The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) has immediately initiated an investigation following serious allegations made by former Malta national water polo head coach Milan ฤiroviฤ concerning alleged political interference and attempts to undermine the national team.
ฤiroviฤ, who resigned after three-and-a-half years in charge of the Malta national water polo team, recently made a series of explosive claims about the environment surrounding the squad.
During an interview on NET TVโs MANUP+, ฤiroviฤ alleged that politicians connected to the government, together with what he described as โspinelessโ journalists, had attempted to destroy the national team from within.
The former coach claimed that influential individuals had allegedly dictated narratives to journalists in an effort to create what he described as a campaign of โfake newsโ against the Malta team.
Sources who spoke to The Maltese Herald, indicated that concerns relating to the allegations were formally brought to the attention of the authorities. It is understood that, within less than 24 hours, Dr Sandro Camilleri, Head of Integrity at AIMS had been provided with a recording and transcript of ฤiroviฤโs remarks, together with the full text of the questions put to the former coach during the interview.
A report relating to the matter was also formally submitted to the police, this newsroom has been informed
AIMS has now moved swiftly to investigate the serious allegations, which have raised questions over whether political interference or other external pressures played a role in the controversy that surrounded the national water polo team.
Among the issues raised by ฤiroviฤ was the betting controversy involving members of the Malta squad. He claimed that the leaking of information and unproven allegations concerning possible match manipulation had created an atmosphere that ultimately contributed to his decision to step down.
Subsequent investigations found no evidence of match-fixing involving Malta players. However, 11 players and one official were found to have breached regulations concerning bets placed on matches not involving the Malta national team.
ฤiroviฤ also referred to doping controls carried out during the teamโs preparations for the European Championship in December 2025. Several players were subjected to unannounced tests in both the morning and evening of the same day, with the former coach questioning whether the checks, reportedly described as preventive measures, formed part of a wider campaign to destabilise the squad.
The Aquatic Sports Association had previously stated that it supported ฤiroviฤ throughout his tenure despite considerable external pressure, while warning against personal agendas that could damage the reputation of the sport.
The AIMS investigation is expected to examine the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the claims made by the former national coach.
Sports Editor
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