Tensions are flaring ahead of the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) as Luxembourg Olympic Committee President Michel Knepper accused Malta of “buying athletes” through fast-tracked citizenships—a move he described as undermining the event’s integrity.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his first GSSE as COSL president, Knepper criticised Malta’s recruitment strategy, alleging that the country continues to naturalise athletes solely for the purpose of competing. “It’s regrettable to see a nation buying athletes by handing out ID cards just for these Games. They did it two years ago, and apparently, it’s still happening,” Knepper said, as reported by Luxembourg outlet RTL.
Knepper acknowledged that preparations in host country Andorra were progressing smoothly and said he expects Luxembourg’s athletes to focus on development and personal performance rather than simply chasing medals. Luxembourg’s record 200-strong delegation, including 165 athletes, will travel to Andorra by bus—a 16-hour journey made for logistical and financial reasons.
“This is a peak opportunity for many of our athletes,” Knepper said, noting the absence of major global events this year. “Especially in team sports, which often don’t qualify for the bigger international stages.”
Despite his criticism of Malta, Knepper emphasised the sense of unity among competing nations, describing the GSSE as a “big family.” He also praised the growing gender balance in the Luxembourg squad, which this year includes a majority of female athletes.
MOC Secretary General hits back
However, Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) Secretary General Kevin Azzopardi hit back strongly at Knepper’s claims, calling them “a cheap stunt from someone who’s completely new.”
“He’s either trying to impress or getting defensive ahead of the Games in case he loses,” Azzopardi was quoted as saying, dismissing the allegations as “incomprehensible.” He pointed to Luxembourg’s own history of fielding naturalised athletes, including Chinese-born Ni Xia Lian, who represented Luxembourg in multiple Olympics, and Romanian-born Ciociu Traian, who began playing for Luxembourg in 2002 after initially competing for Romania.
Azzopardi defended Malta’s selection policies, saying the MOC adheres strictly to eligibility criteria. His comments also come amid a separate controversy involving reigning Maltese table tennis champion Gabriel Grixti, who publicly criticised the MOC for leaving him out of the squad, claiming that only one of the six selected players was Maltese-born. The MOC also rejected Grixti’s accusations.
Looking ahead, Knepper expressed optimism about Luxembourg’s own turn to host the GSSE in 2029, noting that a national celebration is being planned on the scale of their 2013 hosting. “We want the week to touch the whole nation,” he said, outlining the “2.0 concept” aimed at integrating sport with education, health, and family life.
With Monaco set to host in 2027, Knepper acknowledged that financial capability is increasingly influencing the rotation, citing the €5–6 million required to host around 1,000 participants. Luxembourg’s current GSSE campaign is backed by a €500,000 budget.
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