The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport has stated that it is not in a position to recognise the Malta Table Tennis Association as the governing body for table tennis at this stage, following a series of unresolved governance, safeguarding and integrity-related concerns.
In a press release issued on 10 June 2026, AIMS said it had received numerous allegations and complaints concerning the MTTA over a period of several months from multiple independent individuals and entities.
According to the Authority, the allegations cover a wide range of matters, including governance, safeguarding, disciplinary processes, conflicts of interest, organisational conduct and integrity-related concerns.
AIMS also referred to a serious safeguarding incident which, according to the statement, resulted in criminal charges being brought against an individual who held a senior executive position within the organisation at the time of the events in question.
The Authority said that, due to the seriousness of the allegations, it initiated a regulatory review and repeatedly sought clarification from the MTTA through detailed and targeted questions.
AIMS said these questions were intended to allow it to understand the facts, assess risk and determine whether the organisation meets the standards expected of a national governing body.
However, the Authority said that direct, specific and unambiguous responses had not been forthcoming.
“A regulator cannot ignore serious allegations. Equally, it cannot close its eyes when answers are not provided,” AIMS stated.
The Authority added that, in circumstances where substantial concerns exist and material questions remain unresolved, it would be failing in its statutory duties if it proceeded as though everything was in order.
For this reason, AIMS confirmed that the registration of the MTTA has been placed in abeyance pending the conclusion of the Authority’s review.
The Authority also expressed concern that, during recent exchanges, the MTTA acknowledged it was unaware of criminal proceedings involving an individual who, according to AIMS, may be eligible to resume training, coaching, and other activities involving minors within weeks.
This follows a decision by an Appeals Board appointed by the MTTA to reduce a life ban to an 18-month suspension.
AIMS made it clear that it was not expressing any view on the merits of those proceedings. However, it said the fact that such proceedings were apparently unknown to the organisation raised legitimate questions about oversight, safeguarding vigilance, risk assessment and internal monitoring.
The Authority also rejected suggestions that it was preventing athletes from participating in international competitions.
AIMS said this characterisation was inaccurate and omitted important context. It stated that the issue was not that athletes were being prohibited from competing by the Authority, but rather that MTTA had failed to satisfy safeguarding requirements established on 1 September 2025, which are mandatory for international participation.
According to AIMS, these requirements were introduced to strengthen the protection of athletes, particularly minors, and to provide parents and guardians with confidence that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
The Authority said it was regrettable that public statements had focused on the outcome while failing to acknowledge the underlying safeguarding deficiencies that led to the situation.
AIMS also noted public statements suggesting that the MTTA continues to operate as normal despite ongoing regulatory concerns and unresolved matters.
The Authority said the legitimacy of a national governing body is not derived only from its statute or internal structures, but also from recognition, trust and confidence within the wider sporting framework.
It pointed out that the MTTA is currently suspended by the Malta Olympic Committee. At the same time, the European Table Tennis Union recognises the Malta Olympic Committee, not the MTTA, for international representation.
“Recognition is not an entitlement,” AIMS stated, adding that it is dependent on continued confidence that a governing body is meeting the standards of governance, integrity and safeguarding expected of it.
Faced with serious allegations, unresolved safeguarding and governance concerns, unanswered regulatory enquiries and the absence of satisfactory clarification on several key matters, AIMS said it cannot recognise the MTTA as the governing body for table tennis at this stage.
The Authority concluded by saying that its responsibility is to protect athletes, safeguard integrity, uphold good governance and maintain public confidence in Maltese sport.
It said that responsibility will continue to guide its actions.
