The authority for integrity in Maltese sport and its role in the sports industry in light of chapter 593 and the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions

Abstract

The dissertation provides an overview of the domestic legislation contemplating match fixing prior to the enactment of Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta, including a historical analysis of Chapter 593 of the Laws of Malta. The applicable Maltese legislation have been compared with the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competition and an analysis on the ongoing issue surrounding Malta’s non-signature to the Convention with the ultimate aim . An examination of Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta is carried out to pinpoint the functions and obligations of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport. Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta is analysed in tandem with Chapter 593 of the Laws of Malta and the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions to assess whether any lacunas identified in past legislation have since been addressed. The roles of the Group of Copenhagen are explained and Legal Notice 39 of 2024 and Legal Notice 40 of 2024 are analysed in this context. The functions of the Sports Integrity Unit are discussed taking into account other stakeholders such as the police. The emergent findings include that although the establishment of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport and the introduction of Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta were necessary to strengthen the fight against match fixing in Malta, these measures would be ineffectual if not implemented in society in an effective manner. Furthermore, the fight against match fixing could be more effective if this initiative is followed by signature to the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions which would harmonise such measures. Match fixing is not static and hence, although the efforts of Chapter 626 of the Laws of Malta could be effective in present times, match fixing is evolving rapidly through technological advancements. Therefore, legislation should be amended accordingly to cater for such developments.