MADRID(SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The wait was short-lived. Florentino Pérez was re-elected president of Real Madrid in the early hours of this morning and will begin his eighth term in charge of the club, serving until 2030. Shortly before 1 a.m., the 79-year-old businessman celebrated what he described as a victory “on all fronts” and the achievement of the “second-best result in the club’s history,” even before the official percentages were released. Moments earlier, his rival Enrique Riquelme had conceded defeat after polls showed Pérez holding a commanding lead, with between 60% and 70% of the votes cast by club members.

Although the Spanish executive’s victory had been widely expected, it further strengthens his legitimacy after 23 years at the helm of Real Madrid (terms from 2000 to 2006 and again since 2009). During his tenure, the club has enjoyed unprecedented success, winning seven of the 15 UEFA Champions League titles in Real Madrid’s history. The election, which Pérez himself called and which was the club’s first since 2009, allows him to reaffirm his leadership of Los Blancos.

The campaign between Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme was marked by occasionally tense exchanges, as well as increasingly ambitious and eye-catching promises.

Real Madrid’s president is expected to officially announce in the coming days the return of José Mourinho as head coach, in a deal reportedly worth €15 million—the amount needed to trigger the Portuguese manager’s release clause with Benfica. Pérez had also promised the immediate signing of two players in the event of his victory: French defender Ibrahima Konaté and Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.

In addition, Pérez pledged to submit an offer exceeding €150 million for a player whose identity remains undisclosed. His re-election is also expected to pave the way for his plan to open part of the club’s capital to a minority shareholder, a move that his opponent has described as a “privatization.” Until now, club members (“socios”) have been the sole decision-makers, meaning that opening the club’s ownership structure would represent a significant change in the Real Madrid model.

However, the proposal would still need approval at an extraordinary general assembly, the date of which has not yet been announced. Following the re-election of the Spanish billionaire, that process is expected to move forward quickly.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ODENSE (DENMARK) (ITALPRESS) – A dramatic moment of déjà vu. In Odense, during the second half of the friendly between Denmark and Ukraine, Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after experiencing chest pain: an episode that inevitably brought to mind the incident on June 12, 2021, when the then Inter Milan player lost consciousness during the match against Finland at the European Championships.

The intervention of his national teammate Simon Kjaer, who prevented him from suffocating, was crucial at the time. Eriksen subsequently received an internal cardiac defibrillator, and the player continued his career first in England and then in Germany, as regulations in Italy do not allow him to continue playing in these situations.

Today, however, a new episode occurred, although – Danish media report – Eriksen later regained consciousness and, surrounded by teammates and opponents, left the pitch on his own two feet, reaching the ambulance that took him to Odense hospital for further tests. His wife, Sabrina, was also with him. “Eriksen is fine given the circumstances,” the stadium announcer then reassured everyone, though the referee chose to blow the early whistle with Denmark leading 2-1. For the record, Dorgu and Maehle had scored, and before halftime, Ukraine had pulled one back through Tsygankov.

“Christian is fine and left the field on his own two feet,” Danish national team doctor Morten Boesen said in a statement released by the Federation. “As far as I can see, the defibrillator worked as it should have. He briefly lost consciousness, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we immediately got in touch with him. He will now undergo further tests at the hospital to understand what caused the episode. We are in constant contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian is fine and asked me to say hello to all the players and tell them that he is fine.”

– photo by Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Another immigration tragedy in the Mediterranean. A boat carrying approximately 60 people, departing from the Libyan coast, capsized in Maltese search and rescue waters. A fishing vessel in the area reportedly recovered approximately 48 people alive, while an Italian Coast Guard patrol boat, which intervened at the request of Maltese authorities to cooperate with the search, has so far recovered 10 bodies. The search and rescue operation in the area, coordinated by Malta, continues.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ALGIERS (ITALPRESS) – Full confidence in Vladimir Petković. Ten days before Algeria’s World Cup opener against Argentina, in a group that also includes Jordan and Austria, the Algerian Football Federation has announced a contract extension for the former Lazio manager through 2028.

Petković, who has been in charge since February 2024 and whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the World Cup in the United States, has recorded 21 wins, 4 draws, and 3 defeats as Algeria’s head coach. He guided the team back to the World Cup after it failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Under his leadership, the Desert Foxes also reached the quarter-finals of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, improving on group-stage exits in the previous two tournaments. In addition, Algeria has climbed from 43rd to 28th place in the FIFA World Ranking during his tenure.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The visas for the players have finally been issued, but Iran will be allowed to enter the United States only on the day of its matches and will be required to leave American soil immediately after each game.

The announcement was made by Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, where the Iranian national team has established its base camp ahead of the World Cup.

“We can enter in the morning and must leave the country on the same day,” he said, referring to the conditions attached to the visas granted to the Iranian delegation.

The arrangement appears to conflict with FIFA regulations, which require the head coach and a player to attend a pre-match press conference in the host city on the day before the game.

According to Tehran, the visas were granted only to the players and part of the coaching and support staff, while several members of the delegation—including a number of officials from the national football federation—were denied entry permits.

Iran will be based in Tijuana rather than Tucson, as originally planned, and will play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States: two in Los Angeles (against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21) and one in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – There is an anxious wait for both the Brazilian national team and AS Roma following Wesley’s injury. The player was forced off in tears just a few minutes into yesterday’s friendly against Egypt after suffering a muscle problem.

The results of medical tests, scheduled for today in New Jersey, where Brazil is based during the World Cup, are expected to clarify the extent of the injury and the recovery timeline with the tournament now fast approaching.

“He has a muscle issue and we have to wait for the diagnosis,” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match. “I believe he will have enough time to recover, but if necessary we will have to choose another player. Wesley is an important player and it would be a shame to lose him. I hope it is nothing serious, but I cannot deny that there is concern.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Malta’s long- and short-term sovereign credit ratings at ‘A-/A-2’, maintaining a stable outlook and highlighting the country’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty.

In its latest assessment, the agency said Malta continues to perform strongly despite geopolitical tensions and slowing international economic growth. The report noted that Malta’s economic outlook remains supported by solid fundamentals and improving public finances.

The rating affirmation follows a series of positive economic assessments for Malta. The European Commission recently confirmed that the country met its fiscal targets ahead of schedule, while forecasts indicate that the budget deficit is expected to continue declining in the coming years.

S&P contrasted Malta’s performance with challenges faced by several European countries, including high unemployment and the effects of geopolitical instability. It noted that France, Belgium and Slovakia have recently experienced credit rating downgrades.

The agency said Malta’s improved fiscal position has strengthened its ability to withstand external shocks and respond to unforeseen international developments. The absence of a negative rating revision was seen as a sign of confidence in the country’s fiscal management.

Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the report, describing it as “another good result” and a vote of confidence in the newly elected administration.

In a post on X, Abela said the government would continue prioritising measures to protect families and businesses from the effects of the global economic slowdown.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Leonardo Balerdi will miss the World Cup. The Argentine defender, who plays for Marseille, has suffered a muscle injury to his right calf and will therefore be unable to take part in the tournament with the national team. “Good luck, stay strong, and get well soon,” read a message posted by Argentina’s national team on social media.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VIENNA (AUSTRIA) (ITALPRESS) – “President Proll has already spoken on several occasions recently and has clearly explained the situation.”

Peter Schöttel, sporting director of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), appeared somewhat irritated as he dismissed questions regarding Ralf Rangnick, who continues to be linked with AC Milan for a potential role as technical director.

Schöttel was referring to recent comments made by ÖFB president Klaus Mitterdorfer Proll, who reiterated during the Austrian women’s national team’s match that the federation hopes to keep Rangnick in charge through UEFA Euro 2028.

“We have spoken with Rangnick many times and we want to continue with him until the 2028 European Championship. The decision is now up to the coach,” Proll said.

The 65-year-old Austria head coach must therefore make a decision. According to Austrian daily Kurier, it is crucial for the federation that Rangnick’s choice—whether to stay or leave—be made before the start of the World Cup.

(ITALPRESS)

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Vincenzo Italiano has been appointed as the new head coach of Beşiktaş.

The Turkish club officially announced the appointment on its website, stating that the former Fiorentina and Bologna manager has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027–28 season.

“We are convinced that Mr. Italiano will make a significant contribution to our club. We welcome him to the Beşiktaş family and wish him every success,” the club said in an official statement.

Italiano arrives in Istanbul after successful spells in charge of Fiorentina and Bologna and now takes over one of Turkey’s most historic clubs.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews