ROME (ITALPRESS) – Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been handed a ten-month suspension after testing positive on May 1, following the 3–0 home defeat to Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals. The 30-year-old was found to have canrenone in his system, a diuretic and masking agent included on WADA’s list of prohibited substances.

The ban, deemed the result of an unintentional anti-doping violation, will run from June 2 — the date of his voluntary provisional suspension — until April 2, 2026.

“In its decision, UEFA acknowledged that there was no intent on the part of the player, ruling that the ingestion of the prohibited substance was due to the mistaken use of a preventive hair-loss medication prescribed to his partner, which contained the substance, and that there was no intention of doping,” read a statement from the Basque club. “The federation recalls that, under current regulations, the athlete is responsible for his actions and, consequently, should have verified whether the medication was permitted before taking it.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Cengiz Under has become an unwanted element for Fenerbahçe, so much so that he has been loaned to one of their main rivals, Besiktas, with whom the former Roma and Marseille winger has signed a one-year deal with an option to purchase, the amount of which has not been disclosed, at the end of the season. It is a free loan, during which the 28-year-old Turkish striker will see his salary paid 50% by both clubs.

Last season, Under made his first appearance with Fenerbahçe (4 games, 0 goals) before being loaned to Los Angeles FC (12 games, 2 goals) in the second half of the season. Although he missed several games due to multiple injuries, particularly to the groin and leg, Fener, in a statement, wished him “an injury-free season.”

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Libyan crisis remains central to an international strategy led by the United States, with Italy in a frontline role. Libyan analyst Ahmed Zaher explained this in an interview with Italpress.

He said the plan aims to stabilize the country through disarmament of cities, reorganization of militias, and management of three key issues: security, migration, and energy. In Tripoli, the 444 Brigade of Mahmoud Hamza and the 111 Brigade of Abdulsalam al-Zoubi, under the Ministry of Defense, are seen as disciplined models. The Stability Support Authority of Ghnewa al-Kikli has been dismantled, while the Special Deterrence Force (Rada) faces a reduction of its control over Mitiga prison, the airport, and the Abu Sitta naval base. According to Zaher, the late-August meeting at the Foreign Ministry with Ibrahim Dabaiba, Saddam Haftar, and Donald Trump’s envoy Massad Boulos marked a turning point.

Rome, positioned as an energy hub with Eni and a key actor on migration, was chosen to set clear priorities: migration, energy, and security. On energy, an agreement was reached on the NC7 gas project in al-Hamada, along with the creation of “Jilyana,” a Benghazi-based company affiliated with the National Oil Corporation in partnership with Eni. Under international pressure, Khalifa Haftar accepted conditions on border control, prison management, and the handover of wanted individuals. Zaher said Italy stands to benefit through reduced migration flows, new gas supplies, and a stronger diplomatic role in North Africa. But he questioned whether Rome is truly leading the process or simply implementing decisions made elsewhere.

– photo Ahmed Zaher –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WARSAW (POLAND) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – It’s called the Running Europe Tour, a brand-new international circuit bringing together three of the continent’s most prominent road races. The series kicks off on October 4 with the Warsaw 10K, organized by Boguslaw Maminski, a true legend of the 3000m steeplechase and silver medalist at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. The second stage follows on October 19 with the Palermo International Half Marathon, directed by Nando Sorbello. The grand finale comes on February 22, 2026, with the Malta Marathon, overseen by Joe Micallef.

Details of the new circuit will be presented at the official launch on Wednesday, September 10 at 12:00 p.m. in the press room of Legia Warsaw’s stadium, in the presence of the three organizers, representatives of the Polish Athletics Federation, and local authorities.

“The Running Europe Tour is a unique opportunity to combine sport and tourism,” said Nando Sorbello. “We are proud to be part of this project alongside two organizations of such prestige. Palermo, Warsaw, and Malta will each host distinct events, united by the same passion for running and by the goal of promoting sport as a tool for friendship and international connection.”

– photo Running Sicily –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Nationalist Party has a new leader after Alex Borg edged out Adrian Delia by just 44 votes in a dramatic contest that went down to the wire.

Borg, 30, secured 8,905 votes against Delia’s 8,861, a margin of barely half a percentage point. Out of 17,862 valid ballots, Borg obtained 50.1% to Delia’s 49.9%, making this one of the closest leadership races in the party’s 144-year history.

The result was confirmed at 4am after a marathon nine-hour count, following an anxious five-hour wait. Borg initially announced his victory on Facebook, thanking his supporters “for starting this new chapter for the Nationalist Party.”

The contest was triggered by Bernard Grech’s resignation in June. Grech had himself replaced Delia five years ago. Hopes within the party that European Parliament president Roberta Metsola might contest were dashed when she chose to remain in Brussels, leaving the field open for Delia to attempt a comeback and for Borg, his protégé, to step forward.

In his first remarks as leader, Borg accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of being willing to destabilise the country for personal gain amid rumours of an early election. He pledged, however, that the PN would be ready for the challenge whenever it comes.

International reactions swiftly followed. European People’s Party president Manfred Weber congratulated Borg, promising full support from the EPP and wishing him success as Malta’s new Opposition leader.

Borg’s razor-thin victory marks the beginning of a new chapter for the PN, but also sets the stage for a leadership that will have to unite a deeply divided party.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – This is where dreams are born. As Morocco approaches its final World Cup qualifier with a ticket to the 2026 tournament already secured, the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football, on the outskirts of Rabat, continues to pulse with activity.

The revival of the Atlas Lions begins here, in a facility spanning 35 hectares, built through the joint effort of the government and the federation, and inaugurated in the summer of 2019 by the King himself. Morocco’s very own “Coverciano” serves as the beating heart of all 27 national teams, men’s and women’s, down to the Under-13 level.

The complex boasts five hotels – one reserved exclusively for senior squads – offering 510 beds, along with 11 pitches of natural, synthetic and hybrid grass to prepare for every playing condition. Add to that a restaurant, a cutting-edge medical centre for treatment and consultations, and a 200-strong staff. Entirely powered by solar and photovoltaic panels, the $75 million project has been praised by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who ranked it among the top three worldwide.

It was here that Real Madrid set up camp in 2023 to prepare for the Club World Cup, and in December, when Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, it will serve as the headquarters for Achraf Hakimi and his teammates.

“We host all the Federation’s activities,” explains facility director Hassan Kharbouch. “Our vision started 15 years ago, when 145 pitches were built for children and young players across the country. To grow grassroots football, you need infrastructure. At the top of the pyramid, you have us. In between, there are 13 regional academies that bring together the best talents from club academies, and the finest eventually arrive here.”

Step by step, Moroccan football is reaping its rewards: from the men’s national team’s historic fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022, to the women’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations finals, and the Olympic bronze at Paris 2024. These achievements rest on solid foundations.

The centre also benefits from its prime location, just two kilometers from Rabat-Salé airport, making it easily accessible for international arrivals. It hosts workshops and exchange programs through 45 partnerships with federations around the world. And there’s more to life than football: young academy players sleep on-site but continue their studies externally to encourage socialization. Nothing is left to chance: Moroccan football refuses to set limits.

– photo glb/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I think the energy on the pitch was right, the quality was there, but we should have scored more. After the first goal, we lost too many balls for ten or fifteen minutes,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel, commenting on the 2–0 win over Andorra in Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. “We lost a bit of focus and attention, but in the second half we regained it and created many chances. As I said, we should have scored more. We should have scored the second goal earlier, because that’s what gave us much more freedom and confidence,” he added.

On Tuesday night England will face Serbia in Belgrade: “It’s a tough away game, but it’s a crucial match because we can take a big step forward toward qualification, and we’re well aware of that,” Tuchel concluded.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – France got off to a good start in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but PSG cannot be pleased despite Les Bleus’ 2–0 win over Ukraine. In addition to Dembélé’s injury, Désiré Doué also picked up a calf problem. According to L’Équipe, the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for a period of between three and four weeks. If confirmed, Doué would miss the Champions League fixture against Atalanta on September 17.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “At the beginning of the week, the coach explained his decision to Romelu (Lukaku) and me. I can understand that. I’m no longer the youngest. He opted for a guy who can play for another eight to ten years (Tielemans is 28). It’s a long-term choice” With these words, Kevin De Bruyne once again showed his class, not only on the pitch but also off it. On Thursday, in the 6-0 win against Liechtenstein, he also scored a goal, confirming his technical strength and ability to make an impact.

Despite this, the topic of the captain’s armband could have raised doubts about his role in the national team. Coach Rudi Garcia’s choice instead fell on Youri Tielemans. An attitude that says a lot about the Belgian champion: not only an enlightened playmaker on the pitch, but also a beacon of maturity and awareness for the entire locker room.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco is a nation looking decisively toward the future, where new opportunities are also emerging for Italy. Speaking in Rabat with Italpress, Ambassador Pasquale Salzano, who took up his post just over two months ago, has already witnessed firsthand the ambitions of a country guided by a forward-looking investment strategy.

Morocco is experiencing strong growth and relations with Italy are excellent. What opportunities may open up for Italian companies in the coming years?

“Morocco is undergoing a highly significant phase of economic transformation, characterized by substantial investment in infrastructure, energy, mobility, and digitalization. This creates tangible opportunities for deeper cooperation with Italy. Italian companies can contribute in many directions: from the design and construction of modern infrastructure, to the supply of advanced technologies, and services related to tourism and hospitality. Small and medium-sized enterprises also play a key role, as they are the backbone of our production system and, thanks to their specialized expertise, can align with Morocco’s development priorities.”

Which sectors appear most promising?


“They range from renewable energy and green hydrogen, to automotive and aerospace, as well as agri-industry, digital technologies, and fintech. This commitment is supported by the coordinated action of the Italian System – CDP, SACE, SIMEST, ICE – which provides financial, insurance, and promotional tools to accompany companies into foreign markets, under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By way of example, I would recall the partnership established last May between OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) and SACE through a €365 million green financing agreement, which offers business-matching opportunities for Italian companies operating in green technologies, mechanical components, and hydraulics. The goal is to foster partnerships that go beyond the simple supply of goods or services, encouraging the exchange of know-how, innovation, and shared growth. In this sense, economic cooperation becomes part of a broader Mediterranean vision oriented toward the future. These prospects are also framed by two important anniversaries to be celebrated in 2025: the bicentenary of the first Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, which marked the beginning of modern relations between Morocco and Italy, and the 150th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of Italy to Fez – evidence of a historic bond now finding new and dynamic forms of cooperation.”

Morocco’s outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup further ignited the passion of a nation already in love with football. This December, the country will once again host the Africa Cup of Nations. What is your assessment of the infrastructure investments underway?

“The sports infrastructure projects currently being carried out in Morocco reflect a long-term strategic vision. The new stadium in Benslimane, together with the renovation of six facilities in Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Casablanca, and Fez, are concrete examples of the country’s determination to equip itself with modern and sustainable venues. These projects are progressing rapidly and in line with the highest international standards. Particular emphasis is being placed on energy efficiency, digitalization, and the quality of services for spectators. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a decisive test not only for the sports facilities but also for the wider logistical system, from transport to hospitality. This approach – linking sport to infrastructure development – is also an interesting model for Italian companies, internationally renowned for their engineering, technological, and organizational expertise.”

In 2030, Morocco will be among the host countries of the FIFA World Cup, a global stage that will bring it unprecedented visibility. What can we expect in terms of organization and hospitality?

“The 2030 World Cup will represent a watershed moment for Morocco and for the entire Mediterranean region. It will not be merely a sporting event, but a catalyst for economic and social transformation. In addition to stadiums, the country has launched wide-ranging structural projects: doubling airport capacity to 80 million passengers, extending the high-speed rail network to Marrakech and Agadir, acquiring new trains for urban and intercity mobility, and developing new hotel infrastructure and digital services. These investments will significantly enhance Morocco’s capacity to welcome visitors and will leave a lasting legacy, not only for tourism but also for the local population. For Italy, new avenues of collaboration are opening in sectors ranging from construction and mobility, to hospitality and technological services. This outlook is also consistent with the vision of the Mattei Plan, which Italy has placed at the centre of its engagement in the Mediterranean and Africa: a strategy founded on equal partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, training, and innovation. It is further confirmation that sport – as Minister Tajani often emphasizes – can serve as a powerful instrument of diplomacy, fostering friendship, economic growth, and international openness, fully aligned with the modernization and global outreach agenda promoted by His Majesty the King.”

– photo: Embassy of Italy in Rabat –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews