Birkirkara FC win the football league

Birkirkara FC claimed the Maltese title for the second time in their history at the weekend as Sliema Wanderers FC missed out on a fourth successive crown. From UEFA.com:

In front of a healthy crowd at the National stadium, Birkirkara won 1-0 against Hibernians FC on Sunday thanks to an Etienne Barbara penalty three minutes from time, but they had already claimed the title with their only remaining rivals, Sliema, being held to a 3-3 draw by Mside St. Joseph FC on Saturday.

"I'm overjoyed," Birkirkara president Victor Zammit told uefa.com. "This second title means a lot to me and the club. It couldn't have come at a better time as I am celebrating my tenth year in charge of Birkirkara. After finishing as runners-up for so many times in recent seasons, we have finally won."

Birkirkara will host a special celebration next Sunday at the National stadium as they take on deposed champions Sliema in the final Maltese Premier League fixture of the 2005/06 season. They will be presented with the trophy at the end of the match.