LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Italian international full-back Destiny Udogie is the footballer who was threatened with a gun by a player agent. On Monday, the BBC revealed that a Premier League player had been targeted in London on September 6, and police later confirmed that two days after the incident, a 31-year-old football agent had been arrested on charges of aggravated threats, extortion, and driving without a license.

The man, who is also alleged to have blackmailed and threatened another person, was later released on bail pending further investigation.

Tottenham Hotspur issued a statement confirming that the club has “provided support to Destiny and his family from the outset and will continue to do so. As this is a legal matter, we cannot comment further.”

Udogie, 22, was signed by Spurs in the summer of 2022, remaining on loan at Udinese for one season before moving to London. He has made 76 appearances for the club so far.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

By Giorgio La Bruzzo

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – From the historic fourth place at the World Cup in Qatar and a ticket already secured for 2026, to the Olympic bronze won by the men’s team in Paris, and two consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, Moroccan football continues to soar. Now comes the Under-20 World Cup triumph, an achievement that, across the Mediterranean, had only ever been accomplished by Ghana in 2009.

The winds of success are blowing strong in Morocco. No longer a surprise package, the nation has become a genuine footballing powerhouse, the product of a movement that began more than a decade ago when the government set the course for the federation to build a new model. Investment poured into stadiums and sports centres, accessible football pitches even in the smallest villages, modernised training methods, and—perhaps most crucially—a smarter, healthier management of clubs, increasingly run like businesses. This allowed private sector investment to flow in, creating a virtuous cycle that culminated last month in Chile, when the Moroccan U20s, coached by 49-year-old Mohamed Ouahbi—who honed his craft in Belgian youth football—lifted the World Cup trophy.

“It’s the fulfillment of what we started planning two and a half years ago with this group,” Ouahbi told Italpress. “It’s the result of enormous effort over the years with this generation, preparing them to perform at the highest level.” “But what makes these boys happiest,” he continued, “is knowing they made an entire nation proud. We played every match with that in mind—to make proud all those who supported and believed in us. And I think that’s what made the difference compared to other teams: we weren’t playing for ourselves, but for a whole country.”

Morocco’s U20 side is one of 27 national teams that train at the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football, a state-of-the-art facility just outside Rabat inaugurated in 2019 by the King himself. It’s Morocco’s own version of Coverciano, the cradle of Italy’s footballing elite, and the cornerstone of the Atlas Lions’ resurgence. Yet the ambition stretches beyond the remarkable milestones already achieved.

“These results are part of a long-term process,” Ouahbi explained, “whose ultimate goal is to reach the highest prize of all: winning the World Cup with the senior national team. The tournament comes every four years—the next is in 2026, and then in 2030, which we’ll co-host with Spain and Portugal. It’s clear that everything being done now is aimed at one day lifting that trophy. Morocco believes in it, Morocco is investing heavily, and Morocco is giving itself the means to succeed.”

“Now we know we have a lot of talent, we know we’re improving all the time, and that dream is alive in everyone,” Ouahbi added. “We’re all chasing it—and we truly hope to make it come true one day.” His U20 side, meanwhile, stands ready to feed the ranks of Walid Regragui’s senior team. “Several players are already part of the senior setup, and others will join soon,” Ouahbi confirmed. “I won’t name names, because there are many who are ready for that level. It will all depend on their consistency.” But one thing is already clear—to these young men and to Morocco as a whole: dreaming is allowed, and nothing is impossible.

– photo: Royal Moroccan Football Federation –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “When will I retire? Soon, but I think I’ll be ready. It will be difficult, of course. I’ll probably cry, yes. It’s normal. I’m someone who cries easily. I don’t hold back my feelings. I’m honest, I’m an open person. It will be tough, but I’ve been preparing for my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I’ll be able to handle that pressure.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet set a date, but he knows that at 40 years old, there isn’t much playing time left. In the first part of his interview with Piers Morgan, CR7 admits that “nothing will ever replace football” once he hangs up his boots, because “nothing compares to the adrenaline you feel when you score a goal. But as I always say, everything has a beginning and an end. So I think I’ll be ready.”

After that, he’ll have more time to spend with his family and to learn new things. Ronaldo also reflects on his career, proudly defending his achievements and records. “I don’t care if people think I’m arrogant. If you look at many of the records in football history, Cristiano is there. I know my potential, both on and off the pitch — the numbers don’t lie.”

As for money, he says, “It’s not my main motivation to play, but it helps. I’m not obsessed with money, but I do believe that money can help in many ways.”

“But when you reach a certain level, money doesn’t matter that much anymore, in my opinion,” he continues. “Still, it’s always nice to have more, because we’re human beings and we’re never completely satisfied with what we have. I’ve learned that finances are important, that money is important — but there are more important things.”

And on the fact that he became the first footballer to reach billionaire status, he admits: “I knew it, I was prepared. It’s like when you win a Ballon d’Or — it’s a personal achievement.”

There’s also room to talk about a club he remains deeply attached to, but which is going through a long period of struggle: Manchester United. “I’m sad, because one of the best clubs in the world, a club I carry in my heart, needs to rebuild its future. The club doesn’t have a proper structure. I hope things change, because the potential is enormous. Amorim? Miracles don’t exist. The team has good players, but it lacks the mentality of those who truly understand what it means to be Manchester United.”

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, represented Malta at the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo last Saturday. The event brought together dignitaries and representatives from around 80 countries.

Describing the museum as “a space that encompasses the history of Egypt and humanity,” Borg highlighted its global cultural significance. The Grand Egyptian Museum, planned for over two decades, is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Borg said Malta was honoured to be among the international delegations invited to the inauguration. “Representing our country on this unique and important occasion for the Egyptian Government and people was an honour and a wonderful experience,” he stated.

During his visit, Borg held bilateral talks with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and connectivity between Malta and Egypt, as well as addressing regional issues. “Libya remains a challenge for both countries, and we must continue working together,” Borg noted. He also underlined the importance of the Suez Canal as a vital maritime route. The situation in the Middle East was also discussed, particularly the recent ceasefire agreement in which Egypt played a key role. Borg reaffirmed Malta’s support for lasting peace based on a two-state solution. He concluded by expressing confidence that cooperation between Malta and Egypt will continue to grow, building on their strong existing ties.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Serbian football is in mourning. Radnicki coach Mladen Zizovic has died of a heart attack during the match against Mladost Lucani. The 44-year-old Bosnian coach (who would have turned 45 at the end of December), according to Serbian press, felt ill around the 22nd minute of the first half and was immediately treated and then taken to the hospital. However, at the 40th minute of the first half, the referee suspended the match after announcing the coach’s death, much to the dismay of the Radnicki players and coaching staff, as well as Mladost’s opponents.

The Football Federation of Serbia confirmed the news and expressed its condolences for the passing of Zizovic, a coach and former player who also played for the Bosnian national team. “The Serbian Football Federation confirms with deep sadness and disbelief the news of the sudden death of Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Äi ovic, who passed away at the age of 45 during the Serbian championship match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani,” the Serbian Football Federation issued a statement.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “They say Messi is better than me? I don’t agree with that opinion. I don’t want to be humble.” Cristiano Ronaldo had his say in an interview with renowned British journalist Piers Morgan, who shared a short excerpt on social media ahead of the full version, which will be published tomorrow. Morgan noted that Rooney, CR7’s former teammate at United, also said Messi is superior to the Portuguese. “I don’t have any problems with that,” Morgan shrugged.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A week after unveiling a budget focused on social measures, the Maltese Government has announced a public consultation on extending maternity and paternity leave.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said the discussions, set to begin in 2026, form part of the 2026 Budget’s commitment to improving work-life balance. He added that the talks will also explore ways to strengthen parental leave, currently four months—two of them paid—and extend this entitlement to self-employed parents.
Ellul noted that the Government will hold forums next year to discuss expanding remote working across various sectors, stressing the need to help parents balance family responsibilities with professional demands.

“Through social dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, we will continue to strengthen measures that support a better work-life balance,” Ellul said.

The Parliamentary Secretary also announced plans to expand the leave donation fund for public sector workers. The scheme, which allows employees to donate unused leave to colleagues in need, will now include public service employees who have recently become parents.

Minister for Social Policy Michael Falzon said the initiative aims to ensure workers can enjoy quality time with their families. He added that social spending for 2026 will total €2.6 billion—€120 million more than last year’s—underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting families.

“Every budget must respond to social realities,” Falzon concluded, “and this one does so by focusing on those who need it most.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – After Scott McTominay, another Manchester United player could be moving to Napoli. The Italian champions’ interest in Kobbie Mainoo is nothing new, but the British press is increasingly suggesting the midfielder could join the Azzurri starting next January.

According to the English outlet TEAMtalk, president De Laurentiis’s club has found the right formula to convince the Red Devils: the 20-year-old’s loan signing, with the deal to be finalized in June. Napoli had already expressed interest in Mainoo this summer, but United manager Ruben Amorim opposed the move, believing he was an important asset to his team.

However, he has only made eight appearances this season, and his lack of use threatens to cost him his national team spot during the World Cup. This is why Mainoo is said to be keen on a move to Napoli. Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City are also said to be interested in the player, but according to sources close to the midfielder’s entourage, negotiations with Napoli are said to be quite advanced.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Roma player Wesley is the only “Italian” called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s next two friendlies, on November 15th at the Emirates in London against Senegal and on the 18th in Lille against Tunisia.

Fabinho is back, while Neymar is still out, having just returned last Saturday after yet another injury. “I haven’t spoken to him, we’ll see when he’s fully recovered,” Ancelotti said of the former Barça player now at Santos. “The World Cup squad? Let’s say we already have 17-18 players, we’ll see in March, that will be the closest to the final list.”

The squad is as follows: goalkeepers: Bento (Al Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Hugo Souza (Corinthians); defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Danilo (Flamengo), Militao (Real Madrid), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Luciano Juba (Bahía), Marquinhos (PSG), Paulo Henrique (Vasco), Wesley (Roma); midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Paquetá (West Ham); forwards: Estêvão (Chelsea), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius (Real Madrid), Vitor Roque (Palmeiras).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Accused of rape in the summer of 2023, striker Wissam Ben Yedder and his brother Sabri have been sent to trial, according to L’Équipe. Ben Yedder, a former French international, was captain of AS Monaco at the time of the alleged events and currently plays for Sakaryaspor in Turkey.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews