ASA launches formal probe into national water polo players over gambling allegations
The Aquatic Sports Association has confirmed it is now investigating several national water polo players following allegations of illegal betting during the European Championships [1]. The move marks a significant escalation in a scandal that first came to light in January, reportedly involving 13 players and a coach [1].
The investigation was triggered after the ASA finally gained access to a crucial report from Malta's gambling regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) [1]. The association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the MGA, which has now granted the ASA's newly appointed Integrity Officer access to the detailed report on the alleged activities [1].
Until now, the ASA had stated it was legally unable to take disciplinary action without formally receiving the data from the MGA. That legal hurdle has now been cleared, paving the way for the formal investigation to commence [1].
A process with full independence
The ASA has emphasised that its Integrity Office is conducting the investigation with "full operational independence" from both the association's administration and the national Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS), in line with good governance principles [1]. The association is also coordinating with the sport's European and world governing bodies, European Aquatics and World Aquatics [1].
Based on a preliminary review of the MGA report, the ASA offered some reassurance about the nature of the alleged misconduct. The association noted that the information currently available "does not suggest any match-fixing or deliberate attempts to compromise competition outcomes" [1]. While confirming that the betting activity among certain individuals does constitute regulatory breaches, the ASA stated that the observed conduct "does not appear to constitute match-fixing" [1].
Potential consequences for those found guilty
According to reports, six or seven of the investigated individuals were members of the national squad that competed in the European Championship finals in Belgrade last January [1]. The allegations were first reported to police by AIMS in January, and the International Olympic Committee is also believed to have communicated with Maltese authorities regarding the matter [1].
While sports betting is not a criminal offence for the general public, it is strictly prohibited for athletes under international sporting codes [1]. If found guilty of betting on European Championship matches, the individuals could face suspensions of between two and four years from all competitions by European Aquatics [1].
The ASA has reconfirmed its "firm and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy" toward betting-related misconduct, stating that any conduct compromising the fairness of competition will be addressed with the "utmost seriousness" [1]. The investigation remains ongoing, and the association has declined further comment at this stage to protect the integrity of the process [1].