A number of players from the Malta national waterpolo team are reportedly under investigation over allegations that they placed bets on their own matches during the ongoing European Waterpolo Championships in Belgrade.
According to information published by Times of Malta, the players – believed to be around four in total – are suspected of having wagered on the goal difference of Malta’s opening match against Montenegro last Saturday. Malta lost that encounter 21–12.
Sources close to the investigation claim that the alleged bets focused specifically on the final score margin, raising concerns that the match may have been deliberately manipulated to meet betting requirements. At this stage, the Malta–Montenegro game is the only match believed to be under scrutiny, although it has been suggested that Malta’s subsequent fixture against France could also be reviewed should further information come to light.
All the players reportedly under suspicion featured in Friday’s match against Israel.
If proven, the allegations would represent a serious setback for Maltese water polo, particularly at a time when the sport has made notable strides on the international stage. Malta is competing in the 100th anniversary edition of the Men’s European Water polo Championship, being held in Serbia between January 10 and 25, featuring 16 of Europe’s top national teams.
The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS) is understood to be investigating the matter, although when contacted, the authority stated that it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of any ongoing investigation.
ASA Denies Receiving Any Official Report as Betting Allegations Surround Malta Waterpolo Team
In response to the reports, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) issued an official statement, stressing that it has not received any formal report, complaint or notification regarding the alleged incidents.
“The ASA notes the article published by Times of Malta concerning alleged match-fixing during the European Championship,” the statement read. “As President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, I categorically state that no official report, complaint, or formal notification regarding these alleged incidents has been filed with or received by the ASA to date.”
The ASA reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency and fair play, emphasizing that allegations remain unproven unless established through due process by the competent authorities. The Association also expressed hope that the claims are unfounded, warning that any confirmed wrongdoing would unjustly tarnish the significant progress and investment made in Maltese aquatic sports in recent years.
ASA President Karl Izzo said the Association remains ready to cooperate fully with national and international authorities should an investigation be formally initiated, while urging restraint, responsibility and respect for due process in public discourse and reporting.
Earlier, Izzo had also told Times of Malta that no official report had been filed with the ASA, adding: “God forbid they are true, because that would tarnish the hard work that the association has done to push the sport forward over the past years.”
Should the allegations be substantiated, this would mark the third high-profile instance in the past two decades involving Maltese national teams and betting or match-fixing investigations, following similar cases in Maltese football in 2011 and 2016.
For now, the situation remains under scrutiny as authorities assess the information available.
Sports Editor
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