NYON (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – European club football’s revenues are poised to surpass the €30 billion mark for the first time – but increased costs mean record finances do not automatically translate to profitability.

These are two of the headlines from the latest edition of the UEFA European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report, which anticipates that 2025 revenues will exceed 2024’s record-breaking €28.6 billion, continuing a decade-long trend of financial growth across the game.

The report explores the key trends of an industry that continues to grow; examining how clubs are adapting, where new opportunities are emerging, and what challenges lie ahead as the game continues to grow on an increasingly global stage.

Since 2015, European club football revenues have risen by more than €13 billion, driven by increased rewards from UEFA competitions, broadcast rights, commercial partnerships and gate receipts. Over the same period, transfer earnings have grown 211%, underlining the sport’s continued global reach and commercial appeal.

“This edition of the UEFA European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report is quite special. Not only does it give a clear picture of current European club football finances, but it also takes a step back to reflect on how the game has developed over the last ten years,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. “What the report shows is encouraging. After a decade that included one of the toughest periods our sport and society have faced, European football has come through in a strong position.

“Despite the noise, despite the pressure, despite the doubts of some, European football’s future remains bright. The decade ahead will bring new pressures, but also real opportunities. With good insights, such as those provided by this report, European football can prepare more effectively – and work together to support a healthy, successful future.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has outlined Malta’s diplomatic priorities for the year ahead during the annual meeting with the country’s Overseas Ambassadors.

Addressing the gathering, Abela said the yearly appointment serves to establish a clear diplomatic agenda while reflecting on the previous year’s achievements on the international stage.

He noted that an important cycle in Malta’s overseas policy concluded last year, particularly within the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.

The Prime Minister described this year as an opportunity to reassess how Malta’s foreign service can continue working in the national interest under the theme “Niżguraw l-Iskop Tagħna” (We Assure Our Scope).

He linked diplomatic efforts to Viżjoni Malta (Vision Malta) 2050, stressing that ambassadors are essential to achieving the long-term national vision, particularly in the pillars of commerce and tourism.

For the first time, Honorary Consuls joined the meeting, tasked with conveying the message that Malta remains open to global collaboration and determined to seize opportunities in strategic sectors.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% stake in Almeria, a Spanish second division club currently ranked third in the league. The 41-year-old, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is beginning to expand his horizons beyond the pitch. The Portuguese’s investment, as stated in a statement, is being made through its subsidiary CR7 Sports Investments. This deal is part of the club’s international expansion, spearheaded by president Mohamed Al Khereiji through his corporate conglomerate, SMC Group.

“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” said Mohamed Al Khereiji, president of UD Almería. “He is considered the best player in history, he knows Spanish football very well, and he understands the potential of what we are building here, both in terms of the first team and the youth academy.”

For his part, Cristiano Ronaldo stated: “For a long time, my ambition has been to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a club with solid foundations and clear growth potential. I look forward to working alongside the management team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NYON (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Gianluca Prestianni will not play against Real Madrid. In an official statement, UEFA confirmed the one-match suspension for the Benfica player, following the incident during the first leg, when the Argentine was accused of hurling racist insults at Vinicius Jr. Following the decision, the Portuguese club appealed, which was officially rejected, also protesting the failure to sanction Valverde for slapping Dahl.

Prestianni, therefore, will not be present this evening in the Champions League play-off second leg, which will take place in a packed Bernabeu, ready to show its full support for Vinicius through anti-racism mosaics developed by organized fans. The match, following the 1-0 win in the first leg, promises to be particularly heated, both on and off the pitch. The Portuguese team will not have their former star, José Mourinho, on the bench. He is also suspended after his sending off in the first leg, which ended 1-0 for the Blancos.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RAGUSA (ITALPRESS) – The State Police in Ragusa have executed a European Arrest Warrant against a 51-year-old man from Ragusa, issued by the Maltese judicial authorities for drug trafficking and weapons possession offenses.

The Central Directorate of Criminal Police of the Department of Public Security alerted the Ragusa Mobile Squad to the possible presence in the Hyblaean area of the suspect, who was subject to the restrictive measure. Subsequent investigative activities led officers to locate the man in Ragusa after a period of residence in Malta, during which he allegedly committed the crimes in question.

The 51-year-old was taken to police headquarters for the required formal procedures and was later transferred to the local prison facility, where he is to serve a nine-year sentence.

– photo Italian Police –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – For the second leg of the Champions League play-offs between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Bernabeu Stadium, Merengues fans are ready to display, through mosaics created by organized groups, messages in support of the fight against racism.

“No to racism” and “respect,” according to Marca, were the words of support from Madrid fans for Vinicius Jr., who, during the first leg, was allegedly subjected to a racist insult by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who is accused of tagging him with the word “monkey.”

For the Bernabeu match, 4,000 fans are expected to be in the away section, with the match taking place in a packed stadium. The match is rated as “high risk,” a standard practice for every Champions League match in the Spanish capital.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Kylian Mbappé will miss the second leg of the playoffs against Benfica, scheduled for tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu (starting with the Blancos’ 1-0 victory in Lisbon).

The French striker has not been included in the squad due to a knee injury he has been struggling with for the past two to three months.

He will also miss Monday’s match against Getafe. In addition to Mbappè, Huijsen, Militao, Bellingham, Ceballos, and Rodrygo will also be missing.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese economy is expected to expand at a steady annual rate of 3.7% between 2026 and 2028, according to the Central Bank’s latest medium-term forecasts.

Real GDP growth prospects remain unchanged from previous estimates, with private consumption continuing to be the main driver of economic activity. Household spending is expected to remain solid, thanks in part to recent adjustments to income tax brackets. Net exports are also expected to be positive, particularly thanks to the services sector. Employment growth is expected to gradually slow, reaching 2.3% by 2028.

The unemployment rate is expected to decline to 2.8%. Inflation, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices, is expected to stand at 2.3% in 2026, then decline to 2.1% in 2027 and 2.0% in 2028. The decline is mainly attributed to lower services inflation. Core inflation is expected to decline to 1.9% by 2028. Public finances are also expected to improve.

The deficit-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline from 3.0% in 2025 to 2.0% by 2028. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to peak at 47.1% in 2026, then decline to 46.2% in 2028.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has announced additional humanitarian support for Ukraine, confirming it will fund the immediate deployment of three mobile crisis centres in Kyiv and Chernihiv.

The announcement was made as a silent procession in Valletta marked four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Ian Borg said the centres would operate around the clock in partnership with a specialised Ukrainian NGO and are expected to assist about 360 people daily.

The units will provide heated and secure spaces equipped with electricity and internet access, as well as hot drinks, phone charging facilities, child-friendly areas, first aid, hygiene services and protective equipment.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Mexico, following Sunday’s events, continues to prepare to host the World Cup. Alarm bells have been sounded from many quarters: the latest to ask for clarification were the leaders of the Bolivian Football Federation.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, stated that he is not concerned and that he has faith in Mexican institutions. “We are analyzing and monitoring the situation. We have full confidence in Mexico, in its president, Sheinbaum, and in the local authorities. We are convinced that everything will go as planned,” said the head of the world’s leading football organization, speaking from Barranquilla, Colombia, as reported by South American media.

Meanwhile, yesterday, Claudia Sheinbaum herself declared that “there are all guarantees and no risks” regarding the World Cup.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS9.

Source: medNews