The fixture list for the opening weekend of the new BOV Challenge League campaign throws up several intriguing storylines, pitting recent Premier League drop-outs against ambitious sides that impressed in last season’s second tier.
Matchday 1 Fixtures
| Home | Away | |
|---|---|---|
| St Andrews | v | Mġarr United |
| Melita | v | Swieqi United |
| Birżebbuġa St Peter’s | v | Pietà Hotspurs |
| Marsa | v | Żurrieq |
| Vittoriosa Stars | v | Sirens |
| Santa Lucia | v | Mtarfa |
| Balzan | v | Gudja United |
| Żebbuġ Rangers | v | Fgura United |
Immediate test for relegated side
Balzan, whose 14-year top-flight stay ended on the final day last May, begin life in the Challenge League against fellow ex-Premier League side Gudja United. Both clubs will be desperate to bounce back quickly and make a statement after the pain of relegation.
Santa Lucia’s reset
After being relegated in 2023 and narrowly missing an immediate return, Santa Lucia kick off their new campaign against Mtarfa, a team that survived relegation last season on the final matchday.
First derby of the season
Swieqi United, who missed promotion by a whisker just three months ago, will clash with neighbours Melita, themselves fresh from a playoff relegation from the top flight. A heated contest is expected between two sides aiming for Premier League football.
Underdogs with pedigree
Sirens, who were Premier League members as recently as 2024, meet the historically rich Vittoriosa Stars. Meanwhile, Żurrieq, always a team to watch, take on Marsa in a mid-table clash that promises drama and quality.
Season Format and Context:
The 2025–26 BOV Challenge League will feature 16 teams competing for promotion and survival. In the first round, each team will play 15 matches, facing every other side once. Following this phase, the league will split into two groups: the Top 8 and the Play-Out Group.
In the second round:
- The top two teams from the Top 8 will be promoted to the BOV Premier League.
- The bottom two teams from the Play-Out Group will be relegated to the BOV Amateur League I.
With only two promotion spots and relegation looming for those who fall behind, every point will matter from the opening day. The Malta FA has yet to confirm exact kick-off times, but matches are scheduled to take place across the Centenary Stadium, Victor Tedesco Stadium, and Sirens Stadium between the 13th and 14th of September.
TVM Sport+ and the MFA Match Centre will provide full coverage once the official schedule is released.
Let the race for Premier League football begin.
Amateur League Updates:
BOV Amateur League I
This season will see a reduction in participants, with 14 teams competing instead of 16. The format will consist of 26 matches per team, split into two rounds (home and away fixtures). The top two teams will be promoted, while the bottom two face relegation to BOV Amateur League II. The opening matchday is scheduled between the 20th and 21st of September.
BOV Amateur League II
With four clubs relegated last season from the upper division, 12 teams will now contest the league. Over two rounds, each side will play 22 matches. The top two earn a promotion, while the bottom two must re-register for the following campaign. The first matchday will also be held between the 20th and 21st of September.
