MEXICO CITY (MEXICO) (ITALPRESS) – “There are all the guarantees and no risks,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, regarding the doubts that have arisen over the regular holding of the World Cup following the recent events in the Central American country.

The state of alert, issued on Sunday, February 22, following the killing of “El Mencho,” one of the most bloodthirsty drug traffickers in the country’s history, has affected 20 Mexican states, including Guadalajara and Jalisco, host cities for the playoffs and several World Cup matches.

According to ESPN, FIFA has requested a report from its office in Mexico regarding the events in the country to learn the details and circumstances of the case. The international federation’s Mexican headquarters has therefore forwarded all documents regarding the current situation to its headquarters in Zurich to determine the next steps.

So far, there have been no changes in the world football landscape, which sees Mexico both as the host of the intercontinental play-offs that will take place in March, and as the host country of thirteen World Cup matches divided between the cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City, where the opening match between the hosts and South Africa will take place.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – These are days of great tension in the world of Argentine football. The AFA, the Argentine Football Federation, has been investigated by the Argentine Revenue Agency (ARCA), following a complaint from the latter. The federation is accused of having outstanding debts regarding some alleged unpaid tax obligations. Through its official channels, the AFA issued a statement stating that “it has no outstanding debts regarding the tax obligations that were used as the basis for the complaint filed by the ARCA.”

Finally, the statement announced that the ninth matchday of the national championship, and of the remaining categories, which was scheduled to take place between March 5th and 8th, will be officially suspended, following the unanimous request of all those present at the meeting of the Professional League’s Executive Committee.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – “Our club could never have racist players on the team,” said Benfica president Rui Costa in an interview at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, shortly before the Portuguese club’s departure for Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League play-offs.

These comments came after a first-leg match in which Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racist insults towards Vinicius Jr. “We have filed an appeal because nothing has been proven yet,” the Portuguese said, as reported by Record, “but this does not justify the player’s absence from this match. We also expected UEFA to examine the other incident at Da Luz, the one involving Valverde, who should have been excluded from this match for attacking one of our players.”

Among the many questions regarding last week’s match, he was also asked whether, in his opinion, Vinicius had lied, with the former player further defending the Argentine, “I believe my player, he is labeled a racist, but I can guarantee that he is not.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – These are difficult days for Achraf Hakimi. The PSG player has been sent to trial following a rape accusation made against him dating back to February 2023. The Moroccan denies the accusations on social media, but will have to answer for them before the law. According to L’Equipe, after three years of investigation, the judge has decided to send the former Inter player to trial before the Departmental Criminal Court on rape charges. The young woman filed a complaint on February 25, 2023, describing having gone to the player’s home the previous evening, where she was sexually assaulted. For his part, Hakimi has always denied everything, maintaining that everything that happened between them was completely consensual. According to the evidence in the investigators’ possession, the victim had exchanged practically in real time, messages with a close friend, in which she recounted the entire incident. The player’s defense disputed these messages, both for the time they were written and for their content, as well as the victim’s alleged “physical and verbal” refusal to have sexual intercourse, based on two psychological assessments of the young woman.

The injured party appears relieved, with the victim’s lawyer stating that his client “welcomes with relief the indictment of Achraf Hakimi at the Departmental Criminal Court for rape” and concluding that “the indictment issued is perfectly consistent with the evidence contained in the case file and with the requests of the public prosecutor.” In counterargument, Fanny Colin, the player’s lawyer, defends the former Real Madrid player, stating that the trial is based solely on the accusation “of a woman who obstructed all investigations, who refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, who refused to allow the analysis of her cell phone, and who refused to provide the name of a key witness,” and stating further that the two psychological assessments “revealed both a lack of clarity regarding the events she reports and the absence of post-traumatic symptoms following the incident.” According to the lawyer, the alleged victim also “tried to hide from the judicial authorities several messages exchanged with one of his friends, who were planning to ‘rob’ Hakimi.

The Moroccan international also commented in a message on X, stating that “an accusation of rape is sufficient to justify a trial, even if I deny it and everything proves it to be false. It is unfair both for the innocent and for the sincere victims,” ​​the PSG player continued. “Now I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to emerge publicly.” PSG, for its part, did not touch on the topic, while Luis Enrique deflected the issue by saying that everything “is in the hands of justice.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “Vinicius? He must continue doing what he’s been doing. I’m treating him as always; he’s one of our leaders.” Speaking to Sky ahead of the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Benfica, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the media.

The first topic discussed was the Vinicius–Prestianni racism case following a heated week, the controversy, and the Argentine’s suspension: “UEFA has a great opportunity to shape the future on this issue. If it wants to continue fighting racism, no more words are needed.”

Referring to Real’s 1-0 away win, he added: “The key is to go out there and win — that’s our objective. There is no bigger mistake than stepping onto the pitch overconfident. It will be a spectacular Champions League night. Do the players come to talk to me when something isn’t right? I’ve taken something from every coach I’ve had. I always try to take the best from them, but also to be myself. I have a good relationship with my players and I always say what I think.”

Speaking about coaches, Arbeloa assured that his relationship with Jose Mourinho has not been affected after the first leg: “I’ve always had a good, friendly relationship with José. When you know each other well, you also understand the weight of words.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese political establishment has been rocked by explosive accusations leveled by Judge Wenzu Mintoff against Prime Minister Robert Abela.

In a five-page letter sent this week to all government ministers, Mintoff claims that Abela “cares more about money than about an independent judiciary” and describes a private WhatsApp message exchange between the two.

The document lists a series of allegations related to the “rigging” for the appointment of the new Chief Justice and reconstructs a tense meeting between the judge and the prime minister on February 11. T

he most serious allegations, however, concern an incident prior to Abela’s appointment as prime minister. Mintoff alleges that, when Abela was a criminal lawyer and Labour MP, he pressured court staff during proceedings related to the 2015 Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina tragedy, in which dozens of people were injured when a racing car ploughed into spectators at an event organized by the Office of the President.

Abela represented one of the victims in proceedings presided over by Mintoff. According to the judge, the then-lawyer pressured registry officials to increase the taxable value of the case in order to increase his fees by “thousands” of euros.

The letter concludes with a request that Abela abstain from any discussion regarding the appointment of the next Chief Justice.

With the affair now public, the allegations have reignited debate over the separation of powers in Malta and the integrity of the process for appointing top judicial officials, paving the way for what could become one of the most serious political clashes of Abela’s premiership.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government is proposing new rules that would require tourists to pay fines immediately if they break the law while visiting the country.

Interior Minister Byron Camilleri said the measure aims to ensure that visitors who commit offences do not leave Malta without settling penalties.

Under the proposal, tourists without a fixed residence in Malta would be required to pay fines on the spot where the offence occurs. The rules are expected to target issues such as littering and excessive noise.

“Visitors should enjoy Malta, but also show decency and respect,” Camilleri said, describing the measure as a deterrent against bad behaviour.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) welcomed the proposal, saying it supports stronger enforcement to protect communities and safeguard Malta’s reputation as a tourist destination.

The association stressed that while Malta remains a welcoming country, respect for its laws and residents is essential. Immediate fines, it said, would help maintain standards and discourage misconduct.

MHRA added it is prepared to work with the government to ensure the system is applied fairly and effectively.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Bolivia has announced the suspension of its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Republic. According to Map Express, the decision was announced in a statement issued following a telephone conversation on Monday between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Bolivian counterpart, Fernando Aramayo.

According to the statement, “the Plurinational State of Bolivia, acting in full compliance with Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and reaffirming its support for the political process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations, has undertaken a sovereign review of its foreign policy”.

Following this review, Bolivia decided to suspend diplomatic relations with the entity known as the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)” and to cease all official contact with it, noting that it is not recognized as a member state of the United Nations. The decision, the statement continues, is part of Bolivia’s desire to contribute constructively to international efforts aimed at reaching a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution, based on compromise, in accordance with the parameters established by the United Nations.

-Photo Map-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthening coordinated international action on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

During Monday’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg joined EU counterparts in discussions on intensifying pressure on Russia over its continued military attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

Marking four years since the start of the war, Malta stressed the need for sustained diplomatic collaboration between the European Union and global partners to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people.

“It is essential to maintain coordinated communication and enhanced international collaboration to protect Ukraine and to safeguard the unity and democratic resilience of the EU,” Dr Borg said. “When we work together, the EU carries far greater weight than any single member state acting alone.”

While expressing support for ongoing peace negotiations, Dr Borg underlined that diplomatic efforts must be reinforced through increased pressure on Russia, in line with international law.

He said the EU should explore further restrictive measures and expand engagement with a broader range of stakeholders to weaken Russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. This includes disrupting sanctions evasion networks, such as the so-called “shadow fleet”, without placing disproportionate burdens on member states and citizens.

Turning to the Middle East, Dr Borg called for de-escalation in the West Bank, warning that recent developments in land administration risk further instability and undermine prospects for a Two-State Solution.

He also addressed the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, noting that Hamas’ refusal to relinquish its weapons remains a major obstacle to reconstruction and increased humanitarian assistance.

Borg stressed the urgency of rebuilding basic infrastructure and essential services in Gaza to promote sustainable peace, stability and long-term social and economic resilience.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta remains one of Europe’s demographic outliers, combining a relatively young population with one of the slowest ageing rates in the European Union, according to new figures from Eurostat.

Data show Malta’s median age fell slightly from 40.4 years in 2015 to 40.0 years in 2025, making it — alongside Germany — the only EU country to register a decline.

Across the bloc, the median age rose from 42.8 to 44.9 years, underlining a wider continental shift towards older populations.

Median ages vary widely, from 39.6 years in Ireland to 49.1 years in Italy. The sharpest ageing since 2015 was recorded in Slovakia and Cyprus, both up four years.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews