Exclusive: MTTA calls for reconsideration after Maltese players barred from European Youth Championships

Updates with Maltese Olympic Committee reaction below.

In a strongly worded statement, The Malta Table Tennis Association (MTTA) has stated that it made every possible effort to ensure that Maltese players could participate in this year’s European Youth Championships in Portugal, but administrative issues have resulted in the selected athletes being denied registration.

In March 2026, the MTTA established an Advisory Board by inviting each affiliated club to nominate a representative. With the exception of one club, all accepted the invitation and appointed a representative, allowing the board to begin its work.

Three weeks ago, the Advisory Board held its first meeting, during which its primary task was to identify the players best suited to represent Malta at the European Youth Championships.

After the list was reviewed and approved, the MTTA submitted this to the Maltese Olympic Committee for registration.

However, following communication between the MOC and AIMS, MTTA was informed that the players would not be registered. The reason cited was the absence of certain safeguarding provisions within the Association’s current statute.

MTTA noted that the statute currently in force was approved by its members in February 2024 and is the same statute that had been provided by the MOC when responsibility for the administration of the Association was returned to its members through an elected Council following an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The Association said it is therefore difficult to understand how provisions contained within this same statute are now being used as grounds to prevent Maltese athletes from representing their country.

MTTA stressed that it fully supports strengthening safeguarding measures and governance standards, especially where the protection and wellbeing of minors are concerned.

Through its legal representatives, the Association informed AIMS that it is prepared to cooperate fully and introduce any necessary amendments to enhance its safeguarding framework.

When AIMS requested confirmation regarding POMA compliance for the nominated coaches, MTTA provided the required certification. The Association also addressed concerns regarding the composition of the delegation, specifically that a female minor athlete would be accompanied by two male coaches, by clarifying that the athlete’s parents would also accompany her throughout the event.

MTTA further pointed out that the Maltese delegation which participated in the 2025 European Youth Championships operated under the same statute and safeguarding framework and included the same female athlete accompanied by a male coach, without any concerns being raised at the time.

The Association stated that work has already begun on updating its statute to incorporate the safeguarding and governance measures being requested.

Despite these clarifications and efforts, MTTA said the matter remains unresolved, with both the MOC and AIMS maintaining their position and continuing to refuse the registration of the selected athletes.

The Association also noted that although correspondence from AIMS refers to a willingness to meet with MTTA representatives, this has not reflected its experience. According to MTTA, it has been requesting a meeting since October 2025 and believes that direct and constructive discussions would help all parties identify the necessary improvements and establish a clear path forward for the benefit of the sport and its athletes.

The Association has therefore called on the MOC and AIMS to reconsider their position and allow the registration of the selected players so they may compete for Malta at the European Youth Championships.

It also reiterated its request for an urgent meeting with both organizations to resolve the matter.

MOC reacts

In a detailed statement issued in response to this article, the MOC said the MTTA was suspended following reports of serious governance shortcomings and breaches related to athlete safeguarding, particularly concerning minors.

According to the committee, the association was given time to address these issues and implement the necessary safeguarding measures but failed to take corrective action or engage meaningfully with the relevant authorities.

The MOC stressed that the dispute is not simply about the wording of the MTTA’s statute. It noted that mandatory safeguarding requirements for international participation came into force on 1 September 2025 to strengthen athlete protection and reassure parents and guardians that appropriate systems are in place. The committee said the MTTA has not met these requirements, arguing that focusing solely on the non-registration of athletes ignores the safeguarding deficiencies that led to the decision.

The committee also referred to information it received from AIMS, stating that the authority had received numerous allegations and complaints over several months from multiple independent individuals and entities.

The statement further emphasised that possession of a POMA Certificate alone does not constitute adequate safeguarding provision. The MOC said safeguarding obligations require comprehensive frameworks and demonstrable compliance, which it claims have not been established to the satisfaction of the relevant authorities.

Addressing another matter, the MOC highlighted that an individual who previously held a senior executive role within the MTTA is facing criminal charges relating to events during their tenure. It noted that the MTTA’s Appeals Board reduced what had originally been a lifetime ban to an 18-month suspension, backdated by 15 months. According to the committee, this means the individual could become eligible to resume activities, including coaching and training involving minors.

The MOC also drew attention to an incident during the 2025 European Youth Championships, where it said an individual gained access to the field of play using another person’s accreditation before being identified and removed.

The incident, it said, was flagged by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) and raised significant governance and safeguarding concerns.

Regarding communications with international bodies, the MOC stated that individuals associated with the suspended MTTA have attempted to contact the ETTU and competition organisers despite being informed that they are not recognised for this purpose.

The committee said the ETTU has confirmed that it recognises the MOC as the appropriate point of contact on matters relating to table tennis in Malta and will not engage with representatives of the suspended association or those purporting to act on its behalf.

Concluding its statement, the MOC said its position was adopted following consultation with AIMS and other relevant authorities and is consistent with the framework governing National Olympic Committees. It maintained that participation in this year’s European Youth Championships cannot be facilitated because the underlying governance and safeguarding failures remain unresolved.