ROME (ITALPRESS) — Konstantinos Karetsas, the 18-year-old Greek talent at Borussia Dortmund, will undergo further medical tests today, according to the Greek press.

The player collapsed on the pitch during the first half of yesterday evening’s Champions League match against Villarreal and was subsequently taken to hospital due to “circulatory problems,” the German club said in a statement.

“These are problems that appeared out of nowhere; there was no indication beforehand,” Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said.

“I walked off the pitch with him, but at that moment he was unable to speak. We hope it is nothing serious,” said another Borussia Dortmund official, Nils-Ole Book.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi is investing in Spanish football once again. After acquiring Unió Esportiva Cornellà last April, the historic Catalan club currently playing in the Tercera, Spain’s fifth tier, the 39-year-old Argentine star is close to becoming the owner of Eldense, who are competing in the Segunda División, Spain’s second tier.

The club itself announced that Messi has reached a “preliminary agreement to acquire the shares currently held by Grupo TH Soluciones, a transaction that would make him the club’s majority shareholder.”

The transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the necessary approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.

Messi, who has decided to focus on Inter Miami after retiring from international football with Argentina, moved to Spain at the age of 13.

In the Segunda División, he will also find Cristiano Ronaldo as an “opponent,” after the Portuguese star acquired a 25% stake in Almeria in February.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) — Marc Overmars is stepping away. The former Dutch footballer has announced his immediate withdrawal from his duties as sporting director of Antwerp for health reasons.

“The fatigue that has built up over the years and the intense stress unfortunately reached their peak last weekend,” the 53-year-old said in a lengthy message published by the Belgian club.

“You all know that my health is not optimal, but I now clearly feel that I can no longer cope with this hectic and stressful professional life.”

Overmars, who during his career played for, among others, Ajax, Barcelona and Arsenal, had already suffered a heart attack in December 2022.

“My energy is completely depleted. If I do not listen to my body, doctors believe there is a very high risk of serious consequences. For this reason, I have to make a drastic decision and completely stop my professional activities for the foreseeable future,” he concluded.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Fulham are keen to keep Calvin Bassey. The 26-year-old Nigerian, who can play as either a centre-back or a left-back, sees his current deal expire at the end of the season, though the Cottagers hold an option to extend it by another year. However, according to “Team Talk,” the club intends to offer the player a longer-term deal, with negotiations expected to begin soon. Having arrived from Ajax in July 2023 and established himself as a key player for Fulham, Bassey has attracted interest from several clubs, including Inter Milan. Consequently, Fulham are eager to secure his future, and the player has reportedly indicated his willingness to stay at Craven Cottage.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LUXEMBOURG (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The General Court of the European Union has dismissed the action brought by Russian businessman Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich against the sanctions imposed on him by the EU Council as part of the measures adopted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions included, among other things, the freezing of funds and a ban on entering or transiting through the European Union. Abramovich had challenged the inclusion and retention of his name on the lists of individuals and entities subject to these measures before the EU General Court. The Court dismissed the businessman’s action and upheld the Council’s acts. Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea, holds Russian, Israeli, and Portuguese citizenship. He is the principal shareholder of Evraz, one of the leading groups operating in Russia’s steel and mining sectors.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The United Nations Security Council has welcomed the signing of the “4+4” agreement—a pact reached by Libyan parties to support the political process—describing it as “an important step toward free, fair, and inclusive national elections” and the unification of Libyan institutions.

According to a press statement read by French representative Jerome Bonnafont, the Council’s rotating president, members commended the Libyan parties for their constructive engagement and emphasized the importance of all parties supporting the agreement. They also reiterated their support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and Envoy Hanna Tetteh, urging the Libyan parties to fully participate in her efforts.

The Council called for further steps to implement the unified expenditure framework for 2026 and stressed the importance of making progress toward unifying all institutions—including military and security bodies—and establishing a unified executive. Members reaffirmed their support for Libya’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the need to end external interference.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS) – Lautaro Martinez is the only Serie A representative among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The Inter striker will therefore be the player representing Italian football in the race for the prestigious award, which will be presented in London on Monday, October 26.

One of the standout names on the list is Lionel Messi. The Argentine, winner of the award in 2023 and the all-time record holder with eight Ballon d’Or titles, returns among the nominees after missing the last two editions. His inclusion adds further prestige to a list featuring some of the biggest stars in international football.

Paris Saint-Germain has the largest representation, with several players among the 30 finalists. Alongside reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé are Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Willian Pacho and Marquinhos.

Spain also has a strong presence, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz, Marc Cucurella and Pau Cubarsí.

The list also includes some of the biggest names in European football, such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr.

The ceremony will be held in London for the first time, at the London Palladium Theatre. The choice carries strong symbolic significance, as the 2026 edition will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, created in 1956 on the initiative of France Football. The English capital will also pay tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first footballer to win the award.

Several honors will be presented during the evening, from the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or to awards for young talents and goalkeepers, as well as those recognizing coaches, clubs and forwards. The Sócrates Award, dedicated to charitable initiatives and commitment to social causes, will also be presented. Since 2024, the award has been jointly organized by France Football and UEFA.

In the women’s category, however, Aitana Bonmatí will be absent. The Spanish star, winner of the last three editions, was hampered by an injury and only returned to action in May. Her absence will therefore bring an end to a run of three consecutive victories.

The wait is already underway. On October 26, in London, the new Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – London will host the next Ballon d’Or ceremony. The event is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre, marking the first time in the history of the prestigious award that the ceremony will be held there.

The 2026 edition will have a special significance: the Ballon d’Or, created in 1956 on the initiative of France Football, will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The choice of the English capital also pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first-ever winner of the award.

Numerous categories will be presented, ranging from the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or to awards recognizing young talents, goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and forwards.

The Sócrates Award, dedicated to charitable initiatives and social causes, will also be presented.

Since 2024, the award has been jointly organized by France Football and UEFA.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The news agency Italpress is boosting and strengthening its presence abroad—specifically in Central Europe—by signing a partnership agreement with the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

The agreement was formalized today in Ljubljana at the Slovenian agency’s headquarters by STA General Manager Mojca Prelesnik and Italpress Director Gaspare Borsellino, in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Ljubljana, Giuseppe Cavagna.

“Today”, stated Director Borsellino, “we have put another important piece in place for our international expansion plan. We have just signed an agreement with STA—Slovenia’s leading news agency — in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Ljubljana, Giuseppe Cavagna, whom I thank for attending. This agreement is part of the growth and internationalization process that Italpress has been pursuing in recent years. Slovenia is certainly a very important country for us—a neighbor with which we share strong ties of both friendship and commerce. The agreement with STA is undoubtedly part of the growth process Italpress is driving forward and will continue to pursue in the months and years ahead”.

“I am pleased,” added Ambassador Cavagna, “that you are here, and I welcome this agreement with STA, Slovenia’s leading news agency. In this sector, too, we are laying further building blocks for a structure that represents a shared home within the greater European home. Italy and Slovenia are allies in this European construction project, and anything that brings the two countries closer together in any sector is welcome. Today’s agreement,” concluded Giuseppe Cavagna, “moves in that direction and is therefore most welcome.”

STA Marketing Director Peter Penko also attended the meeting.

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– photo Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

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