The Malta Premier League has announced that the Gozo Weekender will return in 2026 with an expanded format, spread across two weekends for the first time in the event’s history.
Following the success of last year’s edition, which generated more than 2,300 bed nights in Gozo, organisers are confident of building on that achievement. MPL CEO Alan Abela estimates that this year’s event will contribute around €600,000 to the Gozitan economy.
The first weekend, on 11 and 12 April, will see three Top 6 matches from Match Week 28 played at the Gozo Stadium, with two fixtures on Saturday and one on Sunday. The corresponding Bottom 6 matches will be played in Malta, along with the full round of Match Week 29 fixtures during the midweek that follows.
The second weekend, on 18 and 19 April, flips the format, with three Bottom 6 matches from Match Week 30 heading to the Gozo Stadium while the Top 6 ties are played in Malta.
“This initiative allows us to cross over to Gozo once again and give the Gozitan public the opportunity to watch Malta’s top division matches up close,” said Abela.
Among the new additions this year is a youth tournament open to all MPL clubs, who are invited to bring a team in the under 10 to under 12 age group. Gozitan clubs of the same age groups will also take part, with the aim of fostering closer ties between clubs and the local community.
Football Video Support will also be used at the Gozo Stadium for the first time, covering the Top 6 encounters in Match Week 28.
The draws for the Closing Round Top and Bottom 6 will take place on Monday 16 March, confirming which specific matches from Match Week 28 and Match Week 30 will be staged in Gozo.
Abela also highlighted the broader growth of the league, noting that attendances during the Opening Round alone were up by 23,000 compared to the same period last season. He thanked Gozo and Planning Minister Hon. Clint Camilleri, Dr Samuel Azzopardi and the GFA for their support in bringing the event together.
