ROME (ITALPRESS) – Fans also want Gianni Infantino to step down. Several international associations have joined together to launch an online petition calling for the resignation of the current FIFA president and a profound reform of the international federation itself.

“Football belongs to those who fill stadiums, follow their club and national teams through triumphs and disappointments, travel to support them, and pass this passion down from generation to generation, keeping it alive every day,” reads the petition published on Change.org.

“Yet, one man seems to believe he is more important than football itself. Today, fan organizations representing hundreds of millions of fans around the world are launching a petition calling for Gianni Infantino’s resignation and a reorganization of FIFA, so that what is happening can never happen again. The shameful attempt by a single individual—the FIFA president—to sell off the World Cup to private investors has dropped the mask, revealing a betrayal that football will never forget.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, General Saddam Haftar, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.

During the meeting, Putin praised the Libyan Armed Forces’ role in maintaining security and stability in Libya and expressed support for efforts to unify institutions. According to Haftar’s official Facebook post, the two discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas, with the aim of laying the foundation for a strategic partnership between the two countries, benefiting common interests and supporting regional security and stability. Haftar’s visit follows recent meetings between Libyan and Russian officials in Moscow.

President Putin emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries to address shared challenges.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA)(ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has recorded the largest increase in household electricity consumption in the European Union, with use rising by 66% since 2015, according to new Eurostat figures.

The increase far outpaces the EU average of just over 3%, while Estonia ranked second with a 36% rise.

The surge reflects population growth, the construction of more apartments and increased use of electrical appliances.

The expansion of tourism and the short-let market has also generated additional demand for electricity.

New properties are increasingly equipped with air conditioners, electric cookers and ovens, while rising household incomes have given families greater purchasing power to buy and use electrical appliances.

Economists also identified the Government’s electricity subsidy scheme as a factor encouraging consumption. The policy has kept household electricity prices relatively stable since 2014, at around €12 per 100kWh. The subsidies, estimated to have cost about €1 billion over the years, have shielded consumers from the sharp energy price increases experienced elsewhere in Europe.

However, the policy has attracted warnings over its financial and environmental costs. The IMF and Central Bank of Malta have previously raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the scheme, with the Central Bank calling in 2025 for a gradual exit strategy.

Malta’s energy figures also underline its dependence on fossil fuels. Only 16% of its energy comes from renewable sources, compared with the EU’s 42.5% target for 2030. Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for nearly 85% of electricity generation.

The figures are expected to fuel debate over whether Malta should maintain subsidised energy prices or shift towards policies that encourage lower consumption and greater investment in renewable energy.

-Photo Enemalta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Everyone, the league and the clubs, would like clarity on what will happen next.” Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick told the BBC in response to a question about Manchester City’s alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, a club that has always denied wrongdoing.

The independent commission investigating the case has not yet issued a ruling, more than a year and a half after the hearing and three and a half years after the charges were filed.

“It’s not something I can control. It’s not something I can speculate on. I really hope a resolution is found soon,” Garlick added.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – After a long back-and-forth, as reported yesterday by South American media, Memphis Depay’s contract renewal with Corinthias has been officially confirmed. The 32-year-old Dutch striker, who joined the Brazilian club in 2024, has signed a new contract that ties him to the São Paulo club until 2028.

“It was a long negotiation, but it ended in the best possible way for Corinthians and for Memphis Depay, whom I thank for his efforts to stay. We are very satisfied,” said Corinthians president Osmar Stabile.

“There are so many emotions in my head and in my body. First of all, I thank everyone involved in the renewal process. Of course, Corinthians is a giant in football: everyone has seen how great it is and how great we are together. I am very, very happy. I can’t wait to get back to work,” Depay said.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Teams from the Libyan Red Crescent (Tripoli branch) have recovered two more bodies, bringing to 11 the number of migrants whose remains have been found following the sinking of a boat off the coast of Tajoura, an area located east of the capital, Tripoli.

The Libyan Red Crescent reported this on Facebook. Search and recovery operations are continuing in coordination with local authorities and ambulance and emergency services. The Red Crescent confirmed that its teams remain on alert to complete the humanitarian mission.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Respiratory infections are increasing in Malta this summer, but health authorities say levels remain well below the winter peak and there is no cause for alarm.

The rise comes as videos about so-called “Malta flu” spread on TikTok, with tourists posting about falling ill during or after holidays on the island.

Posts using hashtags including #maltaflu and #maltasickness show travellers going from nights out and beach days to being confined to bed, with some warning others to “stay safe out there”.

However, Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci said there was no evidence of an unusual outbreak.

Health surveillance has detected a modest increase in influenza, COVID-19, rhinovirus and other respiratory infections, but the data does not indicate an unusual or severe public health threat, Gauci said.

The Health Ministry said influenza-like illnesses began increasing at the end of May, with a further rise since July.

Confirmed influenza cases rose from six in the week of July 13-19 to 34 between July 27 and August 2. This compares with a winter peak of 275 weekly detections.

COVID-19 cases also increased modestly, rising from six confirmed cases in the week of July 6-12 to 18 two weeks later, before falling to 16 by August 2.

Surveillance has also recorded increases in human rhinovirus, a common cause of the common cold, and Streptococcus pneumoniae detections.

Authorities said they would continue monitoring respiratory virus trends and issue updates if the public health risk changes.

– Photo Net News –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “The transfer window is over. I really like my team. I don’t miss Rodri; we have solutions and quality. I also like to remind myself that I am capable of helping players improve.” José Mourinho, Real Madrid head coach, said this in a lengthy interview yesterday evening with the popular programme “El Chiringuito.”

The Portuguese coach, therefore, at least publicly, does not appear disappointed by Spain captain Rodri’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona, which became official yesterday, after Los Blancos had attempted to sign the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder in 2024, just days before the start of the last World Cup.

“I spoke to him several times. Real Madrid made him a very good offer. But Rodri had doubts; he was hesitant. His doubts created doubts in me. He is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a club of such stature that it can not afford to sign hesitant players,” Mourinho later explained.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARMA (ITALPRESS) – Parma have officially announced that they have “completed the permanent transfer of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to Aston Villa.”

“Zion arrived in Parma in the summer of 2024 and has guarded the Gialloblù goal over the past two seasons, establishing himself in Serie A and becoming a key figure for the team. During his time with the club, the Japanese goalkeeper stood out for his qualities between the posts, his personality and the professionalism with which he approached every moment of his time in Parma, recording a total of 13 clean sheets in the Gialloblù shirt,” the Emilia-based club added.

Suzuki had also attracted interest from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

– Photo Ipa Agency .

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS) – A preparatory meeting for the seventh session of the Egyptian-Qatari Joint Higher Committee was held, chaired by Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Ambassador Ehab Fahmy and Qatar’s Director of the Department of Arab Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nayef Al Emadi.

The meeting precedes the Commission’s session, scheduled to take place on August 20, 2026, in Alamein, Egypt, with the participation of numerous representatives from the relevant ministries and institutions of the two countries.

The two sides reviewed progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as the documents to be signed during the session, which will be chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The two countries expressed their appreciation for the growing momentum in economic, trade and investment relations, particularly following the launch of the first phase of the “Alam Al Roum” project. They also welcomed the agreement to begin, in October 2026, the first round of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Egypt and Qatar, with the aim of strengthening economic integration for the benefit of the two peoples.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews