliema Wanderers.