PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC) (ITALPRESS) – “This morning Ter Stegen informed us that he will be joining Girona. Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper and we wish him all the best. He is leaving because he needs to play in order to go to the World Cup.” This was the announcement made by Hansi Flick regarding the future of the German goalkeeper.

Speaking at the press conference to present tomorrow’s Champions League match at home against Slavia Prague, the Barcelona coach officially confirmed the transfer of the 33-year-old shot-stopper, who, with the aim of earning a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, will finish the season at Girona.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Sweden “supports the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, in light of Security Council Resolution 2797,” as a “credible basis” for negotiations aimed at reaching a definitive solution to the regional dispute over Moroccan Sahara.

This position was expressed in an official statement published by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a telephone conversation on Monday between Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenengard and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Along with Sweden, 25 European Union member states and more than two-thirds of United Nations member states already support the Moroccan autonomy plan. It should be noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31, 2025, states that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents the most realistic solution to this regional dispute.

– photo MAP –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Several inbound flights to Malta were diverted to Italian airports late on Monday night and into Tuesday as gale-force winds from Storm Harry disrupted operations at Malta International Airport.

Four flights arriving from Bucharest, Rome, Vilnius and Milan were unable to land as strong crosswinds buffeted the runway, forcing pilots to abort landings or divert to safer alternatives in Italy. Dramatic videos shared on social media showed aircraft struggling in turbulent conditions, with some landings abandoned at the last moment.

Ryanair flight FR9257 from Bucharest, scheduled to arrive at 12.55am on Tuesday, was diverted to Bari after two unsuccessful landing attempts. The aircraft was later rescheduled to arrive in Malta at 11.30am.

Another Ryanair service, flight FR7304 from Vilnius, due to land at 9am, was diverted to Rome Fiumicino before eventually arriving in Malta at 1.40pm. A separate Ryanair flight from Trieste (FR3695), originally scheduled to touch down at 10.55am, was also rerouted to Bari, with its arrival time later updated to 2.39pm.

A further diversion affected Ryanair flight FR5970 from Milan, which was due to arrive at 12.55pm but was sent to Lamezia, Italy, due to the strong winds affecting the Maltese runway.

Footage shared on Facebook showed a Ryanair aircraft being forced to abandon a landing attempt as winds intensified, though the specific flight involved was not immediately identified. On Instagram, traveller Alina Dely described her flight from Barcelona as experiencing “pure turbulence,” sharing videos of passengers applauding the crew after the plane landed successfully on its second attempt.

Her flight had initially failed to land due to what she described as “super strong” winds before returning for another approach. “Once we realised the pilot had managed it, we started to applaud. His voice was so chill and confident, which helped a lot during this situation,” she said, adding that the experience had been “scary.”

While most arrivals were eventually completed, Malta International Airport’s website showed delays of around two hours for flights arriving from Amsterdam. Departures, however, were reported to be operating on schedule despite the adverse weather conditions.

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Thomas Frank has been reassured by the club, but his position remains uncertain. According to the “Sun,” the future of Tottenham‘s Danish manager hinges greatly on tonight’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, with the club’s management reportedly already evaluating various options should he be sacked.

One option is Mauricio Pochettino, a longtime Spurs coach but now the US manager and therefore only potentially available after the World Cup. He is also waiting for a call from the Premier League. Xavi, who has been sidelined since leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season, could be Tottenham the perfect opportunity. An internal solution cannot be ruled out, with the promotion of John Heitinga, Frank’s current assistant and who last season worked alongside Slot at Liverpool, even though his experience as head coach at Ajax was disappointing. It’s difficult to reach Xabi Alonso, who doesn’t seem inclined to immediately return to the game after being sacked by Real Madrid. The more likely option is Andoni Iraola, whose contract with Bournemouth expires in June.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A “major surge” in positive doping tests has been recorded in Maltese sport in recent weeks, according to Kevin Azzopardi, CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS).

Azzopardi said the increase reflects stronger enforcement and improved intelligence rather than a sudden change in athlete behaviour.

Established in 2022, AIMS regulates sport in Malta, overseeing governance, anti-doping, match-fixing and safeguarding. Azzopardi has led the authority for nearly three months.

He said a key priority has been registering all sports organisations, as required by law by the end of 2025. So far, 56 national associations are registered, with most of the remaining 10 already in the process.

Out of around 400 sports clubs, about 320 have either completed or begun registration, with full compliance targeted by mid-2026.

On anti-doping, Azzopardi said testing has increased steadily, with around 350 tests in 2025 and a target of 400 in 2026, despite each test costing about €800.

Recent weeks have seen several positive cases, including Premier League footballers and competitive rowers. Azzopardi said targeted testing based on tip-offs has driven the rise.

“We have widened our intelligence base, and the information we receive is often correct,” he said, noting that anonymous reporting has proven effective.

Azzopardi also warned athletes that cannabis remains banned in sport despite legal changes, stressing that AIMS is committed to ensuring clean and safe competition across all disciplines.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Storm Harry continued to batter Malta on Monday night and into Tuesday, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption, including fallen trees, damaged property and the diversion of an inbound flight.

The Malta Meteorological Office reported winds reaching 56 knots, or around 103km/h, in Valletta by 7am on Tuesday. A red weather warning for severe gale-force winds remains in effect until noon, with coastal areas facing strong waves and sea spray. Conditions are expected to gradually ease later in the day, with winds dropping from Force 8 to Force 6.

By Tuesday morning, reports of damage had begun to emerge from several localities. Trees were reported down, while residents shared images and videos on social media showing water tank lids blown into streets and doors and windows shaking overnight. No injuries were reported.

An inbound Ryanair flight from Bucharest, scheduled to arrive shortly before 1am, was diverted to Bari after two failed landing attempts and is expected to arrive later on Tuesday morning.

Civil Protection Malta said it responded to at least 42 reports of trees obstructing roads and public spaces over the past 24 hours, along with 23 debris clearance operations. Crews also dealt with dislodged billboards, an electrical hazard, hazardous material spillages, fires and a lift rescue, as emergency services were placed on heightened alert.

Transport services were heavily affected. Virtu Ferries cancelled all trips between Malta and Sicily on Monday and Tuesday, while Gozo Channel suspended its operations. Ferry services between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities were also affected, and the Barrakka Lift will remain closed on Tuesday.

The storm prompted widespread precautionary measures. Government workers were urged to work remotely, post-secondary lectures were moved online, and refuse collection was suspended for the day. Schools remain open, but parents have been told they may keep children at home without penalty. The Malta Union of Teachers expressed concern over the decision to keep schools open amid the severe weather.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid coastal areas and refrain from parking vehicles near trees, construction sites or the sea. He said the worst of the storm was expected to pass by Tuesday afternoon, while emergency services remain on standby as strong winds continue to impact the islands

– photo Malta Protection Civil –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona will be in Prague without Ferran Torres. The Blaugrana club announced that the striker has suffered “a tear to the semimembranosus muscle in his right leg” and will be out for about ten days.

He will miss the Champions League away match against Slavia—for which Raphinha is recovered—nor the match against Oviedo on Sunday at Camp Nou.

It’s unlikely that Ferran Torres will be available for the final Champions League matchday, on January 28th against Copenhagen, but he could be fit for the La Liga away match against Elche on January 31st.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – King Mohammed VI of Morocco has accepted Donald Trump’s invitation to join the Peace Council, which he intends to establish, as a Founding Member. The initiative aims to “contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East and adopt a new approach to conflict resolution around the world.” The Council is reserved for a select group of leaders of recognized international prestige, committed to a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.

A statement from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this invitation reflects recognition of the leadership of the King of Morocco, President of the Jerusalem Committee, and his stature as a key peacemaker, and demonstrates the trust the Moroccan Sovereign enjoys with the President of the United States and the international community. The Peace Council will take the legal form of an international organization with the aim of promoting stability, reestablishing governance, and ensuring lasting peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict. Its mandate will be based on concrete cooperation, effective action, and results-oriented partnerships. Membership in the Council is exclusively at the invitation of the President of the United States of America.

– photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Andreas Schjelderup is awaiting Italy. The 21-year-old Norwegian winger, who is finding little playing time at Benfica, according to “A Bola” is looking to move to Serie A, to a team that can guarantee him the playing time he needs to convince coach Solbakken to bring him to the World Cup.

Negotiations for a loan with an option to buy at Parma have reportedly cooled: the player is reportedly not convinced about moving to Parma. Another option would be Roma, who, however, are currently more inclined to invest in Feyenoord’s Leo Sauer. Schjelderup still has time to decide, especially since Benfica wants to find a replacement before letting him go.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “My heart aches.” Brahim Diaz began his social media post the day after the incredible Africa Cup of Nations final, where he was first a leading light and a key figure for his Morocco team, but then missed the most controversial penalty in football history with an unbelievable chip, given Senegal’s reaction to the penalty, which ultimately won in extra time.

“I dreamed of the continental title, I also dreamed of it because of all the love you have given me with every message, with every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with all my strength, putting my heart above all else. Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. It will be hard to recover, because this wound doesn’t heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will continue until one day I can reciprocate all this love and be a source of pride for my Moroccan people,” said the Real Madrid player, formerly of AC Milan.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews