LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Michael Carrick’s position as manager is increasingly at risk. Following a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League yesterday—part of a seven-match winless streak across all competitions—the English manager’s standing has become precarious, prompting Manchester United to begin exploring potential alternatives. According to ‘The Telegraph’, former Germany head coach and ex-Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is among the candidates being considered should Carrick be dismissed; he is reportedly open to hearing a proposal.

The 39-year-old German coach has been linked to the club in the past and has never hidden his desire to one day manage in the Premier League. Furthermore, Christopher Vivell—currently at United—served as technical director at Chelsea when the Blues explored hiring Nagelsmann, and the two previously worked together at RB Leipzig. Carrick’s future could hinge on Sunday’s match against Bournemouth; another poor result might prove fatal, especially following comments made yesterday by Bruno Fernandes, who publicly criticized his manager’s tactical decisions.

Antonio Conte also remains a possibility, though he is not considered an ideal fit for the club’s current structure. Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is highly regarded, though it is unlikely he could be secured mid-season. A similar situation applies to Unai Emery. Among available managers, Eddie Howe—formerly of Newcastle and well-regarded by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe—could also be considered.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Mohammed Ben Ghalboun, Libyan Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs, has issued directives to the relevant authorities to raise the alert level and implement necessary precautions in anticipation of expected adverse weather conditions. According to an official statement from Libya’s Government of National Unity, the alert comes in response to forecasts of heavy rainfall, expected from tomorrow through Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The Libyan General Company for Water and Wastewater has been tasked with preparing drainage pumps and positioning them in critical areas. Public utility companies in Tripoli and the central region are required to step up street cleaning efforts and clear drainage channels, while the General Electricity Company of Libya must increase the readiness of its emergency response teams.

The Libyan National Security Authority is directed to prepare rescue and evacuation teams and to activate operations centers. The directives emphasize the importance of continuous coordination, the activation of emergency response rooms, and the issuance of public warnings through official channels—urging citizens to follow safety instructions and avoid unnecessary travel.

-Photo: IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s general government deficit more than doubled to €698.5 million in the first half of 2026, exceeding the full-year shortfall recorded in 2025, official figures showed.

The National Statistics Office reported a second-quarter deficit of €344.1 million, following €354.4 million in the first quarter.

Government revenue rose 10.8% year-on-year to €2.18 billion in the second quarter, but expenditure increased faster, climbing 14.6% to €2.52 billion and widening the deficit by €109.2 million.

Government debt also rose, reaching €11.98 billion at the end of June, equivalent to 47% of gross domestic product (GDP). This represented an increase of €516 million over the quarter and €891 million year-on-year.

The figures contrast with Malta’s improved fiscal performance in 2025, when the deficit fell to €505.7 million, or 2.05% of GDP, from 3.53% in 2024, according to the latest Excessive Deficit Procedure notification.

Debt stood at €11.41 billion, or 46.26% of GDP, at the end of last year, remaining below the European Union’s Maastricht thresholds of 60% for debt and 3% for the deficit.

However, the 2025 improvement was largely driven by higher revenue. Government income increased by €831 million, while expenditure rose by €521.8 million, reducing the deficit by €309.2 million.

The trend has since reversed, with spending increases across several major categories contributing to the deterioration.

In the second quarter, compensation of employees rose by €60.8 million year-on-year, intermediate consumption increased by €87.6 million, social benefits climbed by €53.3 million and capital transfers rose by €47.2 million. Subsidies were the only category to decline, falling by €6.9 million.

The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council has warned that Consolidated Fund spending increased by nearly 18% in the first half of the year and must slow considerably for the government to meet its full-year deficit target of just over €428 million.

The cash-based Consolidated Fund deficit reached €379.2 million in the second quarter, compared with the lower accrual-based figure of €344.1 million after accounting adjustments.

Malta’s revenue structure also presents risks, with taxes on income and wealth accounting for more than 43% of government revenue. Corporate tax represents 41.7% of direct tax income, leaving public finances exposed to fluctuations in profits reported by internationally mobile companies.

Despite the deterioration, Malta retains fiscal room for manoeuvre, with its debt ratio still below the EU ceiling.

The government’s 2026 projections anticipate a deficit of 1.64% of GDP and debt equivalent to 45.75% of GDP. However, the first-half figures have raised doubts about whether those targets can be achieved.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA) (ITALPRESS) – Bryan Ruiz remains head coach of Costa Rica. The former captain of ‘Los Ticos’—initially appointed on an interim basis following the dismissal last September of Fernando Batista, who had failed to secure qualification for the most recent World Cup—has had his position confirmed, following victories against Nicaragua and Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League earlier this month.

Ruiz, 41, who captained the national team in three World Cups before retiring in 2022, will therefore be on the bench for next month’s friendly matches against Ecuador (November 13) and Argentina (November 17).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Scaloni will remain at the helm of the Argentine national team. According to local media, contract renewal negotiations are in their final stages, with optimism that an agreement will be reached during the upcoming international break—a period in which the ‘Selección’ is set to face Uruguay at La Bombonera and Costa Rica in Córdoba.

Scaloni himself, speaking during Messi’s farewell match, admitted that “if everything goes well, I will continue as the national team coach.” The 48-year-old Argentine manager is expected to sign a two-year extension, which includes an option to prolong his tenure through the 2030 World Cup—a tournament for which Argentina will host one of the opening matches.

In charge since September 2018—initially as an interim replacement for Sampaoli—Scaloni has led the ‘Albiceleste’ to a World Cup title (2022), two Copa América trophies (2021 and 2024), and a victory in the 2022 ‘Finalissima’ against Italy, in addition to reaching the final of the most recent Copa América last July.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Some 81% of foreign investors consider Malta an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, while nine out of 10 companies intend to maintain or expand their operations in the country over the next year, according to the Malta Attractiveness Survey 2026 commissioned by Ernst & Young (EY).

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the findings, which show an improvement on last year, reflect continued confidence in Malta’s economy and its long-term prospects.

He described the intention of nine out of 10 companies to remain or invest further in Malta as the survey’s most significant result, saying it demonstrated confidence in the country’s future.

The survey also highlighted growing investor confidence in artificial intelligence (AI), with 59% identifying it as a sector expected to drive Malta’s economic growth, up from 47% in the previous year.

AI was also identified as the sector with the greatest long-term growth potential.

Abela said the findings supported the Government’s national AI strategy and initiatives such as AI for Everyone, which has attracted more than 40,000 participants.

He also referred to the €100 million investment in digital transformation announced in the previous Budget, saying the Government remained committed to continuing its efforts in this area.

The Prime Minister said Malta’s next phase of economic growth should focus increasingly on productivity, innovation and higher value-added investment.

Abela also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining energy and fuel subsidies, with €400 million allocated for this year and a further €400 million planned for next year.

He said the survey reinforced confidence in Malta’s economic direction and its long-term investment strategy.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has urged Malta to make further progress on judicial independence, media freedom and corruption, as MEPs called for action rather than more reports, nine years after journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

European Commissioner Michael McGrath told the European Parliament that Malta had taken some steps to address concerns but needed further efforts to implement outstanding recommendations.

The Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report, published in July, highlighted limited progress on safeguards for journalists, judicial appointments and the prosecution of corruption cases. It also flagged court delays and weaknesses in the Permanent Commission against Corruption.

The debate exposed divisions among Maltese MEPs over the state of the country’s institutions and the legacy of Caruana Galizia’s murder.

The debate referred  me to the inquiry’s unimplemented recommendations, including anti-mafia legislation, unexplained wealth orders, constitutional protection for journalism and criminalisation of abuse of office.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has said he will never introduce an anti-mafia law, arguing that it would suggest Malta is a mafia state.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s bill seeking to implement the inquiry’s recommendations remains off Parliament’s agenda.

Although the Commission’s powers to force reforms are limited, it can initiate infringement proceedings against member states. McGrath said Brussels was counting on Maltese authorities to implement the necessary changes.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Dani Olmo faces a month on the sidelines due to an injury to his left adductor muscle. This is the diagnosis following medical examinations undergone by the Barcelona player after he sustained the injury during yesterday’s Champions League match against PSG.

Consequently, the Spanish international will miss Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid and will be unavailable to Hansi Flick for at least four weeks.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for Libya, met with Mohammed Ben Ghalboun, Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Local Government. According to a statement released by the United Nations in Libya on its official X account, the meeting addressed the strengthening of coordination for international development cooperation at both the central and local levels.

Discussions focused on aligning international support with Libya’s development priorities, promoting transparency, and ensuring that resources yield tangible benefits for local communities. Minister Ben Ghalboun expressed interest in leveraging the United Nations’ technical expertise and knowledge-sharing to bolster national capacities in development planning, financing, and coordination.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Accelerating investment, increasing oil and gas production, and making the most of Eastern Mediterranean resources were the main topics discussed at the roundtable entitled “The Future of Energy in Egypt”, chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, as part of the Mediterranean Oil and Gas (MOC 2026) conference and exhibition.

Participants included Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Michael Damianos; Osama Mubarez, Secretary-General of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF); and representatives of international oil and gas companies operating in Egypt.

Badawi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with investors, overcoming barriers to investment, and accelerating exploration and development activities to counter the decline in production.

He also highlighted the strategic role of Egypt’s gas transportation and liquefaction infrastructure in connecting regional resources with international markets.

Photo: IPA Agency

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews