Malta has once again taken centre stage in European aquatic sports by successfully hosting the Final 4 of the European Aquatics Champions League, a prestigious event that has not only elevated the countryâs international reputation but also showcased the unmatched capability of local sporting institutions. The event, held art National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq, was another success, an organisational benchmark that was widely praised by European Aquatics and millions of viewers across the continent.
The four elite clubs that battled for European supremacy Barceloneta of Spain, Novi Beograd of Serbia, Marseille of France and FerencvÃĄros of Hungary delivered thrilling performances in every match. Each encounter was a testament to top tier water polo, athletic brilliance, and sportsmanship taking centre stage. The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with hundreds of local and international fans filling the stands, while over 3 million viewers tuned in across more than 20 countries to follow the live broadcasts, making it the most watched sport event in recent history.
What made this edition of the Champions League Final 4 particularly exceptional was not just the level of play, but the flawless organisation that underpinned the event. Maltaâs hosting efforts were nothing short of world class, thanks to a collaborative effort driven by SportMalta and supported fully by the Aquatic Sport Association and the Ministry of Education and Sports. Their continued and strategic investment in aquatic sports has paid off allowing Malta to not only host high level events but to do so with a flair and efficiency that is winning admiration across Europe.
One such investment that stood out during this yearâs tournament was the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art lighting system at the National Pool Complex, unveiled during the opening match on Friday. This âŽ135,000 investment by SportMalta has significantly enhanced the venueâs infrastructure, further cementing its status as one of the premier aquatic facilities in Europe.
In addition to the thrilling sporting action, Sunday also featured a special brunch held at the Kalkara Marina, bringing together stakeholders and dignitaries to celebrate the success of the event. During his speech, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, expressed his pride in Maltaâs achievements in hosting such a high-level international competition. He remarked that this success gives the country greater courage and confidence to continue investing in aquatic sports, noting how these events serve as a catalyst for further development in the sector.
European Aquatics President Antonio Silva also addressed the gathering, heaping praise on SportMalta, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), and the Government for their hard work and vision. Silva emphasized how proud European Aquatics is to have Malta as the host of the Champions League Final 4 from 2024 through 2026, a testament to the trust and confidence in Maltaâs capabilities.
Mark Cutajar, CEO of SportMalta and Chairman of the Organising Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that Malta has now firmly established itself as the go to destination for organising and hosting top tier events. âEveryone now knows that Malta is the place to host big competitions like the Champions League. We never fail, we always succeed,â Cutajar declared.
ASA President Karl Izzo also addressed the attendees and offered some food for thought. He reminded the audience that while 2026 will mark the final year Malta will host the Champions League Final 4 under the current agreement, plans are already in motion for other major competitions to be brought to Malta in the near future, ensuring the countryâs presence on the global aquatic sports map continues to grow.
The Champions League week also saw the successful organisation of the second edition of the SportMalta Centenary Cup. This domestic tournament featured four of Maltaâs top clubs Neptunes, Sliema, Sirens, and San Ä iljan. The final match saw a dominant performance by Neptunes, who overpowered San Ä iljan to claim the coveted title, adding a local flavour of excellence to an already action-packed week.
Adding to the fan experience was a vibrant and well organised fan zone set up at the National Pool Complex. The fan zone was a major success, creating a festive and interactive environment for supporters of all ages. Activities, live entertainment, and food stalls transformed the venue into a celebration of sport and community spirit.
Credit is also due to the match officials, whose performance was crucial in maintaining the integrity of the competition. Throughout the tournament, referees and technical staff upheld the highest standards, managing high-stakes games with confidence and authority. Not a single controversial decision marred the tournament, an increasingly rare feat in modern sport. Their contribution ensured that the focus remained on the athletes and their exceptional displays.
In every aspect, be it sporting quality, event execution or global reach, this yearâs European Aquatics Champions League Final 4 in Malta was a triumph. With another edition already confirmed for next year, expectations are higher than ever. Malta has proven it can deliver, and all signs point to 2026 being even bigger and better.
