Malta is currently hosting one of the largest European kickboxing and martial arts championships ever held on the island. This high-profile event has attracted top competitors from across Europe, making it a significant milestone for local sports. However, one notable fighter is missing from the action. He is Brent Spiteri, a skilled Maltese kickboxer, who has been forced to sit out despite the championship being held on his home turf.
Spiteri, who has long represented Malta in international competitions, has voiced his frustration after being told he could not compete due to a lack of sports leave. In an attempt to secure time off from his full-time job, Spiteri reached out to Sport Malta for assistance. However, the response was disheartening: since he works in the private sector, he does not qualify for the sports leave scheme for events held within the country.
Spiteri left in the lurch due to a ridiculous Sport Malta policy
The current sports leave policy in Malta does not cover athletes employed in the private sector for competitions hosted locally. This means that even if Malta were to host a prestigious event like the World Cup or the Olympics, athletes with full-time jobs would be unable to take time off to compete unless they are employed in the public sector or have full-time sponsorships.
Spiteri’s exclusion highlights a significant issue in Malta’s sports infrastructure: the financial and logistical challenges faced by athletes who are forced to balance training with full-time jobs. While some professional athletes in Malta may receive sponsorship or financial support, many others, like Spiteri, must rely on their own resources and time off from work to pursue their sporting dreams. However, when the opportunity arises to compete on home soil, even that is denied to them.
In the past, Spiteri had shown the desire and potential to carry the Maltese flag on the international stage, but with this latest setback, he has become disillusioned with the current system. The kickboxer expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “How can we expect sports to grow in Malta when athletes can’t even compete in international events held in our own backyard?”
Emails sent by Spiteri to Sport Malta ignored
While Sport Malta’s policy may be in place for practical reasons, it seems to ignore the passion and commitment that athletes like Spiteri demonstrate, as well as the impact that hosting international events could have on local athletes’ development.
Spiteri has publicly stated that he is done sending emails to officials who ignore his concerns and is calling for change. His frustration is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by many amateur athletes in Malta. These often have to fund their own training and competitions while working full-time jobs. Spiteri’s situation raises important questions about how Malta supports its athletes and whether more can be done to create a system that allows talent to thrive.
Despite being sidelined for this major championship, Spiteri remains determined to continue his training and aspirations in the sport. However, his situation highlights the need for greater recognition and support for local athletes, especially in a country that prides itself on hosting significant international sporting events.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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