MGA and Malta FA sign Data Sharing Agreement

Last week, at the Malta Football Association headquarters in Ta’ Qali, Malta, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Malta Football Association signed a Data Sharing Agreement which will allow both parties to share data and exchange relevant information in relation to the prevention and investigation of match-fixing and corruption incidents in sports.

This agreement is necessary for the data sharing process between the MGA and the Malta FA to ensue, as established by law.

Whilst enhancing the existing collaboration between the two entities, this Agreement ensures that areas of mutual regulatory interest are thoroughly and promptly investigated and that both parties are in possession of all necessary data to efficiently carry out their regulatory obligations.

Whilst praising the mutual efforts in the build-up to this initiative, Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo said: “The Malta FA has a very good relationship with the MGA as strategic partners in the fight against corruption in sports.The Malta FA was the catalyst behind the Anti-Corruption Task Force in 2015 which eventually led to the introduction of the Prevention of Corruption in Sport Bill and the formation of a national Sports Integrity Unit.

This Data Sharing Agreement represents another important step to further strengthen the Malta FA’s efforts to tackle match-fixing within its regulatory limits at sporting level. It enables the MGA and the Malta FA to share not only crucial data but also expertise.”

The MGA’s Chief Executive Officer, Heathcliff Farrugia, emphasised the importance of this agreement, stating: “This Data Sharing Agreement follows a number of MoUs signed by the MGA with other regulatory bodies throughout 2019, and also ties in perfectly with MGA’s recent establishment of a dedicated Sports Integrity Unit. The Authority is committed to ensure that this agreement is not limited to data sharing, but also sharing of ideas and best practices for the benefit of both entities.”

The Data Sharing Agreement came into force as of 5 December 2019.