By Dr Clive Gerada – Senior Associate; Philip Gatt – Legal Intern
Sport in Malta is no longer governed solely by internal rules and disciplinary committees. In recent years, Maltese sports law has evolved significantly, placing match-fixing, doping, and governance failures firmly within the reach of national legislation and criminal enforcement. This shift reflects a broader recognition that integrity in sport is a matter of public interest — one that requires legal accountability, not just sporting sanctions.
A. Match-Fixing and Criminal Liability in Malta
One of the most important developments in Maltese sports law is the Prevention of Corruption in Sport Act (Chapter 593). Introduced in 2018, this law criminalises the manipulation of sporting events and provides modern tools to combat match-fixing in Malta.
Its impact became evident in 2024, when the Maltese courts delivered a landmark judgment resulting in mandatory imprisonment for a football official found guilty of match-fixing. The Court of Appeal confirmed that offences under Chapter 593 cannot be punished by a suspended sentence, underscoring that match-fixing is a serious criminal offence with real custodial consequences.
This ruling sent a strong signal to athletes, officials, and administrators: corruption in sport is no longer tolerated as an internal disciplinary matter but prosecuted under Maltese criminal law.
B. Anti-Doping Law and Sports Integrity
Alongside criminal enforcement, Malta has strengthened its regulatory framework through the Sports Governance and Integrity Act (Chapter 626). Enacted in 2021, this legislation focuses on good governance, integrity, and anti-doping in Maltese sport.
The Act established the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS), which works alongside NADOMALTA to conduct anti-doping testing, manage results, and impose sanctions for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs).
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List applies in Malta. A substance or method may be banned if it:: (i) Enhances or has the potential to enhance sporting performance; (ii)Poses a health risk to the athlete; or (iii) Violates the spirit of sport.
AIMS is also required to publish the names of athletes serving doping bans. This ensures that a ban applies across all sports and acts as a deterrent by highlighting the reputational consequences of doping offences.
C. Governance Obligations for Sports Organisations
Sports law in Malta now extends beyond athletes to include sports organisations themselves. Under Chapter 626, all sports organisations are legally required to register with AIMS. Registration is mandatory and is directly linked to eligibility for public funding through SportMalta, as is registration with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (OCVO) and the Malta Business Registry (MBR). Organisations that fail to comply risk being in breach of the law and excluded from government funding schemes altogether.
AIMS registration involves key governance and safeguarding requirements such as certification from the Directorate for Quality & Standards in Education (DQSE). To obtain such a certificate, the organisation must submit:
- A valid Police conduct certificate for each adult involved with its minor members;
- A valid first aid certificate, with at least one qualified first-aider present on the premises at all times;
- Confirmation that all adults directly involved comply with the requirements of the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act, and;
- A risk assessment report or an official letter issued by a registered Health & Safety Officer for the site(s) where the sport activity will be held.
These measures promote transparency, accountability, and athlete protection at every level of Maltese sport.
The Future of Sports Law in Malta
Malta’s evolving legal framework demonstrates a clear commitment to fair play and integrity. Match-fixing and doping are treated as serious legal violations, while sports organisations are required to meet governance and compliance standards as a condition of operation and funding. For athletes, officials, and sports bodies alike, understanding and complying with Maltese sports law is no longer optional — it is essential.
The contents of this article are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. Neither do they constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship with any reader. Said contents are not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for taking legal advice in any specific situation. No responsibility is accepted for any actions taken or not taken on the basis of this publication.