ROME (ITALPRESS) – The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has ordered the temporary suspension of a specific interpretation of the VAR protocol used by FIFA during the World Cup. FIFA has acknowledged the decision but maintains that the procedure adopted during the tournament was correct, including the controversial incident that led to the sending-off of Switzerland’s Breel Embolo in the quarter-final against Argentina, officiated by referee João Pinheiro. At the heart of the matter is the application of the “mistaken identity” clause to correct instances of simulation. During the World Cup, VAR intervened on two occasions after the referee had cautioned the wrong player following an act of simulation. In both cases, the referee was advised to review the incident, rescind the card shown to the innocent player, and instead sanction the player who had committed the simulation. The most debated incident occurred during the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland. Breel Embolo, who had already been cautioned, simulated a foul in midfield. Initially, João Pinheiro showed a yellow card to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes. However, following a VAR review, the referee corrected the decision, rescinding the caution given to Paredes and showing a second yellow card to Embolo, resulting in his sending-off.

A similar incident had already occurred during the group stage, in the match between the United States and Paraguay. On that occasion, the yellow card shown to US defender Tim Ream was rescinded after VAR identified simulation by Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón. Following these incidents, IFAB issued a circular to the federations stating that this specific application of the rule should not be used in other competitions until the review of the VAR protocol is complete. “The use of the mistaken identity clause to handle cases of simulation during the World Cup was well-received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol. However, this measure cannot be applied in this manner until the review is finished,” the IFAB circular stated. FIFA subsequently released a statement via its official channels, defending the actions of the referees and the VAR team. “FIFA’s interpretation regarding mistaken identity was applied consistently throughout the World Cup. There were two instances where a player was wrongly identified as the perpetrator of a bookable offense, and VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by an opponent’s simulation,” the international federation explained.

The statement goes on to emphasize that “simulation in itself cannot be challenged and must not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent, who could otherwise face further consequences, such as a sending-off following a second yellow card.” Finally, FIFA reaffirmed the correctness of its interpretation: “The decision restored justice,” and the IFAB “confirmed that the interpretation is valid and will be discussed in future revisions of the protocol.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has introduced a new law banning the use of sparklers and other pyrotechnic articles at indoor public gatherings, following a deadly bar fire in Switzerland last New Year’s Eve.

The legislation, published through a legal notice, prohibits the use of pyrotechnics in indoor spaces accessible to the public, including clubs and discotheques. It will come into force in two months.

Anyone found breaching the law will face fines ranging from €120 to €350.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Neymar has announced his retirement from the Brazil national team. Speaking after Santos’ 4-2 victory over UCV in the Copa Sudamericana play-off match at Vila Belmiro, the No. 10 addressed his international future, indicating that his time with the Seleção has come to an end.

The comments came in response to a recent statement by São Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura, who had expressed hope that Neymar would still feature for Brazil at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

However, the Santos star firmly ruled out that possibility. “I thank him for his kind words, but it won’t happen. I believe my journey with the Brazil national team is now over. I wrote part of its history, and I’m proud of that. I’ve experienced unforgettable moments and always gave everything for this shirt, but I don’t think I want to come back anymore,” Neymar said.

The forward also insisted he remains in a positive frame of mind despite the criticism and controversy surrounding him in recent weeks.“Mentally, I’ve always been strong.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The European Commission has approved Malta’s Social Climate Plan, the fourth national plan adopted under the Social Climate Fund, which uses carbon-pricing revenues to support a fair and inclusive clean transition. Malta’s plan will mobilise €60.6 million through 2032, including €45.4 million from the European Union.

The Social Climate Fund provides EU member states with financial support for measures and investments set out in their national plans, helping to ensure that the clean transition is fair and leaves no one behind.

Between 2026 and 2032, the fund is expected to mobilise at least €86.7 billion. The financing will combine revenues from the new emissions trading system covering fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and other sectors, known as ETS2, with national contributions amounting to at least 25% of the cost of each country’s plan.

Malta’s plan will help vulnerable households improve the energy efficiency of their homes and renovate flats in publicly owned social housing. Measures will include roof insulation and the installation of renewable-energy systems, such as heat-pump water heaters and solar panels with battery storage.

The plan will also expand sustainable transport options for more than 30,000 vulnerable users through door-to-door community transport services.

Support will also be provided to vulnerable micro-enterprises in transport-dependent sectors by improving access to affordable electric mobility and charging infrastructure, helping them switch to electric vehicles.

– Photo Doi –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Parliament has approved legislation ending the government’s power to appoint members of specialised administrative tribunals, replacing it with an independent, merit-based selection process.

The reform, passed during parliament’s final extended sitting before the summer recess, transfers appointment powers to an independent commission.

Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the changes would strengthen the rule of law, democracy and access to justice.

The commission will comprise a retired judge or magistrate and four members recognised for their integrity and competence.

Grima said the reform builds on the 2020 overhaul of the judicial appointments system, which reduced the executive’s role in selecting judges and magistrates.

– Photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS) – It is now official: the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has announced the appointment of Moine Chaabani as the new head coach of the national team following a disastrous World Cup campaign.

Tunisia’s tournament began under Sabri Lamouchi, who oversaw a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in the opening match, before Hervé Renard took charge but was unable to turn things around, suffering heavy losses to Japan (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-1).

Chaabani, 45, takes over after terminating his contract with Moroccan club RS Berkane. The Tunisian coach has signed a four-year deal with the national team.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – As the saying goes, “a promise made is a promise kept.” That certainly appears to be the case in Spain, where national team left-back Marc Cucurella has followed through on a pledge he made in the event of Spain winning the FIFA World Cup.

The newly signed Real Madrid player revealed on his social media accounts that he has had a tattoo of Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente’s face inked on his arm, alongside the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Among the first to react to the post were Spain teammates Dani Olmo, who commented “Historic,” and Borja Iglesias, who responded with a heart emoji.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Business confidence in Malta increased in the second quarter of 2026, although growing concerns over the conflict in the Middle East are casting a shadow over the economic outlook. This is the analysis contained in the latest Business Dialogue publication from the Central Bank of Malta. More than half of the companies surveyed, 53%, reported an improvement in business conditions, while 12% reported a deterioration. The net positive balance of 41% was eight percentage points higher than the previous quarter.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) – Joško Gvardiol will remain at Manchester City until 2031. The club has announced that the 24-year-old Croatian defender has signed a contract extension, having joined the Etihad Stadium from RB Leipzig in 2023.

Since arriving in Manchester, Gvardiol has made 122 appearances and scored 13 goals for the Citizens, while helping the club win six major trophies: the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Community Shield.

“This is exactly what I wanted,” said Gvardiol. “The fans have been incredible with me from day one, and the club provides everything a player could need. It is the best club in the world to play for. I have received so much love and respect during my three years here, and I never take that for granted. The players we have are outstanding. This is a world-class team, young and full of potential. I believe we will achieve many more successes together.”

Sporting director Hugo Viana also welcomed the extension: “Joško is a player we have tremendous faith in. He is young, an outstanding professional, and already one of the best defenders in the world. He perfectly embodies what we look for in our defenders: he can play in multiple positions, he is quick, strong, and excellent going forward. He is an exceptional footballer, and his attitude is equally impressive.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews