It is estimated that 125 million people in the European Union practise some form of sport or physical activity. Millions of others are simply avid followers of the spectacle it regularly provides. However sport is not only a popular and entertaining activity but also plays a very important social role, with many personal development, education and health benefits.

Fair play

The sports spectacle has also become a huge commercial affair and sporting classics generate billions of euros through such things as television rights, massive sponsorships, marketing and gate money. The EU estimates that the sector also accounts for some 800,000 full time jobs.

While the benefits of sport are clear, its success as an activity relies on its credibility. The nature of sport itself is based on fair play and equal competition and if sport is not run according to these fundamental values, it loses its integrity and eventually its appeal. To this end the integrity of sport has to be safeguarded and match-fixing, illegal betting, doping and violence are the main threats.

Sports betting

Last week’s Council Meeting for Ministers of Sport held in Brussels discussed the sports-related aspects of on-line betting. Of course Malta is very interested in this subject as we have a very flourishing on-line betting sector and are fully aware of its contribution to both the economy and to sport.

Sport-related betting activities now represent 32 per cent of gambling services and we believe that it is only fair that sport gets a fair share of the proceeds. However we need to ensure that this contribution is channelled towards the grass roots. In formulating a policy response at an EU and international level we also need to ensure that the provisions of the EU Treaties are adhered to, in particular the respect of competition law, when funding is channelled to private companies, whether or not these are sporting entities.

In my view, greater efforts are required in addressing the illegal and irregular aspect of online gaming. According to the Green Paper entitled On-Line Gambling in the Internal Market that was adopted by the European Commission last March, the activities of illegal operators’ – that is, operators without a valid licence from the European Economic Association – is worth a staggering €148 billion a year. The Green Paper adds that 85 per cent of the 15,000 active websites in Europe operate without such a licence. So rather than endangering legal and serious operators, we should tackle the problem of the huge number of illegal operators that are taking substantial revenues out of European economies. The newly-generated revenue could also be partially used to fund further sporting activities.

Illegal sports betting, whether on-line or not, has to be eradicated. The clandestine activity, apart from being a clear risk to genuine operators and the economy, is also said to have close links to match-fixing. So apart from stealing revenue that could otherwise go to sport, it also attacks its credibility and long-term sustainability. In this respect, the early warning system that is being implemented by leading licensed European online gaming operators is commendable. Such systems help protect the integrity and credibility of sport.

National Team

The alleged corruption involving four members of our national football team that had lost away to Norway 4-0 a few years back is, to say the least, shocking. Playing for the national side is an honour of which most players can only dream. We do not expect the national team of a small country of 400,000 people to win the highest honours, but the Maltese public is nevertheless entitled to expect that the national colours are carried with honour and dignity. Having no self-respect is one thing, but making a mockery of our national pride is another. I genuinely hope that there is no truth behind these allegations. Likewise, the scenes in the very last moments of the FA Trophy final at Ta’ Qali last Sunday marred what could otherwise be considered as a successful season. Violence is simply unacceptable.

I have been assured that the Malta Football Association is taking these issues very seriously, even if prudently, and they can rest assured of my full support.

Games for the Small States of Europe

The 14th Games for the Small States of Europe will start in Liechtenstein tomorrow. It will be remembered that it was our own Bertie Muscat who came up with the idea of having these games for countries such as ours, with a population of less than a million. Along with the original eight nations – Iceland, Luxembourg, Cyprus, San Marino, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Malta and Andorra – Montenegro will be competing for the first time.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit our athletes who were fully immersed in their final preparations. They have worked hard and deserve every encouragement for their efforts. The government is very proud to support the participation of the Malta Olympic Committee and the various national federations through various schemes and initiatives administered by the Malta Sports Council. Here’s wishing our national athletes the success they richly deserve for their efforts.

Clyde Puli is Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport