An important step for sport in the region was marked with the official launch of the Mediterranean Baseball Softball Union (MBSU). The first Congress was hosted by the Malta Baseball and Softball Association in Mellieħa, alongside the WBSC Europe Congress 2026 at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands.
The new Union has been created at an important time, as Baseball5 will be included in the Mediterranean Games in Taranto in July and August 2026. The MBSU aims to bring Mediterranean countries together by organising competitions, development programmes and representation at major multi-sport events, including the European Games.
For Malta, this is a valuable opportunity. Although the country hosted the founding Congress, the main benefit is the new competitive pathway now open to Maltese national teams. Membership of the Union will allow Malta to compete more often in Mediterranean tournaments, face a wider range of international opponents, improve player development through stronger competition and raise its profile within the international baseball and softball community.
For a growing federation like Malta, every international opportunity is important. The MBSU provides another platform for Maltese players and teams to develop and show their talent beyond traditional European events.
Ten of the 13 European Mediterranean federations attended the Congress, showing strong regional support for the growth of baseball and softball across Europe, Africa and Asia.
The newly elected leadership includes President Kostis Liarommatis of Greece, Vice President Elliot Fleys of France, Secretary General Jordi Valles of Spain and Treasurer Nahit Şahin of Türkiye. Other board members represent Tunisia, Syria, Croatia and Italy.
During the Congress, the first official Statutes were approved, setting the governance structure for the Union’s future work and development.
The creation of the MBSU is more than the launch of a new organisation. It represents a shared commitment to develop baseball and softball across the Mediterranean region, strengthen cooperation between nations and create new international opportunities for emerging federations such as Malta.
