BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) (ITALPRESS) – The approval of the 2024-2025 budget, but also satisfaction with the unity of the football world, which seems to have put an end to the Super League project, which was immediately scuppered but never completely shelved, at least until yesterday. This and other topics were discussed in Brussels at the 50th Ordinary Congress of the European Football Confederation, which was attended by the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and First Vice-President of UEFA, Gabriele Gravina. At the Brussels Expo Hall 3, the Congress members approved the UEFA 2024/25 Annual Report, the Financial Report and Budget for 2024/25, as well as the Budget for the 2026/27 financial year. In addition to formalizing the date of the next Ordinary Congress, which will be held on March 4, 2027, in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Congress appointed Portuguese Fernando Gomes as an Honorary Member of UEFA for his exceptional contribution to European football, while FIFPro Europe President David Terrier of France will be the European Footballers’ Association’s representative on the UEFA Executive Committee for the next three years.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA Chairman Aleksander Ceferin expressed their satisfaction with yesterday’s agreement between the European federation and Real Madrid regarding the resolution of legal disputes related to the Super League. Both emphasized the crucial role played by PSG and UEFA president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in reaching the agreement: “Football wins when we unite,” said Infantino, with Ceferin reiterating that the agreement reached has football itself as the only true winner. The Executive Committee also met yesterday in Brussels. At the meeting, an update of the UEFA 2030 sustainability strategy was presented, which aims to consolidate the progress already made and strengthen the focus on collective action, measurement, and accountability across the entire European football ecosystem. The updated strategy maintains its original vision, but places greater emphasis on social impact, respect for the environment, and the promotion of responsible management of football events and infrastructure.

The Executive Committee also approved the creation of an annual award for the best male and female referees, “an initiative aimed at promoting respect for referees throughout the football community and inspiring future generations by highlighting positive role models who embody dedication, integrity, and high performance.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BOURNEMOUTH (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Bournemouth have officially signed Alex Jiménez on a permanent deal. The Spanish winger had moved to England from AC Milan, but has now been bought by the Premier League club after making half of the Cherries’ appearances this season.

Having arrived on loan with an obligation to buy this summer, Jiménez quickly found playing time and consistency in the squad, with coach Iraola, his compatriot, starting him 22 times in all competitions.

The team’s MVP in December, the Spaniard also scored his first goal for Bournemouth in the defeat to Liverpool at the end of January. AC Milan received €19 million plus €4 million in bonuses for his transfer, to be shared with Real Madrid, the player’s home club, who retained a 50% right to any future resale rights.

The Cherries’ technical director, former Roma player Tiago Pinto, was very satisfied and praised “the energy and commitment the player has shown in these first few months with the club.”

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Source: medNews

LONDON (ITALPRESS) – “It’s no secret that I’ve loved every moment of this adventure so far. I’m happy and proud to be able to continue,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel after extending his contract until Euro 2028. As BBC Sports reports, with this move, the Football Association (FA) sought to quell any possible rumors regarding the German manager’s future, increasingly linked with Manchester United, and any risk of him being sidelined until the next European Championship, which will be played in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The former Chelsea manager’s words, following the renewal, are filled with joy and gratitude for an environment, the FA, and the fans, who immediately made him feel “full of energy.” Eight wins out of eight and direct qualification for the World Cup in America were the first encouraging results for the German, who, having succeeded Southgate for nearly a decade, is proving increasingly worthy of such an important role.

“When I was asked to continue in this role, I didn’t hesitate,” said Tuchel, concluding that “Euro 2028 will be a very special tournament, and as a coach, there’s nothing better than competing alongside the best on the biggest stage possible.”

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Government will issue a public call in the coming days to establish a medical drone service linking the general hospital in Malta – Mater Dei Hospital with Gozo General Hospital, Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced.

The tender follows months of preparatory work by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and Gozo General Hospital to structure the project.

The drone system is designed to enable the rapid transfer of pharmaceutical and biological materials, allowing more Gozitan patients to receive treatment in Gozo rather than travelling to Malta.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

Source: medNews

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – In an official statement, Real Madrid announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the EFC, the European Football Clubs (formerly ECA), and UEFA, “for the good of European football.”

The announcement follows Barcelona’s withdrawal from the Super League project, with all three parties agreeing on the need to “preserve the principle of sporting merit,” which to date has been one of the fundamental pillars of football in the Old Continent.

In addition, there is also the objective of safeguarding “the long-term sustainability of clubs and improving the fan experience through the use of technology.”

The agreement therefore appears to put a definitive end to the Super League issue, which began in 2021 with the support of 12 founding clubs (including Inter, Juventus, and AC Milan) but quickly collapsed.

“This agreement in principle will also serve to resolve the legal disputes relating to the European Super League, once a final agreement has been reached.”

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) rose by three points to 49 this year, marking a modest improvement from last year’s score of 46.

The country also climbed five places in the global ranking, moving from 65th to 60th out of 180 countries and territories assessed.

Despite the short-term gains, the latest report highlights a significant long-term decline for Malta, whose score has dropped eight points since 2012.

This places Malta among notable decliners in Western Europe and the European Union, alongside Spain and Hungary.

Transparency International, which publishes the CPI, warned that anti-corruption efforts across Europe are stagnating amid growing governance and accountability concerns.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Members of the European Parliament from across party lines have criticised EU disaster relief rules, arguing they unfairly disadvantage small states like Malta.

The cross-party stance emerged during a European Parliament debate on mechanisms such as the European Solidarity Fund.

Nationalist MEP David Casa warned that Malta must suffer at least €121.5 million in damage to qualify for aid under current criteria. Although the rules are formally the same for all member states, Casa said they fail to deliver equal outcomes.

Eligibility requires damage equivalent to 0.6% of Gross National Income, a threshold Maltese representatives say is disproportionately high for a small economy.

Casa argued that this creates structural barriers that leave Malta with only one theoretical route to apply for support.

He called on the European Commission to show flexibility in exceptional cases such as the destruction caused by Storm Harry and urged a review of the framework.

Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba echoed the criticism, saying Malta contributes to the EU on the same basis as other countries and should have equal access to solidarity funds. He questioned how the bloc can promote solidarity while maintaining a system that small states struggle to access.

Agius Saliba described it as discriminatory that regions like Sicily can receive assistance while Malta cannot because it is classified as a single region.

Other Maltese MEPs reinforced the message, with Thomas Bajada calling for fair treatment and Daniel Attard saying the EU is overlooking the realities of small member states.

Peter Agius added that Malta expects support when extraordinary events occur, particularly as it complies with EU climate policies.

MEPs also highlighted that alternative application routes are effectively closed to Malta due to its geographic and administrative status.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The parting of ways between Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur is official. The Danish manager has been dismissed by the London club. “The Club has decided to make a change: Thomas Frank will leave today. He was appointed in June 2025 and we have been determined to give him the time and support necessary to build the club’s future. However, results and performances have led the Club to conclude that at this stage of the season, a change is necessary,” Tottenham wrote.

Following their latest home defeat against Newcastle, Spurs have slipped to 16th in the Premier League table, firmly in the relegation zone, and are only five points clear of the third-bottom team. The London club’s strong first Champions League campaign was therefore not enough to save Frank’s job.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews