The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta announced that due to the current COVID-19 restrictions it is unfeasible for the local governing body to open this evening’s knock-out finals for fans at the National Pool, it said in a statement.
The 2021 season will come to a close this evening when the finals of the knock out competition in all three major categories will be played at the National Pool.
Sirens Mecca Marine will be up against Sliema Arkadia in the women’s final while Exiles SC take on Sirens Mecca Marine in the Division One final.
The evening programme will reach its peak when newly-crowned league champions Neptunes WPSC will take on San Ġiljan Mercury Towers in the Premier Division showdown.
In the build-up to this evening’s matches, there has been a lot of speculation that the ASA could open the doors to fans for this evening final matches.
Sources had told the Times of Malta that SportMalta and the Malta Tourism Authority were ready to give their green light to have matches attend the three knock out finals at the National Pool.
However, the ASA said in a statement that given the current COVID-19 restrictions and regulations it would not make much sense to open the doors for a small crowd.
“In accordance with the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic only 300 persons would be allowed to enter to watch these matches – 210 on the Home side and 90 on the Away side,” the ASA said in a statement.
“At present, 144 places are already reserved for the Committee Members and Technical Staff of all the clubs participating in our competitions. This would result in 156 available places which would have to be shared amongst the six teams contesting the three Finals.
“In view of the above, ASA feels that should it allow each club to select 26 persons to attend, this would result in more disappointment amongst the persons excluded.
“As such the BOV Knock Out Finals will be held behind closed doors.”
WEDNESDAY’S PROGRAMME
Women’s final
Sirens vs Sliema 18.00
Division One final
Exiles vs Sirens 19.05
Premier Division final
San Ġiljan vs Neptunes 20.10
