Sam Walker, formerly a registered player with Ta’ Xbiex, has been handed a two-year suspension after an anti-doping test detected a cannabis-related substance in his sample. The sanction extends beyond football to organised sporting activities covered by the anti-doping regulations.
The decision, issued by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AiMS) on 20 August 2026, concerns an in-competition test conducted on the 13 March 2026 when ta’ Xbiex faced Msida St.Joseph in the National Amatuer League II at the Centenary Stadium.
Analysis at the WADA-accredited Seibersdorf laboratory in Austria identified Carboxy-THC, known as 11-nor-delta-9-THC-9-COOH. THC falls within the cannabinoids category of the 2026 WADA Prohibited List and is prohibited in competition.
According to the ruling, Walker was notified of the adverse finding and provisionally suspended on 9 April 2026. He initially contested the provisional suspension and requested a hearing.
However, AiMS records that he “failed to appear and was not represented” at the hearing scheduled for 18 June. The disciplinary panel proceeded in his absence and ordered that the provisional suspension remain in force.
A formal charge letter followed on 26 June, proposing a two-year ban and providing an opportunity to respond or request a hearing on the charge.
The decision states that Walker missed the response deadline of 12 July, replying on 1 August 2026. AIMS subsequently determined the sanction on the evidence and submissions available.
AIMS imposed two years of ineligibility, crediting the period already served under provisional suspension. The ban expires on 8 April 2028, with Walker eligible to return to competition on 9 April 2028.
The restrictions cover participation in any capacity in competitions and activities organised or authorised by sporting bodies covered by the regulations, including relevant clubs and professional leagues. They therefore extend across sports, rather than applying solely to his football registration.
The ruling provides exceptions for authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes and states that Walker remains subject to testing during his suspension. It also warns that breaching the participation restrictions could lead to a further period of ineligibility.
AIMS has repeatedly warned that, although Maltese law permits personal cannabis use within certain limits, athletes remain subject to anti-doping rules. The authority advises athletes to avoid cannabis, as its use can result in a positive doping test and a suspension from sport.
Malta sport shall continue in it’s efforts to combat anti-doping in sport and reminds all athletes that if found positive any athlete may be handed up to a four year ban from sport.
