The Waterpolo clubs of Otters and Marsascala have written a formal letter to Minister for Education, Youth and Employment, protesting against an amendment approved at the annual general meeting of the Aquatic Swimming Association (ASA) on 29 November 2007, which is illegal under EU law.

The amendment brought forward by Marsaxlokk, amending Rule 33 of ASA Statute, approved with ten votes against eight, excludes citizens of other EU countries from participating in the ASA national league competition which takes place in the summer months, restricting participation solely for Maltese nationals.

This clause discriminates on the basis of nationality and therefore breaches EU law.

The above two clubs are claiming that although the amendment was approved by a majority vote during the association's AGM, no majority may introduce a clause in the statute of a national sports association which is in breach of EU law.

The clubs are therefore calling upon Minister Louis Galea responsible for sports to intervene urgently in the matter.