The race for the post of General Secretary of the Maltese Olympic Committee is shaping up as a contest between experience and renewal, with Joe Cassar and Dr Sue Mercieca emerging as the two figures most closely linked to the election scheduled for an election come 25th March 2026 in an extraordinary General Meeting.
The vote follows the departure of Kevin Azzopardi, who has taken up the role of Chief Executive Officer at AIMS. While several affiliated associations had initially spoken of the need for fresh leadership and renewed momentum, the current outlook suggests a choice between two candidates with deep institutional knowledge rather than an external or first-time contender.
Joe Cassar is one of the most recognisable figures within Maltese sport governance, having occupied senior roles within the MOC since 1993. His long-standing involvement has seen him serve as Secretary General and as a director, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the committee’s internal workings, international obligations and operational procedures.
Cassar’s candidacy represents continuity and experience, qualities valued by associations seeking stability, particularly in the lead-up to major international cycles. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. He was previously linked to media reports concerning alleged irregularities in Olympic ticket sales, allegations he strongly denied. The matter prompted an investigation by the International Olympic Committee, after which Cassar stated through his lawyers that he had acted strictly within IOC regulations and had merely referred inquiries to authorised ticket resellers.
Cassar’s ability to navigate complex international frameworks and his long-standing relationships within the Olympic movement remain key strengths. For critics, his candidacy raises questions about whether the MOC is ready to move beyond familiar leadership structures.
Dr Sue Mercieca offers a contrasting profile, built on a blend of legal expertise, sports governance and media experience. A practising lawyer in the Maltese courts, Mercieca has served two terms as a Director on the MOC and has also been a board member of the National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Board, where she worked on athlete protection, regulatory compliance and clean sport standards.
She currently serves as Club Secretary of Aquahub Malta, overseeing administrative and organisational operations within the swimming sector. Prior to her legal career, Mercieca worked as a journalist and newscaster, a background that has shaped her communication style and her emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Notably, the absence of additional candidates has limited the scope of debate around broader reform, leaving associations to decide whether the next phase of the MOC should be defined by consolidation or cautious renewal.
