LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – FIFA has stated, in response to media reports via social media, that Gianni Infantino did not call Donald Trump to ask for help during this extremely difficult period. Elections are approaching, and the chaos sparked by the European Super League project has had hugely negative repercussions for the head of world football, whose leadership is increasingly precarious. According to The Telegraph, regardless of whether calls took place, the matter has reached Washington, and a White House source has confirmed that efforts will be made to assist the friend in need.

“Gianni helped us immensely in organizing the best World Cup ever. President Trump likes him a lot, and I am sure he will do everything possible to help him. I don’t think the President will change his mind about him, because he is a loyal person. Infantino delivered the World Cup to the United States, and we appreciate that,” said the White House source quoted by The Telegraph.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Official confirmation had been awaited for weeks, and it has finally arrived: Marc-André Ter Stegen is Ajax’s new goalkeeper. The 34-year-old German joins on loan from Barcelona, ​​the club with whom he is under contract until June 30, 2028. His arrival was strongly desired by the Dutch side’s new coach, Michel; the two had worked together briefly at Girona last January before an injury prematurely ended Ter Stegen’s season. The deal was finalized by the Amsterdam club’s technical director, Jordi Cruijff. “We need to bring Ajax back to where it deserves to be,” said the German goalkeeper. “I spoke with several people about the club’s plans, and I was fully convinced. Together, we want to take Ajax back to the top; the club deserves it, given its incredibly rich history and the strength it radiates—not just in the Netherlands, but internationally as well.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ALGIERS (ALGERIA) (ITALPRESS) – A tenure spanning two years and five months, including a World Cup campaign that ended with a defeat against his native Switzerland in the Round of 16. The Algerian Football Federation has announced the mutual termination of Vladimir Petkovic‘s contract. “The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announces that the contractual relationship with national team head coach Vladimir Petkovic and his technical staff has officially ended today by mutual agreement,” stated the Federation. “The FAF wishes to express its deep gratitude to the coach and his entire staff for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication during these 29 months at the helm of the national team.” The former Lazio coach, therefore, is no longer the head coach of Algeria.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has doubled the minimum on-the-spot fine for tourists from €25 to €50 under a legal notice that came into force on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the measure, describing it as another step towards ensuring greater order and respect for local communities. He said effective enforcement of the law benefits everyone and pledged that the government would continue taking decisions to uphold public order.

The on-the-spot fines were introduced last month to address concerns over antisocial behaviour by tourists, particularly in Malta’s busiest tourist areas.

The penalties apply only to non-habitual residents, including visitors who are neither Maltese citizens nor holders of a Maltese residence document.

Under the legislation, tourists who refuse to pay an on-the-spot fine immediately may have their passports or identity cards confiscated by police until the penalty is settled.

The measures follow a series of videos shared on social media during the summer showing tourists disturbing residents and breaking the law.

Last month, Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield also announced that non-residents who receive an on-the-spot fine, or multiple fines totalling at least €200, could be deported from Malta before the end of their holiday.

A legal notice empowers the Principal Immigration Officer to revoke a visitor’s permission to remain in Malta if, after assessing the circumstances, the person’s presence is considered contrary to public order, public security or the public interest.

– Photo Doi –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The management of migration flows is a shared responsibility among countries of origin, transit and destination, and no single State can be expected to address a transnational challenge on its own. This was stated by a Moroccan government source, as quoted by the state news agency MAP, which reiterated that international cooperation is the only effective response to the new dynamics of migration.

According to the source, the Kingdom of Morocco “has always fully assumed its responsibilities” in managing irregular migration, investing “substantial resources” in terms of personnel, logistics and financing to control migration flows and combat criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling. This commitment, the source stressed, has made “a decisive contribution” to the shared security of the Western Mediterranean and Europe.

The Moroccan government source, quoted by MAP, highlighted Morocco’s results: around 160,000 attempted irregular crossings have been prevented over the past two years, including 79,000 in 2024 and 74,000 in 2025. During the same period, 632 criminal networks specializing in migrant smuggling were dismantled and more than 32,000 search-and-rescue operations at sea were carried out. Over the past five years, the source added, Moroccan authorities have prevented more than 360,000 irregular departures through the extensive deployment of human, technological and financial resources.

The Moroccan government source told MAP that “cooperation with Spain is one of the main factors” that has enabled the Western Mediterranean migration route to remain under control. Furthermore, the source said that the return to Morocco of all those who had crossed the Ceuta border crossing constitutes “further proof of the excellent level of cooperation between Rabat and Madrid.” According to the source, the operation, carried out in full coordination with the Spanish authorities, confirms “the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and the ability of the two countries to manage exceptional situations swiftly and responsibly.”

The Moroccan government source said the episode demonstrates that “mutual trust and operational coordination are the key” to successfully addressing common migration challenges, well beyond temporary political controversies.

The source further told MAP that the current migration management model now shows “clear limitations” in light of the profound changes that have taken place in recent years. The evolution of migration routes, growing instability across several parts of Africa, the increasingly structured role of transnational criminal organizations and the rise of disinformation campaigns on social media require, according to the source, “a comprehensive rethink of cooperation tools.”

According to the Moroccan government source, “it is necessary to develop a new model based on genuine shared responsibility” among all stakeholders, avoiding unilateral approaches that risk undermining the efforts made so far. Migration policy, the source continued, should be based “on partnership, mutual trust and respect for the commitments undertaken” by each partner.

The Moroccan government source also referred to a recent decision by the Spanish judiciary, observing that “it is not possible to dismantle the system for combating illegal immigration and then ask Morocco to bear the consequences.” Such an approach, the source argued, would risk “weakening the mechanisms of operational cooperation” developed over the years between Rabat and Madrid in the fight against migrant smuggling networks.

The Moroccan government source also referred to what it described as “election-driven statements,” arguing that migration should not be used as a domestic political tool. According to the source, as quoted by MAP, fueling controversy or adopting decisions driven by electoral considerations risks “undermining a cooperation” that has delivered tangible results over the years for the security of both shores of the Mediterranean.

The Moroccan government source therefore called for “preserving the spirit of trust and partnership” that has always characterized cooperation with Spain and the European Union. According to the source, security is “a shared interest” requiring the maintenance of effective operational tools and constant coordination among the countries concerned.

Migration cooperation, the source continued, cannot be conceived as a unilateral transfer of responsibilities to Morocco but must remain a balanced partnership in which each party assumes its share of responsibility.

Finally, the Moroccan government source reaffirmed that the Kingdom will continue to fulfill its obligations with the same sense of responsibility that has always guided its actions, confirming its commitment to a humane, solidarity-based and secure management of migration, in full respect of human rights and international obligations.

The source, as quoted by MAP, also renewed its call on European partners to adapt the framework of cooperation to new migration realities by prioritizing a comprehensive, sustainable approach based on shared responsibility.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – One of the biggest breakout stars of the World Cup has finally found a new club.

Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper who became a global sensation following his country’s remarkable run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—where Cape Verde was eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 32 after a 3-2 extra-time defeat—has officially signed with Colo-Colo of the Chilean Primera División.

Named to FIFA’s Dream XI, the tournament’s fan-voted best team, the veteran goalkeeper of the Blue Sharks, who spent last season with Portuguese second-division side Chaves, is embarking on a new challenge in Chile, where he has already received a rock-star welcome.

His extraordinary popularity stems from the meteoric rise of his Instagram account, which grew from around 50,000 followers to nearly 30 million in just a few weeks, turning him into a genuine cultural phenomenon. To put that into perspective, he now has more than ten times as many followers as his new club.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SÃO PAULO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – “I’m not thinking about retiring, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep playing. I have a contract with Santos until December, and I intend to honor it and wear the Santos jersey in the best way possible. After that, I’ll decide whether to stay at Santos, leave, retire, or continue playing.” Neymar has yet to make up his mind about his future. After saying goodbye to the Brazilian national team following the disappointment of the World Cup, the Brazilian star has also left open the possibility of retiring in 2027.

“I really don’t know what I’ll do,” the 34-year-old forward, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, said upon arriving at the Neymar Jr. Institute charity auction. “There’s still a long way to go until December, so we’ll take it one step at a time, match by match. I feel good physically, and that’s what matters.”

Neymar could return to action in Belém against Remo in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil Round of 16, after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Civil Protection Department (CPD) has deployed 40 firefighters to Portugal for the month of August to assist in tackling the country’s ongoing wildfire crisis.

The firefighters, divided into two teams, are participating in an international mission under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates emergency assistance among member states during natural disasters.

The deployment follows a similar mission last year, when Malta also sent 40 firefighters to Portugal.

Working alongside Portuguese crews, the Maltese teams will help strengthen operational capacity and support wildfire suppression and containment efforts.

The government said the mission reflects Malta’s continued commitment to regional cooperation, noting that CPD personnel have also supported emergency operations in Greece, Turkey and Libya in recent years.

It stressed that the overseas deployment will not affect emergency response capabilities in Malta, with the CPD maintaining operational readiness through its network of ten fire stations and two maritime units.

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield said Malta’s participation demonstrates the confidence other countries place in the CPD’s expertise and highlights the country’s commitment to solidarity within the European Union.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea have continued their squad rebuild with a focus on experienced players. Following the signing of Danny Welbeck (35) from Brighton, the Blues, managed by Xabi Alonso, have secured the services of Jordan Henderson.

The former Liverpool and Ajax midfielder will add valuable experience to a Chelsea squad whose average age, at under 24, is the youngest in the Premier League.

Henderson, 36, has signed a contract with the Blues that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Last season, he made 32 Premier League appearances for Brentford before being selected by Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played only a few minutes in England’s match against Panama.

After the tournament, Henderson underwent surgery on his left arm following an injury sustained during the celebrations after England’s 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Hansi Flick has provided an update on Barcelona’s transfer plans, suggesting that the club is still working on strengthening its attacking options following the team’s training camp at St George’s Park in England.

The German coach explained that the arrival of a new forward will depend on several factors, while avoiding speculation over specific targets.

“It depends on the squad. We have to wait. I have complete trust in Deco. We know we need to do something. It also depends on Ferran. We’ll see what happens,” Flick said.

During his media briefing, Flick also discussed a range of other topics, including possible tactical adjustments, the fitness of several players, and the young talents who impressed during Barcelona’s pre-season campaign.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews