ROME (ITALPRESS) – UEFA has confirmed its boycott of FIFA tournaments following the controversy surrounding the FFE project. “UEFA’s member associations have been very clear regarding the conditions linked to non-participation in FIFA competitions,” read a statement from European football’s governing body, as reported by Sky Sports News. “Firstly, proposals to privatize major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, guarantees were required that attempts to fundamentally alter the nature of the game in this way would never happen again. These conditions have not been met. Furthermore, UEFA made it unequivocally clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position remains unchanged. Yesterday’s announcement—that certain individuals employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him—changes nothing,” stated UEFA, as reported by Sky.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ABIDJAN (IVORY COAST) (ITALPRESS) – Hervé Renard is returning to the Ivory Coast dugout. The 57-year-old French coach replaces Emerse Faé, taking charge once again of the “Elephants,” the team he led to African championship glory in 2015.

Renard had previously managed Saudi Arabia, guiding the Asian side to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, though he was relieved of his duties less than two months before the tournament began. He subsequently stepped in mid-campaign to replace Sabri Lamouchi as Tunisia’s head coach following an opening defeat against Sweden, though he was unable to prevent subsequent losses to Japan and the Netherlands.

“This appointment reflects the Federation’s desire to consolidate the results achieved by the senior national team in recent years, while simultaneously pursuing the ambitions set for Ivorian football at both African and international levels,” read a statement from the Ivory Coast Football Federation.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid and Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande. The Spanish club announced the move in a statement, specifying that the player will be tied to the Blancos for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033.

Yan Diomande arrives at Real Madrid with sky-high expectations and stats that explain why the Blancos decided to make an unprecedented investment. The player joins for a fee of €125 million—a figure that could rise to €140 million if certain performance bonuses are met. The 19-year-old Ivorian, a standout performer for Leipzig last season, finished the campaign with 13 goals and 9 assists, while also establishing himself as the Bundesliga player with the highest number of successful dribbles.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LEIPZIG (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – “There is always transfer speculation, and the media can write whatever they want, but I never asked to leave Leipzig. I was simply on vacation, but now I am here.” With these words, spoken to Sky Deutschland, Antonio Nusa addressed the rumors regarding a potential move to another club. The Norwegian international winger is the subject of strong interest from Roma, who are not giving up their pursuit.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRABZON (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Following a warm welcome—first at the airport in Istanbul and then upon his arrival in Trabzon—Mohamed Salah has signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor.

The Turkish club shared photos on social media showing the Egyptian forward and club president Ertugrul Dogan signing the agreement. The 34-year-old former Fiorentina and Roma player joins the Trabzon-based club as a free agent following his trophy-laden nine-season stint with Liverpool. The Egyptian is expected to earn a salary of 15 million per season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italy remained the leading destination for Maltese travellers as outbound tourism increased significantly during the first half of 2026, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

An estimated 419,940 overseas tourist trips were made by Maltese residents between January and June, marking a 7.6% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Italy accounted for 34.8% of all trips, with 145,986 visits, maintaining its position as the most popular destination. Spain ranked second with 39,924 trips (9.5%), followed closely by the United Kingdom with 38,977 trips (9.3%).

Outbound tourists spent a total of 3.11 million nights abroad, up 10.6% year-on-year, while the average holiday length increased slightly from 7.2 to 7.4 nights.

Although average spending per tourist fell from €967 to €925, total expenditure still rose by 2.9% to €388.5 million.

The figures were compiled through Tourstat, the NSO’s continuous frontier survey, which also measures inbound tourism.

Meanwhile, more than 2.13 million tourists visited Malta during the first six months of 2026, putting the country on track to surpass last year’s record of just over four million visitors.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – More than half of Malta’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are uncertain about investing over the next year, while concerns about overpopulation and quality of life continue to rise, according to the latest SME Barometer.

The survey, conducted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with MISCO, gathered responses from 402 businesses between 1 and 22 July.

Employee shortages remained the biggest operational challenge, cited by 38.8% of respondents, although this marked a slight improvement from late 2025. Unfair competition ranked second at 19.2%, with many businesses blaming weak enforcement and non-compliant operators.

Concerns over delays in processing visas for third-country nationals also increased to 16.7%, highlighting continued recruitment difficulties.

When asked to identify the government’s top priorities, 39.6% of SMEs pointed to overpopulation, while concern for safeguarding quality of life rose to 20.9%. Calls to improve the ease of doing business also increased.

The report found that 64% of respondents believe Malta is heading in the wrong direction, citing quality of life, infrastructure and planning, and the cost of living as their main concerns.

Meanwhile, 56% of businesses said they remain uncertain about making investments in the coming year, while only around one in five believe it is the right time to invest.

Although good governance, corruption and inflation remained concerns, their importance declined compared with previous surveys. The environment ranked among the lowest priorities identified by respondents.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Following the official departure of Matthias Jaissle to Newcastle, Al Ahli are searching for a new head coach. And not just any coach, but a high-profile name: a FIFA World Cup winner both as a player (1998) and as France’s head coach (2018), who has been available for just under a month after leading Les Bleus to a fourth-place finish at the latest World Cup.

The Saudi club has submitted a lucrative offer to Didier Deschamps—one that, on paper, would seem impossible to turn down. However, Deschamps is still considering his options, and the feeling is that he may ultimately decline. The reported differences are said to concern not financial terms, but technical and sporting matters.

Deschamps, who recently stepped down as France head coach and was succeeded by Zinedine Zidane, recently commented on his future: “I haven’t made any decision about my future yet. Football will certainly remain my world. I’m fortunate to be able to choose—I’m in a privileged position,” said the former Juventus midfielder.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid have improved their contract renewal offer to Vinícius Jr. in an effort to keep the Brazilian winger at the Santiago Bernabéu, according to the BBC.

The 26-year-old is under contract until 2027, but in recent weeks he has attracted interest from Arsenal, who are reportedly looking to take advantage of the current deadlock in negotiations over a new deal.

Vinícius rejoined the squad on Monday after representing Brazil at the FIFA World Cup.

Since joining Real Madrid, the forward has made 375 appearances in all competitions, scoring 128 goals.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as Newcastle United’s first-team head coach.” The Magpies confirmed the news on social media, with the former RB Salzburg and Al-Ahli manager taking over from Eddie Howe, who stepped down in recent days.

“It is an incredible honor to become Newcastle United’s head coach. This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and fan base. I am excited to experience that passion and connection firsthand,” Jaissle said.

“I have followed the club’s journey closely over the past few years, and the progress it has made is clear for everyone to see. I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully believe in this project, the club’s ambition and the direction it is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an outstanding platform on which to build,” the German coach added.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews