ASA in talks to introduce VAR in water polo competitions this season

The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta has begun talks to introduce VAR in water polo competitions, president Karl Izzo announced this week.

Izzo was speaking during the launch of this year’s Summer League, which will once more be sponsored by Bank of Valletta.

During the launching it was confirmed that Bank of Valletta had renewed its long-standing partnership with the ASA.

Under the enhanced agreement, BOV will extend its support beyond senior age-group to include all junior leagues, covering Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 competitions.

However, the major announcement was the ASA plans to include VAR

“We have started discussions and we are close to reaching an agreement to have the Video Assistant Referee system introduced in Maltese waterpolo,” ASA president Karl Izzo said.

“The VAR technology has become a crucial component, particularly given how fast the game have evolved in recent months.

“We are planning to start using it later on this season under the European Aquatics protocol.

“It will not be the full VAR technology, as that costs a lot of money, but we will be using the livestreaming system, which is already being used in the Challenger Cup, the Conference Cup and the preliminary phase of the Champions League.

“I am sure it will be a great addition for our game to ensure a fairer outcome to all matches.”

ASA also announced a strong programme of international participation for Malta’s national teams.

In the coming months, Maltese athletes will compete in the Men’s Under-16 World Championships in Zagreb, the Men’s Under-20 European Championships in Varna, the Women’s Under-18 World Championships in Tenerife, and the Women’s Under-20 European Championships in Oeiras, Portugal.

Preparations are also underway for a busy 2027 calendar, including the World Cup Division B, European Championship 2028 qualification rounds, the Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco, European Youth Championships at the Under-16 and Under-18 levels, and the Commonwealth Youth Games, which Malta will host.

Izzo also confirmed Malta’s participation in the inaugural international Water Polo 4×4 event in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Introduced by World Aquatics, the new discipline is expected to play an important role in the future development of the sport and offers another international opportunity for Maltese athletes.