ASA Launches Investigation Into National Water Polo Players Over Gambling Allegations
The Aquatic Sports Association has confirmed it is investigating several national water polo players following allegations of illegal betting during the European Championships [1]. The investigation marks a significant escalation of a scandal that first emerged in January, reportedly involving 13 players and a coach [1].
On Wednesday, the ASA announced it has launched the probe after securing access to a crucial report from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) [1]. The association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the MGA, finally granting its newly appointed Integrity Officer access to the detailed report [1]. Previously, the association had stated it was legally unable to take disciplinary action until it formally received the data, a legal hurdle that has now been cleared [1].
"The investigation is being managed by the ASA's Integrity Office," the body stated, emphasising that the office is conducting the process with "full operational independence" from both the association's administration and the national Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS) [1]. Coordinations are also underway with the sport's European and world governing bodies, European Aquatics and World Aquatics [1].
No Match-Fixing Suggested, But Regulatory Breaches Confirmed
Based on a preliminary review of the MGA report, the ASA offered some reassurance regarding the nature of the alleged misconduct [1]. 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 identified betting activity among certain individuals does constitute regulatory breaches, the ASA stated that the observed conduct "does not appear to constitute match-fixing" [1].
The initial context of the allegations suggested that 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].
Potential Sanctions
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 reconfirmed its "firm and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy" toward betting-related misconduct, stating 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 safeguard the integrity of the process [1].