MARSEILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure as Olympique Marseille coach has ended: as announced overnight by the French club, it is official that he has parted ways “by mutual agreement” with the 46-year-old Italian coach, who arrived in France in the summer of 2024.

“Following consultations involving all key figures in the club’s management – owner, president, sporting director, and coach – it has been decided to opt for a change in leadership of the first team,” the OM statement reads. “This collective decision, although difficult, was made after careful consideration, in the best interests of the club, in order to face the sporting challenges at the end of the season.” De Zerbi is suffering from elimination from the group stage of the Champions League and the heavy defeat suffered on Sunday against PSG, 5-0 at the Parc des Princes. Marseille is currently fourth in Ligue 1, with 39 points after 21 matches.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Acciona and Moeve have secured land in Morocco to begin feasibility studies for their respective green hydrogen projects, marking an operational step in the preliminary investment phase. According to the Yabiladi website, the initiative is part of the “Morocco Offer” for the development of green hydrogen, launched by the Moroccan government to attract major industrial investments along the entire value chain—from renewables to the production of hydrogen and its derivatives. The plan includes public allocations and accompanying instruments totaling over 319 billion dirhams (approximately €30 billion), intended to support energy infrastructure, land access, connections, and permits.

Acciona and Moeve are among the international groups preselected by the Moroccan authorities to develop large-scale projects, particularly in the green ammonia segment, intended for both the domestic market and exports to Europe. In addition to the two Spanish groups, the Moroccan government has selected six other international operators and consortia, including: Nareva, active in green ammonia, synthetic fuels, and green steel; ACWA Power, engaged in green steel projects; the ORNX (Ortus-Acciona-Nordex) consortium, focused on green ammonia; a consortium led by Moeve with regional energy partners; and a European-Asian consortium including UEG and China Three Gorges, focused on ammonia production.

The availability of the land now allows the operators to proceed with the technical, environmental, and financial analyses, which are crucial for assessing the projects’ bankability before moving to the industrial investment phase. With this strategy, Morocco aims to consolidate its position as an energy hub between Africa and Europe, leveraging competitive renewable resources, macroeconomic stability, and geographic proximity to European markets, amid growing demand for hydrogen and low-emission energy sources.

– photo Yabiladi –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The recent meeting on the Western Sahara issue, held in Madrid on February 8 and 9 in a restricted and confidential format, marks a new phase in the political process promoted by the United Nations with strong US support. Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front participated in the meeting, in the presence of US and UN representatives. The discussions took place at the US diplomatic headquarters in the Spanish capital, under the coordination of US Envoy for Africa Massad Boulos, and with the participation of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.

No official statement was released following the meeting, but consistent sources speak of a substantive and results-oriented discussion. One of the most notable elements is the direct participation of Algeria, which agreed to sit at the table alongside the other parties. This is unprecedented in recent years, interpreted by several observers as a sign of flexibility in the face of American diplomatic pressure. Algeria had refused to resume its participation in the Geneva round tables and did not participate in the vote on Resolution 2797 of October 31, 2025, as a UN Security Council member. According to multiple sources, the four parties accepted a roadmap proposed by the United States, which will serve as the framework for the upcoming negotiations.

The document fits within the parameters established by the UN Security Council and favors a realistic and pragmatic political solution. In this context, the new text of the autonomy plan presented by Morocco emerges as the central basis for the technical discussions. The discussions focused on concrete aspects related to local governance, institutional capacity, and political guarantees, overcoming approaches that the international community no longer considers realistic. The parties also agreed to establish a technical committee of experts, tasked with examining the modalities for implementing autonomy. A new round of negotiations is planned in the coming months in Washington, with the aim of moving toward a framework political agreement.

However, some sensitive issues remain unresolved. The Polisario Front continues to defend its interpretation of the principle of self-determination, while Algeria maintains a cautious stance. The future of the MINURSO mission, which will be the subject of the UN Secretary General’s next report, is also yet to be determined. According to observers, the Madrid meeting marks a concrete reactivation of the political process on Western Sahara. Under US pressure, the issue is returning to the center of the international diplomatic agenda, with the aim of overcoming years of stalemate and bringing the parties closer to a lasting solution.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s government has begun proceedings to review and revoke a national honour awarded to former UK minister Peter Mandelson following fresh allegations about his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

An Office of the Prime Minister spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the process concerning Mandelson’s membership in the National Order of Merit is under way.

The move comes after recently released documents reportedly suggested that Epstein made payments to Lord Mandelson and received confidential information from him during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade secretary.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Amid mounting global uncertainty, people in Malta are placing strong trust in the European Union as a source of protection, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.

The poll shows 81% of Maltese respondents believe the EU’s role in shielding citizens from crises and security threats should grow in importance, well above the EU average of 66%.

Conducted in November during renewed tensions linked to the war in Ukraine and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the survey highlights a striking optimism among Maltese toward the EU’s future. Some 70% said they feel optimistic about the EU, compared with 65% for Malta’s own future.

By contrast, only 45% expressed optimism about the future of the world, while 52% said they felt pessimistic.

Asked about priorities to strengthen the EU’s global standing, 32% of Maltese cited defence and security, 30% education and research, and 24% climate action.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – Strike over. The protest that brought Arab football to a standstill, and specifically Al Nassr, has ended, according to the website of Portuguese newspaper “A Bola.”

CR7, who missed the previous two matches, has returned to training with the group. He will not play tomorrow in the AFC Champions League 2 (in Turkmenistan against Arkadag), but will return to action on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League, away to Al Fateh.

According to the Portuguese portal, the former Juventus player protested alleged unequal treatment by the Public Investment Fund (FIP) in the management of the country’s top clubs, but also, as captain and locker room leader, the delay in paying the salaries of several employees and collaborators of the Saudi club.

Al Nassr has reportedly met CR7’s demands, regularizing payments due to employees, and has also reinstated managers José Semedo and Simão Coutinho, who were sidelined at the end of December.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – He left Manchester City to play consistently and earn a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The idea worked for a few months, but Jack Grealish’s dream is already over. The English winger, currently on loan at Everton, underwent surgery on his left foot for a stress fracture that will require months of recovery. The disappointment is immense, and Grealish himself hasn’t hidden his emotions.

“I didn’t want the season to end like this, but football is like this and I’m devastated,” said the 30-year-old from his hospital bed. “Now I have to focus on my recovery and I know for sure that I will come back fitter and stronger than before. The support I’ve received since arriving at this incredible club has meant the world to me. The staff, my teammates and especially the fans have been incredible and it’s an honor for me to represent this club. I will support the boys to the hilt and do everything I can to get back as soon as possible. Your support means a lot to me,” Grealish said.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Only 22% of Maltese respondents believe the United States is generally heading in the right direction, highlighting lingering scepticism towards U.S. leadership and former President Donald Trump’s influence abroad, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey published this week.

The poll, based on interviews with 500 Maltese residents and carrying a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points, reveals that 48% think the U.S. is moving in the wrong direction, while 30%declined to offer an opinion.

Despite the overall negative perception, the study shows a modest uptick in positive views since May, with the share of those who feel the U.S. is on the right track rising by eight percentage points. The proportion of undecided respondents also dropped by nine points.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Adidas today unveiled the Official Match Ball for the UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest, a design that brings the spirit of the host city to the world’s biggest football stage. Drawing inspiration from Budapest’s identity as “Buda and Pest – A Tale of Two Cities,” the ball reflects the contrast and harmony that resonates in the Hungarian capital. Historic architecture meets vibrant nightlife, classic elegance meets contemporary energy, all translated into a striking visual language created for football’s biggest night. At the heart of the design is a rich metallic purple base, embellished with a chameleon-like pigment finish that subtly changes hue depending on the light, angle, and movement. Against a white background, the iconic star panels remain crisp and bold, while the space between the stars features a layered purple block enhanced with dynamic graphic details.

The graphic system is inspired by liquid forms and Budapest’s distinctive Art Nouveau tradition, enriched by cross-cultural and regional influences that have shaped the city’s architecture and decorative arts. A vibrant color palette reflects Budapest’s artistic heritage through a contemporary lens, while fluid textures and luminous accents recall its rivers, bridges, and streets lit up after dark. Celebrating local symbolism, Budapest’s iconic lion and dragon motifs are integrated into the panel graphics, standing as a symbol of strength, pride, and protection over the city. Completing the design, the adidas and UEFA Champions League logos appear in bright yellow, offering a sharp contrast and ensuring exceptional visibility on the pitch. Beyond aesthetics, the ball meets the highest standards of elite performance. Featuring adidas’ proven seamless, heat-sealed construction, the Official Match Ball delivers exceptional precision, consistency, and control, engineered for the speed, accuracy, and intensity of UEFA Champions League football. The Official Match Ball of the UEFA Champions League Final Budapest 2026 will make its debut during the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In a world moving beyond its old international order, defined by open conflicts, regional tensions, and rising instability, the Olympic Games remain a powerful reminder of a fundamental truth: even in the toughest times, there is a space where engagement does not turn into confrontation.

Kamel Ghribi, President of ECAM – the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East – spoke on the enduring significance of the Olympics amid wars, unrest, and protests that risk overshadowing their deeper meaning.

“The Olympics,” Ghribi said, “are not isolated from reality. They are a moment that must be protected precisely because they exist within the complex context of our times. Sport does not stop conflicts, but it reminds us that there is a place where rules matter more than force, respect prevails over domination, and competition can unfold without hatred.”
He emphasized that tensions and protests accompanying major international events should not be used to weaken their meaning.

Instead, they should serve as an extra reason to safeguard their original spirit. “The Olympic spirit,” he continued, “is not naïveté, but awareness. It demonstrates that even when diplomacy falters and everything seems blocked or lost, channels of communication between states and peoples can remain open.”

In an era when international dialogue appears increasingly fragile, the Olympics offer both a symbolic and practical arena for concord: a universal language that continues to resonate where politics often struggles to reach.

“The Olympics,” Ghribi concluded, “remind us that harmony can remain a shared value. And that peace, even before becoming an agreement between nations, always begins in a place where dialogue is still possible.”

– Photo ECAM Press Office –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews