VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s annual inflation rate edged down in December but remained higher than both the EU and euro area averages, according to the latest official data. Eurostat figures show that inflation in the EU, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), fell to 2.3% in December from 2.4% in November.

Inflation in the euro area dropped more sharply to 1.9%, down from 2.1%. Malta’s inflation rate stood at 2.4% in December, a slight decrease from 2.5% the previous month, figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) show. Across the EU, Romania recorded by far the highest annual inflation rate at 8.6%, followed by Slovakia at 4.1% and Estonia at 4.0%. The lowest rates were registered in Cyprus (0.1%), France (0.7%) and Italy (1.2%).

Compared with November, inflation declined in 18 of the EU’s 27 member states, remained unchanged in three and increased in six. In Malta, food continues to be a key driver of inflation. The highest annual increases were recorded in education (4.3%) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.7%). By contrast, prices fell in communications (-5.5%) and clothing and footwear (-3.2%). Rising meat prices were the largest contributor to overall inflation, while higher restaurant prices and air fares also pushed rates up. The HICP, however, does not capture owner-occupied housing costs. It is set to be revised next month to include gambling under recreation, sport and culture.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is slowly coming to terms with the aftermath of Storm Harry, as the worst of the violent weather has now passed and a cautious return to normality is underway under mostly cloudy skies.

Severe red and orange weather warnings were lifted on Wednesday, replaced by forecasts of isolated showers and significantly calmer south-southwesterly winds of Force 4. The gale-force winds that battered the islands on Tuesday morning, with gusts exceeding 100km/h in Valletta, have subsided, bringing widespread relief.

A key milestone in restoring connectivity was reached this morning with the resumption of Gozo Channel ferry services reconnecting Gozo with Malta after prolonged disruption. However, Gozo High Speed confirmed that fast ferry services between Valletta and Mġarr, as well as routes to Cotonera and Sliema, remain suspended today and tomorrow.

Emergency services continue cleanup operations following extensive damage across Malta and Gozo. The Civil Protection Department (CPD), supported by the Armed Forces of Malta, responded to nearly 200 incidents during the storm’s peak, ranging from uprooted trees and unstable structures to electrical hazards and fuel spills. Police assisted in more than 50 cases, while the authorities dealt with dozens of traffic collisions.

Coastal localities bore the brunt of the storm. Marsaskala was among the hardest hit, with flooded streets, shattered shopfronts and seawater entering buildings. Several roads were closed overnight due to severe damage. In Sliema, powerful waves destroyed a bus shelter, while paving stones were ripped up. A sailing boat was washed ashore in Birżebbuġa, and damage was also reported in the San Ġwann Industrial Estate.

Public services are gradually resuming. Schools have largely reopened, though some in heavily affected areas are assessing structural safety. Public transport is operating with some diversions, waste collection is restarting, and power has been restored following outages in several localities. Traffic lights damaged or displaced by the storm remain an issue in parts of Malta and Gozo, prompting calls for extra caution from drivers.

Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant, particularly along the coast. Sea conditions remain high to rough, with swells of three to six metres, and people are urged to avoid low-lying promenades.

The Ministry for Agriculture has opened a reporting window for farmers to submit claims for storm-related damage by Friday evening. The data will be used to assess the national impact and may support a request for European financial aid.

Addressing parliament, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri praised early coordination between the Meteorological Office and emergency services, and thanked essential workers for their round-the-clock efforts. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, while Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Alicia Bugeja Said urged affected fishers to seek assistance.

According to the Malta Meteorological Office, unsettled weather will persist through the week, with a higher chance of rain on Friday. Saturday is expected to be drier, though another weaker system could bring more showers and stronger winds by Sunday and Monday, well below the intensity of Storm Harry.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “At its Annual Business Meeting (ABM), held in London and chaired by Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, The IFAB focused on a range of measures aimed at continuing to improve match flow and reduce tempo disruption”. With these objectives, the IFAB, the International Football Association Board, held its annual meeting. In the press release issued at the end of the meeting, the IFAB stated that “following positive global feedback on the change to prevent goalkeepers from holding the ball for too long, further measures to reduce tempo disruptions were agreed. These include applying the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks”.

“Following recommendations made by The IFAB’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels in October, the meeting proposed amendments to the Laws of the Game requiring players who receive on-field medical treatment or assessment to leave the field and remain off it for a fixed period, the duration of which will be determined, after play restarts. The meeting also agreed to enforce a ten-second time limit for players leaving the field when being substituted”.

“In relation to the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol, the ABM recommended that VAR intervention should remain restricted to the four match-changing factual situations (goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity), but with three specific extensions that would not slow the flow of play”.

“Where there is clear factual evidence, the ABM proposed that video match officials should be permitted to review red cards resulting from factually incorrect second yellow cards, as well as cases in which the wrong team is penalised for an offence resulting in a red or yellow card. The ABM also proposed allowing competitions the option for video match officials to review instances of a clearly wrongly awarded corner kick, provided this can be done immediately and without delaying the restart”.

“The ABM agreed to continue with offside trials, and further updates were provided on developments in semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and on the ongoing FIFA-led trial of Football Video Support (FVS), both of which have been successfully implemented at FIFA tournaments and in a number of national competitions”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC) (ITALPRESS) – “This morning Ter Stegen informed us that he will be joining Girona. Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper and we wish him all the best. He is leaving because he needs to play in order to go to the World Cup.” This was the announcement made by Hansi Flick regarding the future of the German goalkeeper.

Speaking at the press conference to present tomorrow’s Champions League match at home against Slavia Prague, the Barcelona coach officially confirmed the transfer of the 33-year-old shot-stopper, who, with the aim of earning a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, will finish the season at Girona.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Sweden “supports the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, in light of Security Council Resolution 2797,” as a “credible basis” for negotiations aimed at reaching a definitive solution to the regional dispute over Moroccan Sahara.

This position was expressed in an official statement published by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a telephone conversation on Monday between Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenengard and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Along with Sweden, 25 European Union member states and more than two-thirds of United Nations member states already support the Moroccan autonomy plan. It should be noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025, states that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most realistic solution to this regional dispute.

– photo MAP –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Several inbound flights to Malta were diverted to Italian airports late on Monday night and into Tuesday as gale-force winds from Storm Harry disrupted operations at Malta International Airport.

Four flights arriving from Bucharest, Rome, Vilnius and Milan were unable to land as strong crosswinds buffeted the runway, forcing pilots to abort landings or divert to safer alternatives in Italy. Dramatic videos shared on social media showed aircraft struggling in turbulent conditions, with some landings abandoned at the last moment.

Ryanair flight FR9257 from Bucharest, scheduled to arrive at 12.55am on Tuesday, was diverted to Bari after two unsuccessful landing attempts. The aircraft was later rescheduled to arrive in Malta at 11.30am.

Another Ryanair service, flight FR7304 from Vilnius, due to land at 9am, was diverted to Rome Fiumicino before eventually arriving in Malta at 1.40pm. A separate Ryanair flight from Trieste (FR3695), originally scheduled to touch down at 10.55am, was also rerouted to Bari, with its arrival time later updated to 2.39pm.

A further diversion affected Ryanair flight FR5970 from Milan, which was due to arrive at 12.55pm but was sent to Lamezia, Italy, due to the strong winds affecting the Maltese runway.

Footage shared on Facebook showed a Ryanair aircraft being forced to abandon a landing attempt as winds intensified, though the specific flight involved was not immediately identified. On Instagram, traveller Alina Dely described her flight from Barcelona as experiencing “pure turbulence,” sharing videos of passengers applauding the crew after the plane landed successfully on its second attempt.

Her flight had initially failed to land due to what she described as “super strong” winds before returning for another approach. “Once we realised the pilot had managed it, we started to applaud. His voice was so chill and confident, which helped a lot during this situation,” she said, adding that the experience had been “scary.”

While most arrivals were eventually completed, Malta International Airport’s website showed delays of around two hours for flights arriving from Amsterdam. Departures, however, were reported to be operating on schedule despite the adverse weather conditions.

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Thomas Frank has been reassured by the club, but his position remains uncertain. According to the “Sun,” the future of Tottenham‘s Danish manager hinges greatly on tonight’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, with the club’s management reportedly already evaluating various options should he be sacked.

One option is Mauricio Pochettino, a longtime Spurs coach but now the US manager and therefore only potentially available after the World Cup. He is also waiting for a call from the Premier League. Xavi, who has been sidelined since leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season, could be Tottenham the perfect opportunity. An internal solution cannot be ruled out, with the promotion of John Heitinga, Frank’s current assistant and who last season worked alongside Slot at Liverpool, even though his experience as head coach at Ajax was disappointing. It’s difficult to reach Xabi Alonso, who doesn’t seem inclined to immediately return to the game after being sacked by Real Madrid. The more likely option is Andoni Iraola, whose contract with Bournemouth expires in June.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A “major surge” in positive doping tests has been recorded in Maltese sport in recent weeks, according to Kevin Azzopardi, CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS).

Azzopardi said the increase reflects stronger enforcement and improved intelligence rather than a sudden change in athlete behaviour.

Established in 2022, AIMS regulates sport in Malta, overseeing governance, anti-doping, match-fixing and safeguarding. Azzopardi has led the authority for nearly three months.

He said a key priority has been registering all sports organisations, as required by law by the end of 2025. So far, 56 national associations are registered, with most of the remaining 10 already in the process.

Out of around 400 sports clubs, about 320 have either completed or begun registration, with full compliance targeted by mid-2026.

On anti-doping, Azzopardi said testing has increased steadily, with around 350 tests in 2025 and a target of 400 in 2026, despite each test costing about €800.

Recent weeks have seen several positive cases, including Premier League footballers and competitive rowers. Azzopardi said targeted testing based on tip-offs has driven the rise.

“We have widened our intelligence base, and the information we receive is often correct,” he said, noting that anonymous reporting has proven effective.

Azzopardi also warned athletes that cannabis remains banned in sport despite legal changes, stressing that AIMS is committed to ensuring clean and safe competition across all disciplines.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Storm Harry continued to batter Malta on Monday night and into Tuesday, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption, including fallen trees, damaged property and the diversion of an inbound flight.

The Malta Meteorological Office reported winds reaching 56 knots, or around 103km/h, in Valletta by 7am on Tuesday. A red weather warning for severe gale-force winds remains in effect until noon, with coastal areas facing strong waves and sea spray. Conditions are expected to gradually ease later in the day, with winds dropping from Force 8 to Force 6.

By Tuesday morning, reports of damage had begun to emerge from several localities. Trees were reported down, while residents shared images and videos on social media showing water tank lids blown into streets and doors and windows shaking overnight. No injuries were reported.

An inbound Ryanair flight from Bucharest, scheduled to arrive shortly before 1am, was diverted to Bari after two failed landing attempts and is expected to arrive later on Tuesday morning.

Civil Protection Malta said it responded to at least 42 reports of trees obstructing roads and public spaces over the past 24 hours, along with 23 debris clearance operations. Crews also dealt with dislodged billboards, an electrical hazard, hazardous material spillages, fires and a lift rescue, as emergency services were placed on heightened alert.

Transport services were heavily affected. Virtu Ferries cancelled all trips between Malta and Sicily on Monday and Tuesday, while Gozo Channel suspended its operations. Ferry services between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities were also affected, and the Barrakka Lift will remain closed on Tuesday.

The storm prompted widespread precautionary measures. Government workers were urged to work remotely, post-secondary lectures were moved online, and refuse collection was suspended for the day. Schools remain open, but parents have been told they may keep children at home without penalty. The Malta Union of Teachers expressed concern over the decision to keep schools open amid the severe weather.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid coastal areas and refrain from parking vehicles near trees, construction sites or the sea. He said the worst of the storm was expected to pass by Tuesday afternoon, while emergency services remain on standby as strong winds continue to impact the islands

– photo Malta Protection Civil –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona will be in Prague without Ferran Torres. The Blaugrana club announced that the striker has suffered “a tear to the semimembranosus muscle in his right leg” and will be out for about ten days.

He will miss the Champions League away match against Slavia—for which Raphinha is recovered—nor the match against Oviedo on Sunday at Camp Nou.

It’s unlikely that Ferran Torres will be available for the final Champions League matchday, on January 28th against Copenhagen, but he could be fit for the La Liga away match against Elche on January 31st.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews