LEVERKUSEN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Exequiel Palacios has extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030. This extends the contract by two years for the 27-year-old Argentine midfielder, who joined the Aspirins in 2020 from River Plate for €17 million.

“Bayer Leverkusen has experienced extraordinary development since I arrived in Germany five years ago. It’s a fantastic feeling to have been an important part of this process. Now we want to continue this story with a team that has everything it takes to be a protagonist in both domestic and European competitions. I can’t wait to experience what lies ahead with Bayer,” commented Palacios.

– photo IPA agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona are once again without Lamine Yamal. Having returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday against PSG in the Champions League for the first time since August 31st, the 18-year-old forward suffered a recurrence of the groin injury that had already forced him to miss four matches.

Barça announced that Yamal will be out for two to three weeks, meaning he will certainly miss Sunday’s match against Sevilla and the matches against Spain, where he faces Georgia (October 11th) and Bulgaria (October 14th). He could return against Girona in the league (October 18th) or Olympiacos in the Champions League (October 21st), but it’s likely Barcelona are unwilling to take any risks ahead of the first El Clasico of the season, on October 26th at the Bernabeu.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The countdown to the innovative FIFA World Cup has reached its final milestone with the unveiling of the Adidas “Trionda,” the official match ball of the competition. The evocative name “Trionda,” along with unique and innovative design features, pays tribute to the fact that, for the first time, three countries – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – will jointly host the FIFA World Cup.

The new ball follows other recent announcements linked to the tournament, such as the presentation of the official mascots, FIFA’s pledge to donate one dollar to FIFA and the Global Citizen Education Fund for every ticket sold, and the news that more than 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories have registered for the Visa Preferential Lottery, the first of several ticket sales phases for the 26th FIFA World Cup.

“It’s here – the beautiful official ball of the 26th FIFA World Cup,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “I am delighted and proud to present ‘Trionda’. Adidas has created a new, iconic World Cup ball whose design embodies the unity and passion of the host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. I can’t wait to see the first goals scored with this wonderful ball. The countdown to the most important World Cup in history has begun, and the ball has already started rolling.”

The design of the ball features a red, green, and blue pattern paying homage to the three host nations, while its innovative four-panel structure with fluid geometric shapes recreates wave-like forms, from which the name is derived. The panels converge to form a triangle at the center of the ball, symbolizing the historic union of the three hosts.

In addition, the ball is decorated with iconographic details representing each country: maple leaves for Canada, the eagle for Mexico, and stars for the United States. Golden accents pay tribute to the FIFA World Cup trophy and highlight the significance of the event.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Activists gathered in Valletta on Thursday evening in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of over 50 boats and nearly 1,000 international volunteers, sought to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Among those on board were climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, Italian parliamentarians, journalists, doctors, and artists.

According to organisers, Israeli naval forces stopped the vessels in international waters around 70 nautical miles from Gaza. At least 200 volunteers were arrested and 13 boats confiscated, though about 30 boats remain en route to the territory.

The interception sparked protests worldwide, including in Malta, where a sizeable crowd gathered in front of Parliament. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and placards while chanting against Israel’s actions, which they described as part of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Organisers urged Malta to back a total arms embargo and sanctions on Israel, to publicly condemn the attacks on the flotilla, and to ensure the protection of detained activists.

The protest follows Malta’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine, a move that came decades after most countries had already taken the step. Activists argued that Malta should now go further by taking stronger political action in support of Palestinian rights.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has improved its global standing in the fight against human trafficking, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons report published by the US Department of State.

The country moved from the Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2, a step that reflects notable efforts to comply with the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, though it still falls short of meeting all minimum standards.

The Malta Police said the higher ranking follows a rise in prosecutions, including cases linked to financial crimes, and stronger victim support systems. Authorities highlighted increased identification of victims, among them vulnerable children and asylum seekers, as well as improved legal protections.

“We are keeping victims at the centre of our operations, strengthening collaboration with other partners, and continuing to invest in specialised training,” the Police said in a statement. They added that while the fight is far from over, the report confirms “notable progress” in dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding victims.

The US report also stressed that despite global progress since 2000, traffickers remain “creative and determined,” urging the international community to push forward with equal determination.

Malta’s improved status marks a milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking while signalling the need for continued vigilance and innovation in tackling the crime.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – FIFA as a messenger of peace. This is the international federation’s role, emphasized today by President Gianni Infantino after the Council meeting in Zurich. “At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to unite people in a divided world,” Infantino said in his opening remarks, specifically addressing the ongoing situation in Gaza.

“Our thoughts are with those suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message football can convey now is that of peace and unity. FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”

Infantino also invited “all interested stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to protect players, find the right balance between club football and national teams globally, and improve the game of the future.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The 95th Saudi National Day, organised by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rome, placed a spotlight on the Kingdom’s rich culture and traditions, in line with the Year of Saudi Handicrafts declared by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The celebration, hosted at the Salone delle Fontane by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom to Italy, Malta and San Marino, drew around a thousand guests, including senior Italian officials, business leaders, academics, think tanks, associations, and representatives of Saudi companies.

Guests were welcomed into a recreated Majlis (Sala Severini), designed to reflect traditional Saudi hospitality. Master artisans showcased their skills with terracotta decoration and wood carving, echoing the theme of the year. The evening also featured live performances by Saudi musicians, falconry demonstrations, and the presence of Arabian horses — enduring symbols of the Kingdom’s heritage and identity. Cuisine played a central role in the event. At a combined Italian-Saudi buffet, Saudi chef Ms. Mashail Ibrahim served authentic dishes alongside an original creation blending typical Saudi and Italian ingredients.

“Celebrating the 95th National Day of the Kingdom in Rome is an opportunity to strengthen the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Italy. Through the culture, art, cuisine, and traditions we shared this evening, we reaffirm our commitment to building ever deeper ties between our countries and our peoples,” said Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in his remarks.

Notable attendees included Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health; Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO; and Mario Nobile, Director-General of AGID. Sponsors and partner companies were also present, with dedicated spaces and photo opportunities underscoring the growing economic and institutional cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

– photo xr2/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s capital city, Valletta, will host in 2026 the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit next year, marking the largest tourism event ever held in the country.

The three-day summit will be organised by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, together with the Malta Tourism Authority. The gathering will bring together international leaders from both the public and private sectors to debate the future of the travel and tourism industry, with sustainability, innovation, and investment at the core of discussions.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg called the summit a moment of national pride and a chance to showcase Malta’s heritage, innovation, and hospitality. He stressed the potential for new partnerships between local operators and international brands. Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said hosting the summit affirms the country’s role on the global tourism map and will deliver lasting benefits for the industry and the Maltese people.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – After William Saliba, Arsenal are ready to lock down Bukayo Saka. The 24-year-old English striker is under contract until 2027. The Gunners don’t want to lose him, and are therefore preparing to put forward a renewal proposal with a salary increase: according to “Talksport,” Saka is expected to become the highest-paid player in the squad alongside Kai Havertz, with a salary of 280,000 pounds a week, approximately 16.7 million euros gross per season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Rodrigo Bentancur and Tottenham are reportedly close to a renewal agreement, according to “The Athletic.” The 28-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, formerly of Juventus, is out of contract at the end of the season, but it didn’t take him long to establish himself as an important player in Frank’s squad, making eight starts in ten games. Having arrived from the Bianconeri in January 2022, Bentancur has already played 122 times for Spurs despite a long layoff due to a cruciate ligament tear in 2023, and was instrumental in winning the Europa League last season.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews