No evidence of water polo match fixing or activity requiring criminal investigation, ASA says

The Aquatic Sports Association has said that there is no prima facie evidence of any match fixing or coordinated illegal activity that would require criminal investigation, after a report stated that several water polo players were caught placing bets on matches.

The Times of Malta reported on Monday that up to 15 local players and officials could be facing lengthy bans from the sport after a Malta Gaming Authority report showed that they had placed bets on a raft of matches, including ones involving the national team.

Local water polo rules dictated that any player, official, or club member caught betting on any games organised by the Aquatic Sports Association (ASA), including national team matches, could face a ban of up to three years.

In a statement, the ASA said that it had taken this matter “very seriously.”

“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 on Monday evening.

“Throughout the process, the ASA has remained in close contact with the governing bodies European Aquatics and World Aquatics, with the latter leading the investigation,” the association continued.

It added that regular education and awareness-raising initiatives on sports betting are necessary to safeguard the future of the sport moving forward. “To this aim, the ASA is developing programs to be rolled out to clubs and players in due course,” the association said.

“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 concluded.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta No evidence of water polo match fixing or activity requiring criminal investigation, ASA says