Says that differing opinions and constructive criticism are always welcome
Following the public outburst of Table Tennis Malta Champion Gabriel Grixti where he criticized the Maltese Olympic Committee for omitting him in the final GSSE 2025 selection, earlier today it was the MTTA President John Sciberras who went on record with facts.
The below is full statement from the President of the Malta Table Tennis Association (MTTA).
1. When I assumed the presidency, I inherited a situation where the previous MTTA Executive Committee, which prior to the Maltese Olympic Committee’s interim oversight between November 2022 and March 2024—voted 6–1 in favour of recruiting foreign-based athletes for the national team through the Government’s Passport by Merit scheme. This scheme is used across several sectors, including sport.
2. Following this decision, the former Executive Committee entered into binding contractual agreements with selected athletes and began the application process for their citizenship through the aforementioned scheme.
3. The MTTA has worked closely with the Maltese Olympic Committee to ensure all athletes meet the Conditions of selection. These standards, which do not guarantee automatic selection for national champions, are the same as those applied ahead of the 2023 GSSE and are consistent with practices in other sports.
4. This work was supported by Ms Viktoria Lucenkova, who was appointed National Team Technical Director. Important to note that Viktoria has contributed to Maltese table tennis for over 15 years and continues to play a key role in the sport’s development.
5. I am particularly grateful to the Maltese Olympic Committee for financing this role, which is essential in focusing on nurturing the long-term development of talent within our sport.
6. Lastly, I appeal to everyone to act in the best interest of Maltese table tennis by supporting our national team and its development. While differing opinions and constructive criticism are always welcome, I urge that these be expressed respectfully and in a spirit that uplifts rather than undermines the sport and those representing it.
