The 2025/26 Malta Premier League (MPL) season is set to kick off with a strong statement—both on and off the pitch. During a special live broadcast on Monday evening, MPL senior official Alan Abela outlined several key initiatives aimed at improving fan experience and growing the domestic game, ahead of the much-anticipated opening weekend on August 16–18.
“We set out with a clear goal to increase spectator attendance,” said Abela. “This year, for the first time, the league posted a net profit of over €80,000. With Valletta FC returning to the top flight, we expect even greater engagement from fans across the country.”
To support this momentum, Abela announced that children under 12 will continue to receive free stadium access when accompanied by an adult. He also emphasized a shift away from hosting high-profile matches on Sundays to help clubs manage security and police costs, while further investment in the Tony Bezzina Stadium is planned to enhance atmosphere and infrastructure.
Matchweek 1 Fixtures – Kick-Off Times Confirmed
The opening matchday of the league campaign has now been confirmed, with all six fixtures scheduled at cooler evening kick-off times to account for high summer temperatures. Matches will be played at the National Stadium and Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Saturday, 16 August – National Stadium
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18:45 – Valletta FC vs Birkirkara FC
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21:00 – Sliema Wanderers vs Żabbar St. Patrick
Sunday, 17 August – National Stadium
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18:45 – Ħamrun Spartans vs Tarxien Rainbows
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21:00 – Floriana vs Naxxar Lions
Monday, 18 August – Tony Bezzina Stadium
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18:45 – Hibernians vs Gżira United
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21:00 – Marsaxlokk vs Mosta
These kick-off times (18:45h and 21:00h) will remain standard for the early rounds of the campaign, pending any official updates.
Opening Round (Match Weeks 1–11): Team Fixture Sequence
Here is the full match sequence for all 12 clubs during the Opening Round of the League Phase (Match Weeks 1–11):
Birkirkara FC
Valletta, Gżira U., Hibernians, Sliema W., Mosta, Naxxar L., Marsaxlokk, Żabbar SP, Floriana, Tarxien R., Ħamrun S.
Floriana FC
Naxxar L., Tarxien R., Gżira U., Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Żabbar SP, Mosta, Hibernians, Birkirkara, Ħamrun S., Sliema W.
Gżira United
Hibernians, Birkirkara, Floriana, Marsaxlokk, Ħamrun S., Sliema W., Żabbar SP, Mosta, Tarxien R., Valletta, Naxxar L.
Ħamrun Spartans
Tarxien R., Valletta, Mosta, Żabbar SP, Gżira U., Marsaxlokk, Hibernians, Sliema W., Naxxar L., Floriana, Birkirkara.
Hibernians FC
Gżira U., Żabbar SP, Birkirkara, Mosta, Naxxar L., Tarxien R., Ħamrun S., Floriana, Valletta, Sliema W., Marsaxlokk.
Marsaxlokk FC
Mosta, Naxxar L., Valletta, Gżira U., Floriana, Ħamrun S., Birkirkara, Tarxien R., Sliema W., Żabbar SP, Hibernians.
Mosta FC
Marsaxlokk, Sliema W., Ħamrun S., Hibernians, Birkirkara, Valletta, Floriana, Gżira U., Żabbar SP, Naxxar L., Tarxien R.
Naxxar Lions
Floriana, Marsaxlokk, Żabbar SP, Tarxien R., Hibernians, Birkirkara, Sliema W., Valletta, Ħamrun S., Mosta, Gżira U.
Sliema Wanderers
Żabbar SP, Mosta, Tarxien R., Birkirkara, Valletta, Gżira U., Naxxar L., Ħamrun S., Marsaxlokk, Hibernians, Floriana.
Tarxien Rainbows
Ħamrun S., Floriana, Sliema W., Naxxar L., Żabbar SP, Hibernians, Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Gżira U., Birkirkara, Mosta.
Valletta FC
Birkirkara, Ħamrun S., Marsaxlokk, Floriana, Sliema W., Mosta, Tarxien R., Naxxar L., Hibernians, Gżira U., Żabbar SP.
Żabbar St. Patrick
Sliema W., Hibernians, Naxxar L., Ħamrun S., Tarxien R., Floriana, Gżira U., Birkirkara, Mosta, Marsaxlokk, Valletta.
A New Chapter for Maltese Football
With renewed emphasis on fan engagement, better match scheduling, and infrastructure investment, the Malta Premier League is setting the stage for one of its most exciting and professionally run seasons to date.
As Alan Abela noted: “This must be a collective effort. We are committed to supporting clubs and creating a better football environment for players and fans alike.”
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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