ROME (ITALPRESS) – Iran’s participation in the next World Cup remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Iranian Football Federation has made the national team’s participation conditional on the acceptance of a series of demands made to the three host countries of the tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This stance adds further tension to an already delicate diplomatic situation.

According to Iranian state television, the federation reiterated its unwillingness to compromise the country’s values, cultural identity, and principles. Hence the decision to establish specific conditions deemed essential to guarantee the national team’s participation. Among the priority points is the issuing of visas to all members of the Iranian delegation, including those players or staff members with past ties to the Pasdaran. Also in the crosshairs of the debate are prominent figures from the national team, such as former Inter Milan player Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.

Tehran’s demands also include increased security measures at airports, hotels, and on the way to stadiums, as well as the right for Iranian supporters to display only the official flag. The federation also demands that the national anthem be regularly played before matches and that press conferences be limited to strictly sporting topics, without addressing political or non-football issues.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – The violent argument between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni has given the decisive impetus. According to the Portuguese and Madrid press, Real Madrid and Josè Mourinho are increasingly close to a sensational return, strongly desired by both sides. At the “Casa Blanca,” everyone is certain, starting with Florentino Perez: to resolve the out-of-control situation in the Valdebebas dressing room, the charisma and personality of a coach like the “special one” is needed. Among other things, the coach was reportedly informed directly by club sources about the brawl that broke out on Thursday and ended with Valverde being hospitalized. Real Madrid is ready to release the former Inter coach from the final year of his contract that ties him to Benfica, paying the three million euros in his release clause into the coffers of president Rui Costa’s club. In Spain and Portugal, they’re convinced that this will be the case, and this is confirmed by the fact that the Eagles are already looking for a successor. According to “A Bola,” the most likely candidate is Marco Silva, the 48-year-old Portuguese coach who currently manages Fulham but whose contract is expiring and who has an excellent relationship with Benfica’s general manager, Mario Branco.

According to the Spanish press, however, the possibility of Ruben Amorim, the manager sacked by Manchester United, should be considered after the English club bought him from Sporting Lisbon for millions. Another option, proposed by “A Bola,” is that of Brazilian Filipe Luís, who has just finished his spell at Flamengo and would be happy to coach in Europe; he has many admirers in Lisbon.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta remains one of the European Union’s strongest supporters, with 91 per cent of Maltese saying the country has benefited from EU membership, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.

Published by the European Commission, the survey found that 60 per cent of Maltese respondents trust the EU, placing Malta among the bloc’s most pro-European nations.

Support for the EU’s economic impact was particularly strong, with 88 per cent saying membership has had a positive effect on Malta’s economy — the highest result across the EU.

Three-quarters of respondents also described Malta’s economy as performing well, compared with an EU average of just 38 per cent, while 89 per cent said their household finances were in good shape.

Optimism about the future of the EU also remained high, with 68 per cent expressing confidence, well above the European average.

At national level, trust in government rose to 52 per cent, while Malta’s education and healthcare systems recorded approval ratings of more than 90 per cent.

However, the survey highlighted concerns over rising prices, inflation and housing, identified as the country’s most pressing issues.

It also revealed deep concern over misinformation, with 91 per cent saying they regularly encounter disinformation — the highest figure in the EU.

Trust in Malta’s media stood at just 33 per cent, among the lowest levels across the bloc.

The survey, conducted between March and April among 502 Maltese respondents, also showed strong support for EU policies on Ukraine, including sanctions against Russia and assistance for refugees.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The first World Cup in three countries, the first with 48 teams, and the first with three opening ceremonies. FIFA announced last night in Italy that the tournament will begin on Thursday June 11 with Mexico City, host of the opening match of the World Cup between the hosts and South Africa. The show will begin 90 minutes before the match, and performers will include Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules Manß, and Tyla. “The World Cup is an event shared by the whole world, and it all begins with the opening ceremony,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We begin in Mexico City, and will continue in Toronto and Los Angeles with three ceremonies united by music, culture, and football, in something spectacular that will kick off a truly global event.” A few hours later (June 12th at 9:00 PM Italian time), attention will shift to Toronto where Canada vs. Bosnia will take place.

An opening ceremony is also scheduled for Toronto, featuring artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, William Prince, and others. “The opening ceremony in Toronto will be an unmistakable reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the World Cup,” said Gianni Infantino. “Through music, culture, and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that will represent the very essence of Canada.” The third opening ceremony is scheduled for Los Angeles, before the USA-Paraguay match. Performing will be Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla, along with “other world-renowned artists to be announced soon.” “The Los Angeles ceremony will represent the breadth of what the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be,” Infantino said. “The lineup of performers reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vitality of its many diasporas, highlighting the country’s influence on music, entertainment, and pop culture, while also demonstrating how music unites people across the nation.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MUNICH (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Canada is trembling as it risks being without one of its star players at the next World Cup. Bayern Munich announced that, during the Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG, Alphonso Davies suffered a left hamstring injury that will keep him out “for several weeks.”

The Canadian winger will not play again for the Germans this season, but at this point his participation in the World Cup with Canada, where he is also captain, is also in doubt. “We are in close contact with Alphonso and the Bayern medical staff,” the Canada Football Federation announced. “Our goal is to support his recovery and provide all possible resources, including specialized expertise, to ensure he has the best path to a full recovery ahead of the World Cup.”

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Carlo Ancelotti will try this summer to bring Brazil national football team back to the top of world football, but even if he fails, he could get another opportunity.

Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), confirmed that negotiations for the Italian coach’s contract extension until 2030 are well advanced, to the point that an announcement could arrive even before the next World Cup.

“Only a few legal details still need to be finalized, both by his lawyers and ours. But I believe that before our departure for the World Cup we will be ready to announce everything,” Xaud said.

Having taken charge of the Seleção in May of last year, the 66-year-old coach from Reggiolo had already expressed his willingness some time ago to extend his experience with Brazil beyond the World Cup in the United States.

So far, Ancelotti’s record as Brazil coach stands at five wins, two draws, and three defeats.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Japan welcomed on Friday the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 31, 2025, which states that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty can represent one of the most viable solutions,” underlining its intention to act in accordance with this position diplomatically and economically. This is according to a statement published on the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

This position is contained in the Joint Communiqué signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Japanese counterpart, Motegi Toshimitsu, during a video conference organized to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Japan in 2026. According to the Rabat statement, Tokyo expressed its support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate and guide negotiations, based on the Moroccan autonomy plan, with a view to reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution to the regional dispute.

In the Joint Communiqué, Japan welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2797, inviting the parties to participate in negotiations without preconditions and on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy initiative. Tokyo believes that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute one of the most viable solutions” to end this regional dispute.

To put this new position into practice, Motegi Toshimitsu also stated that Japan is ready to act, taking into account its own position and the current evolution of the situation, including diplomatic and economic developments. With this position, the Moroccan ministry’s statement states, Tokyo joins other international powers and the vast majority of the international community in supporting autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – University of Malta researchers have contributed to a landmark international study that identified new genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), advancing understanding of the incurable neurodegenerative disease.

The findings showed that a genetic cause can now be identified in around one in four ALS patients, improving on previous estimates of one in five.

Researchers also discovered several previously unknown genetic alterations linked to the disease.

ALS affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness, paralysis and eventual death, often within a few years of diagnosis.

The study found that ALS is frequently caused not by a single faulty gene but by a combination of smaller genetic changes that together increase disease risk.

Professor Ruben J. Cauchi, head of the Motor Neuron Disease Laboratory at the University of Malta, described the findings as “an important step forward in uncovering the genetic complexity of ALS”.

“Such insights are essential if we are to develop targeted therapies that can make a real difference to patients,” he said.

Malta has one of Europe’s highest ALS incidence rates, with around 17 people currently living with the disease and about one new diagnosis recorded each month.

Previous studies involving Maltese patients had already revealed distinct genetic patterns, highlighting the importance of including diverse populations in global research.

The latest study analysed genetic data from thousands of ALS patients, including samples from Malta’s national ALS DNA bank.

Published in the journal Nature Genetics, the research formed part of the global Project MinE initiative led by University Medical Centre Utrecht and international partners.

The University of Malta’s participation was supported by the Xjenza Malta Research Excellence Programme, Rotary Club La Valette and the Anthony Rizzo Memorial ALS Research Fund.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – A bilateral meeting was held today at the Ministry of Tourism between Minister Gianmarco Mazzi and his counterpart from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed bin Aqil Al Khateeb.

According to an official statement: “The meeting confirmed the strong willingness of both countries to cooperate in strengthening tourism flows and investment in the sector. A shared vision of tourism as a symbol of hospitality and dialogue was reaffirmed.”

“Strengthening this partnership means creating new opportunities for our businesses and offering travelers authentic experiences, while respecting the identities of our countries.”

-Photo: Ministry of Tourism-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Alex Jimenez has landed in trouble. The 21-year-old Spanish full-back, whom AFC Bournemouth are expected to sign permanently from AC Milan at the end of the season, has been removed from the first-team squad by the English club.

The Cherries announced in a statement that the player will not be involved in tomorrow’s match against Fulham FC due to “posts circulating on social media” concerning him. “The club understands the seriousness of the matter and is currently conducting an investigation,” the statement said.

According to The Sun, screenshots of messages allegedly exchanged between Jimenez and a 15-year-old student have been circulating online. In the messages, the player allegedly appears unconcerned about the girl’s age. Statements attributed to the Spaniard include: “I like younger girls, I’ve never been with a 15-year-old before.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews