Several Malta national team waterpolo players are under investigation for allegedly betting on their own matches at the Men’s European Waterpolo Championships in Serbia, the Times of Malta has learned.

The players, believed to be around four, are suspected of placing bets on the goal difference of Malta’s opening match against Montenegro. Sources said the players allegedly planned to manipulate the match to ensure the final score matched the terms of their wagers. Malta lost the game 21–12.

At present, the Malta–Montenegro fixture appears to be the only match under formal investigation, although Malta’s subsequent match against France could also come under scrutiny if further information emerges.

All players under suspicion featured in Friday’s match against Israel. European Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports in Europe and organiser of the championships, said it was aware of reports concerning the alleged match-fixing but has not received any official complaint. A spokesperson said the organisation maintains zero tolerance for match manipulation and that any formal complaint would be handled by its Integrity Unit.

The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS) is also understood to be investigating the case, though it said it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of an inquiry at this stage. Questions have been sent to the Malta Police and European Aquatics for further clarification.

Aquatic Sports Association of Malta president Karl Izzo said no official report had been filed with the association and expressed hope that the allegations were unfounded.

He stressed that the ASA is committed to integrity, transparency and fair play, adding that the association would cooperate fully with national and international authorities should a formal investigation be launched. If proven, the allegations would deal a significant blow to Maltese waterpolo at a time when the sport has gained increased international visibility.

Malta is competing in the 100-year anniversary edition of the Men’s European Waterpolo Championship, which runs from January 10 to 25 in Belgrade, and the case would mark the third instance in two decades of a Maltese national team being linked to match-fixing or betting-related investigations.

Source: timesofmalta.com