ROME (ITALPRESS) – Alireza Faghani, an Iranian referee with Australian citizenship, will officiate the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG, scheduled for Sunday evening (9:00 p.m.) at MetLife Stadium in New York. The assistant referees will be Australians Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham, while Argentine Facundo Tello will act as the fourth official. The VAR will be handled by Germany’s Bastian Dankert, assisted by Tatiana Guzman and Ivan Bebek.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Robbie Williams, confirmed as FIFA‘s official music ambassador, invites Laura Pausini to perform FIFA’s first official anthem, “Desire,” which premiered at the opening of the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami on June 14 and is now available on all digital platforms along with the official music video.

Written by Robbie Williams, produced by Karl Brazil and Owen Parker, mixed by Richard Flack, and adapted into Spanish by Laura herself, “Desire” will accompany players as they enter the pitch at all FIFA tournaments and matches around the world, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two international superstars will perform the song as a duet at the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13 at Metlife Stadium in New York. “It’s an honor for me to join my voice with that of an iconic pop star like Robbie Williams,” said Laura Pausini.

“The song he wrote is extraordinary, truly touching. It was easy and natural for me to adapt the verse into Spanish after listening to the entire lyrics and music. It’s a dream to be by his side at the FIFA Club World Cup. Since I was a child, I remember the excitement surrounding matches and championships. Italy is a symbol of football; we have legendary clubs here, nothing compares to the moments before the final seconds of a match. It’s just like a stage, the same emotion.”

Speaking about the new song, Robbie Williams said: “I grew up watching the walkouts, the anthems, the tension, so writing and recording the official FIFA anthem is a true privilege. I wanted to create something that captured all of that: the passion, the nerves, the pride, and the majesty of that feeling you get just before kick-off. Football and music have always meant the world to me, and combining them on this kind of stage gives me goosebumps. I know that in the coming years I’ll be performing this song at some of my favorite tournaments, and that fills me with excitement. It’s a true honor that Laura Pausini accepted my invitation to perform this song with me: she’s an incredible artist with a perfect voice.”

– Photo FIFA –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS) – Dozens of passengers ended up locked inside a Ryanair plane for at least an hour after encountering a problem with their departure from Malta International Airport to their destination.

The delay was experienced by flight FR1723 just as everything seemed ready for the plane to begin its journey to Naples. However, although the pilot was given permission by the control tower to take off, passengers were informed that this could not happen because the aircraft had not been supplied with enough fuel.

In fact, ground crew were called in to deliver and supply the plane with the missing 1,529 kg of fuel needed for the flight to reach its destination. This led to the flight departing 55 minutes late.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta International Airport (MIA) has published a series of travel guidelines aimed at easing passenger flow during the busy summer season, as nearly one million travelers passed through the terminal in June alone.

In a statement, the airport advised passengers not to arrive at the terminal more than two hours before their flight, unless otherwise instructed by the airline. This decision is part of a broader effort to manage peak-season congestion and maintain smooth operations.

“Please arrive at the terminal no more than two hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight,” MIA stated, discouraging unnecessary early arrivals that can cause overcrowding.

Passengers are also advised to check in online, keep their travel documents ready, and regularly monitor flight information. Those carrying liquids should place containers smaller than 100 ml in a clear plastic bag before arriving at the airport.

To further assist travelers, MIA has added additional signage throughout the terminal to improve orientation and reduce delays. Last month, a record 923,374 passengers passed through Miami, with June 26th being the peak day: 35,571 people passed through, nearly equal to the population of St. Paul’s Bay.

The United Kingdom remained the largest source of incoming passengers, contributing 22.4% of traffic, followed by Italy (20.2%), Germany (7.4%), Poland (7.0%), and France (6.7%). Passenger numbers in July and August are expected to exceed those in June, as Malta enters the peak tourist season.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – All eyes on Luis Diaz in Europe. The 28-year-old Colombian striker was initially pursued by Barcelona, ​​who, according to Spanish media, seen him as their main target to strengthen their left flank. He is now in the sights of Bayern Munich, who had been pursuing Nico Williams, who remained in Bilbao, and are now ready to submit a new offer for the Liverpool striker.

According to “Bild,” Bayern Munich has already submitted an initial offer for Luis Diaz, which was rejected. Now the Germans appear ready to go beyond €50 million to convince Liverpool to part with the Colombian. The same German newspaper specifies that the player has given his consent to a move to Bavaria, but according to “Mundo Deportivo,” Díaz’s primary desire is to play for Barça.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Rome conference on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction resumes today, bringing together 15 global leaders and 5,000 participants, including 2,000 business representatives. At the heart of the discussions are energy, infrastructure, defence, and humanitarian assistance — areas critical to Ukraine’s future.

Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, addressing the plenary session, reaffirmed Malta’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. He declared Malta’s continued commitment to support justice, stability, and the rebuilding of a resilient Ukrainian state, especially as its energy infrastructure faces relentless attacks from Russian aggression.

Calling the Ukrainian people’s resilience and courage “an inspiration,” Abela said peace must remain the ultimate goal. “We never believed in armaments as a solution,” Abela added, urging for peace through diplomacy.

He stressed that Malta will persist in aiding Ukraine’s recovery, particularly focusing on helping the most vulnerable, especially children.

Abela highlighted Malta’s diplomatic role through the UN Security Council and OSCE, and underlined the establishment of a special tribunal under Malta’s presidency of the Council of Europe’s Ministers Committee — a move he said underscores accountability for crimes of aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a Marshall Plan, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged over €10 billion through a new European Fund for Ukraine.

– photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Roma announced that Leandro Paredes has joined Boca Juniors on a permanent transfer. “The Argentine midfielder wore the Giallorossi jersey for a total of four seasons, making 135 appearances and scoring 13 goals,” the Roman club stated.

Paredes bid farewell to the Giallorossi fans with a moving video. He also shared a powerful message: “I don’t know where to start. You were the first to welcome me when I was still a child, to give me and my family the love we needed to feel at home, and so it was. Roma will always be my second home; it was my first and last team in Europe. I’m so sorry I couldn’t win something with you, but I’m leaving with peace of mind. I gave everything of myself”, Paredes ended.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “It’s difficult to say, but there are mixed emotions. An unforgettable, glorious and victorious period has come to an end. What I’ve experienced makes me even happier. Remembering everything I’ve achieved here is something to be very happy about, even though it’s coming to an end. At Real Madrid, I have grown as a player and as a person. Real Madrid has given me everything in football and for that I will be grateful for the rest of my life. I will always be a madridista”. This is Luka Modric‘s quote to describe his departure from Real Madrid.

A long and beautiful story, it ended with a heavy defeat in the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG. No player has won as many titles as Modric with Real Madrid: 28 titles in 13 years, from 2012 to 2025. The Croatian, born in 1985, will continue his extraordinary career at AC Milan, but while he awaits the official announcement of his transfer, he wanted to bid farewell to the Madrid community on the club’s television. “It has been a long journey, but an unforgettable one. I have grown a lot as a player and as a person. I have another home away from home, because Madrid and Spain are like my second home. I’m very happy and I’m sure that with time I’ll be even more aware of what I’ve achieved, because I’m going to need some time to add up all the emotions and everything I’ve achieved here”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has officially launched BLUE (Buoy for Long-term Underwater Exploration), the country’s first fixed ocean sensing platform, marking a major milestone in marine research and environmental monitoring.

Positioned 3.7 kilometers off Grand Harbour, BLUE will provide high-resolution, real-time data on marine and atmospheric conditions, helping scientists and policymakers address climate change and marine ecosystem health.

This innovative platform enhances Malta’s marine infrastructure and supports its obligations under EU directives such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive.

The launch event brought together Minister Dr Miriam Dalli, University of Malta Rector Professor Alfred Vella, MEP Peter Agius, former EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella, and representatives from the Armed Forces of Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority, the Energy and Water Agency, and other key agencies.

BLUE’s advanced capabilities include sensors for atmospheric conditions (wind speed, temperature, humidity), surface monitoring (currents, waves), and deep-water analysis (salinity, oxygen, pH, CO₂ levels).

Special recognition goes to Dr. Adam Gauci, whose dedication over the past three years made BLUE a reality. His persistence has delivered a game-changing asset for Malta’s marine science and environmental stewardship.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Environment Ministry has announced a two-year extension of the moratorium on the collection of sea urchins, pushing the ban’s expiry to July 7, 2027. First introduced in 2003, the measure has already led to a notable increase in sea urchin populations, the ministry said.

Sea urchins are essential to the health of marine ecosystems, keeping algae in check and serving as a food source for 18 fish species. Their decline not only disrupts marine balance but also increases vulnerability to invasive species.

Scientific monitoring across 10 sites shows population growth in about 60% of surveyed areas. However, the recovery has not been uniform, prompting the need for more time to allow weaker populations to stabilise.

Notably, the greatest increases were seen in young sea urchins measuring 2–4 cm — a sign of slow but steady growth, as the species typically grows just 1–2 cm per year.

Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) has been collecting and studying purple sea urchins as part of a wider research initiative. In collaboration with Stella Mare of the University of Corsica, they are exploring sustainable breeding, hatching, and restocking techniques.

The ministry reminded the public that collecting, transporting, selling, or distributing wild sea urchins remains illegal. Offenders face fines of €500 to €5,000. Over the past two years, three people were fined €1,900 in total after being caught in Żonqor, Marsascala.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews