TURIN (ITALPRESS) – “I’ve seen very little of the World Cup, but I’ll do so after the round of 32. The schedule doesn’t help old hands like me. One thing you notice is that good teams now come from all over the world. We don’t discover new great players because we already know them through European competitions. One thing I liked was the player presentations. Having everyone on the course adds prestige and grandeur.” This was stated by Michel Platini at a press conference on the sidelines of the “Vialli and Mauro Golf Cup” event at Royal Park I Roveri in Fiano Torinese (Turin).

“On paper, France is the favorite for me because they have very strong attacking players,” added the former Juventus and French national team star. “Regarding the number of teams, I also wanted to do something. The huge difference in numbers between European and non-European teams made sense many years ago, but not now. Many non-European teams are now as good as those from the Old Continent. The question was whether to reduce the number of European teams or increase the total number. But politically, it was the right thing to do to open up to the world.”

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LOS ANGELES (USA) (ITALPRESS) – As technical negotiations continue between the US and Iran on the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Middle Eastern country’s soccer team left a message in the locker room of Los Angeles Stadium, the site of yesterday’s 0-0 World Cup draw against Belgium.

“From ancient Persia to today’s civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and well. We came here with pride, competed with honor, and we leave with dignity. Thank you to Los Angeles for your welcome, and thank you to every Iranian citizen who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran these 180 minutes (also referring to the opening draw against New Zealand, ed.). May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations,” read the statement left by the Iranian team.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has secured a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with BP that will guarantee fuel for the Delimara power station until the end of May 2027, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced.

Abela described the agreement as a competitive and reliable deal that ensures continued energy security after the expiry of Malta’s current LNG contract in August. He did not disclose the price agreed.

The new agreement, signed by the national energy provider – Enemalta, follows a competitive process involving seven international bidders and was selected on the basis of value and security of supply.

Abela said negotiations would continue in parallel to secure a longer-term supply arrangement and thanked Energy Minister Miriam Dalli for her work on the deal.

The existing 10-year LNG supply agreement with SOCAR Trading, which expires on 13 August, had become a key political issue amid concerns that Malta could face uncertainty over future gas supplies.

Global gas prices have risen significantly this year, complicating efforts to secure favourable long-term contracts. However, recent declines in European gas prices following easing tensions in the Middle East have improved market conditions.

Enemalta said the new agreement links pricing to the Title Transfer Facility (TTF), Europe’s main natural gas benchmark, and is designed to allow Malta to benefit from expected improvements in market stability. The company added that preparations are already under way to secure gas supplies beyond May 2027.

– photo Enemalta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Tottenham is making a move for Sandro Tonali. After a difficult season—in which they secured safety at the very last moment—Spurs are looking to bounce back with Roberto De Zerbi at the helm. They have already signed Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, and negotiations for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke are well underway. However, Tonali could prove to be the major marquee signing; according to The Athletic, contact has already been initiated with Newcastle.

Yet, Newcastle is standing firm, demanding £100 million (approximately €115 million) for the former AC Milan player, who is also reportedly attracting interest from Manchester City. Tonali is under contract until 2029, and the Magpies are under no pressure to sell following the lucrative transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. Tottenham remains hopeful, however: De Zerbi needs to strengthen the midfield, and the Tonali deal could be funded by player sales, with Romero, Richarlison, Vicario, and Dragusin among the potential candidates to leave.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – A moment destined to go down in the history of Curaçaoan football. Following a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the World Cup, the Caribbean national team celebrated a result of immense significance: their first-ever point in the global tournament. After the match, the players’ joy was shared by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

The monarchs visited the Curaçao team’s dressing room to personally congratulate the squad and join in the celebrations for this historic milestone. The royal couple’s presence held special significance, given that Curaçao is one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Amidst an atmosphere of great excitement, the two monarchs set aside strict protocol, allowing themselves to be swept up in the emotion of a night that will be unforgettable for the island’s entire football community. It was a draw worth far more than a mere point in the standings—a result that marks an unprecedented chapter for Curaçaoan football, delivering one of the greatest sporting triumphs in the nation’s history to its people.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta recorded its lowest number of asylum applications in more than ten years in 2025, according to official figures. The National Statistics Office’s annual migration report showed that the International Protection Agency received 545 asylum applications last year, down 22,3% from 2024 and marking the fifth consecutive annual decline. By the end of December, 1.415 cases were awaiting decisions at initial and appeal stages, representing a 5,5% decrease compared with the previous year. Seven boat landings brought 246 people to Malta in 2025, a 3,4% increase on 2024. Bangladeshis accounted for 157 of those arrivals, while Syrians made up 22,9% of all asylum applicants, the largest nationality group among claimants.

Malta’s first-instance asylum approval rate stood at 40%, the thirteenth lowest among EU member states. Of 188 appeals handled by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 95,7% were rejected, giving Malta one of the bloc’s lowest rates of overturned decisions. During the year, 36 people were relocated to other EU countries, two were resettled outside the bloc and 23 returned to their countries of origin through assisted voluntary return programmes.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MIAMI (USA) (ITALPRESS) – Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has harshly criticized the “long” hydration breaks introduced in 2026 World Cup matches. “Playing four periods instead of two alters the real concept of football,” Bielsa stated. “They add nothing, take away a lot, and leave much to be desired. We haven’t considered the consequences this might have on the sport, but rather a different kind of repercussion,” Bielsa continued, alluding to the profits generated by TV advertising during the stoppage.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – President Myriam Spiteri Debono used the state opening of Malta’s 15th legislature on Saturday to outline the government’s priorities for the next five years, describing a strong economy and fiscal discipline as the foundation for delivering its programme.

In the address traditionally written by the government, the President said the result of the May 30 general election carried a heavy responsibility in light of international developments. She highlighted measures contained in the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto aimed at improving working conditions, attracting foreign investment and assisting first-time buyers.

The state opening began with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi. In his homily, the bishop called on newly elected legislators to place the protection of human life at the centre of their work, warning that “matters concerning life and death cannot be made dependent upon the popular consensus of a particular moment”.

Quoting remarks delivered by Pope Leo XIV to the Spanish Parliament earlier this month, Galea-Curmi said the defence of human life from conception to natural death was a matter of civilisation rather than partisan preference. He also spoke about integrity in public life, saying a nation was strengthened by leaders guided by principles rather than convenience.

Following the Mass, MPs proceeded to Parliament. Carmelo Abela was unanimously elected Speaker of the House and pledged in his inaugural address to uphold the principles of respect, freedom of expression, justice, truth and dignity. “We should work in the spirit of an institution so that Parliament does not get weakened, but rather becomes stronger than ever,” he said.

Former Opposition leader Bernard Grech was then sworn in as Deputy Speaker, saying he would work with the Speaker to ensure democracy is strengthened.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition leader Alex Borg took the oath ahead of the remaining MPs from both sides of the House.

Saturday’s ceremony marked the formal opening of the 15th legislature, 21 days after the May 30 election returned the Labour Party to government for a fourth consecutive term under Prime Minister Robert Abela.

One seat remains to be filled following Carmelo Abela’s resignation from Parliament. A casual election in the third district is due to be held on June 26.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Can the United States win the World Cup?” When asked specifically, Zlatan Ibrahimovic had no doubts: “Yes.” Mauricio Pochettino’s national team, already qualified for the round of 32 after victories over Paraguay and Australia, has what it takes to be crowned World Cup champions, according to AC Milan’s management advisor, who is in the US as a commentator for Fox. Even the American players themselves are starting to entertain the idea of ​​going all the way: “We want to win, it’s not absurd. Obviously, we still have many games to play, and for now we’re taking it one game at a time,” said 26-year-old Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Besiktas is ready to make a significant financial effort to land a striker for Vincenzo Italiano. According to “A Bola,” the Turkish club has already submitted two offers to Benfica—the first for €20 million and the second for €35 million—for Vangelis Pavlidis, and in the coming days they could raise the stakes even further, reaching €40 million.

The 27-year-old Greek striker is coming off two seasons of 30 goals each, and the Portuguese club would not want to part with him unless Besiktas offers €50 million, further increasing the fixed fee and including some bonuses.

Pavlidis arrived at Dal Luz in the summer of 2024 from AZ Alkmaar for €18 million plus €2 million in bonuses.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews