TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Fans of the Ittihad Tripoli club set fire to part of the building housing the Presidency of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in downtown Tripoli on the night between Thursday and Friday, Libyan media reported. The protesters accuse the family of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah of favoring one Libyan league team over others. The incident occurred shortly after Ittihad supporters invaded the pitch at the Tarhuna stadium following the match against Al-Swehli Misrata (a Western regional playoff match). The fans were protesting the denial of a penalty in the final minutes. Stadium cameras captured gunfire, chaos on the pitch, and the transfer of injured people by ambulance. Armed security forces intervened, firing into the air to disperse the invaders (Libyan league matches are played behind closed doors).

The director of Tarhuna Sports City, Abdullah Faraj, confirmed that the riots resulted in the live broadcast vehicle and some stadium facilities being set on fire. At the same time, further clashes erupted in the Bab Bin Ghashir neighborhood—near the government headquarters and the Ittihad headquarters—including an assault on a security vehicle. A group of youths then demonstrated in front of the Prime Minister’s Office building, throwing a large number of fireworks at the building. The flames engulfed some areas of the building. The protesters were dispersed, and firefighters intervened to put out the fire. There is currently no official information on the number of injuries or the extent of damage to the government building. The Tripoli government has not yet commented on the incident.

– photo xr8/Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese economy continued to outperform the eurozone in the final quarter of last year, with real GDP growth more than five times higher than the eurozone average, according to the Central Bank of Malta. Growth was equally supported by strong domestic demand and net exports, confirming the resilience of the Maltese economy.

The labor market also remained solid, with rising employment and increased participation. The number of vacancies increased further, while labor shortages remained high. Despite a slight increase in unemployment, the rate remained well below the eurozone average.

On the price front, inflation rose marginally to 2.5% in December, compared to 2.4% in September. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, decreased slightly to 2.3%. Public finances also showed signs of improvement, with the deficit lower than in the same period of the previous year. Malta’s debt-to-GDP ratio remained stable and significantly lower than the eurozone average.

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – A long-term contract renewal before heading into the World Cup campaign. That was the decision made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which has tied head coach Carlo Ancelotti down until 2030.

“The confirmation of Ancelotti as head coach of the Brazilian national team – the most successful team in the history of world football – reflects not only the CBF’s support for his work, but also the trust he has earned from the squad and Brazilian fans since his arrival at the end of May 2025,” the federation said in an official statement. “Since taking charge, the Italian coach has become a central figure in strengthening Brazilian football, working closely with various departments within the CBF and building a relationship defined by identity, excellence, and stability.”

“I arrived in Brazil a year ago. From the very first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For a year we have worked to bring the Brazilian national team back to the top of world football. But the CBF and I want more. More victories, more time, more work,” Ancelotti commented. “We are very happy to announce that we will continue together for another four years. We will move forward together until the 2030 World Cup. I want to thank the CBF for their trust. Thank you, Brazil, for the warm welcome and all the affection.”

CBF president Samir Xaud celebrated Carlo Ancelotti’s contract extension and highlighted how the decision aligns with the federation’s long-term sporting project. “Today is a historic day for the CBF and for Brazilian football. Carlo Ancelotti’s contract renewal represents another concrete step in our commitment to providing the five-time world champions with an increasingly strong, modern, and competitive structure. We work every day to keep Brazil at the highest level of world football, while also paying close attention to the development of the other national teams, competitions organized by the CBF, and the strengthening of clubs and federations throughout the country,” Xaud stated.

CBF vice president Gustavo Dias also emphasized the importance of extending Ancelotti’s deal, underlining how mutual trust made the agreement easier to reach. “Ancelotti’s career speaks for itself. But beyond that, he is a fantastic person. We are extremely satisfied with the work carried out since his arrival. His stay for another four years reflects confidence in a solid project built with balance, experience, and vision for the future.” “We are convinced that this continuity will further strengthen the bond between the national team and Brazilian fans, as well as the joy that football has always brought to our country,” Dias concluded.

Ancelotti was appointed head coach of Brazil in May 2025. In one year in charge, he has led the Seleção in ten matches, recording five wins, two draws, and three defeats. Under his guidance, the team has scored 18 goals and conceded eight.

At the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti’s Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The Syrian Foreign Minister reaffirmed Syria’s support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, while welcoming the adoption of the historic United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797.

This was reported in a statement from the Moroccan Foreign Ministry. During talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the Syrian diplomat expressed his country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara, emphasizing the importance of the international dynamic initiated by UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

The Syrian minister also welcomed the United Nations’ efforts to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution within the framework of the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty and the Moroccan autonomy initiative. Resolution 2797, adopted on 31 October 2025 by the Security Council, enshrines a new international political dynamic around the issue of Moroccan Sahara, recognizing the autonomy initiative as a serious, credible and realistic basis for a definitive solution to the regional dispute.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco is strengthening its position in the global green hydrogen sector with the launch of a center of excellence in Casablanca dedicated to research, innovation, and training in clean hydrogen technologies at the Hassania School of Public Works. According to the website le vie eco, the initiative, announced as part of the cooperation between Moroccan partners and the Chinese company Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy, aims to support the development of the technical and industrial skills needed to support the Kingdom’s energy strategy and foster the emergence of a competitive national ecosystem in the renewable energy sector.

The new center will have the primary objective of technology transfer, applied research, and the training of engineers, technicians, and specialists in green hydrogen, considered one of the pillars of the global energy transition.

According to the Moroccan business press, the project reflects growing international interest in Morocco’s potential in the green hydrogen sector, thanks to its solar and wind resources, strategic location between Europe and Africa, and the Kingdom’s developed energy and port infrastructure. In recent years, Rabat has accelerated its national green hydrogen strategy through the “Morocco Offer,” with an initial investment of €30 billion.

The offer is intended to attract major international investments in hydrogen and green ammonia production, with the aim of becoming one of the main sustainable energy hubs in the Euro-African region.

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

GENEVA (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – United Nations experts expressed “serious concern about the alleged crackdown on civil society in Algeria, including the incommunicado detention, harassment and intimidation of relatives of victims of enforced disappearances engaged in the search for their loved ones and the pursuit of truth and justice.” This was stated in a statement released by the United Nations.

“The families of forcibly disappeared persons have a right to the truth. Any obstruction of this deepens their suffering and creates a chilling effect on civil society as a whole,” the experts said in the statement.

Among the cases cited is that of activist Rachid Ben Nakhla, who was reportedly arrested in April 2026 in circumstances still unclear by the Algerian authorities. The UN experts called on Algeria to immediately disclose the place of detention and the fate of the person concerned and to proceed with his release without delay.

The report also mentions the cases of Hamza Tellaa, Samia Bekouche, and Slimane Hamitouche, who were allegedly arrested without a warrant and subsequently released.
According to the experts, even temporary detention not officially recognized can constitute enforced disappearance under international law. The Algerian authorities are also reportedly targeting the Collectif des Familles de Disparu.e.s en Algérie (CFDA) and the SOS Disparus association. On March 16, the premises of SOS Disparus were closed and sealed by the Algerian authorities, citing an alleged lack of administrative authorization. United Nations experts have expressed doubts about the legitimacy of these measures, stressing that such restrictions effectively prevent families from reuniting, organizing, and continuing their search for missing persons.

Recalling Algeria’s international obligations, the UN experts reiterated that “the prohibition on enforced disappearances is absolute and non-derogable under international law” and that the authorities have a duty to protect the victims’ families and human rights defenders from any form of reprisal, intimidation, or persecution. The experts also called for full respect for fundamental procedural guarantees, the lifting of restrictions against the CFDA and SOS Disparaus, the reopening of the association’s offices, and access to effective judicial remedies to challenge the measures.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Despite a disappointing season in black and white, Lois Openda has not lost many admirers. The 26-year-old Belgian striker, whose mandatory purchase option worth more than €40 million has been triggered, is not part of Juventus’ plans for next season, but there is no shortage of interested clubs in the Premier League.

Leeds are among the main contenders, with the destination reportedly very appealing to Openda himself. According to TeamTalk, the Elland Road club would be willing to pursue a loan deal with an option and/or obligation to buy.

Newly promoted Coventry City are also tracking the former RB Leipzig forward, but Leeds remain the most concrete option unless Bournemouth step in. The Cherries will reportedly be coached next season by Marco Rose, who previously worked with Openda at Leipzig, and are also expected to compete in European competitions next season.

Other possible destinations include a return to Lens or a move to Fenerbahce, but Openda’s priority is the Premier League, where he hopes to rediscover the form that made him a standout performer in Germany.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Julian Alvarez is considered the key player to build on despite the pressure from Paris, but Griezmann will be flying to America, and Sorloth could also be leaving at the end of the season. Atlético Madrid are looking to step up their attack next summer, and according to “As,” one of the names they’re considering is Dusan Vlahovic.

The 26-year-old Serbian’s contract with Juventus expires in 2021, and the Spaniards had already been keeping an eye on him when he was still at Fiorentina. However, Vlahovic is demanding a high salary, given that he’ll be leaving for free, and there’s plenty of competition—primarily from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in the league. According to the MLS Players Association report, the Argentine star is the highest-paid player in the league: $28.3 million per season, just over €24 million.

This salary puts him well above all others: former Tottenham player Heung Min Son is second with €9.4 million, while former Udinese and Atlético Madrid player Rodrigo de Paul is third with €8.3 million. Also in the top 15 are Thomas Muller, who receives €4.3 million per season from the Vancouver Whitecaps, while Timo Werner, of the San José Earthquakes, earns €3.6 million. Overall, the MLS salary pool reaches €528.6 million, with Inter Miami leading the way: €46.4 million is the share of player salaries, of which 51.9% goes to Messi.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will host a major Mediterranean conference later this year aimed at strengthening children’s rights, wellbeing and inclusion across the region.

The event, a flagship initiative of the Mediterranean Children’s Movement led by former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, will bring together young people, policymakers and child welfare stakeholders.

A grant agreement signed with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism will provide financial support for the conference.

The gathering is intended to promote regional dialogue, youth engagement and the exchange of best practices among organisations working for children.

Members of the Mediterranean Children’s Movement Children’s Council will also take part, ensuring children and young people are directly involved in discussions.

The agreement was signed by Coleiro Preca and Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg.

Coleiro Preca described the agreement as a key step in strengthening regional cooperation on child wellbeing, peace education and inclusion.

She said the initiative would create a platform for organisations, professionals and young people to share ideas and build stronger networks of solidarity.

Borg praised the project, saying Malta was reaffirming its commitment to promoting children’s rights and wellbeing at both regional and global levels.

“By investing in children today, we are fostering a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future for our region,” he said.

Cutajar said the partnership reflected Malta’s continued support for child welfare and inclusive dialogue across the Mediterranean.

-Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews