The Valletta funeral parade, Al Ahly’s unique feat & dark arts in Chechnya
Apr 30, 2024
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Exploring key events in Maltese football including title-deciding matches. Controversies in different continents like alleged poisoning in Russia and unique tributes in Brazil. Bonus segment on European football questions like VAR rejection and quirky player antics.
Valletta in Malta holds a funeral parade when winning the league, while Sochi's players were allegedly poisoned in Russia by Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov.
Deep dives
Dramatic Maltese Football Weekend
An intense weekend in Maltese football history unfolded as Hammer and Spartans faced Floriana in a title decider, with potential historic outcomes on the line. Match day 25 saw a critical clash between the top two teams, with Hammer and Spartans needing a win to secure the title. The game took place at the Takale National Stadium in an electric atmosphere with a significant turnout of fans. Hammer and Spartans emerged victorious in a one-sided match, marking a historic moment in Maltese football.
Joseph Portelli's Influence on Hammer and Spartans
The popularity and impact of Joseph Portelli on Hammer and Spartans came to light during the title decider. Portelli, a construction tycoon and former club president, holds a special place among the fans despite controversial past actions. His investment and leadership have transformed the club, leading to multiple championship wins, showcasing his significant role within the team and its fanbase.
Controversy Surrounding Sochi's Alleged Poisoning
Serious allegations emerged in the Russian Premier League as Sochi players were allegedly poisoned before a crucial match against Chechnya's Akhmat Grozny. The poisoning, reportedly linked to Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, impacted several players and staff. Despite the illness, Sochi played and narrowly lost the match, raising concerns about foul play and its impact on the relegation battle in the league.
Bizarre Celebration in FC Cariri's Promotion
FC Cariri's unique promotion celebration in the Séara State Championship featured players lying down on the pitch as a tribute to the club's owner, who runs a funeral home. This unusual act of feigning death after securing promotion added a quirky touch to their milestone achievement. However, their subsequent loss in the final to Tyrol highlighted the contrasting emotions in their promotional journey.
Having just visited Malta and witnessed an historic weekend of football, Lee tells Paul all about the key events in Europe’s only island micro-state in Part 1. Who came out on top in the title-decider between Ħamrun Spartans & Floriana? Why do Valletta hold a funeral parade through the streets when they win the league? How has the island reacted to the capital club’s first relegation? And what is it like to accidentally get caught up in a bus parade? Part 2 is dedicated to three big stories on three different continents: Africa, Europe & South America. Two teams think they have won the Republic Youth League in Egypt – but why? Who was allegedly behind the poisoning of Sochi’s players before their recent game against Akhmat Grozny in Russia? And what unique tribute did Brazilians Cariri pay to their owner after gaining promotion to the Campeanato Cearense Série A last week? Tune in to The Sweeper to find out the answers – and join us on Patreon at patreon.com/SweeperPod for a bonus segment as we answer some big questions from across Europe. Which is the only top-30 UEFA nation to have rejected VAR? What was the unlikely resting place for a shot in the third tier of French football? And did a former Port Vale player really get a pilot’s license just to mock his old club’s relegation? RUNNING ORDER:00:00 - Intro00:51 - Ħamrun Spartans vs. Floriana live10:05 - Promoted Melita's bus parade11:34 - Valletta’s first-ever relegation15:31 - Football on Gozo & Comino20:11 - Title confusion in Egypt’s Youth League29:27 - An alleged poisoning in Chechnya34:22 - A funeral home tribute in Brazil