VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela described the newly announced agreement between Israel and Hamas as a “positive development” and reaffirmed Malta’s long-standing commitment to peace in the Middle East.

In a statement issued following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of the first phase of a peace deal, Abela said the agreement — which aims to secure the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza — represents an important step forward.

“Malta has always been committed to peace, and without a doubt, it is a positive development that President Donald Trump announced an agreement on the first phase of a peace deal that should lead to the release of hostages and a cessation of fighting in Gaza,” the Prime Minister said.

Abela also highlighted Malta’s recognition of the State of Palestine as part of the broader international effort to support peace and prosperity in the region. “The recognition of the Palestinian State, including by our country, sent an important and timely message — that everyone deserves to live better and in prosperity,” he stated.

Reiterating Malta’s stance on a two-state solution, Abela emphasized that “two peoples can live side by side in peace.”

He concluded by expressing hope that the latest developments will ultimately lead to “lasting peace” between Israelis and Palestinians.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Miguel Angel Russo has passed away. The 69-year-old Boca Juniors manager died overnight in Buenos Aires.

“Club Atlético Boca Juniors announces with deep sadness the passing of Miguel Angel Russo. Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be remembered for his joy, warmth, and dedication. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of sorrow. Farewell, dear Miguel!” read the official club statement.

Russo, who had stepped down from coaching duties on September 21 for health reasons, died after a long illness he had been battling since 2017. His condition worsened earlier this week, leading to his admission to intensive care due to a urinary tract infection.

Born in Lanús in 1956, Russo played as a midfielder for Estudiantes from 1975 to 1988 and earned 17 caps for Argentina before beginning his managerial career with Lanús and later returning to Estudiantes.

Throughout his career, he managed numerous Argentine clubs, including Rosario Central, San Lorenzo, Vélez Sarsfield, and Racing Club. This was his third stint at Boca Juniors, where he famously won the 2007 Copa Libertadores alongside Juan Román Riquelme, now the club’s president.

Russo also worked abroad, coaching Salamanca in Spain, Universidad de Chile, Monarcas Morelia in Mexico, Millonarios in Colombia, Alianza Lima in Peru, Cerro Porteño in Paraguay, and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Europe sets the standards in world football, and while there have been external attempts to reshape our sport, we will never organize a competition for only 12 clubs. Football must be inclusive and give everyone the chance to win the biggest competitions.”

This was the message from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin during the EFC (formerly ECA) General Assembly held in Rome — seemingly in response to rumors about ongoing talks with A22, the company behind the Super League project, to reach a possible agreement.

“We’ve overcome unprecedented crises, challenged traditions, and emerged stronger than ever. We’ve weathered wars, pandemics, and economic turbulence, yet European football has come out reinforced. We showed courage when we decided to reform club competitions, and we were rewarded because value was created both on and off the pitch. We promote inclusive football that stands as a reference point during difficult times. Amid political and social crises, we need something that unites us — and football plays that role, one we must preserve,” Ceferin said.

He also referred indirectly to the Villarreal–Barcelona and Milan–Como matches that UEFA reluctantly authorized to be played abroad. “Football isn’t just about finances or entertainment. It’s life within our communities. If we take it too far from its roots, we risk breaking it. In uncertain times, football is our anchor.”

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Maltese man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for violently assaulting Italian national Daniele Nardelli, leaving him permanently disabled. The attack occurred on 2 August 2015 at Club Plus One in Paceville, where Nardelli and a friend were on holiday. According to testimony, 43-year-old Mark Dimech suddenly punched Nardelli in the face without provocation, knocking him unconscious.

