Malta’s football, basketball and aquatic sports associations have welcomed a new Budget 2027 measure granting 10 days of paid sports leave to elite athletes representing Malta at European and world championships.The entitlement will also extend to members of the technical and medical teams accompanying athletes, allowing them to fulfil international commitments without using their personal leave.The Malta Football Association said it had long advocated for such a measure, describing it as a positive step for national team players and staff who balance elite sport with full-time employment.The Malta Basketball Association also welcomed the measure and called for it to be implemented without delay, saying it is particularly important for basketball players and their support teams.Meanwhile, the Aquatic Sports Association said the announcement recognises the increasing number of Maltese athletes competing at top-level international events and the professional teams supporting them.The associations also welcomed the wider financial support being given to sport, including continued investment in infrastructure and athlete development.Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced the paid sports leave as part of Budget 2027, alongside the renewal of existing government incentive schemes supporting sports organisations.•