L-Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sports (GĠS) and l-Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin (IGM) have taken note of the controversy that erupted over match-fixing reports concerning the Maltese waterpolo team that participated in the 2026 European Championships held in Serbia.

They said that in certain sections of the media, the publication of these reports was characterised as an intentional and unpatriotic act, alleging that such coverage may have disrupted the team's focus.

"While GĠS and IĠM will not comment on the merits or content of the news reports in question, we have to reiterate a fundamental principle of journalism, whatever sector it may cover: Journalism, including sports journalism, is built on professionalism and prioritises the public interest over blind patriotism. Professionalism is defined by truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, and accountability. It cannot, and should not, be subordinated to blind patriotism."

"Although sports reporting can naturally evoke national sentiment-particularly on rare occasions when national teams compete on major international stages-journalistic ethics demand that facts are reported without bias, even when such reporting may not align with popular expectations or national sentiment. Asking a journalist to renege on their duty and postpone a report on a matter of public importance such as match-fixing, simply misses the wood for the trees."