Police who arrived at the scene allegedly assumed Nardelli was drunk and left without investigating. Hours later, he sought medical help for heavy bleeding but was sent home. His condition deteriorated, and a subsequent hospital visit revealed a facial fracture and a shifted spinal column that compressed his spinal cord. Nardelli underwent surgery in Italy, where doctors warned of a high risk of paralysis. Although he survived, he remains partially disabled, suffering from tremors, loss of function in his dominant hand, and limited mobility. Medical experts confirmed a 25% permanent disability, drastically altering his once-active life. In delivering judgment, the court condemned Dimech’s “senseless” violence, noting that a single punch had devastated Nardelli’s future. Alongside the prison sentence, Dimech received a three-year restraining order.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has rejected claims that Russian agents are operating within Malta’s administration to promote President Vladimir Putin’s agenda, calling the allegations “baseless and damaging“. Addressing Parliament after a meeting in Copenhagen, Abela warned that such accusations risk undermining Malta’s credibility abroad and could harm efforts to bolster its reputation within European institutions.

The remarks came in response to questions from Nationalist MP Beppe Fenech Adami, who alleged that a person linked to the Russian government might be employed by the Maltese state. Fenech Adami also pressed the Prime Minister on whether the government had acted to guard against possible cyberattacks or Russian-linked assets. Abela firmly dismissed the suggestions, accusing unnamed online portals of pushing “agendas that are widely known.” He said these reports often gain unwarranted attention in European circles, unfairly tarnishing Malta’s image. “The government will continue to safeguard Malta’s integrity and reputation,” Abela said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency and security.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

GLASGOW (SCOTLAND) (ITALPRESS) – There could be a sensational return to Ibrox. Having sacked Martin, Rangers are reportedly considering bringing back Steven Gerrard, who led the team to the title in 2021.

According to “Sky Sports News,” the former midfielder, 45, has remained living in Bahrain since his dismissal at Al Ettifaq but has reportedly expressed his willingness to negotiate. Gerrard, however, is not the only candidate: former Everton manager Sean Dyche is also reportedly in the running.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – As if their precarious standing wasn’t enough, Manchester United also has to deal with unhappy players in the squad.

Johsua Zirkzee, who arrived a year ago from Bologna for €40 million, continues to struggle, and the arrivals of Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha have certainly not helped. The 24-year-old Dutch striker has played less than 90 minutes in the Premier League this season and has made zero starts. He has plenty of admirers in Italy: Inter, Juventus, and Como could make a move between January and June. But even in the Premier League, there are those who believe Zirkzee is a striker who can make the difference: in particular, English media report, Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham are ready to offer the former Bologna player a chance to relaunch his career.

Kobbie Mainoo could also leave Old Trafford: after having requested in vain to be sold in the summer so he could play elsewhere with greater consistency, the 20-year-old midfielder could return to the fray in early 2026. Napoli is also reportedly interested.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo has set another record, this time off the pitch: according to Bloomberg, the 40-year-old Portuguese striker, formerly of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, has become the first billionaire footballer ever.

Throughout his career, CR7 has successfully capitalized on his fame, signing lucrative deals with sponsors like Armani and Nike. But the new deal signed in recent months with Al Nassr, estimated at over $400 million, has catapulted him to the next level, with a net worth estimated to reach $1.4 billion (approximately €1.2 billion).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MUNICH (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – A free attacking upgrade, despite the player’s international standing for both club and country. According to German newspaper Bild, Bayern Munich has already begun work on the 2026-27 season and has reportedly set its sights on Dusan Vlahovic, a striker whose contract with Juventus expires and who can be signed on a free transfer.

The Bavarians’ interest in the Serbian striker was already rumored last summer, but Bayern has no intention of rushing the deal and is unlikely to make any move in the January transfer window to sign the player immediately. The move has been postponed until June, when Vlahovic, who Bild Sport reports would welcome a move to the Bundesliga, will be free to sign on a free transfer.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Jordi Alba has announced his retirement at the end of the season. In a video on social media, the former Barça full-back explained the reasons that, at 36 years old (after six La Liga titles, one Champions League title, four Copa del Rey titles, five Spanish Super Cups, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup with Barça, and a European Championship and Nations League title with the national team), led him to make this decision.

“Hello everyone, the time has come to close an important phase in my life. I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer at the end of this season. I do so with absolute conviction, satisfaction, and happiness,” Jordi Alba said. “I feel I have traveled this path with all the passion I could muster, and now is the right time to begin a new phase and close the previous one with the best emotions. Football has given me absolutely everything.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews