ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – FIFA as a messenger of peace. This is the international federation’s role, emphasized today by President Gianni Infantino after the Council meeting in Zurich. “At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to unite people in a divided world,” Infantino said in his opening remarks, specifically addressing the ongoing situation in Gaza.

“Our thoughts are with those suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message football can convey now is that of peace and unity. FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”

Infantino also invited “all interested stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to protect players, find the right balance between club football and national teams globally, and improve the game of the future.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The 95th Saudi National Day, organised by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rome, placed a spotlight on the Kingdom’s rich culture and traditions, in line with the Year of Saudi Handicrafts declared by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The celebration, hosted at the Salone delle Fontane by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom to Italy, Malta and San Marino, drew around a thousand guests, including senior Italian officials, business leaders, academics, think tanks, associations, and representatives of Saudi companies.

Guests were welcomed into a recreated Majlis (Sala Severini), designed to reflect traditional Saudi hospitality. Master artisans showcased their skills with terracotta decoration and wood carving, echoing the theme of the year. The evening also featured live performances by Saudi musicians, falconry demonstrations, and the presence of Arabian horses — enduring symbols of the Kingdom’s heritage and identity. Cuisine played a central role in the event. At a combined Italian-Saudi buffet, Saudi chef Ms. Mashail Ibrahim served authentic dishes alongside an original creation blending typical Saudi and Italian ingredients.

“Celebrating the 95th National Day of the Kingdom in Rome is an opportunity to strengthen the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Italy. Through the culture, art, cuisine, and traditions we shared this evening, we reaffirm our commitment to building ever deeper ties between our countries and our peoples,” said Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in his remarks.

Notable attendees included Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health; Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO; and Mario Nobile, Director-General of AGID. Sponsors and partner companies were also present, with dedicated spaces and photo opportunities underscoring the growing economic and institutional cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

– photo xr2/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s capital city, Valletta, will host in 2026 the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit next year, marking the largest tourism event ever held in the country.

The three-day summit will be organised by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, together with the Malta Tourism Authority. The gathering will bring together international leaders from both the public and private sectors to debate the future of the travel and tourism industry, with sustainability, innovation, and investment at the core of discussions.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg called the summit a moment of national pride and a chance to showcase Malta’s heritage, innovation, and hospitality. He stressed the potential for new partnerships between local operators and international brands. Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said hosting the summit affirms the country’s role on the global tourism map and will deliver lasting benefits for the industry and the Maltese people.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – After William Saliba, Arsenal are ready to lock down Bukayo Saka. The 24-year-old English striker is under contract until 2027. The Gunners don’t want to lose him, and are therefore preparing to put forward a renewal proposal with a salary increase: according to “Talksport,” Saka is expected to become the highest-paid player in the squad alongside Kai Havertz, with a salary of 280,000 pounds a week, approximately 16.7 million euros gross per season.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Rodrigo Bentancur and Tottenham are reportedly close to a renewal agreement, according to “The Athletic.” The 28-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, formerly of Juventus, is out of contract at the end of the season, but it didn’t take him long to establish himself as an important player in Frank’s squad, making eight starts in ten games. Having arrived from the Bianconeri in January 2022, Bentancur has already played 122 times for Spurs despite a long layoff due to a cruciate ligament tear in 2023, and was instrumental in winning the Europa League last season.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Palestinian ambassador to Malta Fadi Hanania has welcomed U.S. president Donald Trump’s new 20-point peace plan for Gaza, calling it a significant step toward ending the conflict and advancing Palestinian independence. Hanania described the proposal as “a step in the right direction”.

He said palestinians value the plan and are “sincerely grateful” to Trump for his efforts to halt what he termed “two years of continuous genocide” in Gaza. The plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the creation of a Peace Board to oversee Gaza’s administration. Most notably, it lays the groundwork for recognising a Palestinian state under specific conditions.

Hanania stressed that the plan comes at a time of growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, pointing to Malta’s recent decision as a continuation of 50 years of bilateral ties. The ambassador said the new plan underlines that palestinians will remain in Gaza and will shape their own future.

Hanania also underlined the importance of reuniting all Palestinian territories, insisting that only then could the Palestinian state “finally become a reality”.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Jude Bellingham has been named English Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder beat out Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane. Bellingham, who succeeds Cole Palmer, is the second English player playing abroad to receive this award: Owen Hargreaves was the first to do so in 2006, while at Bayern.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – His Brazil has already qualified, and Carlo Ancelotti already has the World Cup in his mind. Clear ideas, choices already made, or almost. He needs to work on them and take care of every detail. “There are no experiments, there’s nothing to invent, also because football was already invented a long time ago.”, Ancelotti says.

He brought his simplicity and wisdom to Brazil. The 26-man squad for the friendlies against South Korea and Japan includes excellent returning players like Rodrygo. “Obviously, I can’t say this is a definitive list for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said at the press conference, “but many of these players will be there at the World Cup. There are some missing due to injuries, and those who were called up for this reason have the opportunity to prove their worth. These are matches that I consider important. The Seleção isn’t playing to test themselves, but to grow, play well, win, and generate enthusiasm in the tournament.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, delivered a stark warning on the fragility of democratic values in a speech to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, marking Malta’s 60th anniversary in the Council. Despite strengthened legal frameworks, Spiteri Debono cautioned that hard-won freedoms face renewed threats from regressive forces.

She highlighted Malta’s recent formal recognition of the State of Palestine as a “principled reaffirmation” of the nation’s commitment to human rights, justice, and the dignity of all peoples. Describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” the President criticised Israeli retaliation, saying it had “far exceeded the established principles of necessity, distinction and proportionality.”

Turning to domestic issues, Spiteri Debono condemned a troubling “resurgence of harm” against women, suggesting that current violence may represent a backlash against decades of gender equality progress. She warned against reverting to patriarchal stereotypes in the name of tradition. As part of Malta’s response, the President cited the introduction of gender quotas in Parliament, stressing that a “critical mass” of women is essential for effective and legitimate democratic governance. Representation, she argued, must be meaningful rather than symbolic.

– photo Malta President Office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Federico Valverde uses social media to respond to what he considers falsehoods that “damage” his image. Yesterday, the Real Madrid midfielder did not play in the Champions League match won by the blancos 5-0 at Kairat Almaty, but according to some rumors in the Spanish press, the reason is his refusal to Xabi Alonso’s request to play as a full-back.

“I know I’ve played bad games, I’m aware of it, it saddens me, but I don’t hide it,” the Uruguayan wrote on social media. “You can say a lot of things about me, but in no way can you say that I refuse to play. I’ve given everything and more for this club. I’ve played despite injuries and injuries, I’ve never complained nor asked for a break. I have a good relationship with the coach, this allows me to tell him which role I think is the most suited to my characteristics, but I’ve always let him know that I’m available to play anywhere, on any away trip and in any match. I’ve put my heart and soul into this club, and I will continue to do so. Even if sometimes I don’t reach my goals or don’t play as well as I’d like, I swear on my pride that I will never give up and will fight until the end, playing anywhere in any position.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews