The Civil Court has issued a provisional injunction blocking the enforcement of a new “home-grown player” rule introduced by the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), following a legal challenge by Neptunes WPSC and player Ivan Nagaev.
The decision means the rule cannot be applied for now, allowing Nagaev to continue being treated as a Maltese player until the main case is decided.
The dispute centres on regulations approved earlier this year, which redefine who qualifies as a “home-grown” player in Maltese water polo. Under the new system, players must have competed in ASA youth competitions for at least three seasons between the ages of 12 and 20 in order to be considered home-grown.
Because Ivan Nagaev does not meet this requirement, the rule would have forced him to be registered as a foreign player, limiting Neptunes’ squad selection under existing restrictions on non-Maltese players.
Neptunes argued that this change is unlawful and discriminatory, noting that Nagaev was granted Maltese citizenship last December in recognition of his contribution to the sport. They also claimed the rule breaches both the ASA statute and potentially EU principles on free movement and equal treatment.
The Civil Court agreed that, at first glance, there appears to be a legal issue with how the rule was introduced, suggesting it may not have been properly approved through the required Association structures. The court also noted concerns raised about consistency with the ASA’s own statute and governance rules.
In its assessment, the court said the situation met the legal threshold for urgent intervention, as the player could suffer immediate and potentially irreversible damage to his sporting career if the rule were enforced at the start of the season.
It also highlighted that the impact goes beyond financial loss, affecting Nagaev’s professional status, competitive opportunities, and reputation.
The court therefore ruled in favour of suspending the rule temporarily, stating that this approach preserves the current situation until a full judgment is delivered.
The case will continue to be heard on its merits, while the injunction remains in force.
Neptunes and Nagaev are being represented by lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Ramona Attard, and David Chetcuti Dimech. The case is being presided over by Judge Aaron Bugeja.
