VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta recorded its lowest crime rate on record in 2025, according to the latest annual report by the CrimeMalta Observatory. The report shows that 27 crimes were registered per 1,000 residents, continuing a downward trend from previous years and marking a sharp decline from 46 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2004. Overall, crime per capita has dropped by around 40% over the past two decades. A total of 15,594 criminal reports were filed in 2025, representing a 6% decrease compared to the previous year and significantly below earlier projections of 26,419 cases. Theft rates reached a 25-year low, with cases falling by 70%, while Gozo also recorded its lowest theft levels to date.

Authorities reported that all homicide cases were solved, maintaining a trend in place since 2018. Police also recorded their largest-ever drug seizures during the year. Despite population growth, strong economic activity and record tourism, Malta’s crime rate remains below the European average. The country ranked among the 12 safest globally for law and order and was named the safest in the Mediterranean, according to the latest World Justice Project report. However, the report highlighted a shift in crime patterns, with 34% of offences now classified as “internal crimes”, including fraud, money laundering and domestic violence.

– photo Malta Information Department –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TEHRAN (IRAN) (ITALPRESS) – Iran wants to play the World Cup, but not on US soil. This was reiterated by Mehdi Taj, president of the Tehran Football Federation. From the Bazargan border crossing, where he welcomed the women’s national team returning from Australia, Taj announced that the team is currently in training camp in Turkey and will play two friendlies ahead of the World Cup. “We boycott the United States, but we will not boycott the World Cup,” he said, as reported by the Iranian news agency Fars.

In recent days, Tehran had requested that FIFA move the Group G matches, where Iran will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico. Previously, US President Donald Trump had admitted that “it would not be appropriate” for Iran to participate in the tournament, “for their own lives and safety.” FIFA, however, does not appear willing to grant Team Melli’s request, both due to logistical issues that would impact the other three national teams in the group and because the tickets for the matches have already been sold. Mexico, for its part, through its president Claudia Sheinbaum, has left the matter to FIFA, assuring that it would have no problem hosting Iran’s matches.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It was a tough night yesterday for Galatasaray at Anfield. As if the 4-0 defeat that eliminated the Turks from the Champions League wasn’t enough, manager Okan Buruk must now deal with injuries to Noa Lang and Victor Osimhen.

The former PSV and Napoli player, a second-half substitute, crashed into the advertising boards at the end of the pitch in the 75th minute, suffering a deep cut to the thumb of his right hand. The club announced that surgery will be required in Liverpool in the next few hours.

Osimhen fared no better, coming off at halftime after a blow to the arm: tests the Nigerian striker underwent, according to a statement from Galatasaray, “revealed a fracture to the player’s right forearm, which has been immobilized in a cast. The decision regarding possible surgery will be made in the coming days after further evaluations.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MIAMI (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi, at 38, scored his 900th career goal, but it was a bitter night for the Argentine champion, with Inter Miami eliminated in the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. At Chase Stadium, the game finished 1-1 against Nashville, who, thanks to the 0-0 first leg, advanced to the next round.

Messi did his part, breaking the deadlock after seven minutes: Reguilon played the ball into the middle, the Argentine controlled the ball in the box and crossed with his left foot, beating the opposing goalkeeper. Mascherano’s team dominated but failed to double their lead. In the second half, Nashville grew in strength and, in the 74th minute, with a bit of luck, Espinoza equalized, securing their advancement, since the away goals rule still applies in Concacaf competitions.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Five EU member states, including Malta and Italy, have called on the European Commission to activate the bloc’s civil protection mechanism over the drifting Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz.

In a joint letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders of Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus warned the vessel poses an “imminent and serious risk” of a major ecological disaster.

They cited the tanker’s damaged condition and hazardous cargo as key concerns, urging a coordinated EU-level response to mobilise resources quickly.

“The precarious condition of the vessel… gives rise to an imminent and serious risk,” the leaders wrote, stressing the need for rapid intervention and coordination through EU agencies, including the European Maritime Safety Agency.

The tanker, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, was hit earlier this month in a suspected Ukrainian drone attack, causing an explosion and fire. Though the crew survived, the vessel remains abandoned and continues drifting, now closer to Libya, still carrying liquefied natural gas and fuel.

The countries also warned of complications linked to international sanctions, noting that while EU rules allow exemptions for safety and environmental protection, other jurisdictions may not.

The letter, initiated by Malta, highlighted broader risks posed by vessels operating outside international standards, warning of threats to maritime safety and the environment across the Mediterranean.

Leaders said the issue would be raised at the upcoming European Council, pledging to work towards a “swift, European-led resolution.”

-Photo: Transport Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – “The future of the head coach is not important. What matters is the World Cup. The World Cup cannot wait, the coach’s future can, and it can be discussed after the tournament. The president and I are aligned; the focus is the World Cup.” Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s head coach, is open to renewing his contract, which expires at the end of the World Cup, but has postponed any discussion until after the tournament.

“It’s not a taboo subject, but right now we are focused on doing everything possible to prepare our national team for the World Cup. That is the focus,” Martinez insisted, showing no concern that Cristiano Ronaldo might be influenced by the pursuit of his 1,000th goal.

“There have been matches where Cristiano was in front of goal and looked to his teammates. A striker is not only there to score goals, but to make the right decisions inside the box. Assists are more important than goals. We are talking about a striker who has scored 25 goals in 30 matches, but I value his behavior inside the penalty area much more. And Cristiano does not have the obsession people talk about externally—at least not with the national team,” the Spanish coach assured.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government has tabled amendments to strengthen ethical standards and transparency obligations for Members of Parliament, including broader asset declarations and a new register of interests. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard presented the proposals to the Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life, describing them as an update to reflect present-day expectations and raise standards in public office. The reforms would revise the parliamentary code of ethics, requiring MPs to uphold the “status and dignity” of the House both inside and outside parliament, including during public and political engagements. A set of guiding principles, such as acting in the common good, maintaining honesty and transparency, and using public resources responsibly, will be formally introduced. MPs would also be required to respect parliamentary institutions and avoid abusing their powers. Under the proposals, all MPs must submit annual asset declarations by March to a public register held by the Speaker. Disclosures would include property, investments, bank deposits, virtual currencies, loans, income and intangible assets such as patents. Newly elected MPs would have one month to comply. Any conflict tied to legislation must be declared in parliament before a vote at second reading.

The revised code would ban MPs from accepting gifts from parties with an interest in legislation and oblige them to report attempts at undue influence. Separate provisions would require ministers and parliamentary secretaries to declare conflicts of interest to the Cabinet Secretary. The government said the reforms incorporate recommendations from international and local bodies, including the OECD.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

GLASGOW (SCOTLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Kasper Schmeichel, the 39-year-old Celtic goalkeeper, suffered a serious shoulder injury, which will require him to undergo two surgeries. According to BBC Sports, the Danish international has torn his biceps, his rotator cuff, dislocated his shoulder, and torn his glenoid labrum. His recovery time could last more than a year, when he will already be 40. Furthermore, his contract with the Scottish club will expire at the end of the season, leaving him a free agent.

“It could have been my last game,” Schmeichel told CBS Sports Golazo, referring to the league loss against Hibernian on February 22, but vowed to “do everything I can to be back. I’ll try everything I can. It would probably be one of the greatest feats of my career.” “Football means everything to me. It’s been my whole life, it’s been my whole identity,” concluded the 2016 English champion with Ranieri’s Leicester.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A bittersweet ending for Arne Slot. The Dutch manager, after winning the Premier League last season, failed to live up to expectations. The draw against Tottenham in the last match was the final straw, with the Reds fifth, 21 points behind top-seeded Arsenal, and battling to secure a place in the Champions League. According to Teamtalk, Arne Slot will leave at the end of the season, and Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to replace him. However, it is not out of the question that, following a possible elimination from the Champions League against Galatasaray, the Dutch manager could be relieved of his duties and replaced by a “ferryman” until the end of the season.

– photo IPA Agency –

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Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Gimenez is injured, Fulkrugg and Nkunku are below expectations. These factors have prompted AC Milan to re-examine the transfer market for a quality striker, absent since Giroud’s departure. The Rossoneri’s eyes are now on Troy Parrott, the AZ Alkmaar and Irish national team striker, whose goal secured a spot in the World Cup in the United States.

Thirty-nine goals in 44 appearances this season have made Parrott a hot topic of conversation across Europe; according to the Independent, the Irishman has already attracted interest from Fulham, Real Betis, and Wolfsburg. For his part, the 24-year-old striker is keen to make a step up in quality, and his price tag is estimated at around 25 million pounds (approximately €29 million).

AC Milan’s interest stems not only from their need for a quality striker, but also from Parrott’s versatility, which allows him to play a variety of roles in the attacking midfield. The 2002-born player would only consider a return to the Premier League with a top-10 team, and currently, the Independent notes, he sees the Bundesliga as his ideal destination.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews