ROME (ITALPRESS) – Strengthening relations between Morocco and Italy, international support for the Sahara autonomy plan, and commitment to stability in the Mediterranean and the Middle East were the focus of the speech by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Italy, Youssef Balla, on the occasion of the Throne Day celebrated yesterday in Rome, in the presence, among others, of the Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio.

In his speech, Balla recalled the “twenty-seventh anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,“ emphasizing the progress made by Morocco in terms of economic development, social cohesion, and modernization, in line with the priorities outlined in the royal address of July 29, 2026. The ambassador emphasized how the Kingdom’s path is based on “citizen-centricity, inclusive and sustainable growth, and strengthening territorial justice,” as well as investments in infrastructure, energy transition, and water security.

Ample space was devoted to the Moroccan Sahara issue, defined as a “primary national cause.” Balla referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2797, emphasizing that “over 140 member states support the Moroccan autonomy initiative,” which he considered a “realistic and lasting” solution.

On a bilateral level, the ambassador reaffirmed the solidity of relations between Rabat and Rome, united by the vision of a Mediterranean “space for dialogue, peace, and prosperity,” and praised the role of the Moroccan community in Italy as a “human bridge” between the two countries.

Internationally, Balla reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and emphasized the Kingdom’s active role in the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, also in implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803.

Finally, the ambassador recalled Morocco’s strategic initiatives in Africa, including the project to provide access to the Atlantic for the Sahel countries and the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline, highlighting the goal of promoting integration and development on the continent.

– Photo Embassy of Morocco in Rome-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Inter have announced that John Stones is officially a Nerazzurri player. The 1994-born defender, who became a free agent after leaving Manchester City, has signed a contract with the reigning Italian champions until 30 June 2028. Stones had been at City since 2016 under Pep Guardiola. During his time at the club, the England centre-back won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Marc-André ter Stegen has left Barcelona’s pre-season training camp to fly to Amsterdam and sign the contract that will tie him to Ajax.

The move, which had effectively been agreed for some time, is now set to be completed after remaining on hold due to several tax-related issues that needed to be resolved.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NYON (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – No surprises. After all, UEFA had been very clear in the two statements issued on Tuesday and Wednesday in response to the new initiatives launched by Gianni Infantino’s FIFA. European football is boycotting the world governing body.

In an official statement, the European football confederation, headed by Aleksander Čeferin, announced the form of protest it has chosen. “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” the statement reads. “UEFA and its 55 member associations are united. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions to private investors. The FIFA World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and fans from every continent. No part of it should ever be handed over to private investors. The FIFA World Cup is not for sale,” the Nyon-based body stressed.

“It is irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such importance for football was conceived in secret and brought close to approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with the stewardship of the sport. This is not only a serious failure of leadership, but a complete abdication of FIFA’s duty as the guardian of world football.”

“National associations around the world are now being presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible takeover of football’s biggest competitions or face the consequences. This is not a ‘democratic decision’, but governance through intimidation, an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with safeguarding world football,” UEFA continued.

“Our opposition goes far beyond the procedure. The moment outside investors acquire ownership stakes in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial profit becomes a permanent obligation. Investors’ expectations become a daily pressure. From that point on, every decision regarding the international calendar, competition formats and the future of football will no longer be guided by what improves our sport, but by what serves shareholders. This model has no place in world football.”

“The future of football cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose primary duty is to maximise financial profit. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters be subordinated to investors’ profits. Football cannot mortgage its future for short-term financial gain.”

UEFA added: “Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend our legitimacy to this model. No one has the moral authority to sell what is merely being held in trust for future generations. Following today’s discussion, no UEFA national team will take part in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain in place, unless they are withdrawn in their entirety and binding guarantees are provided that FIFA will never again open its governance or its competitions to private ownership.”

“No one should be in any doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination. There are moments when institutions are judged not by what they are willing to accept, but by what they refuse to compromise. This is one of those moments. Some things are simply too important to be sold. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football and will always belong to football. And as long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS) – Chelsea have officially announced the signing of France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a contract running until 2032 and will join his new teammates ahead of the 2026/27 season.

“I’m really happy to be part of this great club,” Lacroix said. “Everyone knows Chelsea’s legendary status and winning tradition, and being part of that is a huge source of pride. When I spoke with the head coach, I realised we share the same vision and the same goals for this club. We want to win. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to play my part.”

Chelsea concluded their statement with a simple message: “Welcome to Chelsea, Maxence!”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Eddie Howe has resigned as Newcastle United manager in a surprise move.

The decision was announced this morning, a day after the Magpies suffered a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City in a pre-season friendly.

According to British media reports, Howe had been considering stepping down in recent weeks, reportedly due in part to the club’s underwhelming transfer activity during the summer window.

Howe had been in charge of Newcastle United since 2021.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi is tireless. Just ten days after his “Albiceleste” side’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, the 39-year-old Argentine has already returned to training with Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner thus cut his vacation short and is back at the disposal of the Florida club. He missed Inter Miami’s last two matches (victories against Chicago and Montreal) but is now back and ready to get back in action.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – According to some Portuguese media outlets, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to tie the knot this Saturday at “Quinta da Regaleira,” a castle-estate located in the historic center of Sintra, Portugal. However, the news has not been confirmed by the couple themselves, nor by local venues or residents of the town northwest of Lisbon. Conversely, Spanish media report that the rumors are baseless and the wedding will not take place this weekend. It remains to be seen whether CR7 and “his” Georgina will soon take the “big step.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid has decided to make a determined push for Rodri to bolster its midfield. According to reports from AS, after months of deliberation, the Blancos management has changed its stance, shifting from an initial dismissal to a concrete interest in the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. The midfielder’s performances at the World Cup reportedly played a decisive role; Rodri, a standout performer for Spain, demonstrated that he had regained peak physical and technical form, finally convincing Florentino Pérez’s club to make a move.

The player has reportedly already expressed a desire to join Real Madrid, turning down advances from PSG as well as contract renewal offers from Manchester City, with whom he is currently tied until June 2027. Reaching an agreement with the player is not expected to be an obstacle, though terms still need to be settled with Manchester City. Real Madrid hopes to finalize the deal with an offer in the range of €40–50 million. When the midfielder’s wages are factored in, the total investment could reach approximately €100 million.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS) – Mauricio Pochettino has decided to continue his tenure as head coach of the United States national team. According to The Athletic, the Argentine manager is close to a contract renewal; an agreement is imminent but has not yet been finalized.

The proposed four-year deal would run through the 2030 World Cup, following a campaign—played on home soil—that saw the U.S. team secure its first-ever knockout-stage victory (in the Round of 32 against Bosnia) but ultimately end with a decisive Round of 16 defeat to Belgium, a match preceded by the “Balogun affair.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews