Calls for answers after Cirovic raises concerns over Maltese water polo environment – ASA responds

Calls have been made for answers and greater clarity following allegations by former Malta national water polo coach Milan Cirovic concerning alleged political interference and external pressure within Maltese water polo.

Cirovic, who recently stepped down from his position with the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), made the comments during an interview on NET Television’s Man Up+. Without identifying individuals, the Montenegrin coach claimed that people with political influence had been involved in what he described as efforts that damaged the national team and contributed to an increasingly difficult working environment.

Cirovic said that at one stage he no longer knew who was supporting him and who was not, describing the situation as having become “too dirty”. He also indicated that the circumstances surrounding Maltese water polo had contributed to his decision to leave his position.

The allegations have prompted calls for the government to clarify whether it was aware of the issues raised by the former coach and whether any political interference had taken place.

Questions have also been raised over the manner in which information concerning the national team allegedly reached the media, and whether the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) is examining the matter.

There have also been calls for an independent investigation into the allegations, including scrutiny of communications involving government representatives, SportMalta, the ASA and any other entities that may have been involved.

The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of allegations earlier this year concerning alleged match manipulation involving Malta water polo players. Those claims caused considerable concern within the local sporting community. The ASA had maintained that its initial investigations had found no evidence supporting the allegations, while the matter was subsequently examined through processes in Malta and by World Aquatics. The allegations were ultimately not substantiated.

Cirovic’s comments have now placed the wider environment surrounding the national team under renewed scrutiny.

ASA responds

ASA President Karl Izzo has responded to the former coach’s comments, stressing that Cirovic received the association’s full professional support throughout his tenure.

Izzo said the ASA had consistently sought to protect its technical staff, officials and athletes from external pressure, speculation and public allegations.

He argued that Cirovic’s comments should be considered in the context of the difficult circumstances experienced by the association, technical staff and national team players over recent months.

Izzo pointed to what he described as serious and damaging public commentary surrounding Maltese water polo, including allegations concerning members of the national team.

He stressed that allegations should not be treated as established facts simply because they are repeated publicly, and emphasised the importance of due process, fairness and protection of individual reputations.

According to Izzo, Cirovic was required to lead the national team while also dealing with the consequences of speculation and allegations that were unrelated to the sporting programme.

At the same time, the ASA president said the former coach’s references to internal politics and external influences “cannot and will not simply disregard”.

Izzo maintained that the association operates within a professional structure, with its technical objectives, development programmes and long-term targets clearly defined.

He said decisions may not always satisfy everyone, but are taken in what the association believes are the best interests of Maltese aquatic sport.

Concern over leaked report

The ASA has also expressed concern over the alleged leaking of a confidential report prepared by the Malta Gaming Authority at the request of the Malta police.

According to Izzo, the report was allegedly leaked to the press by individuals who were supposedly bound by professional secrecy.

The ASA president said the association was still awaiting information on whether an official investigation had been opened to identify the source of the alleged leak and determine how the information became public.

The matter is expected to be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming ASA Executive meeting, where the association will consider what further measures may be necessary to protect the interests and reputation of Maltese aquatic sport, its affiliated members and its athletes.

Izzo also defended the association’s record over recent years, pointing to progress achieved across several categories and increasingly competitive performances by Malta’s national teams.

He attributed these results to sustained technical programmes, long-term planning, continuity, discipline and the collective work of coaches, athletes, clubs, officials and support structures.

While Cirovic’s contribution to the national team was recognised, the ASA president said the issues raised by the former coach merit serious institutional consideration.

The association insists that it will continue to operate independently and professionally while protecting its technical personnel and athletes.

The latest developments leave questions over Cirovic’s allegations still to be addressed, particularly concerning the identity of those he believes exerted political or external influence and whether any formal investigation will now be undertaken.