The allegations surrounding the Malta players took a new turn late yesterday afternoon after ASA President Karl Izzo categorically denied the claims, stating that to date no complaint, report, or formal notification relating to the alleged incidents has been filed with or received by the Association.
However, even if these allegations are ultimately proven to be unfounded or non-existent, the situation has already triggered unprecedented turmoil within the Malta contingent.
The controversy stems from a Times of Malta report alleging that some players were under investigation for purportedly betting on their own matches at the ongoing European Water Polo Championships, including suspicions of wagering on the winning margin in the opening match against Montenegro in Group A.
Despite the internal turbulence that has shaken the squad, Malta will today face Slovakia in another must-win play-off encounter, as they strive to finish in a respectable 13th place at the Championships — a milestone the team has never achieved in the past five editions.
Slovakia v Malta will be played at 12:45 and will be broadcast live on TVMSport+. Malta will be playing with blue caps for the first time in this competition.
Slovakia managed to save the game against Slovenia to a tie on Friday, but they lost the penalty shootout. They are yet to win a game here in Belgrade, but at least they have a point – and now they face Malta, who managed to down Israel in the first round.
Both Nations (Slovakia and Malta) played three matches against each other at the Europeans with Slovakia winning them all. Each of these were crossover games in the playoffs for the 13-16th places. The first was here in Belgrade in 2016 and ended in a 17-9 rout. The following two were more balanced, 11-6 in 2018 and 8-4 in 2020.
The most recent clash between Malta and Slovakia was in 2024 at the World Cup Division II where Malta managed to beat Slovakia for the first time, 15-14.
For today’s match Slovakia Head coach Roman Polacik will have to do without seasoned player Durik who has been red carded in yesterday’s match against Slovenia.
