VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A betting scandal has hit Maltese water polo. In a document prepared by the Malta Gaming Authority and sent to the Maltese Sports Integrity Authority (AIMS), 15 individuals are mentioned, including six national team players.
The report refers to bets placed on Malta’s own matches and the possible use of insider information. One player is said to have wagered over €22,000 over a four-year period, while others reportedly bet smaller amounts ranging from €20 to €200. Although national team players are not believed to have bet on matches in which they were directly involved, some wagers allegedly concerned Malta’s games against Montenegro, Hungary, and France during the recent European Championships.
At present, the police have not identified sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, while AIMS has urged the Maltese Swimming Federation (ASA) to initiate disciplinary proceedings. The ASA has confirmed the opening of an investigation after gaining access to the report, assuring that any violations will be prosecuted with the utmost severity.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
