Repubblika condemns threats against whistleblowers made by AIMS CEO

In a press statement, Rule of Law NGO Repubblika condemned the recent threats made by Jean-Claude Micallef, CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Malta Sports (AIMS), against individuals (whistleblowers) who exposed a controversial employment contract. Such actions undermine the crucial role of whistleblowers in ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions.

The Maltese Herald broke the story of Micallef’s appointment before it was picked up by other media outlets. Subsequently, Micallef went on a charm offensive, meeting several local sporting associations and posing for well-managed photographs to defend his position.

The controversy deepens – an attack against whistleblowers?

Speaking on RTK103’s Andrew Azzopardi show this morning, Jean-Claude Micallef, chief executive of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport, dismissed reports about a contract with lifetime-banned footballer Jermain Brincat as an act of resentment. He claimed to be a target of a campaign aimed at discrediting him.

In a series of strong remarks, Micallef made statements that appeared to be veiled threats, saying that everyone responsible would face consequences for the damage they were trying to cause him. Micallef though did not specify who he was referring to. He accused the Times of Malta of having a hidden agenda and following the lead of individuals seeking to harm the authority.

His stance on Brincat’s involvement with the authority remained unclear throughout the interview. While insisting that the former footballer had no formal engagement with the authority, he also claimed to have terminated his contract, raising questions about how an agreement could be ended if it never existed.

Shifting focus from the controversy, Micallef spoke about his accomplishments since taking charge, stating that no clubs or entities had been registered in the three years before his appointment. He described the recent reports as an effort to disrupt his work and expressed frustration that instead of working together, certain individuals were trying to undermine him and the authority.

His appointment in December included a compensation package with a €50,000 basic salary, annual increases, various allowances, and the use of a car.

In a move that could heighten tensions, Micallef announced plans to take internal disciplinary action to uncover the source of the leaked documents. He described the documents as stolen. Micallef warned that those responsible for bringing the authority into disrepute would face consequences, reinforcing his earlier statements.

Repubblika’s report on protecting whistleblowers in Malta

In its 2022 report, “Protecting Whistleblowers in Malta,” Repubblika identified serious flaws in the Whistleblower Protection Act. The law’s limited scope and lack of structural independence discourage individuals from coming forward with reports of misconduct. Additionally, it fails to protect employees who disclose irregularities as part of their professional duties. The situation at AIMS exemplifies these weaknesses, where those who have spoken out now face retaliation rather than protection.

Repubblika urges immediate legislative reforms to establish an independent whistleblowing agency and introduce stronger safeguards. Ensuring that individuals can report wrongdoing without fear is essential to upholding integrity and justice in Malta.