MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Ibrahima Konaté has suffered a minor sprain to the collateral ligament in his right knee. This was the outcome of the tests undergone by the Real Madrid defender, who was injured while on international duty with France.

According to Spanish media reports, Konaté is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, meaning his availability for the club’s return to action is in doubt. Mourinho’s side are due to face Villarreal in La Liga on October 10, before travelling to Roma on October 14 for the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TBILISI (GEORGIA) (ITALPRESS) – “With everything I’ve learned from him, I could almost be a coach myself these days.” Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says this half-jokingly, yet he is serious about the impact Luis Enrique has had on him during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he has established himself as one of Europe’s top players.

“I believe I’ve learned a great deal from him. I’ve improved significantly—mentally and physically—and my understanding of the game has grown immensely under his guidance,” acknowledged the former Napoli player, who is among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.

“Working with him means learning something new every day. He transforms you—mentally, physically, and psychologically. He is constantly teaching you so that you’re always prepared; even if you only have a minute to play, you have to be ready. With Luis Enrique, you simply have to listen to what he says, follow his instructions, and give 100% on the pitch.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Lebanese security authorities have arrested a Syrian national affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) following intensive monitoring and tracking operations.

According to information obtained by Al Arabiya, Lebanese Army Intelligence detained the man in the Batroun area of northern Lebanon. During questioning, the detainee admitted to having remained in constant contact with the group’s leadership in Syria, which had assigned him several tasks in Lebanon aimed at destabilising security and spreading fear among the population.

According to his confession, the “biggest mission” assigned to him was the assassination of Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Lebanon last year. Sources familiar with the case said that the Syrian leadership had instructed him to carry out the attack, but that he was unable to move to the operational stage due to a lack of resources.

The detainee had entered Lebanon illegally, maintained contacts with ISIS and held a position of responsibility within the organisation. Military Intelligence had been tracking him from the moment he entered the country until locating and arresting him in Batroun.

Lebanese authorities will share with their Syrian counterparts the information provided by the detainee regarding his links to ISIS. Security cooperation and coordination between Lebanon and Syria are already permanently in place.

– Photo: Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Victoria has been recommended as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2031 by an independent panel of experts, with the second city, from Spain, due to be announced in December.

The European Capital of Culture programme was established in 1985 on the initiative of then-Greek culture minister Melina Mercouri, with Athens becoming the first title-holder.

The programme was later expanded from one city annually to two, following EU enlargement, while cities from EU candidate countries now participate every third year.

Victoria will become the second Maltese city to hold the title, following Valletta, which shared the honour with Leeuwarden in the Netherlands in 2018.

The Spanish city to join Victoria in 2031 will be selected from four finalists: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo.

Victoria was one of two Maltese contenders for the title. Birgu, the other candidate, failed to progress beyond the pre-selection stage last year.

Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef welcomed Victoria’s selection, highlighting its “Island of Islands” theme and its focus on Gozo’s communities, landscapes and cultural practices.

The bid is structured around three curatorial themes — Coast, Salt and Waves — and addresses both Gozo’s cultural heritage and challenges facing island communities, including the ability of young people to remain and build their future there.

As Victoria prepares for 2031, its challenge will be to translate the European Capital of Culture title into a lasting cultural legacy while preserving the character and interests of Gozo’s communities.

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Source: medNews

JEDDAH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – “There must be a culture of dialogue, mutual listening and respect for one another. This is not about seeking approval in the newspapers, but about doing what is right for football. I have never been so determined and committed to doing so.” That is the appeal made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who, in an Instagram post written from Jeddah on the occasion of the Arabian Gulf Cup, is seeking to extend an olive branch following the rift that has developed in recent months over the FFE project.

Ahead of the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15, Infantino said he had sent a letter to the affiliated associations “in which I propose that we discuss reforms within FIFA. I look forward to hearing everyone’s views. I have received positive messages on this from various parts of the world, and it is important that we continue to listen to one another, here in Saudi Arabia as well as in each of our 211 member associations.

“Next month we will have a FIFA Council meeting, so we will continue our dialogue on these important issues.”The FIFA president reiterated that the interests of football remain his top priority. “I am always committed and I want to listen to how we can continue to grow football for the benefit of everyone, everywhere.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

UDINE (ITALPRESS) – “Udinese Calcio are proud to announce the signing of David Alaba, one of the most successful and prestigious footballers on the international stage.” The Serie A club have officially announced the signing of the Austrian defender, born in 1992, who “has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2027.”

A player of outstanding technical quality, leadership and tactical versatility, Alaba arrives in Udine after a career spent at the highest levels of world football, the Friuli-based club underlined.

Born in Vienna on June 24, 1992, Alaba came through the youth academy of Austria Vienna. At the age of 16, he was signed by Bayern Munich, where he established himself as one of the finest players in his position at international level, building an exceptional trophy cabinet that includes numerous domestic league titles, cups and European honours.

Throughout his career, he has represented a number of prestigious clubs, distinguishing himself through his performances, professionalism and consistency.

With Bayern Munich, he won dozens of trophies, including two Champions League titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, 10 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and five German Super Cups. He played a leading role in the Bavarians’ successes, making 431 appearances and scoring 33 goals between 2010 and 2021.

Subsequently, from 2021 to 2026, he further confirmed his quality at Real Madrid, adding more domestic and international honours to an already remarkable trophy cabinet: two Champions League titles, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.

Captain and a key figure for the Austrian national team for more than a decade, Alaba has made 117 appearances and scored 15 goals for his country, featuring at two European Championships and the most recent World Cup. He brings to Udine experience, personality and a winning mentality forged on the biggest stages of world football.

“David Alaba’s signing is a source of enormous satisfaction for the entire club,” said General Director Franco Collavino. “We are welcoming an established champion, a leader and an exemplary professional. His arrival demonstrates Udinese’s determination to grow, compete at the highest levels and build an increasingly ambitious team.”

These were David Alaba’s first words as a Udinese player: “I have had many experiences and won a lot throughout my career, but one thing has never changed: I want to win again. I want to compete again. And I want to achieve something special once again. That is the mentality I am bringing to Udinese.”

“The coach,” the player continued, “has made it very clear what role he has in mind for me and what he wants us to achieve together. Obviously, I want to bring my experience into the dressing room, take responsibility and help whenever possible, especially the younger players. I’m not here simply to be the experienced player in the team, and I’m certainly not coming here to wind down my career. I’m still far too ambitious for that, and I still firmly believe in what I can do on the pitch. I want to keep pushing, perform at the highest level in Serie A week after week and achieve something. I’m very excited about this challenge, and I still have a lot to prove to myself.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – According to British media reports, Manchester United’s debt has reached astronomical levels. The Red Devils’ financial exposure reportedly exceeds one billion pounds. Consequently, the English club has launched a new campaign, putting pieces of the Old Trafford pitch up for sale. Manchester United is selling a fragment measuring approximately 7 by 7 centimeters for £125 (about €140). The Old Trafford pitch was relaid this summer, and—for the first time in 14 years—the turf was removed down to the foundation. It is now available for purchase, and the club hopes to receive numerous orders from Red Devils fans.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has reaffirmed Malta’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity during the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform in New York. Addressing the summit, Abela condemned Russia’s occupation of Crimea and reiterated Malta’s position that actions undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states violate the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the situation of people living in occupied territories, including the illegal transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. “Justice for victims and accountability for those who violate international law are essential to building lasting peace,” Abela said.

He reaffirmed Malta’s support for international courts, tribunals and other accountability mechanisms, saying lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and respect for states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. He concluded by reaffirming Malta’s commitment to working with international partners towards a just and lasting peace grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

– photo Malta Department of Information –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – France and Zinedine Zidane have lost a key defensive pillar. Ibrahima Konaté has been forced to withdraw due to a right knee injury (described by the FFF as a minor sprain) and will miss Les Bleus’ four upcoming Nations League matches: tomorrow evening’s game against Turkey, the two fixtures against Belgium on September 28 and October 5, and—most notably—the big match against Italy on October 2.

The French side is drawn in Group 1 of League A, alongside Roberto Mancini’s Azzurr*. Zidane has moved quickly to address the situation, calling up Manchester United defender Leny Yoro to replace Konaté; this marks Yoro’s first-ever call-up to the senior national team.

– foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) took first place in the legislative elections held yesterday, Wednesday, September 23, securing 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced the results at a press conference early this morning. According to the provisional results released by the minister, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) came in second with 66 seats, followed by the Istiqlal Party with 65. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) quadrupled its seat count compared to the previous legislature, reaching 54. The Socialist Union of Popular Forces won 26 seats, the Popular Movement 29, the Party of Progress and Socialism 19, the Constitutional Union 17, the Social Democratic Movement 8, and the Left Alliance also 8. The Front of Democratic Forces and the Equity Party won two seats each, while the New Democrats and Unity and Democracy secured one seat each.

Voter turnout stood at 38.02%. Over 3,000 observers were deployed to monitor the proceedings. The Interior Minister stated that “voting across the national territory took place under normal conditions, with the exception of isolated incidents that did not affect the process.” In the elections of September 8, 2021, the National Rally of Independents had emerged as the leading party, followed by the PAM, Istiqlal, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, the Popular Movement, the Party of Progress and Socialism, the Constitutional Union, and the PJD.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews