PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “The Ballon d’Or rankings? I have no opinion on them. I’m just glad it’s over.”

Luis Enrique tried to sidestep the issue with that remark on the eve of Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Le Havre.

On Monday, the France Football award went to Harry Kane, and no PSG player — despite the club having 10 nominees among the 30 candidates — made it onto the podium, even though the team had won the Champions League for the second consecutive year.

However, when asked about Vitinha and his development, the Spanish coach admitted that “he didn’t deserve that position in the Ballon d’Or rankings” — referring to the midfielder’s 14th-place finish.

“What Vitinha brings to the team is something completely different. It’s a real pleasure to have a player with such physical abilities and such a mentality. He is still looking to improve, and his level is incredible.”

Luis Enrique also missed out on the award for Best Coach, losing to fellow Spaniard Luis de la Fuente, although many still regard him as the number one coach.

“I know this is a very positive period for me, the team and the club. But in the past, we have also experienced difficult situations, and you can hear less pleasant comments.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time. The Portuguese superstar has won the “BOAT” — the “Ballon d’Or of All Time” — an award created by UEFA and France Football to determine the best Ballon d’Or-winning performance in history.

The winner, chosen through a voting process limited to players who have won the award more than once, was the 2008 version of Cristiano Ronaldo, the year he secured the first of his five Ballons d’Or while playing for Manchester United.

Lionel Messi’s 2012 performance took second place, followed by CR7 again with his 2017 win. Messi and Ronaldo dominated the top 12 spots, with the “original” Ronaldo (the 2002 Ballon d’Or winner) breaking the streak by placing 13th.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A reception center for irregular migrants located east of Tripoli, in the Tajoura area, has repatriated 113 Somali nationals. According to a statement released by the center on Facebook, the operation was carried out via Mitiga International Airport following the completion of legal and administrative procedures, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This measure is part of the center’s ongoing efforts to implement expulsion plans in accordance with current laws and regulations, strengthen the rule of law, and curb irregular immigration, in coordination with the relevant authorities. The center further indicated that repatriation operations will continue in the coming days.

-File photo: IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Having been dismissed by Turkey earlier this month following a disappointing World Cup and a disastrous start to the Nations League, Vincenzo Montella could soon be back in action. According to “Fanatik,” the 52-year-old Italian coach is a candidate for the Fenerbahce managerial post, following the club’s acceptance of Kartal’s resignation yesterday and the appointment of Dirk Kuyt on an interim basis.

Montella has been working in Turkey since 2021—having coached Adana before taking charge of the national team—and has reportedly signaled his availability to Fenerbahce.

The sticking point concerns the length of the contract: the club has offered a deal running until the end of the season, whereas the former national team manager would prefer an agreement that extends beyond June.

Other options under consideration by the Fenerbahce board include Domenico Tedesco, who was dismissed by Bologna in September and previously managed the Istanbul side last season.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Ahead of tonight’s final match, the draw for the English League Cup quarter-finals has taken place.

Manchester City, who advanced on penalties against Brighton, have been drawn against Bradford, a side competing in League One.

Liverpool were less fortunate and will host Bournemouth at Anfield, while Crystal Palace will face Sunderland at Selhurst Park.

The surprise package, fourth-tier side Fleetwood Town—who managed to eliminate Arsenal—will play at home against either Everton or Newcastle, who face each other tonight at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. y

The League Cup quarter-finals will be played between December 15 and 17.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has backed in principle a new European Union mission to strengthen Lebanon’s security forces but has yet to decide whether to participate.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said a decision would depend on further assessment, including Malta’s constitutional neutrality obligations and available resources.

EU foreign ministers agreed on 11 October to establish the EU Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon), initially for three years. However, further discussions within the EU Foreign Affairs Council and operational planning are required before deployment.

The Ministry described the initiative as a peace effort focused on defensive training and non-lethal assistance.

The mission will have military and civilian components operating under a unified political mandate.

The military pillar will advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces, focusing on border and maritime security, surveillance, intelligence, counter-smuggling and operational coordination.

The civilian component will support Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces through specialised training and advice, including in cybercrime and anti-smuggling operations. It will also help strengthen port security governance, including at the Port of Beirut.

Malta has previous experience in Lebanon through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where a 10-member Armed Forces of Malta contingent served alongside Irish and Polish troops for several years.

UNIFIL is due to wind down by the end of this year following the expiry of its mandate.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new mission reflected the bloc’s continued commitment to Lebanon’s future.

“With this new mission—a major update of our security ties—we continue to support the country’s institutions in restoring full sovereignty and building lasting stability for the Lebanese people,” she said.

No timeline has been announced for Malta’s decision on participation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The dismissal that everyone expected following the defeats against Como (1-4 at the Sinigaglia in the Champions League) and Bournemouth (0-3 at home in the Premier League) has not materialized. Manchester United has decided to maintain its faith in Michael Carrick ahead of the upcoming matches against Chelsea and Roma. These two games could prove decisive for the manager’s future; in the meantime, according to BBC Sport, he held a clarifying meeting with Bruno Fernandes yesterday.

The Red Devils’ captain had criticized the manager’s tactical decisions following the match against Como and was subsequently left on the bench against Bournemouth. Now, following the apparent reconciliation with the manager, he is expected to return to the starting lineup for the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Along with the club, the fans also stand behind Carrick, choosing instead to direct their criticism toward the players. Regardless, the club is keeping its options open should a dismissal become necessary, with the BBC noting that Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the primary candidates being considered.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, has called for the formation of an international coalition to confront the Houthi terrorist militia, modeled after the global coalition against ISIS. She made this proposal in an article published in The New York Times, titled “There Is No Limit to What the Houthis Might Do.”

According to the diplomat, the militia poses a threat to regional security, global trade, and energy markets. Reema bint Bandar noted that since March 2016, the Houthis have launched more than a thousand ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia.

Attacks on the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure have contributed to driving the price of oil above $100 per barrel. The ambassador further pointed out that the group’s leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has spent two decades building a terrorist network with the support of Iran.

He remains in hiding in the mountains, communicating with his followers solely through videos. He has violated every peace agreement signed by the Houthis, using periods of truce to rearm in preparation for further attacks.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has paid a heavy price for his team’s elimination from the Copa del Rey. Late last night, shortly after a defeat away to Sestao River—a side competing in the Segunda RFEF, the fourth tier of Spanish football—the Barcelona-based club officially announced the dismissal of the Galician coach.

The Catalan club noted that, “over the course of more than three seasons and 107 official matches, he left a significant mark, both on the pitch and in the day-to-day management of the squad.”

Things have also been difficult in the league, with Espanyol currently sitting third from the bottom, having earned just 8 points from 10 matches; however, the cup exit—a defeat in extra time—was clearly the final straw. On the day of the club’s 126th anniversary, and according to reports from ‘Mundo Deportivo’, Espanyol has appointed Sergio García—the current B-team coach—as interim manager.

García oversaw today’s training session and will lead the team in their upcoming away match against Villarreal. A former professional player, the 43-year-old García made over 200 appearances for Espanyol during his playing career.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS) – Tunisia’s Assembly of the Representatives of the People has approved a draft law to legalise unauthorised agricultural wells, with 79 votes in favour, seven against and 10 abstentions.

The proposal aims to regulate the exploitation of groundwater resources, strengthen oversight of water extraction and support farmers.

It also seeks to enable farmers to access bank financing and investment incentives, helping ensure the continuity of agricultural activities and promote the development of production systems.

– Photo: Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews