Despite the Player’s consistent professionalism, his recent exclusion appears directly tied to stalled contract renewal talks. The Player has informed the Club that he does not plan to extend his contract beyond the 2025 season but remains fully committed to his existing contractual obligations. Instead of permitting him to continue contributing as an active team member, the Club has opted to single him out, barring him from full participation. Meanwhile, other players in similar contract scenarios have not faced the same treatment, highlighting the unequal and discriminatory nature of the Club’s response.
During a meeting on September 27, 2024, attended by the Player, his father Mr. Stuart Azzopardi, Mr. John Farrugia, and Mr. Walter Degiorgio, the Player was informed that he would have to train separately from the first team. He was excluded from first-team activities in what was explained as a temporary arrangement to aid in finding a transfer, but this exclusion has since become indefinite. Despite the Player’s willingness to honor his obligations, the separation persists.
Exchange of emails between player and club
In an email dated September 29, 2024, Mr. Farrugia, representing the Club, confirmed the decision:
“As discussed, we do not believe it is appropriate that you attend first-team training until further notice.”
In a subsequent meeting on October 12, 2024, the Club reiterated that the Player was no longer regarded as part of the first team. When the following clause from the Agreement was highlighted:
“The Player is considered by the Club to be forming part of the first team squad unless the Club informs the Player that he does not form part of the first team squad in which case the Player shall have the right to transfer to a Club of his choice against the payment of a transfer fee as established by the ASA Transfer Tribunal regulations,”
Mr. Farrugia immediately sent a second email dated October 12, restating the exclusion:
“…The position has not changed since the last email. We believe it is not in the interest of the Club that he trains with the first team at this point until a solution can be found that is in the interest of both parties. In the meantime, Matthias is still considered to form part of the first team squad and will be paid accordingly…”
It is clear that the Player’s standing within the first team cannot be determined solely by his continued remuneration. His actual involvement in training, discussions, and matches defines his role. Excluding him from all first-team activities fundamentally contradicts his designation as a first-team member, reducing the Club’s commitment to a mere formality.
The final requests by the player
Finally, Dr Manicaro made the following requests:
- Restore the Player’s full involvement in all first-team training sessions, meetings, friendly matches, and competitive events.
- Ensure the Player receives the necessary coaching and support as stipulated in the Agreement.
- Halt any further discriminatory or retaliatory actions directed toward the Player.
Decision by ASA Disciplinary Commission: not guilty of abuse or harassment but player must be reinstated to the senior squad
After listening to evidence from both parties the ASA Disciplinary Commissioner considered as follows:
Testimonies have made it clear that the Club took deliberate steps to exclude the Player from team training after he declined to sign a contract renewal. The Club suspected the Player had reached an agreement with another team, yet this suspicion was based solely on hearsay, which the Commissioner will disregard as it lacks substantive evidence.
It is also evident that the Club’s decision effectively sidelines the Player from competitive match practice at the club level for the remainder of his contract with Sirens. Such an action is deemed unacceptable, as it deprives the Player of necessary match exposure and jeopardizes any potential future call-ups to the National First Team. Regular competitive play is crucial for national selection, and this decision could thus impact water polo at a national level.
Further observations by ASA Disciplinary Commissioner
This exclusion from first-team participation, though a recent action, has not yet fully affected the Player’s competitive engagement. While it is apparent that his sidelining directly relates to his refusal to sign a renewal contract, this short-term exclusion does not meet the definitions outlined in Article 4 of the World Aquatics Rules on Protection from Harassment and Abuse. Consequently, the claim of harassment is considered unsubstantiated and does not warrant disciplinary action under these rules.
Importantly, it is due to these proceedings that the Club’s unacceptable treatment of the Player has come to light, highlighting the need for fair treatment in team and contract management.
Club was acquitted of all disciplinary charges against it
In light of the above, the Commissioner has ruled that the Club is not guilty of the disciplinary charges brought against it and hereby acquits the Club. However, the Commissioner directs that the Club must immediately reinstate the Player’s eligibility, including his full participation in senior team training. The Player shall also be entitled to all benefits afforded to any other registered player within the Club.
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