Aquatic Sports Association: No prima facie evidence of match-fixing in gaming authority report

The Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) has said there is no prima facie evidence of match-fixing or coordinated illegal activity following an investigation into sports betting activity within Malta's water polo community.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ASA responded to a report concerning the findings of a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) investigation into betting patterns linked to water polo matches.

The report highlighted suspicious betting activity, including a concentration of profitable bets placed on certain matches, prompting scrutiny by regulators and international sports bodies.

The ASA said it had treated the matter "very seriously" and had reviewed the reports and evidence made available to it.

"To date, and from the reports and evidence handed to the ASA, it appears that there is no prima facie evidence of any match fixing or coordinated illegal activity that would require criminal investigation," the association said.

The governing body said it had remained in close contact throughout the process with European Aquatics and World Aquatics, the latter of which has been leading the investigation.

While ruling out evidence warranting a criminal probe at this stage, the ASA stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the sport and said greater awareness around sports betting was needed.

"The ASA believes regular education and awareness-raising initiatives on sports betting are necessary to safeguard the future of the sport moving forward," the statement said.

The association said it is developing educational programmes that will be rolled out to clubs and players in the coming months.

"Integrity in sport is vital, and the ASA is investing in this area to safeguard the game and support the long-term good of the water polo community," it added.

The MGA report has raised questions about betting activity surrounding Maltese water polo competitions, although no allegations of match manipulation have been substantiated.

World Aquatics continues to oversee the investigation.