New Law Introducing Security Stewards At Sports Events

Malta to introduce security stewards operating in a regulated manner at sports venues. These stewards will complement the work of Police officers, enabling the Police to concentrate more fully on their core duties, thereby enhancing the safety of Maltese and Gozitan families.

Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri said, “This reform achieves several important objectives. On one hand, we are modernising security arrangements at sporting events by introducing systems that have long been in place elsewhere. On the other, we are enabling the Police to focus on their primary responsibilities crime prevention, law enforcement, and maintaining public order. In doing so, local sports facilities will adopt stewarding systems similar to those used at major international sporting events. Of course, the Police will continue to share their expertise with sports administrators to ensure a smooth transition.”

The stewards will be tasked with controlling access to sports venues, using electronic equipment to screen spectators for dangerous or prohibited items, monitoring for potential security risks, and assisting the Police as necessary. The overall aim is to support order and security at sporting events.

Applicants for a security steward licence must complete a recognised training course accredited by the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) and approved by the Police.

Malta’s sporting community deserves respect and protection.

Accordingly, the reforms introduce stricter measures to deter and penalise violence, hate speech, and misconduct at sporting events. Offenders may face not only criminal prosecution but also further significant penalties, including increased fines ranging from €500 to €5,000 for offences committed within sports venues, as well as mandatory bans from attending sporting events for periods of between six months and five years.

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