Lausanne, 08 July 2026 – The Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) has concluded an integrity investigation concerning betting-related breaches of the World Aquatics Integrity Code involving eleven (11) Maltese water polo players and one (1) athlete support personnel.
The investigation was conducted through close cooperation between the AQIU, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS), European Aquatics, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC), demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated action in protecting the integrity of aquatic sports.
Details of the decisions are available here.
Throughout the investigation, it was established that none of the individuals placed bets on matches in which they participated, and no evidence of match manipulation or competition fixing was identified.
In addition to the measures imposed under the World Aquatics Integrity Code, the individuals concerned will participate in educational and awareness initiatives over the next five years, working with the AQIU to strengthen understanding of betting-related integrity risks and contribute to the prevention of future violations across the aquatics community.
The AQIU expresses its appreciation to ASA, AIMS, European Aquatics, MGA, and the OM Unit PMC for their outstanding cooperation, transparency and commitment throughout the investigation. This collaborative approach highlights the shared determination of international and national organisations to safeguard the integrity of aquatic sport through education, prevention and effective governance.
Integrity Reminder: Betting on Aquatics is Prohibited
The AQIU reminds all athletes and athlete support personnel that betting on any aquatics discipline is strictly prohibited under the World Aquatics Integrity Code. This prohibition applies regardless of the level of competition and includes both placing bets directly and facilitating betting by others. Athletes participating in the Olympic Games are also prohibited from betting on any Olympic event or competition.