MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The team cannot take to the pitch during the lengthy international break, but Manchester City now faces one of its most challenging battles. In this case, however, it is the club’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who has stepped up, writing a letter to City fans following yesterday’s difficult day, amid reports of the harsh verdict allegedly looming: namely, that City has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches brought by the Premier League in relation to the period from 2009 to 2018.

“I have been part of this club for 18 years. I have had the privilege of standing alongside you at the Etihad, Wembley and Istanbul,” Al Mubarak wrote, addressing every Manchester City fan. “This club is important to me, and you have shown me just how much it means to you. That is why I am writing to you today.

“Following yesterday’s media reports, many of you will have spent the evening responding to questions and messages from friends, family and colleagues. I told my family that the Premier League process still has a long way to go, and that our confidence and determination to prove the club’s innocence are as strong as they have been since the very beginning of this entire affair.”

The Citizens’ chairman, therefore, says that the investigation is still ongoing and that the club’s lawyers remain confident they can prove the company’s innocence in the face of allegations that it repeatedly breached financial regulations.

“There are so many things I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident,” Al Mubarak continued, “but the strict confidentiality surrounding the legal process, and our determination to respect it, means that I cannot do so at this time.

“This letter, too, has been subject to several legal reviews to ensure that everything remained within the appropriate boundaries. Yesterday, some people immediately jumped to their conclusions. There are a lot of rumours surrounding us, but nothing has changed.

“We have faced challenges of this kind together before, and we have prevailed. There are many people who want to stop our club, but we will not give them that opportunity.

“Exciting times lie ahead after this international break. We will be at Anfield in 15 days, and then we will host PSG in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium. These will be moments that give us the opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the Manchester City family.”

Al Mubarak once again thanked the fans for their “continued support” and then urged them to carefully read two statements. The first concerns yesterday’s media reports.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed, and is subject to strict confidentiality. As such, Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years, in the belief that the Premier League Board and Executive would conduct themselves as an independent, impartial and fair-minded body, free from partisan influence,” read yesterday’s statement.

There is also the statement issued in February 2023, when the investigation into the 115 alleged breaches was launched. On that occasion, the club expressed its surprise at the allegations, maintaining that it had already provided the League and English football authorities with answers to all the issues raised. Nevertheless, it added:

“We welcome the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of our position. We look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TBILISI (GEORGIA) (ITALPRESS) – Willy Sagnol is no longer the head coach of Georgia. The Georgian Football Federation announced the split with the French coach the day after the defeat against Northern Ireland in the opening round of the Nations League.

At the same time, the Federation announced the promotion of Georgian coach Ramaz Svanadze from the Under-21 side to the senior national team, with a contract running until 2028.

Sagnol had been in charge of Georgia since February 2021 and, “under his management, the team achieved historic results: in 2024, it qualified for the European Championship finals for the first time, progressing through the group stage and reaching the round of 16.

“We thank Willy Sagnol for every minute he spent with the Georgian national team and for the emotions we shared throughout this historic journey,” the Federation said.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The United States has reiterated its commitment to the development of the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty and to strengthening cooperation with Rabat in this territory.

This position was expressed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau following a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Landau emphasized that the talks reaffirmed the historic friendship between the United States and Morocco, as well as “our shared vision for the development of the Sahara region and for enhanced cooperation under Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.”

The senior U.S. diplomat also stated that Washington intends to work with Morocco and other stakeholders to reach a definitive solution to the dispute—which has lasted for over fifty years—stressing that “the status quo cannot continue.”

Landau’s statements confirm Washington’s position on the Sahara and come just weeks before the UN Security Council reviews the issue and the mandate of MINURSO.

Finally, the Deputy Secretary of State highlighted the strength of the relationship between Washington and Rabat, stating that the historic friendship between the two countries will continue to grow stronger and describing bilateral ties as being at their “strongest level ever.”

-Photo: Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for an end to settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, warning that lasting peace requires renewed trust between Israelis and Palestinians.

Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Abela reaffirmed Malta’s support for a negotiated two-state solution and backed the Gaza Peace Plan as a route towards ending the conflict.

He called for safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, while rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians.

“Settlement expansion … must stop and stop now,” Abela said, also condemning what he described as increasingly violent settler attacks on Palestinian communities.

He said a credible and reformed Palestinian Authority, demonstrating transparency, accountability and democratic legitimacy, would be essential to future peace efforts.

Abela said Malta was prepared to help strengthen the capacity of a renewed Palestinian Authority and Palestinian civil society.

On Israel and Hamas, he said Israelis needed confidence that Hamas would be disarmed and excluded from Gaza’s future governance, while Palestinians needed a credible path towards a just peace.

Turning to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Abela called for a just and lasting peace respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and internationally recognised borders. He said any diplomatic process required a full ceasefire and Ukraine’s participation.

Abela also highlighted artificial intelligence, warning that governments needed international cooperation to manage emerging risks, including cyberattacks, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure.

Climate change was another focus, with Abela urging stronger international action and recalling Malta’s historic role in promoting cooperation on oceans and climate issues.

He also called for continued UN reform and reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to multilateralism and the Pact for the Future.

Closing his address, Abela urged world leaders to “dare to trust”, arguing that rebuilding confidence in international cooperation was essential to resolving global conflicts.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Linked to Barcelona in recent months, Alessandro Bastoni continues to attract interest from major European clubs; according to “TeamTalk,” the 27-year-old Inter defender is on the radar of both Chelsea and Liverpool. The Blues had already shown interest in the summer, and with Xabi Alonso favoring a three-man defense, Bastoni could be the ideal reinforcement for their backline. However, the Reds—who need to revamp their defense for the post-Van Dijk era—are also keeping tabs on the player. Manchester City is another club to watch; they could enter the fray should Ruben Dias leave.

For his part, Bastoni would not rule out a move to the Premier League, though negotiations with Inter would be a hurdle: the club had demanded €80 million from Barcelona—who remain interested in the player, potentially for a January move—and it is unlikely the ‘Nerazzurri’ would lower that valuation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid is worried. No positive news has arrived from Turkey regarding the injury to Kylian Mbappé, whose left knee gave way during the goal that secured Zidane his first victory as France’s head coach.

The French Football Federation announced that the forward has sustained a tendon injury and will undergo medical tests in Madrid in the coming hours to determine the true extent of the problem. Meanwhile, Mbappé has left the French national team camp and will miss ‘Les Bleus’ next three matches, including the game against Italy next Friday. There is concern at the ‘Casa Blanca’: last season, his left knee had already caused Mbappé various issues, forcing him to miss the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League clash against Manchester City—a total of 12 matches.

This injury compounds the situation regarding Konaté—also with the French national team—and threatens to deprive Mourinho of his best forward (Mbappé has scored 8 of the ‘Merengues” 20 goals so far) just before a month in which Real will face Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla, and Leipzig ahead of ‘El Clásico’ against Barcelona.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERN (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It is not just Granit Xhaka: another case involving a fake Covid vaccination certificate has rocked the Swiss national team. The player involved is Breel Embolo; according to broadcaster RSI, he was convicted by the Basel Public Prosecutor’s Office last November for an incident dating back to 2021. The forward, in agreement with the Federation, will not join the national team for the upcoming Nations League matches.

“I took part in the discussions, but the decision not to call up Embolo was not mine,” head coach Murat Yakin said on the matter ahead of the match against North Macedonia. “After all, it is not a sporting issue, so it is a matter for the Federation.”

The Federation, through press officer Adrian Arnold, clarified: “Embolo did not betray our trust; we were surprised because we would have liked to know sooner—he informed us this week, and the news leaked today.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MUSCAT (OMAN) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Embassy of Italy in Muscat celebrated on 23 rd September 2026 the Italian Sport Day Around the World 2026 at the Spike Volleyball Club, bringing together members of the Italian community, an enthusiastic Omani audience and sports enthusiasts from different backgrounds and nationalities.

Promoted annually by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation and the Italian diplomatic and consular network, the Italian Sport Day
celebrates sport as a means of encounter, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion, as
well as a vehicle for promoting values such as integrity, solidarity and sharing.
The third edition is dedicated to boating, sailing and the sea, in connection with the
America’s Cup Naples 2027, which will be hosted in Italy for the first time. The initiative
also highlights the broader economic dimension of sport and its contribution to the
international promotion of Italian excellence.

In his opening remarks, H.E. the Ambassador of Italy to Oman, H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia,
recalled that sport is not only an important component of Italian culture, but also a
significant economic asset. The Italian sports sector generates approximately €32 billion,
equivalent to 1.5% of national GDP, and involves around 420,000 people, including
direct employment and related activities. Relevant Italian sport brands are present in the
most important sport facilities in Muscat.

In Oman, the event also highlighted the growing enthusiasm for Italian sport and the
strengthening of sporting cooperation between the two countries. Italian football enjoys a
strong following in the Sultanate, with an increasing number of Italian football clubs
developing academy activities in Oman. Sporting cooperation extends to other disciplines
as well, including Sailing and the Italian Shooting Federation (FITAV) that regularly
cooperates with the Oman Shooting Association, including through the annual Friendship
Competition in Muscat.

The celebration at Spike Volleyball Club provided an opportunity to bring together the
Italian and Omani communities around the shared values of sport, while highlighting the
role of sports diplomacy in strengthening relations between Italy and Oman and fostering
new opportunities for cooperation.

– photo Embassy of Italy in Muscat –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “The time has come to decide not only who will lead FIFA, but also how FIFA should be led. Leagues have a crucial role to play in this process, and we want to ensure that every league’s voice is heard. Football needs FIFA to be a strong institution. However, strength must go hand in hand with responsibility. FIFA’s authority can only stem from shared responsibility, acceptance of oversight, and the earning of trust.” This statement was issued jointly by the heads of Europe’s four major leagues—the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Ligue 1—less than six months before the FIFA elections, in which incumbent president Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election. “The complaint regarding abuse of dominant position concerning the International Match Calendar (IMC), filed by the leagues with the European Commission in October 2024, is the result of an inadequate governance system,” the statement reads. “In this system, FIFA can leverage its regulatory authority to pursue its own commercial objectives without regard for the impact on the economic and social sustainability of domestic competitions—a matter that affects all stakeholders. This must change now, in the interest of football. We therefore jointly call for a new governance structure for the global body governing our sport—one that is transparent, objective, proportionate, and inclusive.”

The four leagues are calling on the future FIFA leadership to commit to three fundamental objectives: granting relevant stakeholders a genuine role in the decision-making process (through a permanent body representing key stakeholders, including national associations, leagues, clubs, and players from both men’s and women’s football); ensuring that decision-making is based on data and evidence; and separating FIFA’s regulatory role from its commercial function. “At this critical juncture for our sport, we urge candidates for the FIFA presidency to embrace these principles and, within the first 100 days of the next presidential term, to convene a Governance Conference—chaired by an independent figure representing member associations and the broader football community—tasked with presenting a public report within six months,” the statement adds.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The axe of Financial Fair Play is about to fall on Manchester City. Both BBC Sport and The Athletic report that the club has been found guilty of 114 out of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations covering the period from 2009 to 2018. The investigation, sparked by revelations from *Der Spiegel* in November 2018, led to City being referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year probe. The alleged violations—which the club has consistently denied—were addressed during a hearing held between September and December 2024: the Premier League accused the “Citizens” of a lack of transparency in providing the information needed to accurately reflect the club’s financial position, alleging insufficient cooperation, while the Etihad side countered that the accusations were false and that the Der Spiegel investigation relied on illegally obtained and decontextualized emails

The commission’s verdict is now reportedly imminent, though it has apparently not yet determined which sanctions to impose; under the regulations, these range from a simple reprimand or a points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. Trophies won by City during the period in question—specifically three league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one Community Shield—could also be at risk. Notably, following revelations by Der Spiegel, City was sanctioned by UEFA in February 2020 with a €30 million fine and a two-year ban from European competitions—measures that were subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the fine reduced to €10 million. Meanwhile, in response to recent speculation, the club stated: “The Premier League proceedings are ongoing, with significant elements yet to be concluded and subject to strict confidentiality obligations. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years, trusting that the Premier League board and management would act as an independent, impartial regulatory body ensuring fairness, free from partisan influence.” According to the BBC, should the club be found guilty, City intends to appeal through the appropriate channels.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews