ROME (ITALPRESS) – Benin’s national team witnessed a historic evening, but the match at the Monumental Stadium, Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, left a bitter taste.

Head coach Gernot Rohr told RMC Sport that his players had tried to approach the Argentine players after the match to exchange shirts, “but we couldn’t get even one. They didn’t give us anything, and we couldn’t even take a picture with Messi.”

The match had already been preceded by several setbacks. Benin eventually travelled with a squad packed with Under-23 players, amid complaints about the hotel conditions and the fact that they had not been given the opportunity to train.

The African players had hoped things would go better at the Monumental, “but they wouldn’t even let us enter the tunnel. Security prevented anyone from getting through. Some players had even brought their own shirts to exchange them with those of other Argentine players. We tried everything, but it was pointless,” Rohr added.

Before the match, Benin captain Sessi D’Almeida had presented Argentina’s number 10 with a statuette associated with the Amazons of Dahomey, a rose and a letter.

“Still, it was fantastic to be there for the farewell of a legend like Messi. The result was not the most important thing. From a sporting perspective, the aim was to learn and give our young players the chance to experience an international occasion that none of them could ever have imagined.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called for a rethink of the model of cooperation on migration, stressing the need to overcome obstacles that continue to hamper the management of irregular migration flows, particularly in relations with Spain.

In a speech delivered today before Parliament to mark the opening of the first session of the 12th legislature, the King highlighted the tangible results achieved through Morocco’s balanced approach to migration management. However, he noted that the current cooperation model has reached its limits, as demonstrated by recurring crises.

Referring to relations with Madrid, Mohammed VI acknowledged the significant progress made in the bilateral partnership across various sectors, including efforts to combat irregular migration. Nevertheless, the King drew attention to the persistence of outdated legislative provisions and judicial rulings that fail to reflect realities on the ground, hindering effective cooperation.

These obstacles are particularly evident in the repatriation of minors and individuals who improperly claim refugee status, as well as in efforts to combat criminal networks.
The King also firmly reiterated that partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment that must not be subjected to pressure, threats or blackmail.

In this context, Mohammed VI announced that Morocco would present its partners with a document setting out a clear, practical new strategic vision aimed at promoting co-development, economic competitiveness and regional stability.

The King’s message thus signals Rabat’s determination to inject fresh momentum into migration cooperation with its European partners, through an approach based on shared responsibility, mutual respect and closer integration of migration policy with economic development and regional stability.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Thousands of flu vaccine doses arrived in Malta on Friday morning, following concerns that international supply difficulties could delay deliveries until January.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg announced the arrival in a social media post, highlighting the role of Malta’s strong relations with Italy in securing the supply.

Borg said the importer responsible for the vaccines had informed the Maltese authorities several weeks ago that delivery before January would not be possible.

However, following contacts between Malta and Italy, assurances were received within 24 hours that the necessary vaccines would reach Malta in less than a week.

The swift response helped avert a potentially lengthy delay in the delivery of the vaccines, which are intended to support Malta’s flu vaccination programme.

Borg said the decision on when vaccinations will begin will now rest with the medical authorities.

Efforts are also under way in cooperation with local councils to make the vaccine more accessible to the public.

The minister’s announcement highlighted the importance of cooperation between Malta and Italy in addressing challenges in international medical supplies and ensuring the timely arrival of essential vaccines.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – With a Lamine Yamal like this, everything is easier. Hansi Flick is cherishing his gem, fresh from international duty where he played a starring role. “His level is fantastic, even with Spain. I saw him in London; I was in the stands. He will be the best player in the world, if he isn’t already. He is at the very top, very close. If he keeps going like this, trying to improve, with this mentality… I am happy with him,” said the Barcelona coach, whose team sits alone at the top of La Liga and resumes action tomorrow against Getafe.

Raphinha, who was injured while on international duty, will be missing: “The tests he underwent didn’t show a major injury, but we have to take care of him because he suffered three injuries last year. He won’t play tomorrow or in the match in Istanbul against Galatasaray,” announced Flick, who is ready to hand a starting spot to Gabriel Jesus (“he has improved a lot, he has adapted very well”) for the first of five matches in two weeks.

“I’m not thrilled about it, but I can’t change the situation. We have to be ready and win.” Joan Garcia has recovered, though De Jong will require a bit more time: “He might be available against Betis. His recovery is going well, he has no pain, but he needs time and we will give it to him.”

Finally, a comment on Spain: “I enjoy watching them play—their performance, their style, and how they manage playing time. They are the best team in the world.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisian President Kais Saied has called for the adoption of rapid measures to address citizens’ social demands, stating that difficulties must be overcome through concrete action rather than mere declarations and statements. Saied also reiterated that accountability will be enforced and that no one will enjoy immunity or exceptions.

These remarks were made during a meeting held on October 8 at the Carthage Palace with the Speaker of the Assembly of the People’s Representatives, Brahim Bouderbala, and the President of the National Council of Regions and Districts, Imed Derbali.

During the discussion, various projects and proposals were reviewed, with a particular focus on citizens’ social conditions and the need to coordinate the actions of different state institutions while respecting their respective constitutional mandates.

Saied emphasized that efforts to meet the population’s demands must continue without interruption, involving not only legislative measures but also an approach based on new concepts and operational methods.

The President further stated that Tunisia is going through a phase requiring, in his view, a break from various forms of injustice and inequality. He maintained that the State would remain united and would not yield to pressure or blackmail.

Reiterating that the call for accountability is legitimate and must not be driven by a desire for revenge, Saied concluded that the challenges would be tackled and results achieved through timely decisions, adding that the facts would be fully clarified and no one would evade responsibility.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Social media increasingly risks becoming a source of anxiety, stress, and depression for footballers. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, FIFA released an analysis conducted during the last World Cup by its Social Media Protection Service (SMPS). Out of more than 17 million posts and comments related to the World Cup, 240,000 were verified as offensive following human review.

Racist insults were on the rise (accounting for 20% of the total), threats of violence were recorded in 14% of cases, and xenophobic abuse represented more than one in ten offensive comments or posts—amounting to 12% of the total. The SMPS is tasked with protecting participants in FIFA events by hiding unwanted content, such as offensive comments and spam.

During the last World Cup, the SMPS moderation tool automatically analyzed 60.7 million user messages across official FIFA platforms and the channels of participating member associations. Of this total, 9.2 million messages—representing 15% of all interactions—were blocked and hidden from public view before reaching the general audience.

“On the eve of World Mental Health Day,” Gianni Infantino emphasized, “we are reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to protecting the football community from online hate through enhanced technologies capable of countering not only manually created content but also AI-generated images. During this year’s World Cup, in addition to analyzing over 17 million posts and comments, we identified 240,000 instances of abuse. Furthermore, we reported hundreds of accounts posting threatening content to law enforcement authorities for further action. We remain steadfast. FIFA’s SMPS is available to all football stakeholders—with the aim of supporting all 211 member associations and confederations—because we must unite to combat this reprehensible behavior, which causes suffering and undermines emotional well-being.”

Zurich officials reported that 786 accounts were referred to law enforcement for review. Of these, 232 were found to have posted particularly serious and threatening content—potentially posing a genuine safety risk—and were consequently prioritized for investigation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Foreign prisoners serving the final weeks or months of their sentences will be eligible for early release and deportation under measures aimed at easing overcrowding in Malta’s prisons, Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has announced. Bedingfield said the measure would significantly protect Malta’s resources, national security and the well-being of prisoners.

Bedingfield said he had signed deportation orders for two third-country nationals who were nearing the end of their sentences.

The minister highlighted the pressure on prison facilities, noting that the prison was built around 200 years ago to accommodate 400 inmates but now houses approximately 800.

Foreign prisoners who have not committed serious crimes, including murder and major drug trafficking offences, may qualify for early release and deportation, with no possibility of returning to Malta. Eligibility and the timing of release will depend on several factors, including the nature of the crime and the inmate’s behaviour in prison, Bedingfield said.

He added that many foreign inmates remain incarcerated beyond their original sentences because they cannot afford to pay fines imposed by the courts. “In these cases it ends up costing the government more to keep them in prison than the fine they should have paid,” the minister said, noting the significant expense of maintaining inmates.

– photo Malta’s Foreign Ministry –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Following press speculation, the official statement has arrived. In a note published this morning on its website, Everton announced that “The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for the club, including the possible sale of a controlling stake.” The focus is therefore on a partial stake rather than the entire holding, although The Athletic had speculated as early as September about a potential full sale of Everton by the US owners—who have been at the helm of Roma since August 2020 and acquired the Toffees in 2024. “When TFG (The Friedkin Group) took charge of Everton, the club was facing a situation of significant financial uncertainty and various difficulties, both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to secure the stability, investment, and support needed to safeguard the club’s future, including the completion of the long-awaited stadium for its magnificent fans,” the Friedkin Group emphasized in the statement published on the club’s website.

“Now that these foundations are solid, the time has come to evaluate the next chapter for Everton,” the statement continues. “We will consider expressions of interest only from parties we believe can act as ideal custodians to guide the club into the future and build upon the progress already achieved. Throughout this process, TFG’s objective will remain unchanged: we will support the club in every way necessary to achieve sporting success and continue our commitment to making a positive impact across all club operations. Neither TFG nor the club will make further statements while this phase is ongoing. TFG has engaged Moelis & Company as advisors,” Everton concludes.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has said Malta’s tourism success should not be measured solely by the number of people passing through the country’s ports and airport, stressing that quality of life and high-quality tourism must go hand in hand.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Abela said the future of tourism must focus on creating value for visitors, businesses, workers and local communities.

He referred to Malta Vision 2050, which aims to promote a tourism model that benefits all stakeholders, adding that responsible destinations must look beyond visitor numbers when assessing their success.

“The government’s choice is clear,” Abela said, explaining that the aim was to continue improving people’s quality of life and increasing household incomes while allowing private businesses to invest within the framework of Malta Vision 2050.

The Prime Minister noted that tourism was evolving as travellers increasingly sought authentic experiences. He also highlighted Malta’s growing appeal as a year-round destination.

More than four million tourists visited the Maltese islands last year, spending over €3.9 billion. In the first eight months of this year alone, Malta welcomed more than 3.1 million tourists, generating almost €3 billion in expenditure. Abela also highlighted the country’s economic growth, saying Malta’s economy had expanded from €14.5 billion in 2019 to €25 billion today.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Martin Sherif, a 20-year-old Liberian forward for Everton, has been fined £5,000 (approximately €5,900) by the Football Association for breaching betting rules. The player admitted to placing 61 bets between November 20, 2024, and February 12, 2026. Having been part of the Toffees’ youth setup since 2019 and promoted to the first team in early 2025, he was loaned to League One side Port Vale last February, scoring two goals in 17 matches.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews