BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – A thousand matches as a coach, 716 of them won, for a 71.6% win rate, which, according to data reported by the Madrid-based newspaper AS, puts him ahead of great colleagues like Ferguson (58.1%), Mourinho (61.6%), Ancelotti (59.8%), and Luis Enrique (61.3%). This is Pep Guardiola, the Catalan coach who, in an interview with Rac-1, sent a message of support and apology to the Palestinians (“We left them alone, we did nothing, and we allowed a people to be destroyed”) and then spoke about the club of his life, Barcelona.

“I never turn down Barça. This club has given me everything, both as a player and as a coach. But life is made up of phases. There are many young coaches who now have the ambition to do what we did,” explained Guardiola, who hasn’t even considered the idea of ​​returning one day as president or director, simply because he’s in another phase of his life at Manchester City.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, an Ivorian by birth, a Malian international, and a French national, fears his “Super Eagles” were victims of “black magic” during yesterday’s penalty shootout in Rabat, which sent the Democratic Republic of Congo to the World Cup playoffs and eliminated Lookman and his teammates.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, no goals were scored in extra time, and then the shootout, with the Congolese substituting goalkeeper (Fayulu for Lionel Mpasi). Four goals in six attempts for the “Leopards,” only three for the “Eagles,” but in the midst of the protests and nervousness from Nigerian coach Eric Chelle, who explained post-match: “During the entire penalty shootout, a boy from Congo did some kind of voodoo; I could see him throwing water or something. With every shot, that’s why I was a little nervous,” he said.

-Photo Image-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s six-month Presidency of the Council of Europe has come to an end, closing a term marked by political initiatives and cultural engagement on the international stage.

The Maltese flag was lowered in central Strasbourg to symbolise the conclusion of the presidency, which began in May. Moments later, Moldova’s flag was raised as the country takes over leadership of the Committee of Ministers for the next six months.

The formal handover took place at the Council of Europe headquarters, where Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, passed the ceremonial mallet to Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.
Cutajar highlighted key achievements, including Malta’s support for Ukraine through backing a Special Tribunal on Crimes of Aggression.

He emphasised that child protection was a priority, noting unanimous support for a Maltese declaration to strengthen measures against sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The presidency also advanced initiatives against hate crime and discrimination, promoted equality, and urged stronger youth participation in democratic life.

Justice Ministers gave unanimous support to a declaration against organised crime, with 16 countries signing the Valletta Protocol to boost judicial cooperation.

Cutajar said Malta’s efforts were met with “unanimous appreciation” from member states.
The Maltese Presidency also showcased local culture in Strasbourg, culminating in a concert featuring tenor Joseph Calleja, to be broadcast on Television Malta soon.

This was Malta’s fourth time leading the Council of Europe in its 60 years of membership.

-Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is on track to emit more greenhouse gases in 2030 than it did in 2005, making it the only EU member state projected to see an overall increase, according to the European Commission’s 2025 Climate Action Progress Report.

The report estimates Malta’s emissions will rise by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, and could exceed 40% if no new policies are adopted. This contrasts sharply with the country’s EU-mandated target to cut emissions by 19% under the Effort Sharing Regulation, which governs sectors including transport, buildings, agriculture, small industry, and waste.

Malta is forecast to miss its target by 49 percentage points—the largest shortfall in the bloc.

Authorities noted that Malta’s initial goal of a 36% reduction was eased to 19% after negotiations with the European Commission. The Climate Action Authority highlighted progress in efficiency, stating that emissions per capita have fallen 44% since 2005, outperforming an EU average decline of 34%. Emissions relative to GDP have dropped 81.6%, compared with 61.9% across the EU.

“Malta aims to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, driven largely by a planned 77% reduction from power generation,” the authority said, while acknowledging persistent challenges in transport and buildings.

EU emissions overall are 20% below 2005 levels, with a 40% reduction targeted by 2030. The report also found Malta implemented the fewest climate policies of any EU state, though it cautioned that policy count does not necessarily reflect ambition.

Despite lagging performance, Malta and Estonia were the only countries to identify all projects under the EU’s Just Transition Fund.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is returning nearly 80 per cent of failed asylum seekers and no longer needs European Union assistance to manage irregular migration, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri told parliament.

Camilleri said Malta no longer qualifies as an under-pressure Mediterranean state in terms of EU support, citing a significant drop in irregular migrant arrivals.

