Team Malta’s build-up for next week’s Games of the Small States of Europe in Iceland hit a snag yesterday after the Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) decided to axe swimmers Nicola Muscat and her brother Neil Muscat from the national team.
Sources told Times of Malta that both swimmers have been disciplined for unprofessional behaviour.
The ASA had already withdrawn Neil Muscat from the list of those making the trip to Reykjavik and the European Games in Azerbaijan, also scheduled for next month, as a disciplinary measure for his conduct and lacklustre performances.
However, the situation took a further twist yesterday when it was revealed that sister Nicola Muscat had also been dropped from the national team for what ASA insiders described as “a lack of professional attitude” during Saturday’s time-trials at the National Pool.
On Friday, Matthew Galea was drafted into the squad as Neil Muscat’s replacement for the GSSE where he will team up with Julian Harding, Michael Umnov and Andrew Chetcuti in the 4x100 metres freestyle relay and the 4x100 individual medley.
In Reykjavik, Galea will also compete in the 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres freestyle races.
Nicola Muscat had been approved by the Maltese Olympic Committee as the only female swimmer forming part of Team Malta for Iceland. She had been scheduled to race in the 50 metres and 100 metres freestyle events.
Now, she’s out of contention and it seems likely that no replacement will be named following her omission.
Contacted by Times of Malta yesterday, Maltese Olympic Committee Director of Sport Mario Micallef said that he was aware of the situation regarding Neil and Nicola Muscat.
He explained that GSSE rules prevent the MOC from naming another swimmer in the squad to fill in for Nicola Muscat.
“I was notified about the latest developments and Nicola Muscat’s omission from the ASA national squad this morning,” Micallef said.
“At the moment, we are awaiting more information from the ASA but as things stand, it’s very unlikely that another swimmer will take Nicola Muscat’s place in the squad.
“The deadline for the submission of GSSE athletes has passed and the only way we can replace an athlete is for injury reasons.
“Certainly this is not the case.”
Top officials from the ASA were due to meet yesterday to decide whether to impose further sanctions on the two swimmers.
Meanwhile, persons close to the Muscat siblings yesterday refrained from commenting on the issue pending further developments.