VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A group of 62 people remains in grave danger after their dinghy began deflating in Malta’s search and rescue zone, with no intervention from Maltese authorities despite repeated alarms. Alarm Phone reported receiving a first call from a relative on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the vessel reportedly drifted south, near Libyan waters.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – An estimated 270,635 Maltese residents travelled abroad between July and September, marking a 7.9 percent rise over the same period in 2024, with Italy once again drawing the largest share of passengers.

The latest figures from the National Statistics Office, based on the ongoing Tourstat survey, confirm that Italy accounted for 38.7 percent of all outbound trips. EU destinations captured 76.4 percent of all trips. The United Kingdom remained the most popular non-EU choice at 9.5 percent.

Holiday travel dominated the season, making up 71.5 percent of all trips. Visits to friends and relatives reached 17.9 percent, business and professional travel stood at 5.9 percent, and the rest included health and religious journeys.

Air travel remained the preferred mode of transport for 87.5 percent of outbound tourists. Low-cost carriers handled 53.6 percent of all travellers, equal to 61.5 percent of those who flew. Sea travel accounted for the remaining 12.5 percent.

The gender split showed a narrow male majority at 50.5 percent. The 25 to 44 age group formed the largest segment at 43.4 percent, followed by travellers aged 45 to 64 at 30.5 percent. Those under 25 reached 16.7 percent, while 9.2 percent were 65 or older.

Outbound tourists spent 2,093,884 nights abroad, a rise of 16.7 percent as the average stay increased from 7.2 to 7.7 nights. Total spending reached €304.3 million, with an average expenditure of €1,125 per traveller.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – A 3-4 month dream. That’s what Galatasaray wants to give their fans. According to FotoMac, the Turkish club has reportedly set its sights on bringing Lionel Messi to Istanbul, taking advantage of the Major League Soccer schedule and, therefore, the forced break for Inter Miami, the club that owns the former Barcelona and PSG player.

The league season ends in early December and resumes in March, and in a season that will lead to the World Cup, such a long break could pose a problem even for a star like the captain of the World Cup-winning Argentina team. Arab clubs have reportedly already made moves, but so has Galatasaray, ready to pay 100% of Messi’s salary during the loan period.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Marcelo Gallardo will lead River Plate until December 31, 2026. The Buenos Aires club’s president, Stefano Di Carlo, and the coach announced the contract renewal at a particularly challenging time for the Millonarios, who have suffered five defeats in 14 league matches.

“This decision has two aspects: first, keeping the promise made to the members: we have always said that River’s football project has a name, and that name is Marcelo Gallardo. Second, it reflects my belief, and that of those who work with me, that processes and projects must be supported, especially in difficult times. I have deep confidence in his work ethic; we are in great harmony, and we are convinced that Marcelo is the best choice,” said president Di Carlo.

“It’s a difficult time, let’s not hide the truth,” Gallardo commented. “We’re ready to redouble our efforts, we’re determined, we want to get through this, and we’re confident. I thank the fans who continue to give us their unconditional support.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Victoria, Gozo, looks set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031, alongside a yet-to-be-named city in Spain, after being shortlisted by an independent selection panel.

The announcement, made by panel member Suvi Innilä following a two-day pre-selection meeting at the Valletta Design Cluster, was met with mixed reactions — cheers from half the room and silence from the rest.

Victoria’s bid triumphed over Vittoriosa (Birgu), which failed to make it through. The panel, appointed by the European Commission and national authorities, reviewed proposals from both Maltese cities before choosing Victoria.

It marks the second time a Maltese city could hold the prestigious title, following Valletta’s turn in 2018.

Victoria will now refine its proposal ahead of a final decision expected in September 2026. The panel will assess its plans for culture-led regeneration, community engagement, and sustainable development.

The European Capital of Culture title, launched in 1985, celebrates Europe’s cultural diversity while driving economic and social growth through the arts.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici congratulated Victoria on X, calling the selection a reflection of the city’s “strong cultural vision, creative ambition, and sustainable development through the arts.”

“There is still a long, hard way to go,” he said, “but I am confident that Victoria and all Gozo will rise to the occasion.”

– photo Pexels.com –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Nine members of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are nearing the completion of a six-month deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The AFM announced that the personnel have been serving as part of the multinational Irish-Polish Battalion (IRISHPOLBATT), contributing to ongoing peacekeeping and stability efforts in the region. The mission underscores Malta’s continued commitment to promoting global peace and security.

During their deployment, the Maltese team worked alongside international counterparts, gaining valuable operational experience and strengthening Malta’s presence within the UN peacekeeping framework. As the mission draws to a close, the AFM expressed pride in its members’ professionalism and dedication. The nine service members are expected to return home soon, marking the end of another chapter in Malta’s longstanding contribution to international peacekeeping efforts.

– photo AFM –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Achraf Hakimi’s injury is less serious than expected, but Morocco, which will host the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, risks being without its star player.

Having left the Parc des Princes last night on crutches after the bad tackle on Luis Diaz – who was sent off – in PSG-Bayern, the Moroccan full-back underwent tests this morning and, Marca reports, has reportedly suffered a ruptured syndesmosis with a slight tear to the deltoid ligament. Surgery will not be necessary, but the diagnosis is expected to force him to a sideline of approximately two months, putting his presence in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Atlas Lions at serious risk.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Yesterday’s victory over Union Saint-Gilloise was marred by Robin Le Normand’s injury. The 28-year-old French defender from Atlético Madrid suffered a “high-grade tear to the posterior capsule of his left knee, without ligament or meniscus involvement.” Surgery won’t be necessary, but the player will be sidelined for approximately a month and a half to two months. He is certain to miss November 26th, when the Colchoneros face Inter Milan at the Metropolitano Stadium on Matchday 5 of the Champions League.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Having made only five appearances so far this season, Nathan Akè could leave Manchester City in January. According to the “Caughtoffside” portal, Inter Milan, Juventus, and especially Crystal Palace (especially if Guehi leaves) are the clubs most interested in the 30-year-old Dutch defender, who can play a variety of roles (center, left-back, or center back in a three-man defense) and has won the Premier League title four times under Guardiola.

City aren’t keen on parting with him, but given that the player needs more playing time ahead of the World Cup, they’re reportedly open to offers in the region of €30-35 million.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Xabi Alonso recently described the matter as closed, but the paths of Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior could still part ways at the end of the season.

According to Bild, the Casa Blanca has grown tired of the 25-year-old Brazilian’s antics, and his angry reaction to being substituted during the match against Barcelona was reportedly the final straw. His public apology — first made to the media and later in front of teammates and coach — was not, the paper claims, a voluntary gesture but rather something demanded by the club.

Furthermore, certain “leaks” that appeared in the press about tensions between the squad and Xabi Alonso are said to have originated from Vinícius’ entourage.

The player has also caused issues on the pitch: in Saturday’s 4–0 win over Valencia, he insisted on taking a penalty instead of Mbappé, only to miss, a decision that visibly annoyed the coach after the match.

Vinícius’ current contract runs until 2027, but Real Madrid reportedly wants him to sign a renewal before putting him on the market.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo could leave earlier, possibly in January. The 24-year-old Brazilian has played only 327 minutes across 11 matches so far and, with the World Cup year approaching, is seeking more playing time. Reports from Spain suggest that Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring the situation.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews