RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Preparations for the international military exercise African Lion 2026 continue in Agadir from December 8 to 12, with a meeting bringing together representatives from several nations, including Morocco and the United States.

According to the General Staff of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, the exercise aims to strengthen the interoperability, logistics, and coordination of participating forces in the air, land, and maritime sectors, as well as in special operations. The 2026 exercise, scheduled for April 20 to May 8, will take place in the regions of Agadir, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Kenitra, and Ben Guerir.

The goal is to improve the capacity of the participating countries to conduct combined and joint operations, as well as contribute to regional stability and security. It should also be noted that over 40,000 military personnel have participated in the last five editions, confirming the importance of this event, considered the largest military exercise on the African continent with the participation of several European and African countries.

– Photo Yabiladi –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Gianni Infantino is extremely busy finalizing the last details of the 2026 World Cup, but he may have to deal with an unexpected obstacle. According to BBC Sport, the head of world football will have to answer to FIFA’s Ethics Committee following a complaint filed by FairSquare, a human-rights organization, which accuses the FIFA president of “at least four clear violations of FIFA’s neutrality rules.”

The issue is linked to the support Infantino showed toward U.S. President Donald Trump, who, during the group-stage draw held in a large show in Washington, received the first FIFA Peace Award. Infantino is also said to have published posts and given interviews on social media in support of the White House leader, violating the political neutrality rules required by the very federation he presides over.

“The awarding of a prize of this nature to a sitting political leader is in itself a clear violation of FIFA’s duty of neutrality”. FairSquare wrote. “The FIFA president does not have the authority to unilaterally dictate the organization’s mission, strategic direction, policies, and values”.

BBC Sport contacted world football’s governing body for comment and reconstructed the points raised against Infantino. At the draw event, in addition to the FIFA award, the head of world football praised Trump, stating: “This is what we want from a leader. You, Mr. President, can always count on my support”. FairSquare documents and contests similar statements and expressions of admiration made in the preceding months.

“This complaint concerns much more than Infantino’s support for President Donald Trump’s political agenda”, explained Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s program director. “More broadly, it concerns how FIFA’s absurd governance structure has allowed Gianni Infantino to openly violate the organization’s rules and act in ways that are dangerous and contrary to the interests of the world’s most popular sport”.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “Players can make mistakes too”. This is the view of Clarence Seedorf who, in Amazon Prime’s post-match coverage, provides Liverpool manager Arne Slot with one of those wonderful assists he used to deliver as a player. It happens after the Reds’ win at San Siro against Inter, and naturally the topic concerns Salah’s exclusion.

“We all make mistakes in life, but does the player know he made a mistake?” the Dutch coach replies with a very clear question. He is also willing to put the matter behind him, but raises another point: “Should the initiative come from him or from me? The fact is that everything should be focused on what we achieved by winning here against an opponent like Inter and in a stadium like this. But I know very well that on Friday at the press conference all the questions will be about Salah and not this victory”.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MIAMI (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – As expected after winning the title with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has been voted the 2025 MLS MVP, becoming the first player ever to earn the award in back-to-back seasons. The former Barcelona star managed to improve on last year’s performance, finishing with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 matches (compared to 20–16 last season). Only Carlos Vela (49) in 2019 has been involved in more goals in a single MLS campaign.

Since arriving in July 2023, Messi has led Inter Miami to three trophies: prior to the MLS title, the team won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. His contract with the U.S. franchise runs until 2028.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Ronald Araujo is seeking spiritual help. In a very delicate time for him, the Uruguayan center-back has received permission from Barcelona to travel to Israel for a few days on a spiritual journey. The player already left this morning for Tel Aviv. Araujo’s goal is to use these days to regain his serenity and return to Flick’s command with renewed energy.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Benfica coach José Mourinho, on the eve of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Naples in Lisbon, explained that he doesn’t give much importance to the rumors coming from Madrid, with fans wanting him back on the “blancos” bench. “I don’t think about what ifs, and these rumors don’t destabilize me. For me, it’s a closed topic. You open it by asking me this question, but I tell you, you can forget about this subject.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – As he approaches 38, Karim Benzema appears to have no intention of hanging up his boots. Quite the opposite, on the contrary. According to Saudi media, the former Real Madrid striker has already agreed to a two-year contract renewal with Al Ittihad, until 2028. The official announcement is expected in the coming days.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A petition demanding an end to the discharge of sewage into Maltese seas has been officially accepted for debate by the European Parliament.

The petition, filed earlier this year by environmental NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) on behalf of residents, is scheduled to be heard by the Parliament’s Committee on Petitions in March 2026.

Maltese MEP Peter Agius, vice-coordinator of the committee, announced the development and stressed the urgency of addressing persistent sewage pollution. He cited an October 2023 court case which, he said, confirmed that untreated sewage had been released from treatment plants in Mellieħa, Xgħajra and Għajnsielem.

“Our families have a right to enjoy clean seas around Malta and Gozo,” Agius said. “Last summer, we had sewage crises at 10 beaches. It is high time we raise citizens’ voices in Europe for a definitive solution.”

FAA coordinator Astrid Vella welcomed the move, saying the organisation would continue pushing for a cleaner and healthier coastal environment.

When the petition is heard, MEPs are expected to call on the European Commission to take a formal stance and propose concrete measures to tackle recurring sewage problems in Malta’s coastal waters.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Xabi Alonso, on the eve of the Champions League match against Manchester City, appears determined and confident, despite Real Madrid’s crisis. “When you coach Real Madrid, you have to be prepared for these situations,” he said on the eve of the Champions League match against Man City, emphasizing that the role requires calm and responsibility.

The Spanish coach calls the match against City “a great match, a good opportunity to continue picking up points in the Champions League. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu will be like a Champions League night,” and assures that the players are aware of the challenge that awaits them. The Blancos coach reiterates the need for unity and focus: “We are ready to face whatever comes our way. The team is united and convinced we can win tomorrow. To do that, we need to play a good game, with pace and intensity.”

After the defeat against Celta, the focus is already on City: “My focus now is only on the Champions League. Playing at the Bernabéu makes the atmosphere special and different because of the energy it generates.”

Regarding the pressure and potential external comments, Alonso is clear: “This is a team, and we all go together. When you’re Real Madrid coach, you have to be ready to handle these situations calmly and responsibly.” Regarding the fans’ support, he added: “Their enthusiasm will follow our lead. Tomorrow, with a good game, we can shake off the negative feelings of the previous day.”

Regarding the rumors and controversies, the coach remains focused: “My focus is on the pitch, on City. Is the team behind me? Yes.” Finally, he spoke about the Salah situation: “These are decisions they made at Liverpool. We’re certainly missing out on many details of what’s happening, and that’s why it’s not up to me to evaluate it.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has mounted its largest-ever business mission abroad, sending more than 80 property-sector representatives to the LPS Shanghai Luxury Property Exhibition as part of a drive to attract foreign investment. The delegation, coordinated by the Property Malta Foundation, aimed to present Malta as a strategic hub for high-end real estate and international enterprise. The LPS fair, co-organised with Ferretti Yachts, describes itself as the Asia-Pacific region’s leading luxury property showcase.

In a keynote speech, Minister Jonathan Attard told attendees that “Malta is open for business”, stressing the island’s vision for sustainable growth and innovation. He also held talks with Shanghai’s vice mayor during the visit. A ministry statement said Attard positioned Malta as a “strategic gateway for international investors”, underlining commitments to transparency, sustainability and high-quality standards. He highlighted what he described as KPMG data showing property and construction contribute nearly 14% of Malta’s Gross Value Added when indirect effects are factored in. The minister told prospective investors that Malta offers long-term value, political and economic stability, and a robust legal framework. The delegation promoted forthcoming reforms, including a Property Price Register with detailed transaction data, updated national building codes and licensing measures to boost professionalism in the sector. Property Malta Foundation chairman Sandro Chetcuti welcomed the turnout, saying he was “proud that new connections are being built” to promote Malta and its investment opportunities.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews