Senglea Regatta Club is formally calling on the National Rowing Association to officially declare it as the winner of the 8th September 2024 Regatta Shield, following a final court ruling which rejected Birgu Regatta Club’s legal challenge over a doping-related decision.
In a press release issued by Senglea Regatta Club it was explained that the dispute stems from a doping violation in the Open Kajjik category on the day of the regatta. On 13 January 2025, AIMS suggested that the Ghaqda regatta nazzjonali should take the recommendation of AIMS that it (GhRN) should take off the points.
Birgu appealed the decision, but on 23 May 2025, the National Anti-Doping Appeals Board unanimously dismissed the appeal, upholding the AIMS ruling. Birgu’s subsequent legal bid to block the enforcement of that decision—a civil court injunction—was also rejected on 17 June 2025.
Senglea Regatta Club, now supported by a definitive judicial outcome, is insisting that the National Rowing Association officially recognize the club as the 2024 Shield winner. In its official statement, the club expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating:
“Senglea Regatta Club welcomes this decision with great satisfaction, not only for the fact that it confirms our rightful place at the top of the 2024 standings, but also because it is an important step toward ensuring that our beloved sport of rowing remains clean and free from abuse.”
The club also referred to the Association’s court submission dated 6 June 2025, in which it pledged to abide by the final decision of the court:
“Having seen the reply of the respondent, the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali submitted on 6 June 2025, in which it deferred to the final decision of the Court.”
In light of the latest ruling, Senglea is now urging the Ghaqda Regatta Nazzjonali to immediately transfer the Shield and trophy to the club, so the victory can be formally recognized and celebrated with the Senglea community.
