VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A “major surge” in positive doping tests has been recorded in Maltese sport in recent weeks, according to Kevin Azzopardi, CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS).
Azzopardi said the increase reflects stronger enforcement and improved intelligence rather than a sudden change in athlete behaviour.
Established in 2022, AIMS regulates sport in Malta, overseeing governance, anti-doping, match-fixing and safeguarding. Azzopardi has led the authority for nearly three months.
He said a key priority has been registering all sports organisations, as required by law by the end of 2025. So far, 56 national associations are registered, with most of the remaining 10 already in the process.
Out of around 400 sports clubs, about 320 have either completed or begun registration, with full compliance targeted by mid-2026.
On anti-doping, Azzopardi said testing has increased steadily, with around 350 tests in 2025 and a target of 400 in 2026, despite each test costing about €800.
Recent weeks have seen several positive cases, including Premier League footballers and competitive rowers. Azzopardi said targeted testing based on tip-offs has driven the rise.
“We have widened our intelligence base, and the information we receive is often correct,” he said, noting that anonymous reporting has proven effective.
Azzopardi also warned athletes that cannabis remains banned in sport despite legal changes, stressing that AIMS is committed to ensuring clean and safe competition across all disciplines.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
