SÃO PAULO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – “I’m not thinking about retiring, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep playing. I have a contract with Santos until December, and I intend to honor it and wear the Santos jersey in the best way possible. After that, I’ll decide whether to stay at Santos, leave, retire, or continue playing.” Neymar has yet to make up his mind about his future. After saying goodbye to the Brazilian national team following the disappointment of the World Cup, the Brazilian star has also left open the possibility of retiring in 2027.

“I really don’t know what I’ll do,” the 34-year-old forward, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, said upon arriving at the Neymar Jr. Institute charity auction. “There’s still a long way to go until December, so we’ll take it one step at a time, match by match. I feel good physically, and that’s what matters.”

Neymar could return to action in Belém against Remo in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil Round of 16, after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Civil Protection Department (CPD) has deployed 40 firefighters to Portugal for the month of August to assist in tackling the country’s ongoing wildfire crisis.

The firefighters, divided into two teams, are participating in an international mission under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates emergency assistance among member states during natural disasters.

The deployment follows a similar mission last year, when Malta also sent 40 firefighters to Portugal.

Working alongside Portuguese crews, the Maltese teams will help strengthen operational capacity and support wildfire suppression and containment efforts.

The government said the mission reflects Malta’s continued commitment to regional cooperation, noting that CPD personnel have also supported emergency operations in Greece, Turkey and Libya in recent years.

It stressed that the overseas deployment will not affect emergency response capabilities in Malta, with the CPD maintaining operational readiness through its network of ten fire stations and two maritime units.

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield said Malta’s participation demonstrates the confidence other countries place in the CPD’s expertise and highlights the country’s commitment to solidarity within the European Union.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea have continued their squad rebuild with a focus on experienced players. Following the signing of Danny Welbeck (35) from Brighton, the Blues, managed by Xabi Alonso, have secured the services of Jordan Henderson.

The former Liverpool and Ajax midfielder will add valuable experience to a Chelsea squad whose average age, at under 24, is the youngest in the Premier League.

Henderson, 36, has signed a contract with the Blues that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Last season, he made 32 Premier League appearances for Brentford before being selected by Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played only a few minutes in England’s match against Panama.

After the tournament, Henderson underwent surgery on his left arm following an injury sustained during the celebrations after England’s 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Hansi Flick has provided an update on Barcelona’s transfer plans, suggesting that the club is still working on strengthening its attacking options following the team’s training camp at St George’s Park in England.

The German coach explained that the arrival of a new forward will depend on several factors, while avoiding speculation over specific targets.

“It depends on the squad. We have to wait. I have complete trust in Deco. We know we need to do something. It also depends on Ferran. We’ll see what happens,” Flick said.

During his media briefing, Flick also discussed a range of other topics, including possible tactical adjustments, the fitness of several players, and the young talents who impressed during Barcelona’s pre-season campaign.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced that Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, has signed a new contract that will keep him in charge through 2030.

“Working with the United States over the past two years has been a very positive experience. It is clear to everyone that there is enormous potential to make the national team even stronger,” said Pochettino, who took over as head coach in 2024.

“The passion of the fans we experienced throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. I am excited about the opportunity to bring all of my experience and knowledge to other areas of U.S. Soccer,” the Argentine coach added.

According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, Pochettino’s coaching staff will also play an increasingly significant role across the organization’s various technical departments.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The wave of irregular entries recorded in Ceuta in recent days was reportedly preceded by an intense social media campaign. This was reported by the Spanish newspaper La Razón, citing an intelligence report prepared by Spanish Security, Intelligence, and International Terrorism analyst Chema Gil at the request of several Spanish institutions.

According to the newspaper, the campaign began in early July and attracted over 11 million views on major digital platforms. According to La Razón, the content was distributed primarily by accounts located in Algeria, but also in Tunisia, France, and other countries. The newspaper claims that these messages provided logistical information on how to reach Ceuta, thus fueling migratory pressure toward the Spanish enclave.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The clash between UEFA on one side and Gianni Infantino and FIFA on the other could end up in court. This is reported by The Telegraph.

According to the renowned British newspaper’s website, UEFA has threatened legal action regarding the subsequently abandoned “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) project, through which Infantino and FIFA intended to open up certain commercial activities—including the management of the World Cup—to private investors.

Furthermore, UEFA reportedly “ordered” FIFA to preserve all documents and electronic data related to the matter to rule out any risk of important evidence being destroyed or altered. Any concealment of documents could be equated to the destruction of evidence.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta-Sicily Interconnector 2 (IC2) project has reached another key milestone with the delivery, transportation and installation of major electrical equipment in both Malta and Sicily, marking further progress towards completion of the strategic energy link.

Operations in Sicily began on 16 July with the unloading of a 240MVAr shunt reactor at Pozzallo Port. The unit was subsequently transported overnight to the Ragusa project site, where it was positioned on its permanent foundation using specialised heavy-lift equipment.

In Malta, the unloading and transportation of a 120MVAr shunt reactor and associated equipment have also been completed. The project’s 250MVA auto transformer has been delivered to the site, with installation works on both units continuing this week.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli described the development as another significant milestone in the delivery of the project, saying the successful installation of the equipment paves the way for the next phase of works.

She said the second interconnector represents a strategic national investment that will strengthen Malta’s security of electricity supply, improve the resilience of the national grid, support the integration of renewable energy sources and contribute to the country’s long-term sustainability goals.

Interconnect Malta Chief Executive Noel Darmanin said the operation involved transporting and installing exceptionally large and heavy electrical assets, requiring extensive planning and close coordination between specialised transport contractors, engineers, port authorities and other stakeholders.

The €300 million project consists of a new 122-kilometre, 245kV, 225MW electricity cable linking Magħtab in Malta with Ragusa in Sicily. The interconnector, which will run parallel to the existing link commissioned in 2015, has secured €261 million in European Regional Development Fund financing under the 2021-2027 programme and has been designated an Operation of Strategic Importance.

Once commissioned, the second interconnector will double Malta’s connection capacity to the European electricity grid, enhance energy security and help cut carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 13.5 million tonnes through greater integration of renewable energy sources.

– photo Interconnect Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “The Football Association of Wales supports UEFA’s position regarding a robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance.” This was the statement issued by the Football Association of Wales on Saturday. “FIFA and its members are the custodians of football, responsible for its long-term growth, development, and sustainability. This requires leadership that puts our game first in all decisions,” the Saturday statement continued.

However, a much tougher stance emerged today, as reported by The Guardian: “The Football Association of Wales is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027–2031 term. Recent failures regarding good governance, leadership, values, management, communication, and common sense have led us to a situation where Infantino has lost the FAW’s confidence to remain at the helm of world football. Failing to put the interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” today’s statement read.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea has announced “the signing of Argentine international Valentin Barco from Strasbourg,” according to a statement. The versatile midfielder has signed a contract running until 2033 and will join manager Xabi Alonso and his new teammates during pre-season preparations.

Barco, 21, began his career with Boca Juniors in Argentina. He made his professional debut at 16 after rising through the youth ranks and won numerous titles before moving to England in 2024 to join Brighton. During his time on the Sussex coast, he played on loan at Sevilla and Strasbourg, eventually making a permanent move to the latter club following a 2024/25 season in which he truly established himself, helping Strasbourg qualify for European competition. Barco scored 12 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions last season, and his club performances earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup. He currently has five international caps. “Welcome to Chelsea, Valentin. We look forward to having you with us!” the statement concludes.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews