Revealed: Inside the water polo betting scandal rocking the national team

Sources describe the scandal as the biggest in sporting history

By Herman Grech, Valhmor Camilleri

• 15 waterpolo players, one official linked to betting scandal;
• Report identifies betting on Malta matches, unusual patterns and potential use of insider knowledge;
• One player staked more than €22,000 over four years;
• AIMS urges ASA to open disciplinary proceedings;
• Suspensions could range from one to four years.

Malta’s water polo community is facing what sources have described as the “biggest  scandal in Malta’s sporting history”, following revelations of betting activity involving players and individuals connected to the national team and domestic clubs.

A report drawn up by the Malta Gaming Authority was handed to the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) on Monday. In a damning indictment, AIMS flagged prima facie evidence of betting by individuals embedded within the sport, including wagers placed on Malta national-team fixtures.

Among those identified are national-team players linked to clubs including San Ġiljan and Sliema, alongside other individuals connected to clubs such as Exiles, Birżebbuġa, Valletta and Marsascala, as well as a youth coach.

“This is a national shame. With the possible exception of Malta’s football team 12-1 defeat to Spain in 1983 (though no foul play was ever established), I believe this is the biggest scandal – it could really ruin the reputation of a beautiful sport,” a source close to the proceedings said.

Significantly, the report highlights betting activity on Malta matches themselves, with some individuals placing wagers on specific markets such as handicaps, total goals, first to score and in-play events. In one instance, betting included a handicap market on a match between Serbia and Malta.

The scandal emerged during Malta’s participation at the European Championships in Serbia last January.

While national-team players are understood not to have bet on matches in which they themselves were directly involved, three Maltese players placed bets on national team group matches against Montenegro, Hungary and France. A water polo coach also bet on the national team.

The report also points to unusual and, in some cases, suspicious betting patterns. These include repeated bets, early market engagement, and bets placed on wide winning margins, indicators that AIMS says may suggest coordinated behaviour.

One San Ġiljan player alone is understood to have placed bets totalling more than €22,000 over a four-year period, while others wagered significantly smaller amounts, mainly bets of €20 or €50 up to €200.

One individual connected to the sport is linked to betting within the Serbian water polo ecosystem, including activity through an account that may have been registered under an incorrect date of birth.

Three of the national team players identified are understood to play overseas.

Despite the findings, sources said the police have not, at this stage, identified grounds for criminal prosecution.

Under ASA rules, athletes, officials and club-affiliated individuals are prohibited from betting on competitions organised under its aegis. Breaches carry suspensions ranging from one to three years.

At international level, European aquatics regulations provide for even stricter penalties, including bans of between two and four years, and potentially lifetime suspensions in the most serious cases.

AIMS has formally requested that the Aquatic Sports Association open disciplinary proceedings where appropriate, determine jurisdiction in each case, and preserve all relevant records, including team sheets and technical roles.

The authority stressed that its findings are preliminary and do not amount to a determination of guilt, but said the issues identified are serious enough to require immediate action.

Earlier this week, the ASA maintained that it holds a firm zero-tolerance policy toward any breaches of integrity, including betting-related misconduct, and will be taking all necessary measures to safeguard the image of the sport.

Any sanctions against the Maltese players could have an impact on the national team’s preparations for the World Cup Division B to be held in Malta in April.