The Maltese Olympic Committee notes the article published today in The Maltese Herald regarding the participation of Maltese table tennis players in the European Youth Championships, and wishes to place the following facts clearly on record. On the suspension of the Malta Table Tennis Association (MTTA) The MTTA has been suspended following reports of serious governance failures and safeguarding breaches. The Association was afforded time to address these issues and to implement appropriate safeguarding measures, including those concerning minors. No corrective action was taken, nor was there meaningful engagement with the relevant authorities on these matters. The MOC also notes with concern that public statements have continued to be issued by suspended MTTA officials conveying a picture that does not reflect the position as understood by the MOC and the relevant statutory authorities. The legitimacy of a national governing body is not derived solely from its statute or internal structures. Legitimacy is contingent upon the recognition, trust and confidence conferred by the wider sporting framework — and that confidence must be earned through demonstrable compliance with governance, integrity and safeguarding standards. On the statute The article references the MTTA’s statute approved in February 2024. The MOC wishes to be clear that the issue is not solely one of statutory language. Mandatory safeguarding requirements for international participation were formally established on 1 September 2025. These requirements were introduced specifically to strengthen the protection of athletes, particularly minors, and to provide parents and guardians with confidence that appropriate measures are in place. The MTTA has not satisfied these requirements. To focus on the outcome — the non-registration of athletes — whilst omitting the safeguarding deficiencies that gave rise to it, does not serve the public interest. On the failure to engage with regulatory authorities The MOC has been informed by AIMS that, over a period of several months, the Authority received numerous allegations and complaints concerning the MTTA from multiple independent individuals and entities, spanning governance, safeguarding, disciplinary processes, conflicts of interest and integrity-related concerns. AIMS repeatedly sought direct and specific responses from the MTTA on these matters. Those responses were not forthcoming, and it is on this basis that the MTTA’s registration has been placed in abeyance pending the conclusion of the Authority’s review. The MOC also wishes to reiterate what AIMS has made expressly clear – that the possession of a POMA Certificate does not constitute adequate safeguarding provision. Safeguarding obligations extend beyond certification and require robust frameworks and demonstrated compliance — neither of which have been established to the satisfaction of the relevant authorities. On criminal proceedings The MOC considers it necessary to draw public attention to a matter of serious concern. An individual who held a senior executive position within the MTTA faces criminal charges relating to events during their tenure. The MTTA’s own Appeals Board — which itself took many months to be constituted — subsequently reduced what had been a life ban to an 18-month suspension, backdated by 15 months. This effectively means that within approximately three months, this individual may be eligible to resume activities — including training and coaching — involving minors. It has further emerged that the MTTA was apparently unaware of the existence of the criminal proceedings against this individual. This raises serious and legitimate questions regarding the organisation’s oversight mechanisms, safeguarding vigilance, and internal risk assessment — precisely the standards expected of any responsible national governing body On last year’s European Youth Championships The MOC draws attention to a serious incident at the 2025 European Youth Championships. An individual — submitted either by the MTTA or on their own initiative — gained access to the field of play using another person’s accreditation. Upon identification, they were removed and not permitted to continue. The incident was flagged by the ETTU and raised significant safeguarding and governance concerns. Despite this, no corrective measures were implemented and no structured engagement with the relevant authorities on safeguarding followed. Of particular concern is the fact that the very same individual was once again listed as an official in the proposed 2026 delegation — raising serious questions about the MTTA’s judgement and its commitment to the safeguarding standards expected of a national governing body. On communication channels The MOC is aware of attempts by individuals associated with the suspended MTTA to communicate directly with the ETTU and competition organisers, notwithstanding having been informed that they are not recognised for this purpose. The ETTU has confirmed that it recognises the Maltese Olympic Committee as the appropriate point of engagement on matters relating to table tennis in Malta, and that it will not engage with representatives of the suspended MTTA or persons purporting to act on its behalf. Conclusion The MOC’s position has been adopted following consultation with AIMS and other relevant authorities, and in alignment with the framework governing National Olympic Committees. It is not possible to facilitate participation in this year’s European Youth Championships under the present circumstances — not because of procedural convenience, but because the safeguarding and governance failures that underpin the current situation remain entirely unresolved. The MOC’s actions are taken in the interests of the sport, its athletes, and above all the protection of minors. The MOC remains committed to the restoration of proper governance in Maltese table tennis and will continue to work towards that objective in coordination with all relevant authorities.