MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid is worried. No positive news has arrived from Turkey regarding the injury to Kylian Mbappé, whose left knee gave way during the goal that secured Zidane his first victory as France’s head coach.

The French Football Federation announced that the forward has sustained a tendon injury and will undergo medical tests in Madrid in the coming hours to determine the true extent of the problem. Meanwhile, Mbappé has left the French national team camp and will miss ‘Les Bleus’ next three matches, including the game against Italy next Friday. There is concern at the ‘Casa Blanca’: last season, his left knee had already caused Mbappé various issues, forcing him to miss the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League clash against Manchester City—a total of 12 matches.

This injury compounds the situation regarding Konaté—also with the French national team—and threatens to deprive Mourinho of his best forward (Mbappé has scored 8 of the ‘Merengues” 20 goals so far) just before a month in which Real will face Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla, and Leipzig ahead of ‘El Clásico’ against Barcelona.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERN (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It is not just Granit Xhaka: another case involving a fake Covid vaccination certificate has rocked the Swiss national team. The player involved is Breel Embolo; according to broadcaster RSI, he was convicted by the Basel Public Prosecutor’s Office last November for an incident dating back to 2021. The forward, in agreement with the Federation, will not join the national team for the upcoming Nations League matches.

“I took part in the discussions, but the decision not to call up Embolo was not mine,” head coach Murat Yakin said on the matter ahead of the match against North Macedonia. “After all, it is not a sporting issue, so it is a matter for the Federation.”

The Federation, through press officer Adrian Arnold, clarified: “Embolo did not betray our trust; we were surprised because we would have liked to know sooner—he informed us this week, and the news leaked today.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MUSCAT (OMAN) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Embassy of Italy in Muscat celebrated on 23 rd September 2026 the Italian Sport Day Around the World 2026 at the Spike Volleyball Club, bringing together members of the Italian community, an enthusiastic Omani audience and sports enthusiasts from different backgrounds and nationalities.

Promoted annually by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation and the Italian diplomatic and consular network, the Italian Sport Day
celebrates sport as a means of encounter, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion, as
well as a vehicle for promoting values such as integrity, solidarity and sharing.
The third edition is dedicated to boating, sailing and the sea, in connection with the
America’s Cup Naples 2027, which will be hosted in Italy for the first time. The initiative
also highlights the broader economic dimension of sport and its contribution to the
international promotion of Italian excellence.

In his opening remarks, H.E. the Ambassador of Italy to Oman, H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia,
recalled that sport is not only an important component of Italian culture, but also a
significant economic asset. The Italian sports sector generates approximately €32 billion,
equivalent to 1.5% of national GDP, and involves around 420,000 people, including
direct employment and related activities. Relevant Italian sport brands are present in the
most important sport facilities in Muscat.

In Oman, the event also highlighted the growing enthusiasm for Italian sport and the
strengthening of sporting cooperation between the two countries. Italian football enjoys a
strong following in the Sultanate, with an increasing number of Italian football clubs
developing academy activities in Oman. Sporting cooperation extends to other disciplines
as well, including Sailing and the Italian Shooting Federation (FITAV) that regularly
cooperates with the Oman Shooting Association, including through the annual Friendship
Competition in Muscat.

The celebration at Spike Volleyball Club provided an opportunity to bring together the
Italian and Omani communities around the shared values of sport, while highlighting the
role of sports diplomacy in strengthening relations between Italy and Oman and fostering
new opportunities for cooperation.

– photo Embassy of Italy in Muscat –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “The time has come to decide not only who will lead FIFA, but also how FIFA should be led. Leagues have a crucial role to play in this process, and we want to ensure that every league’s voice is heard. Football needs FIFA to be a strong institution. However, strength must go hand in hand with responsibility. FIFA’s authority can only stem from shared responsibility, acceptance of oversight, and the earning of trust.” This statement was issued jointly by the heads of Europe’s four major leagues—the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Ligue 1—less than six months before the FIFA elections, in which incumbent president Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election. “The complaint regarding abuse of dominant position concerning the International Match Calendar (IMC), filed by the leagues with the European Commission in October 2024, is the result of an inadequate governance system,” the statement reads. “In this system, FIFA can leverage its regulatory authority to pursue its own commercial objectives without regard for the impact on the economic and social sustainability of domestic competitions—a matter that affects all stakeholders. This must change now, in the interest of football. We therefore jointly call for a new governance structure for the global body governing our sport—one that is transparent, objective, proportionate, and inclusive.”

The four leagues are calling on the future FIFA leadership to commit to three fundamental objectives: granting relevant stakeholders a genuine role in the decision-making process (through a permanent body representing key stakeholders, including national associations, leagues, clubs, and players from both men’s and women’s football); ensuring that decision-making is based on data and evidence; and separating FIFA’s regulatory role from its commercial function. “At this critical juncture for our sport, we urge candidates for the FIFA presidency to embrace these principles and, within the first 100 days of the next presidential term, to convene a Governance Conference—chaired by an independent figure representing member associations and the broader football community—tasked with presenting a public report within six months,” the statement adds.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The axe of Financial Fair Play is about to fall on Manchester City. Both BBC Sport and The Athletic report that the club has been found guilty of 114 out of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations covering the period from 2009 to 2018. The investigation, sparked by revelations from *Der Spiegel* in November 2018, led to City being referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year probe. The alleged violations—which the club has consistently denied—were addressed during a hearing held between September and December 2024: the Premier League accused the “Citizens” of a lack of transparency in providing the information needed to accurately reflect the club’s financial position, alleging insufficient cooperation, while the Etihad side countered that the accusations were false and that the Der Spiegel investigation relied on illegally obtained and decontextualized emails

The commission’s verdict is now reportedly imminent, though it has apparently not yet determined which sanctions to impose; under the regulations, these range from a simple reprimand or a points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League. Trophies won by City during the period in question—specifically three league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one Community Shield—could also be at risk. Notably, following revelations by Der Spiegel, City was sanctioned by UEFA in February 2020 with a €30 million fine and a two-year ban from European competitions—measures that were subsequently overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the fine reduced to €10 million. Meanwhile, in response to recent speculation, the club stated: “The Premier League proceedings are ongoing, with significant elements yet to be concluded and subject to strict confidentiality obligations. The club has diligently respected due process for eight years, trusting that the Premier League board and management would act as an independent, impartial regulatory body ensuring fairness, free from partisan influence.” According to the BBC, should the club be found guilty, City intends to appeal through the appropriate channels.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta Air flight FR 3418 from Pisa to Prestwick landed at Manchester with just six minutes of fuel remaining after a series of windshear warnings and a diversion communication failure.

A report published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch concluded that the Malta Air Boeing 737-800 Flight FR 3418 had only six minutes’ worth of fuel left when it eventually landed at Manchester airport after crew issued a fuel mayday call.

The Boeing 737-800 was carrying 171 people when it departed Pisa International Airport at 3.28pm on October 3 last year.

The flight abandoned two landing attempts because of severe weather and windshear warnings before requesting to divert to Manchester. The request was initially refused because the airport was reportedly “too busy”.

The aircraft then diverted towards Edinburgh, where the crew encountered a third windshear event and issued a fuel mayday call.

According to an Air Accidents Investigation Branch report, the aircraft eventually landed at Manchester at 7.52pm with 363kg of fuel remaining, equivalent to less than six minutes of flying time.

The aircraft’s required final fuel reserve was 1,100kg.

Investigators said it was unlikely there would have been enough fuel for another go-around had one been required.

The AAIB found that the refusal of the initial diversion request appeared to have resulted from a breakdown in communication within Manchester Airport.

Following the incident, Manchester Airport reviewed its procedures and reiterated that diversion requests should be accepted when the airport has capacity.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – French Ambassador to Libya Thierry Vallat met with Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abu Shiha on September 23 to foster trade between the two countries.

According to the French Embassy in Libya, French exports have increased 2.5-fold since the embassy reopened in 2021 and grew by 50% in 2025 alone.

Furthermore, direct flights between France and Libya resumed on September 17—a significant milestone that facilitates investor mobility, brings businesses and institutions closer together, and accelerates trade and investment.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Flick changed my mentality. When he arrived, my head was already outside the club. I was sure I was going to leave. He called me and told me to wait before making a decision, because he wanted to speak to me in person. That conversation was fundamental. He gave me confidence and made me see things in myself that I had never seen before.” That is what Barcelona forward Raphinha told La Gazzetta dello Sport, after scoring 12 goals in the first seven rounds of La Liga.

“Lamine Yamal is, in my opinion, the number one candidate to win the Ballon d’Or,” added the 29-year-old Brazilian. “Lamine creates magic on the pitch. He has charisma and personality, as well as the goals, assists and trophies. He is a spectacular player, and he shows it both at Barça and with the national team, two sides on which he is one of the most important players.”

Raphinha also had high praise for Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti: “He surprised me tremendously. I had faced him as an opponent here in Spain and he had left a good impression on me; he seemed like a respectful person. But when I started working with him with the national team and we really got to know each other, I discovered what an exceptional person he is. That’s why I’m looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta and the United States have signed an aviation security agreement aimed at strengthening protection on select international flights and countering terrorist threats to civil aviation.

The agreement authorises International In-Flight Security Officers (IIFSOs), commonly known as air marshals, to operate aboard commercial aircraft to protect passengers and crew from acts of unlawful interference.

The US Embassy in Malta said the agreement builds on Malta’s existing aviation security programmes and will provide access to the latest security methodologies and training concepts.

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield and US Ambassador to Malta Somers Farkas announced the agreement, describing it as a significant step in bilateral efforts to address terrorist threats.

Bedingfield said the agreement would enhance security on flights between Malta and the United States, stressing the importance of aviation to the island’s connectivity and economic prosperity.

“This agreement with the United States reflects our shared determination to strengthen security, resilience and cooperation in the face of an increasingly complex global environment,” he said.

Farkas said the agreement reflects a priority of the Trump administration and creates a framework for US security officers to operate between the two countries.

She said the initiative places Malta within an international community focused on countering threats to civil aviation through cooperation, information sharing and common security practices.

IIFSO programmes have expanded internationally, particularly across Europe, and are intended to provide an additional layer of security against terrorist threats to civil aviation.

The agreement comes as direct air links between Malta and the United States continue to develop. Delta Air Lines began operating non-stop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Malta in June, with the service running three times a week until October.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Peru has expressed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara, while announcing its decision to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla.

The position was set out, according to the MAP news agency, in a joint statement adopted in New York at the end of a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Peruvian counterpart, Carlos Espá y Garcés Alvear, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Peruvian minister also reaffirmed Lima’s support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative for Western Sahara, which it considers a political, just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute. Peru also confirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which gave fresh impetus to the political process aimed at resolving the dispute.

Particular importance, MAP also reports, has been attached to Peru’s decision to open a consular mission in Dakhla. The consulate will also have an economic and commercial dimension and could serve as a gateway to African markets for Peruvian products.

Lima’s position comes amid growing international attention surrounding the Western Sahara issue: more than 150 UN member states now support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara or Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, which is regarded as a basis for a political settlement of the dispute.

Within the European Union, 25 of the 27 member states have expressed, at the national level, their support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, using different formulations and degrees of support.

The announcement also comes against the backdrop of renewed relations between Rabat and Lima. The two ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, including security, trade, agriculture, fertilizers, water resource management, renewable energy, logistics, culture, education and vocational training.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews