RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Walid Regragui will not lead Morocco national football team at the next World Cup.

The defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal national football team in Rabat last January 18 is set to remain his final match in charge of the Atlas Lions, with the official announcement of the split expected by the end of the week.

The 50-year-old Moroccan coach was appointed in August 2022 and achieved a historic fourth-place finish a few months later at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the best-ever result by an African national team at a World Cup.

Mohamed Ouahbi, head coach of Morocco’s Under-20 world champion team last October, is expected to replace him, with Joao Sacramento and Youssouf Hadji serving as assistants.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United are prepared to make a significant financial effort to retain Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder, who turns 32 next September, is under contract until 2028 but will decide on his future at the end of the season, with lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia tempting him.

According to the Mirror, the club at Old Trafford would be willing to put a top-level financial offer on the table, reportedly around £400,000 per week — approximately €24 million gross per season.

However, while Fernandes is aware that this could be the final contract of his career, his decision is said to be more about ambition than money. The confirmation of Michael Carrick as head coach and qualification for next season’s Champions League will be decisive factors in convincing him to stay.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Iran’s retaliatory strikes have plunged Maltese nationals living in the Gulf into an unpredictable and tense situation, with airspace over the United Arab Emirates closed and evacuation plans under discussion.

Speaking from Abu Dhabi, Malta’s ambassador, Maria Camilleri Calleja, described the dramatic events. “Without warning, we felt a major shock here in Abu Dhabi. The first attacks happened here. There were four waves of attacks, and further strikes also targeted Dubai,” she said. The ambassador described the experience as surreal, noting that embassies in the region had begun preparing after sensing that military engagement was imminent. “We immediately issued information on the embassy’s social media channels, advising Maltese nationals to take shelter, ensure they have enough food, medicines and essential supplies, and remain indoors,” she said.

Camilleri Calleja added that the events were particularly shocking given the UAE’s reputation as a tourism and cultural hub. Maltese nationals responded swiftly, contacting the embassy for assistance. The mission is coordinating closely with Malta’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and with the UAE authorities to obtain up-to-date information from the crisis coordination centre.

In a region where most residents are foreign nationals, diplomatic missions play a crucial role during emergencies, she noted, stressing the importance of maintaining calm to effectively support citizens. The Office of the Prime Minister announced that 215 Maltese citizens sought assistance from the Consular Directorate, 169 of whom are in the UAE.

The government confirmed that evacuation plans have been discussed in preparation for the reopening of regional airspace. Repatriation of stranded tourists who had pre-booked travel began on 2 March 2026, albeit with limited flights. The embassy and the Foreign Affairs Ministry remain in contact with relevant authorities to ensure all Maltese nationals can return home as soon as it is safe to do so.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela has affirmed that Malta will press ahead with its programme to ensure stability and peace of mind for families, despite escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Auberge de Castille, the Prime Minister said the government was monitoring international developments on an hourly basis, while strengthening contingency plans to protect citizens and businesses.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Abela stressed that Malta remains a safe country and is well placed to turn international challenges into opportunities. He highlighted Malta’s neutrality and absence of military bases as key pillars underpinning national security and investor confidence.

Updates were delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg, alongside contributions from several ministers and senior officials.

The government confirmed that 215 individuals have sought assistance from Malta’s Consular Directorate, with 169 currently in the United Arab Emirates and others mainly in Qatar. Evacuation plans are in place and will be activated once airspace reopens in affected areas.

The meeting also assessed potential economic repercussions. Officials said Malta’s diversified energy sector and hedging agreements are ensuring stability, supported by subsidies designed to cushion external shocks.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said rising international oil prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran would not be reflected in local power and fuel prices.

Addressing the nation earlier, Abela told parliament the government would shield the economy from the impact of the Gulf war, while continuing to implement the Malta 2050 Vision and prioritising families’ quality of life.

Authorities added that digital infrastructure is being safeguarded and supply chains are expected to remain stable despite disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – It was a doubly bitter evening for Barcelona. The 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid wasn’t enough to overturn the 0-4 first-leg in the Copa del Rey, and the injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde were added to this.

Both will undergo tests in the next few hours, but according to Spanish media reports, they will both be out for at least a month, with their return not expected before the international break. Flick could have them back in time for the early April La Liga match against Atlético, but neither Koundé nor Balde will be available for the Champions League round of 16 match against Newcastle.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Whether Iran will participate or not in the next World Cup, to be played this summer between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, “doesn’t really matter to me. I think Iran is a gravely defeated country. They’re barely getting by.” These are the words of US President Donald Trump in an interview with “Politico.”

After the attack in Tehran, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, opened up to the possibility that the national team might not participate in the next World Cup – Team Melli will debut on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt, and a possible match against the United States on July 3 in Dallas in the round of 32 – while FIFA, for now, has not made any statements. “Our goal is to organize a safe World Cup with the participation of all,” Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom simply declared last Saturday.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The defeat against Getafe is overshadowed. There’s even more serious news for Real Madrid, as well as for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, but especially for Rodrygo. The striker, in fact, in yesterday’s defeat at the Bernabeu, suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He will be sidelined for seven months, meaning the season is over and he won’t play at the World Cup with Ancelotti’s Brazilian national team. The player sustained the injury in the 66th minute of the first half, but later got up and resumed playing. According to the newspaper “AS,” this may have been the cause of a much more serious injury than were feared. In an official statement, Real Madrid announced that Rodrygo suffered “a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right leg.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government is “all hands on deck” to shield Malta from the fallout of escalating conflict in the Gulf, Prime Minister Robert Abela told parliament. Abela’s remarks came after a joint US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the region, raising fears of wider instability and economic disruption. “I want to assure everyone that we, as a government, are all hands on deck,” he said, stressing unity and resolve in the face of global uncertainty.

Reiterating Malta’s call for a permanent ceasefire and dialogue, Abela said the country would remain firm and decisive while upholding its longstanding neutrality. He warned of possible international economic repercussions, particularly following a spike in oil prices, but said government subsidies on energy and fuel had helped stabilise costs and sustain economic growth.

“We know that the current international situation can change everything,” he said. “We will remain focused on the country’s needs and ready to counter its impacts.”

About 130 Maltese nationals in the Gulf have contacted authorities seeking assistance to leave. Consular officials are advising them to take precautions and remain in their residences.

Abela said Foreign Minister Ian Borg had expressed solidarity with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Nahyan and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani, thanking them for assisting stranded Maltese citizens, including those with expired visas. Opposition leader Alex Borg pledged full support to the government, urging unity over partisanship. “Now is not the time for division, but for collaboration,” Borg said, adding that the safety of Maltese citizens in the Middle East remained the top priority.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government has presented draft legislation introducing “Living Wills”, formally known as Advance Medical Directives, aimed at giving individuals greater control over their medical treatment while safeguarding dignity at vulnerable stages of life.

The proposal was outlined during a press briefing in Parliament by Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebekah Buttigieg.

Buttigieg said the reform is grounded in the principle that human dignity is a fundamental and inalienable right, following an extensive consultation process. The draft law will now be tabled in Parliament for debate.

At its core, the legislation would allow adults aged 18 and over, with full mental capacity, to formally refuse specific medical treatments in advance, should they later become unable to express their wishes.

“This is not about euthanasia,” Buttigieg stressed, clarifying that the measure enables personal choice without imposing decisions on others.

The directive must be made in writing, based on professional medical advice, and formalised through a notarial act. It would take legal effect once notarised.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – A plane from Riyadh landed in Madrid last night, and according to several flight tracking websites, it is believed to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s plane. Several Spanish media outlets are reporting this, although there is currently no certainty as to whether CR7 was on board the flight.

It appears to be a non-commercial flight, but rather a luxury private jet belonging to the player’s own fleet. According to aviation records and various media outlets, Ronaldo owns a high-end jet (identified as a Bombardier Global Express XRS customized with the initials “CR7”), worth tens of millions of euros and designed to cover long distances between Europe and the Middle East with complete autonomy and comfort.

This long-range aircraft, with capacity for up to 19 passengers and sufficient range to cross continents non-stop, corresponds to the type of flight tracked last night. It is not known whether Ronaldo, family members, or his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, were traveling on the flight for personal or professional reasons.

There is no confirmation as to whether it was a one-off move or whether it is linked to a broader decision, although everything would suggest that the growing tension in Saudi Arabia may have made CR7 decide to move to the Spanish capital.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews