RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – Injured and already working to return as soon as possible. Cristiano Ronaldo is regularly in Saudi Arabia and not fleeing to Madrid due to the situation in the Middle East. Rumors about his departure to Spain had spread earlier in the morning, but the Al-Nassr star has remained in Riyadh, as confirmed by the club, which also reported that the Portuguese forward, during last Saturday’s match against Al Fayha, suffered “a hamstring injury to his right thigh and has already begun the rehabilitation program provided.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Flamengo coach Filipe Luis, in charge since September 2024, was dismissed overnight in Italy. Despite the Brazilian club qualifying for the Rio de Janeiro championship final with a resounding 8-0 victory over Madureira at the Maracana Stadium (3-0 in the first leg), the management has been unsparing in its criticism of the former Brazilian international (44 appearances, 2 goals).

According to ESPN Brazil, sporting director José Boto informed Luis immediately after the post-match press conference. The club then quickly published an official statement on its website.

At 40, the former full-back, who played for Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, and Flamengo, had faced criticism after the Rio club’s difficult start to the season. With Flamengo, Filipe Luis won five trophies, including the Brazilian championship and the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The Premier League remains the leading league, but “most matches are no longer a feast for the eyes.” This criticism comes from the man who won the English league with Liverpool just under a year ago, Arne Slot.

The Dutch coach highlights some aspects that are shaping the tournament: for example, 27.5% of goals have come from set pieces (excluding penalties), the second-highest figure since the 2009-10 season, with Arsenal leading the league with 16 goals from corners. And then there’s the refereeing, which doesn’t protect goalkeepers very well. “My heart, football-wise, doesn’t like all this. I think of Barcelona 10-15 years ago: every Sunday night you hoped to see them play. Now, most Premier League matches aren’t a joy to watch, even if they’re always interesting because they’re very competitive. That’s what makes this league great: anyone can win against anyone.” Returning to set pieces, according to Slot, if there’s no going back, there could be repercussions at the youth level too: “I wouldn’t be surprised if sixteen-year-olds now were completely focused on set pieces.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Pope Leo welcomed the President of the Republic of Malta, Her Excellency Mrs Myriam Spiteri Debono, during a private audience at the Vatican this morning.

Following her meeting with the Pontiff, the Maltese leader held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. He was joined by Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the talks at the Secretariat of State were marked by a cordial atmosphere.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the current international situation. Particular attention was given to ongoing developments in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine.

The discussions reflect continued diplomatic engagement between the Holy See and Malta, as well as shared concern over global challenges and regional stability.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Belgium reaffirmed on Monday its clear and unwavering support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, considering it “the most appropriate, serious, credible, and realistic basis” for achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

This position was expressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot, following a meeting in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.

On that occasion, Prévot also emphasized that this position is consistent with the Joint Declaration signed in Brussels on October 23, 2025, and recognizes the existential importance of this issue for the Kingdom of Morocco, resolutely placing the Sahara region within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and national unity.

The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized its intention to act accordingly, both diplomatically and economically, clarifying that Belgium’s position complies with international law.

He then reiterated that the Belgian Ambassador in Rabat will soon be invited to visit the Sahara region to prepare and support various economic initiatives, including visits by Belgian companies and the organization of trade fairs promoted by the three regional agencies.

Regarding the extension of consular coverage for Belgian citizens residing in the Sahara and Belgians visiting the region, Belgium reaffirmed that its Consulate General in Rabat is competent for the entire territory of the Kingdom of Morocco, without regional distinction, including the Sahara region.

– photo Diplomatie.ma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Yesterday, the 26th matchday of La Liga between Elche and Espanyol was interrupted for three minutes in the 78th minute with the activation of the anti-racism protocol after Omar El Hilali, the visiting team’s Moroccan full-back, approached the referee, Galech Apezteguia, to report rival Rafa Mir, who allegedly told him, “You came on a boat.” The referee then stopped play and informed the members of the two benches of what had happened, later recording everything in the final report. La Liga is already collecting all audiovisual material that may be useful in clarifying the situation, while the Federation’s disciplinary body (RFEF) will handle the case on Wednesday.

After the match, as reported by the program “El Chiringuito,” Mir reportedly told his entourage that he hadn’t uttered any racist insult, but had said “I’ll smash your head in” in reaction to El Hilali’s provocations. This remains an incident that adds to the recent Prestianni-Vinicius affair, which characterized the double-header between Benfica and Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. The Portuguese club player, accused of saying “you’re a monkey” to the Los Blancos winger, was suspended for one match, thus missing the return leg at the Bernabeu.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – These have been challenging weeks for Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid. The French striker, sidelined since before the Champions League match against Benfica, continues to struggle with a knee problem he’s been struggling with for months, particularly since the December 7 match against Celta Vigo.

Until last week, Mbappé had been able to play mostly without problems, evaluating his condition on a case-by-case basis. However, in training before the Benfica match, a knock forced the former PSG player to sit out for a while to better understand how to manage his condition.

According to “Marca,” the Frenchman appears to be dissatisfied with Real Madrid’s medical staff, to the point that he has decided to return home to consult a specialist, with the agreement of his entourage and the club’s permission.

While until now it was thought that the source of the pain was the lateral medial ligament, the hypothesis is starting to gain traction that it’s actually related to the posterior cruciate ligament, another reason why Mbappé would have preferred to consult a specialist outside of Real Madrid’s staff.

The striker would like to return in time for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City, but it seems more realistic that he’ll be available for the return leg.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ITALPRESS) – Tottenham’s dark times continue, with no peace on or off the pitch. After yet another defeat, this time to Fulham at Craven Cottage (2-1), the Premier League published a video on its official social media accounts of Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario being mocked after a free kick from his own half went wide. The images were accompanied by captions such as “this is how the move was handled,” “an interesting free kick by Vicario,” and a mocking “oops” at the end.

The post, and the fact that it was published by the Premier League itself, sparked outrage first from Tottenham fans and then from the club itself, which—emphasizing that it was inappropriate for the League to mock Premier League teams and players—had the post removed.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Finland stated on Sunday that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could be one of the most viable solutions” for resolving the Moroccan Sahara issue. This position was expressed in a joint communiqué adopted in Rabat following a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen, on an official visit to Morocco. In this regard, Finland “reaffirmed its support for the autonomy plan presented by Morocco,” considering it a serious and credible basis for reaching a definitive and mutually acceptable political solution, the communiqué states.

The two ministers also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue.

– Photo Diplomatie –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DOHA (QATAR) (ITALPRESS) – The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has suspended all tournaments scheduled in the country following U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran and retaliatory missile strikes across the Arabian Peninsula. As a result, the 2026 Finalissima, which was set to take place in Qatar on March 27, is now at risk. The match between Spain, the reigning European champions, and Argentina, winners of the most recent Copa America, was expected to bring together stars such as Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium in Doha.

“New dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced at a later time,” the QFA said in a press release published yesterday, Sunday.

The final decision on whether to postpone the match lies with UEFA and CONMEBOL, the event’s organizers.

Since Saturday, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran aimed at weakening its military capabilities, countries across the Middle East have been on high alert. In retaliation, Iran has targeted American objectives in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews