{"id":151596,"date":"2026-11-03T14:29:24","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T14:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=151596"},"modified":"2026-11-04T10:30:31","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:30:31","slug":"malta-sports-law","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/malta-sports-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Malta: Sports Law"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-151596","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-sports-law","jurisdictions-malta"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Dingli &amp; Dingli Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/11\/DingliDingli-Logo-Maroon@4x-100.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Dingli &amp; Dingli Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/11\/DingliDingli-Logo-Maroon@4x-100.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Sports Law laws and regulations applicable in Malta<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do you have a specific sport tribunal in your country to decide sports-related domestic issues for one or more disciplines? Are there any other sports-specific alternative dispute resolutions in your country, i.e. mediation, conciliation, or sports ombuds instance? Are there cases that can or cannot be submitted to a specific sports tribunal or cannot be subject to arbitration (e.g. labor disputes)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To date, Malta does not have a specific sport tribunal. However, there are plans in the pipeline for Malta to have a dedicated tribunal for sport which will deal exclusively with grievances related to sport matters. \u00a0In this regard, the Malta Sports Tribunal Bill (Motion No. 467) was formally presented before the House of Representatives and proceeded to First Reading on 23rd April 2026. The Bill proposed the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for sport which would deal exclusively with grievances related to sports matters. However, the legislative process was not completed prior to the dissolution of Parliament in connection with the 2026 general election and, consequently, the Bill did not become law. The proposed legislation would therefore need to be reintroduced before the new Parliament should the proposal be pursued.<\/p>\n<p>It is envisaged that the sport tribunal shall preside over and decide upon disputes strictly emanating from sports matters in relation to disputes arising between any registered person or members of registered persons or persons who may have a claim against a registered person or SportMalta in its capacity as service provider or persons who may have a claim against SportMalta or for matters which do not fall under the jurisdiction and competence of the respective sport organisation with which the registered person or persons are affiliated. Furthermore, it shall not have any competence and jurisdiction on cases relating to doping, match-fixing or any other matters which fall under the exclusive and specific competence and jurisdiction of any other court, tribunal, board or any other decision-making body established by law and on any matters which fall under the competence and jurisdiction of the Maltese Criminal Courts.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, under the Maltese Sport Act (Chapter 455 of the Laws of Malts), SportMalta may, when it becomes aware of a dispute to which a sport organisation or persons connected therewith are parties, provide assistance in the resolution of such disputes in all matters relating to sport or where registered persons are involved through either (a) the provision of mediation services in matters relating to sport or (b) assistance\u00a0 to\u00a0 the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 dispute\u00a0 to\u00a0 make reference\u00a0 to\u00a0 arbitration\u00a0 in\u00a0 accordance\u00a0 with\u00a0 the provisions of the Maltese Arbitration Act (Chapter 387 of the Laws of Malta) or (c) through the facility of advisory opinions.<\/p>\n<p>There also exists the possibility of submitting an appeal to the Sport Appeals Board which is established in the Sport Act from any decision of SportMalta taken pursuant to the provisions of Part VII of the Sport Act or under article 54 of the Sport Act and any regulations made thereunder. The right to appeal shall be competent to any person aggrieved by such decision or matter.<\/p>\n<p>A referral to the office of the ombudsman is also possible in certain circumstances, however, should the office of the ombudsman establish that they have competence to hear the complaint, the ruling of the ombudsman is only a recommendation which is not enforceable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is Sports law codified in your country? Is there a specific Statute or Code? Are there national sports authorities, independent agencies, or government ministries responsible for oversight?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Malta is one of the few countries in the world that has several dedicated legislations that regulate Sports law. The primary legislation is the Sport Act (Chapter 455 of the Laws of Malta) that was first introduced in 2003 and has been amended along the years gone by.<\/p>\n<p>Malta also has a dedicated legislation that combats the manipulation of sports competition via the Prevention of Corruption in Sports Act, 2018 which Act (Chapter 593 of the Laws of Malta). This Act has replaced the previous Prevention of Corruption (Players) Act (Chapter 263 of the Laws of Malta) which was enacted in 1976 and which over time became outdated.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, Malta enacted the Sport Governance and Integrity Act (Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta) through which the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS) was created. AIMS is a dedicated sport-oriented authority responsible in the retaining of integrity in Maltese sports, including the oversight of the registration and regulation of sports organisations, anti-doping, the prevention of corruption and manipulation in sport, the promotion of good governance, safeguarding in sports and the regulation of sports facilities and related services.<\/p>\n<p>Malta also has another government agency called SportMalta whose core purpose is to inspire and transform the nation through sport, through innovative, fun and meaningful sporting experiences as well as administering several government owned sport facilities. Over the years, SportMalta has also invested heavily in the construction of several new sporting facilities whilst at the same time carrying out necessary repairs and upgrades to existing infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>In Malta it is the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation that ultimately oversees the sport industry in Malta, having full oversight and accountability of the sport government agencies referred to above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Advertising and marketing in sport: which are the limitations foreseen in your country, for instance in relation to alcohol, tobacco or betting advertising on or around sports infrastructure, on official clothing, etc.?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Legal Notice 406 of 2005 introduced a comprehensive law banning tobacco advertising. This includes the prohibition of advertising cigarettes, cigars, tobacco or tobacco products on billboards, shop canopies, sunshades, umbrellas and any other medium intended for communication. With respect to alcohol, whilst advertising alcoholic products is permissible in certain situations, there are certain restrictions in place such as no alcoholic adverts are allowed to be broadcasted during a certain time window of each day. When it comes to alcohol advertising for sports, the advertising or sponsorship campaign must not be seen as targeting minors or encouraging excessive drinking. There are also restrictions when it comes to children\u2019s sports events or youth\u2010oriented sporting content.<\/p>\n<p>With respect to betting advertising, whilst this is permissible in sports, nonetheless the betting brand who shall sponsor a sports team or individual must comply with the regulations for gambling advertising, including displaying their licence number, include responsible gaming messaging and must not appeal to minors. Betting companies are strictly prohibited from sponsoring youth sport competitions or teams participating in youth competitions and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is empowered to act should any betting related sponsorships appear in these sport competitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Match-fixing: How is match-fixing and other forms of match manipulation combated in your country? Has your country ratified the Macolin Convention? What is the role of the sports betting industry in your country and is it subject to any specific state regulations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Malta has enacted a special criminal law to deal with such offences via the Prevention of Corruption (Players) Act (Chapter 263 of the Laws of Malta) which has since been repealed by the Prevention of Corruption in Sports Act, 2018 which Act was brought into force to reflect modern developments concerning manipulation of sports competitions.<\/p>\n<p>Although to date Malta is one of the few countries that has neither signed or ratified the Macolin Convention, on 1<sup>st<\/sup> March 2024, Malta made another important step forward towards combatting the manipulation of sports competitions on a local level with the publication of Legal Notices 39 of 2024 and 40 of 2024 respectively. These two legal notices regulate the setting up and functioning of the Maltese national platform which had already been envisaged in Article 44 of the Sports Governance and Integrity Act of 2021. Legal Notice 40 regulates the establishment and composition of the national platform, whilst Legal Notice 39 regulates the powers and obligations of the national platform. The national platform is to be coordinated by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS).<\/p>\n<p>The sports betting industry plays a significant role in Malta\u2019s economy and regulatory landscape. Malta\u2019s main legislation when it comes to sports betting is the Gaming Act (Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta) and its subsidiary legislation.<\/p>\n<p>Malta is one of Europe\u2019s leading hubs for iGaming, including sports betting. Many companies offering online betting and casinos are licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority (MFA) and\/or based in Malta, with the biggest advantage to these companies being Malta\u2019s attractive gaming tax of 5%. The MGA is the central regulator for all gambling, including sports betting, both land\u2011based and remote (online). It issues licences, monitors compliance, enforces rules, investigates suspected wrongdoing, and ensures player protection. The MGA ensures that its licensed entities continue adhering to their license obligations, as evidenced recently in June 2026 when the MGA required licensees to adopt heightened vigilance and enhanced monitoring during the FIFA World Cup 26\u2122, including prompt suspicious betting reporting, appropriate internal governance and designated sports-integrity contacts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there an institution safeguarding the integrity across sports in your country, e.g. ethics and doping violations or abuse cases? Which rules does such an institution apply?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) is the primary authority responsible for the safeguarding of integrity across all sports in Malta, including investigating and sanctioning any ethic breaches, doping violations or abuse cases. The main objective of AIMS is to strive and encourage a safe, fair and healthy sporting environment. AIMS is structured into specialised departments, each trained and poised to address various threats to integrity in Maltese sport. Apart from carrying out an educational function to all involved in sports, AIMS is empowered to investigate misconduct, enforce regulations, enhance transparency, promote open communication and accountability in sports governance, to safeguard athletes as well as to monitor trends. Furthermore, AIMS imposes the requirement for all registered sport entities to have their own integrity officer who in turn shall be responsible for overseeing all integrity matters concerning the club.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to doping violations in Maltese sport, these are regulated by the Anti-Doping Regulations (Legal Notice 104 of 2021) which incorporates the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and international standards. With the recent introduction of AIMS, AIMS has now become Malta\u2019s national anti-doping authority whereby they are responsible for anti\u2011doping testing, rules enforcement, handling results and ultimately imposing any applicable sanctions.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the larger Maltese sports associations, such as the Aquatic Sports Association, also have set up within their own governing structures a safeguarding commission that has an independent oversight of any safeguarding matters that may arise. Regrettably, safeguarding remains a nascent concept within the Maltese sporting sector, with many local entities only recently having begun to formalize and integrate relevant rules and regulations into their governance structures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is corruption in sport regulated in your country? Is corruption between private individuals subject to criminal or civil liability and are there any sport specific corruption regulations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Prevention of Corruption in Sports Act 2018, the Act primarily refers to two different acts in relation to passive corruption; those done by a player or official and those carried out by an organiser. Since both offences are deemed to be formal crimes, a mere proposal or offer to fix a game is deemed to constitute a criminal offence.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Act can face either a prison term of up to three years or a fine (<em>multa<\/em>) of \u20ac5,000 and not more than \u20ac30,000, or to both. The new Act also aggravates punishment when such offence is carried out by, amongst others, officials or employees of national associations, members of a club or athletes.<\/p>\n<p>The Act also deems it to be an offence where any person who comes across any knowledge relating to a match-fixing offence does not disclose such information to the Commissioner of Police within fourteen (14) days from the day when such person came across such information. Failing to disclose such information will result in such person being liable to a fine (<em>multa<\/em>) of not less than two thousand five hundred euros (\u20ac2,500) and not more than twenty-five thousand euros (\u20ac25,000) or a prison term of not more than one year, or both.<\/p>\n<p>An interesting provision under the Act is that any person can be exempted from proceedings for an offence against this Act, on condition that such person \u201cgives evidence according to law of all the facts known to him relating to any offence against this Act\u201d and such information was not previously known to the police. This exemption falls within the discretion of the Attorney General to decide whether it will be granted or not.<\/p>\n<p>The new law now incorporates wider jurisdiction for the Maltese courts, facilitating the task of the prosecution. The offence does not need to have fully taken place in Malta but only in part, with only a slight link to Malta needing to be present for the Maltese courts to have jurisdiction for an offence under the Act.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the Act does not provide any form of witness protection for those people who are testifying against individuals who are accused of match fixing offences during a trial, despite this being a point discussed during the initial drafting of the bill that led to the Act. Owing to the size of the country, this is something which at times might appear to act as a deterrent for people to come forward and report cases of match-fixing owing to the repercussions that they fear will arise should they blow the whistle. Naturally, the obligation to disclose information concerning match fixing offences remains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is fan behavior regulated by law (for example banning orders, criminal penalties for violence, specific laws addressing measures against violence at sporting events etc.)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In 1978, Malta introduced the Maintenance of Public Order at Sports Grounds Regulations (S.L. 10.33). Under these Regulations, any person who commits an offence against these Regulations shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine (<em>multa<\/em>) of not less than fifty-eight euros and twenty-three cents (\u20ac58.23) but not exceeding one thousand and one hundred and sixty-four euros and sixty-nine cents (\u20ac1,164.69). Furthermore, the Maltese courts may, in addition to the punishment herein mentioned, prohibit such offender from attending at any sports ground for a period not exceeding one year. Where any person has been found guilty of an offence against these Regulations which offence, under the Criminal Code or any other law, is liable to a penalty graver than that provided in this Regulation, the court shall award that graver punishment.<\/p>\n<p>Malta has also recently published the Security Stewards in Sports Venues Act, 2025 (Act No. XXIII of 2025) which primarily provides a regulatory framework for security stewards in sports venues. Aside from the police, licenced security stewards are authorised to remove from a sports venue any individual who is disturbing public order or endangering security at the sports venue or who, despite being warned, fails to obey any legitimate order issued to maintain order or security.<\/p>\n<p>Following the introduction of of the Security Stewards in Sports Venues Act in 2025, the Malta Football Association (MFA), which is the largest sport organisation in Malta, organised a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Stewards\u2019 Training Course in September 2025. A further Stewards Training Course was also organised in 2026. The purpose of these initiatives is to ensure that stewards are properly trained to deal with spectators, control access to stadiums, identify potential security risks and assist the police where necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Sport associations also have the possibility to order matches to be played behind closed doors should there have previously been incidents of spectator disorder or fan misconduct. Should a player or club official be identified as having caused such disorderr, then such individual can also be banned for a specific period of time by the respective national sport governing body\u2019s disciplinary commissioner or corresponding judicial bodies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal frameworks exist around the ownership and governance of professional sports clubs (e.g. foreign ownership restrictions, fan ownership models, licensing requirements)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Over the years gone by, the Maltese government, through the Lands Authority, has granted on emphyteutical title for a number of years several government owned land to sports organisations, at a heavily subsidized rent, in order for those sport organisations to be a in position to conduct their sporting activities on said land.\u00a0 Whilst this offers clubs a place to call \u2018home\u2019, at the same time, clubs are hindered from utilising such leased land for commercial purposes.<\/p>\n<p>This led eventually to the Maltese Parliament introducing in 2017 the Commercialisation of Sports Facilities Regulations (S.L. 455.12), which have been amended numerous times along the years gone by. The aim behind these Regulations is to enable sports organisations to operate commercial activities on their premises, something which previously was not possible. In a nutshell, the Regulations allow for a sport earmarked site to be developed 60% for sports related activities and 40% for commercial activities. Whilst some sport organisations have submitted plans or obtained planning permission, to date no project has been fully implemented under these Regulations.<\/p>\n<p>A significant recent development is the introduction of the Sports Private Limited Liability Companies (SPLLC) Regulations of 2026, introduced via Legal Notice 91 of 2026. Under these Regulations, existing sports clubs that are currently registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (OCVO) are no longer limited to operating solely as a voluntary organisation. At the discretion and choice of the individual club, an existing sports club may now convert into an SPLLC without having to establish an entirely new sporting entity. The new company will take over the club&#8217;s existing legal personality, assets, rights, obligations and liabilities, allowing the club to continue its sporting activities under the new corporate structure.<\/p>\n<p>This structure introduces the possibility of attracting much needed private investment into a club, through an investor, who in turn can acquire up to a maximum 90% stake in the SPLLC (Class A shareholder). The remaining 10% is to be owned by a non-for-profit entity (Class B shareholder) behind which one will find the club\u2019s members as the \u2018owner\u2019 of those shares. At all times, the legislation requires that a minimum of 10% be retained by the Class B shareholder. For any changes that are to be done to the club\u2019s identity, amongst which include its intellectual property rights, a unanimous approval is required. This acts as a safeguard to the club\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n<p>Under the Sport Governance and Integrity Act (Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta), all sport organisations have an obligation to register with the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) as well as to submit an annual filing with AIMS. This registration provides the registered entity with legal personality and subjects them to integrity and governance standards, with AIMS having regulatory oversight over the sport organisations. At the time of writing this publication, the majority of Maltese associations and clubs have successfully completed their respective registration, with only a handful remaining who have not yet registered with AIMS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do you observe an increase in multi-sport ownership in your country, either across various sports or within one sport or sports discipline?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To date, there is no clear evidence of multi-sport ownership in Malta, either across different sports or within a particular sporting discipline. This is, in part, because the Sports Private Limited Liability Company (SPLLC) framework is still at an early stage, with only a limited number of clubs having started the process of converting their existing structure into an SPLLC. Furthermore, the wider commercialisation of sport is also still developing, and it is therefore too early to assess whether the new framework will result in greater multi-sport ownership.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, the introduction of the SPLLC Regulations provides clubs with the option of adopting a more commercial structure and may, over time, create greater opportunities for private investment and ownership across different sporting disciplines. Whilst the SPLLC Regulations specifically prevents persons who hold a significant control in one club from further holding control in another club that falls within the same national association, such investor can nevertheless hold a significant control in another club that is affiliated with a different national association.<\/p>\n<p>There are also emerging examples of international multi-club structures involving Maltese clubs. In this regard, the recent agreement between Valletta FC and SMMI SRL concerning Valletta FC Women is noteworthy. The long-term management agreement provides for the women&#8217;s section to operate within an autonomous framework focused on its growth, professionalisation and empowerment. Valletta FC Women will also operate within an international multi-club ownership network including AS Monaco, Napoli Femminile and Molassana Women FC.<\/p>\n<p>While this example does not demonstrate a broader trend of multi-sport ownership in Malta, it does illustrate the emergence of international multi-club structures involving Maltese sporting entities. Such developments, together with the new SPLLC framework, may in time contribute to greater commercialisation and cross-border investment in Maltese sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any mandatory national provisions, apart from regulations of international sports governing bodies, which regulate athlete representation in your jurisdiction and are there specific limitations to the representation of athletes, such as e.g. provisions regarding dual representation, caps on agent commissions, regulations on the protection of minor athletes?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, to date athlete representation is not regulated via national domestic legislation. The MFA has implemented its own Football Agent Regulations in 2023, which echo the FIFA Football Agent Regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there national statutory frameworks, apart from regulations of international sports governing bodies, or cases concerning the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sport in your country? How is the issue currently regulated and\/or debated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Currently there is no statutory frameworks in Malta that directly regulate the participation of transgender athletes in sport, beyond the general non\u2011discrimination \/ equality laws and international sports body rules. The Constitution of Malta includes anti\u2011discrimination provisions, in particular Article 45 which prohibits discrimination on grounds including sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act (GIGESC) grants gender recognition and includes anti\u2011discrimination protections for gender identity and gender expression.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst there have been international cases and debates concerning the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sports, to date no cases have yet arisen locally and neither is this topic debated at a national level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the legal framework for e-sports in your jurisdiction? Is there a specific Statute or Code in your country or motions to implement such?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To date, Malta does not have a legal framework that regulates e-sports. There exists the Malta Esports Association (MESA) which is a voluntary \/ non-governmental body representing e-sports stakeholders. Among its roles, the Association promotes e-sports in Malta, helping public authorities and the population understand e-sports, representing industry interests, and helping create rules for a safe, legal and inclusive competitive e-sports environment. The MESA also publishes a Tournament Sanctioning Policy, which is a kind of quasi\u2011regulation for e-sports tournaments that take place in Malta. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the E\u2011sports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) to share information on suspicious betting patterns, avoid match manipulation and to share inside information concerning trends in e-sports betting.<\/p>\n<p>To date, there remains uncertainty as to whether e-sports falls within the legal framework of Malta\u2019s Sport Governance and Integrity Act (Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta). At the time that the law was enacted, the discussion of whether e-sports should be considered a sports or not was not mentioned much, whilst today with the rapid development of e-sports, especially after the surge in popularity due to COVID-19 traditional sport restrictions, the debate has picked up with different schools of thought. Whether e-sports would eventually fall under the Act\u2019s remit or be codified by a separate legal framework remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which has been the leading sports law case of the past year in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most significant sports-law case in Malta during the past year was arguably the dispute involving Swieqi United FC, Melita FC and the Malta Football Association (MFA), which culminated in proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).\u00a0The dispute arose following a BOV Challenge League match between Swieqi United and Melita FC that was played on 13 September 2025, wherein Melita lodged a protest before the Malta FA Protests Board, alleging that Swieqi had breached the Association&#8217;s Competition Rules concerning the registration and eligibility of a non-homegrown player. On 26 September 2025, the Protests Board upheld Melita&#8217;s protest and ordered that the match result be recorded as a 3\u20130 victory for Melita.<\/p>\n<p>Swieqi United FC, having no alternative local remedies which they could have availed of to appeal such a decision, lodged on appeal to the CAS on two principal grounds. First, it challenged the substantive interpretation and application of the MFA Competition Rules, including the Protests Board&#8217;s reliance on a footnote defining when a player is considered eligible to play in the Youth League during the relevant season, which footnote contravend the main provision in the Statute dealing with same. Secondly, Swieqi challenged the lack of a possibility from appealing a decision of the Protests Board, arguing, amongst other things, that the finality provision in Article 64(13) of the MFA Statute was inconsistent with the general recognition of CAS jurisdiction under Article 6(3) of the Statute and with the principle of <em>audi alteram partem<\/em>. The CAS arbitrator ultimately held that it had no jurisdiction to hear Swieqi&#8217;s appeal and therefore did not determine the substantive issues raised by Swieqi.<\/p>\n<p>The case remains particularly significant because it led to the MFA making an amendment to Article 64 of the Malta FA Statute that deals with the provisions governing the Protests Board. Such amendments have introduced the possibility of an aggrieved person to appeal from a decision of the Protests Board, provided that the match concerned involved a senior competitive team and furthermore that the prescribed grounds for appeal are satisfied.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other sports law topic(s) would you highlight as being very current and relevant in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Aside from the standard sport topics of manipulation of sports competition and doping, for which cases will continue to arise from time to time, current and relevant sport law topics are sports commercialization and the new introduction of the Sports Private Limited Liability Company (SPLLC) Regulations that will surely further enhance the professional approach of sport organisations in Malta. Furthermore, with the advancement of the sport industry another current sports law topic which is highly relevant is with regards to safeguarding in sports, particularly in relation to minor athletes. In this regard, both the applicable sport authorities as well as sports entities themselves are raising more awareness of this and are starting to appoint safeguarding officers in their respective sporting entities.<\/p>\n<p>Intellectual property registrations have also picked up steady pace over the years gone by, not least thanks to Malta\u2019s advantageous tax regime for international businesses and foreign investors, whereby ultimately any income earned from royalties can be subject to a 5\/7th tax refund for the shareholders of the Maltese company. This is also supported by having an efficient Industrial Property Registrations Directorate which is also cost friendly when compared to other European Union jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the Income from Sports Activities Rules (2024) continues to be of key interest to individuals who are engaged in sport who have the option to be taxed at a reduced rate of 7.5\u202f% under certain conditions found within the Rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4627<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/151596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}