The Regatta Birgu Club has formally responded to the decision by the Regatta Council to uphold the results of the September 2024 Regatta, pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings brought forward by the club regarding the doping case involving athlete Nigel Sant. An extraordinary council meeting was held yesterday following the final decision of judge Antonio Depascuale who threw out the prohibitory injunction filed by Birgu Regatta.
In an official statement, the club acknowledged the authority of the Regatta Council as being the highest decision-making body within the sport’s organisational structure, composed of all member clubs and noted its right to take decisions it deems necessary and appropriate.
The Birgu Regatta Club committee issued a strong condemnation of doping and drug use in sport, emphasising that such behaviour must be tackled across all disciplines. The club did not shy away from criticising its own athlete, stating unequivocally:
“We unreservedly condemn the actions of our athlete, Nigel Sant. The club will pursue all necessary legal action to defend its name and ensure the athlete is held accountable for the damage caused.”
Nigel Sant know as Big Bun participated in Kajjiik race in the Open Race where a long with his partner finished first and claimed the twelve points for Birgu Regatta.
Birgu Regatta Club also underlined its efforts to prevent such incidents in the future, while stressing that no club can exert full control over individual athletes. They firmly rejected what they described as “malicious attempts” to tarnish the club’s reputation.
Expressing regret over finding themselves in this unprecedented situation, the first such case in any sport in Malta where a club has been implicated due to a doping case involving its own athlete the club remains hopeful that justice will eventually prevail.
They also reminded the public that just weeks ago, the Regatta Council clearly stated that, in cases of doping, clubs are not directly responsible and should not face punishment a precedent upheld in recent history. However, Birgu claimed this principle was being disregarded in their specific case:
“Apparently, for our case only,according to one particular club this rule no longer applies.”
Birgu stressed that victories should be decided “out at sea with strength and strategy not by behind-the-scenes manoeuvres,” describing recent events intended to strip them of their rightful success as “disgraceful.”
The club also expressed concern for the sport’s future, warning that the Regatta is at a “dangerous crossroads” and at risk of ceasing altogether. They appealed for peace and maturity during this sensitive time, while condemning those spreading misinformation and false claims that only serve to erode the sport’s credibility.
Referring to a rival club’s premature claim of championship victory, the statement added:
“Yesterday we saw a club declaring itself champion simply because it decided to. These are unbelievable actions that further damage the integrity of our sport. The Regatta in Malta deserves better administrators.”
In closing, Birgu Regatta Club reaffirmed its commitment to sportsmanship, transparency, and the long-term health of Maltese rowing….. the saga surely does not end here.
