MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The “Audiencia Nacional” has rejected the appeal of the former president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, confirming the sentence of last February 20 (a fine of 20 euros per day over 18 months, amounting to a total penalty exceeding 10.000 euros) for kissing Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney in August 2023.

Rubiales was also found guilty on appeal of the crime of sexual assault but acquitted of the charge of coercion, as were the other defendants, the former coach Jorge Vilda, the former technical director Albert Luque, and the former marketing manager of the Federation, Ruben Rivera.

Rubiales was also ordered not to contact the player and to remain at a distance of at least 200 meters for a year. The former federal executive has already announced that he will file a new appeal with the High Tribunal.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BENGHAZI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – A delegation of Italian companies arrived in Benghazi today as part of a mission aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and institutional ties between Italy and Libya.
The initiative, supported by the Italian Embassy in Libya and organized by the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund-chaired by Belqasim Haftar-with the collaboration of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce led by Nicola Colicchi, brought together representatives from sectors including engineering, infrastructure, renewable energy, cultural heritage, and education.
“Italy reaffirms its commitment to supporting Libyàs stabilization and development through concrete, respectful, and long-term cooperation,” said Gianluca Alberini, Italian Ambassador in Tripoli. “Benghazi, a symbol of resilience, also represents a crossroads of new opportunities. Italian companies bring not only technology and investment, but also values: dialogue, transparency, and respect for local culture.”
Among the delegation was Angelo Argento, President of Cultura Italiae, who accompanied the mission to underscore the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering creative entrepreneurship.
“Culture is a strategic driver for cooperation between peoples,” Argento stated. “Bringing Italian expertise here is not just about economics-it’s about proposing a model of development rooted in beauty, memory, and knowledge. Benghazi deserves to regain its role as a vital Mediterranean hub, and Italy has both the opportunity and responsibility to contribute with cultural intelligence.”
During the visit, technical meetings were held with local authorities and Libyan partners to explore joint projects in urban regeneration, archaeological heritage preservation, vocational training, and the energy transition.
The mission culminated in a public event at the newly rebuilt Benghazi Conference Centre, featuring panel discussions on reconstruction and cooperation, business matchmaking sessions, and the signing of several memoranda of understanding. These agreements aim to promote sustainable investment and joint business and cultural initiatives between Italian firms and the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund.

– Photo Cultura Italiae press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has outlined Maltàs vision for its presidency of the Council of Europe, placing youth empowerment, peace-building, and people-centred reforms at the heart of its agenda.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg, Abela said Malta sees young people not just as the future, but as “leaders driving today’s positive change”. He announced that Malta will host the Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth this October, aiming to foster a “youth-led democratic future”.

Maltàs presidency, which runs until November, will include three ministerial meetings. Abela emphasised Maltàs commitment to peace and human rights, highlighting the need for international unity in the face of conflict, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of human tragedy in Gaza”, he said. “Global challenges require global efforts”.

Abela noted Maltàs role as a bridge between the Council’s 46 member states and stressed that no country is too small to contribute to peace and progress. He highlighted national reforms supported by the Council of Europe, including improvements to judicial appointments, anti-corruption measures, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Notable changes include requiring a two-thirds parliamentary vote to appoint the President of the Republic and restructuring the Office of the Attorney General.

Abela also pointed to initiatives supporting youth, such as the Youth Advisory Forum, voting rights for 16-year-olds, and the nomination of the youngest-ever European Commissioner responsible for youth.

He reaffirmed Maltàs commitment to the values of the Council of Europe-peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law-and pledged to keep promoting dialogue and multilateralism on the international stage.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “It’s a bit strange watching the national team, but I don’t miss it.” Former England coach Gareth Southgate told the BBC almost a year after his resignation. “I used to spend every waking hour thinking about the players and how to improve England. In everyday life you don’t feel the weight of expectations anymore only when you lose them,” he recalled.

His successor, Thomas Tuchel, said England lacked a clear identity at the last European Championships. “It doesn’t matter what I think or how I took it,” he replied. “I think it’s fundamental to give the team and the coach the space to operate. I had an incredible experience in charge of the national team, but the time has come for them to carry the project forward and I will be a fan of theirs,” he concluded.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Milan wants Granit Xhaka. The player’s father, Ragip, confirmed the Rossoneri’s interest in the 32-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. “I won’t talk about the terms of the deal, the clubs have to find an agreement between themselves,” he told Kosovar broadcaster Teve1. “Tare? I appreciate him,” added Xhaka senior. According to Teve1, the Rossoneri would have gone as far as to offer up to 15 million euros for Xhaka, but the Germans’ request would be stuck at 20.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The wait is over: Barcelona has announced that it will return to play at the Camp Nou on Sunday 10 August, on the occasion of the Joan Gamper Trophy, a traditional friendly event of the Blaugrana summer.

After more than two years of renovation work (not yet completed), the historic facility will be open to the public with a reduced capacity (according to the Spanish press, 25,000 spectators are expected). Barcelona has not yet made official its opponent for the Gamper Trophy, but as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Como, a team coached by a Blaugrana legend: Cesc Fabregas, is in pole position.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Stefano Pioli is no longer the coach of Al-Nassr. The Saudi club, in fact, with a post on social media has made official “the termination of the contractual relationship with the coach of the first team” and thanked “mister Pioli and his staff for their commitment in the past season”, wishing them “success” for the future.

The coach, who arrived in Saudi Arabia at the helm of CR7 and his teammates in September 2024 after the divorce with Milan, can now sign for Fiorentina, the club that chose him to restart after Palladino’s farewell.

Pioli, born in 1965, has already coached the Viola from 2017 to 2019 and also wore the jersey of the lily club as a footballer: from 1989 to 1985.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Olympique Lyon has been relegated to Ligue 2. This is the decision taken today by the DNCG (National Directorate of Control and Management) after examining the file relating to the club with former Roma and Milan coach Paulo Fonseca, which also boasts former Giallorossi player Nemanja Matic among its ranks.

According to the French press, the club’s president, John Textor, and general manager, Michael Gerlinger, were heard by the competent bodies but their reasons were not accepted and therefore, at the moment, they have not been able to avoid the administrative relegation, which had already been decided on November 15. Lyon can now appeal against this latest decision.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Pavel Nedved is starting over in his native Czech Republic. The former footballer, after his managerial experience at Juventus and recently at Al-Shabab, was officially appointed today by the FACR (Football Federation of the Czech Republic) as manager of the national teams, “with direct responsibility for the senior national team and the Under-21 team”.

“I am very happy that the 2003 Ballon d’Or winner and long-time manager has decided to accept the Federation’s offer”, said David Trunda, president of the FACR. “This job means a lot to me: it is an honor and a great responsibility to take on this role. I thank President David Trund; I will work hard for Czech football. I will do everything I can to bring it to success”, said Nedved.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta calls for “greater unity of the European Union” and active engagement with international partners to prevent the further escalation of global conflicts. This was stated by the Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg, who yesterday attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews