Four Maltese regatta rowers tested during the September 2025 and February 2026 Regatta have been suspended for between two and four years for anti-doping rule violations, with their sanctions now final following the exhaustion of all available avenues of appeal.
The sanctions, listed by NADO Malta/AIMS, concern Kevin Camilleri, Leon Vella, Tiesto Caruana and Cayvon Gatt. At the time of testing, Camilleri was registered with Birżebbuġa Regatta Club, Vella and Caruana with Marsamxett, and Gatt with Senglea Regatta Club.
Camilleri received the longest suspension, a four-year ban, after testing positive for drostanolone. His period of ineligibility runs from 16 October 2025 to 16 October 2029.
Vella was handed a three-year suspension after his sample tested positive for tamoxifen and testosterone. His ban runs from 18 December 2025 to 18 December 2028.
Caruana also received a three-year ban, with boldenone identified in his sample. His suspension runs from 18 March 2026 to 18 March 2029. He was tested outside of competition on the 9th of February 2026 prior to the Freedom Day regatta held on March 31st.
Gatt received a two-year suspension after testing positive for 11-nor-delta-9-THC-9-COOH. His period of ineligibility is listed as running from 11 March 2025 to 10 March 2027.
All four cases involve the presence of a prohibited substance, or its metabolites or markers, in an athlete’s sample. With the appeal process exhausted, the suspensions stand.
Malta Sport is closely following the latest developments in local anti-doping proceedings and will report in the coming days on another case involving a footballer who returned a positive test.
