PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The injury suffered by Ousmane Dembelé during the World Cup qualifying match in Wroclaw, Poland, between Ukraine and France, which the French won 2-0, risks having an aftermath.

Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly furious with the Blues’ medical staff, who apparently disregarded warnings regarding the striker’s condition. He was forced off the pitch late yesterday after coming on as a second-half substitute with a right thigh problem. The blame is therefore on Dembelé’s international management, as he had already suffered a problem with the back of his left thigh in the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse a week ago.

According to the French champions, not only should he not have been selected last night, but he should not even have been called up by coach Didier Deschamps for this international window. The 28-year-old former Dortmund and Barcelona striker, once he leaves the training camp at Clairefontaine, is scheduled for an MRI scan to further investigate the extent of the injury that’s troubling the Parisians.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) has denied claims that Israeli military aircraft entered Maltese airspace this week, insisting there was “no violation of the sovereignty of the Maltese territory.” In a statement, MATS was responding to reports that Israeli tactical and surveillance planes had flown irregularly through the central Mediterranean on Tuesday night.

The agency clarified that at no point did any aircraft breach Malta’s sovereign airspace. MATS stressed the distinction between a Flight Information Region (FIR) and national airspace. While FIRs are designated for air traffic control, they are not an extension of a country’s sovereignty, the authority explained.

“It is normal and completely legal for military aircraft, even from other countries, to transit through an FIR without prior authorisation,” MATS said. Military tracking website itamilradar.com had reported that three C-130 Hercules aircraft departed from Israel’s Nevatim Air Base on Tuesday afternoon. Two landed at a joint Italian-US base in Sicily, while tracking data for a third reportedly “disappeared near Malta.” Prime Minister Robert Abela, speaking Thursday, said he was not aware of any irregular flight entries into Malta’s airspace and confirmed he had not been contacted by Israeli authorities on the matter.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) – From Qatar to America, the dream continues. Three years after their historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup—the best-ever result for an African nation—Morocco has secured its ticket to the 2026 edition.

The qualification came at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, freshly reopened following renovations and inaugurated just a day earlier by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. The Atlas Lions sealed first place in Group E with a resounding 5–0 victory over Niger. The match tilted in Morocco’s favour early, as Niger’s Goumey was sent off with a second yellow card in the 26th minute. Oussama El Azzouzi Saibari struck twice in quick succession—first from a Belammari cross (29’), then from Hakimi (38’). In the second half, Ayoub El Kaabi made it three (51’) on another Belammari assist, before goals from Igamane (69’) and Ounahi (84’) completed the rout. Coach Walid Regragui, despite sections of the crowd calling for a more attacking style, consolidated his position with six wins out of six.

The qualification was fueled by the deafening support of 68,700 fans in a sold-out stadium, tickets having vanished within hours. The triumph now shifts momentum toward Morocco’s next target: the Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted at home from December 18. The Atlas Lions last lifted the continental trophy in 1976, with their most recent final appearance dating back to 2004, when they fell to Tunisia. Fans made their expectations clear with banners demanding, “Now the Africa Cup is our dream”, alongside a choreographed display of a lion hoisting the trophy.

Beyond the players’ physical strength and technical quality, Morocco’s rise reflects years of planning and reform. Since 2014, the government and football federation have invested heavily in stadiums, training centres, and grassroots facilities—even in remote villages. Clubs have been encouraged to adopt professional management models, attracting private investment and creating a sustainable football ecosystem. The results are evident across the board: after the men’s World Cup run in Qatar, the women’s national team reached the final in the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, while the men’s U23 side claimed bronze at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing the final after a dramatic semifinal against Spain.

Now, with a World Cup berth secured and the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Morocco’s journey is far from over. As the country also prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, lifting Africa’s most prestigious trophy on home soil would be the crowning achievement of a decade-long transformation.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

Oriol Romeu says goodbye to Barcelona. The defender and the Blaugrana club – the Catalan side announced – have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. “Barcelona thanks Oriol Romeu for his professionalism, commitment, and dedication, and wishes him the best of luck and every success in the future,” the statement concluded.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – FIFA has announced the sixteen members of the Players’ Voice Panel, whose goal is to eradicate racism in football. The committee will include George Weah (Liberia), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Iván Córdoba (Colombia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal), Formiga (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Maia Jackman (New Zealand), Sun Jihai (People’s Republic of China), Blaise Matuidi (France), Aya Miyama (Japan), Lotta Schelin (Sweden), Briana Scurry (USA), Mikaël Silvestre (France), and Juan Pablo Sorín (Argentina).

“The Players’ Joint Approach Panel is the result of the unanimous decision of the 211 member associations which, as part of the global stance against racism, have made it clear that the world is united in wanting to eradicate racism in football. In this context, for the first time, players will be at the center of this change,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We feel very fortunate to have such passionate and extraordinary people who are sharing their unique experiences,” he added.

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Venezuela, won 3-0 by the Albiceleste, was a true Messi Show. At the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, it was likely his last home game for Argentina, with the “Pulce” scoring twice and appearing emotional before and after the match, accompanied to the celebration in his honor by his three children.

“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup. The most logical thing is that it won’t happen, but for now I’m here. I remain confident, knowing that it’s a feat that can be achieved game by game. If I’m not well, I’ll prefer not to play,” Messi said. “Last at home? Finishing like this is what I’ve always dreamed of,” added the “Pulce.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated Ryanair’s new offices, marking an investment that will generate 70 high-quality jobs and bring the company’s Malta-based workforce to more than 500 professionals.

Spread across 700 square metres, the new hub will support roles in finance, technology, piloting, and engineering. Abela described the project as “a strong vote of confidence in Malta,” adding that it aligns with the government’s long-term Vision Malta 2050 strategy.

At the inauguration, the Prime Minister highlighted the value of local talent within Ryanair’s workforce, praising Maltese engineers and specialists who transitioned into aviation from other industries. “Ryanair’s greatest investment in Malta is its people,” he said.

The aviation sector contributes more than €600 million annually to Malta’s economy and sustains thousands of jobs. Abela noted that the sector is vital not only for tourism but also for high-value niches such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

David O’Brien, CEO of Malta Air and Lauda Europe, described the expansion as a milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the island. He announced that Ryanair’s Maltese fleet will increase to nine aircraft by next winter, representing a $100 million investment.

O’Brien also revealed plans to boost Malta’s connectivity by 20% during the winter season, with new and expanded routes to the UK, Luxembourg, and Spain. He stressed that stronger links will help attract more visitors during off-peak months.

With this latest expansion, Ryanair strengthens its position as a key player in Malta’s aviation sector while reinforcing the island’s role as a growing hub for European travel.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela said he is not aware of any aircraft entering Malta’s airspace “irregularly,” after reports suggested Israeli military planes may have flown near the island earlier this week.

According to flight tracking website itamilradar.com, three Israeli C-130 Hercules transport aircraft left Nevatim Air Base on Tuesday afternoon.

Two of the planes landed at the Italian-US air base in Sicily, while tracking for the third disappeared “near Malta.” Italian defence authorities later confirmed that one Israeli C-130 had landed at the Sicilian base.

In addition, two Israeli surveillance aircraft were reported to have orbited the Strait of Sicily before returning to Israel with the Hercules aircraft.

Asked about the reports, Abela insisted there was no indication that Malta’s airspace had been breached. “I am not aware of any aircraft or other type of flying object that entered our airspace irregularly,” he said.

The government has not issued further clarification on whether Malta’s radar systems detected any unusual activity.

The incident comes amid heightened monitoring of military movements across the central Mediterranean.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “We are delighted to announce that AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, an Algerian, will join our squad,” Dinamo Zagreb posted on social media. The transfer window in Croatia closes tomorrow. “Dinamo and AC Milan have reached an agreement for a one-year loan with an option to buy. Bennacer will arrive in Zagreb shortly, where he will undergo a medical before officially signing the contract,” the Croatian club stated.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SEVILLE (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “I’ve had many opportunities to return to South America, but I feel good physically. I still have the chance to be a key player in Europe. If you’re physically fit and professional in what you do, you can prove that age is just a number,” said 36-year-old Alexis Sanchez in his first media interview at Sevilla, his new club. “This is a club that must always compete for the Champions League and win titles like the Europa League. They must return to the top,” added the former Inter and Udinese player.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews