Russian-born waterpolo player Ivan Nagaev handed Maltese passport

Nagaev in line to represent Malta at European Championship finals next month

Ivan Nagaev could be lining up for Malta at next month’s European Championship finals as the Russian-born waterpolo player was handed a Maltese passport.

Nagaev has been playing in the Maltese waterpolo leagues for several years as he was on the books of Marsaxlokk and Valletta.

During the past months, Valletta ASC had applied so that Nagaev will be awarded a Maltese passport, but the process took a lot of time and looked to be hitting an impasse as there were few developments in the last 18 months.

However, Nagaev’s application process started to gather pace and a confirmation that the prolific goalscorer will be awarded a passport was confirmed on Friday.

Sources have confirmed to the Times of Malta, that the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta started contact with the World Aquatics to finalise the registration process for Nagaev to play for Malta in next month’s continental finals that will be played in Serbia.

On Friday night, World Aquatics approved the ASA’s application of Nagaev’s change in nationality and confirmed that he will be available for coach Milan Cirovic for the upcoming European Championship finals.

Nagaev, in the meantime, is already in Malta and on Friday was due to attend his first training session with the national team, under the charge of coach Cirovic.

The former Valletta and Marsaxlokk player could be involved for the national team in next week’s friendlies against Portugal, which are being played in preparation for the team’s participation in the European Championship finals.