Improved cooperation with Libya contributed to this decline, he said, but the decisive factor was Malta’s “tough but fair” immigration strategy.

“After everyone is saved, we assist refugees but are very tough on those abusing the system and return them to their places of origin,” Camilleri explained.

He noted that the Home Affairs Ministry has established dedicated returns units to coordinate repatriations more efficiently.

According to Camilleri, these measures have enabled Malta to achieve one of the highest return rates in Europe, approaching 80 per cent in recent years.

“We are now considered a model country in this regard and no longer need EU assistance,” he said.

-Photo Ministry of the Interior-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DORTMUND (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Karim Adeyemi and his girlfriend, Loredana Zefi, a well-known Swiss rapper, will have to pay a hefty fine of €450,000 for illegal possession of weapons.

According to “Bild,” the couple was caught a year ago with knuckledusters and a taser, items whose acquisition and possession are considered criminal in Germany. Adeyemi will have to pay the fine in 60 daily installments of €7,500, but this will avoid prison time and will protect his criminal record.

According to Gestifute, the agency representing Adeyemi, the 23-year-old Borussia Dortmund and German national team player and his partner purchased the two items through a “mystery box” ordered via social media. The Giallorossi club simply commented that it “always takes criminal charges seriously and takes these opportunities to discuss them with its employees, respecting confidentiality obligations.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Dean Huijsen will not be among the 23 players in the Spain squad that faces Georgia today at 6:00 PM in Tbilisi. The former Roma and Juventus defender will be sidelined by Luis De La Fuente due to a muscle injury.

The results of his medical tests are pending, and Real Madrid are also waiting to see the player’s condition and whether he will return to Madrid, thus missing the final group match, scheduled for the 18th against Montella’s Turkey.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LUANDA (ANGOLA) (ITALPRESS) – A storm broke out in Luanda, where hosts Angola and Argentina played yesterday at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence. Scaloni’s team won the match 2-0. According to local media reports, riots resulted in 70 injuries.

Health authorities recorded 23 cases of trauma among fans, mostly due to falls caused by the massive crowd at the entrances to the stadium. The stadium, with a maximum capacity of 50,000, had only 48,000 tickets available, creating high pressure in the security areas.

Another 47 spectators required medical attention for headaches and symptoms of hypertension, conditions attributed to the intense heat, confusion, and heavy crowding in the immediate vicinity of the stadium.

The situation further escalated with clashes between hundreds of fans and the Angolan police, both before and during the match. Law enforcement officers blocked access to numerous supporters without tickets or in possession of prohibited items. This decision fueled tension and protests, resulting in shoving, insults, and moments of serious disorder. Despite the seriousness of the incidents, no arrests were reported by security forces.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is reportedly preparing a complaint to FIFA seeking a minimum one-match ban for Cristiano Ronaldo following the red card he received in the 2-0 defeat to Ireland in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

According to A Bola, FPF president Pedro Proença is directly involved in defending the Portuguese captain and preparing the strategy that will be presented to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to decide on the matter at its meeting scheduled after the current 2026 World Cup qualifying break.

Ronaldo’s defense is based on three points: the hostile environment created in Dublin, with reference to previous statements by the Irish coach according to which CR7 influenced the referee in the first leg in Portugal; the fact that Ronaldo was clearly held back during the contact; and the absence of any disciplinary record, this being his first expulsion in 226 international matches.

If FIFA accepts the federation’s request, Ronaldo will only miss the qualification-deciding match against Armenia, thus preventing the suspension from extending to the first matches of the 2026 World Cup finals.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has signed its first agreement with China to export wild-caught fisheries products, marking what officials describe as a historic milestone for the country’s fishing sector.

The deal was concluded during an official visit to China by Maltese Fisheries Minister Anton Refalo, who met with Meijun Sun, China’s Minister for the General Administration of Customs. The agreement grants Maltese wild-caught fish direct access to the Chinese market, one of the world’s largest.

Refalo said the development opens “a new chapter” for Maltese fishermen, offering new income opportunities, better prices and international recognition for product quality. He added that Malta’s presence at the China International Import Expo demonstrated that the country’s agricultural and fishery products can compete globally.

“The quality, genuineness and passion of our producers are being noted by international consumers and investors,” Refalo said, arguing that Malta can punch above its weight when it works with “vision and determination.”

During the visit, Maltese officials held further meetings in Shanghai and with the People’s Association for Partnership with Foreign Countries to discuss broader cooperation and future export prospects.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews