The Maltese Aquatic Sports Association announced the suspension of both its Premier and First Division competitions, with immediate effect, following information that a player of Neptunes WPC tested positive for Covid-19.
The ASA announced that the association is investigating timeline of events prior to the match, due to the fact that the player involved had a swab before taking the part in the game, rather than isolating himself.
The ASA announced that it is reserving its legal rights in terms of the Association rules and laws of Malta against the player and the Neptunes Club.
Update : Club’s reaction
It is with regret that the Club hereby announces that earlier on today one of their senior team players tested positive for COVID-19. The player’s name is not being disclosed for confidentiality and data protection issues. The player in question recently undertook two tests, in both cases testing negative, whilst another family member also recently tested negative. The same player undertook another test yesterday and earlier on today was advised that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Neptunes strongly denied that the Club or the player knew about the positive result of the test prior to yesterday’s match – the result was only issued earlier on today.
The Club advised the Health Authorities and Aquatic Sports Association immediately upon being made aware and, as per instructions from the Health Authorities, the entire senior team and coaching staff will be in quarantine for the next 14 days. The Club’s premises will also be fumigated this evening.
The Club clarified that the Committee was only made aware of the situation (including that the player undertook a test yesterday) earlier on today and no Committee member was advised of the matter prior to yesterday’s match versus Sliema ASC. In addition to assisting the relevant authorities as necessary, the Committee will be carrying out its own internal investigations in order to take any action it may deem necessary.
