A 12 Hour Marathon For Suffering Animals Suggested

Dec 21 2023

Activist and athlete Fabio Spiteri took to social media to suggest the establishment of an ‘Istrina’ for animals?

‘There is a need for a 12 hour marathon on a TV station raising awareness on the suffering and abuse of animals which took this year as well as the dogs in shelters awaiting adoption.’

The post amassed 339 positive reactions, over 60 shares and almost 100 comments expressing support for the idea.

The yearly Istrina raises money for kids and people battling cancer – an annual showcase of the Maltese population’s charitable nature. Would a similar initiative for animals in need work?

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UEFA & FIFA’s Blocking Of Super League Broke EU Law

Dec 21 2023

Europe’s highest court declared on Thursday that actions taken by football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA to obstruct the establishment of a rival Super League violated EU law.

The European Court of Justice ruled that regulations requiring prior approval from FIFA and UEFA for new interclub football projects, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from participation were unlawful.

The judgment clarified that this does not automatically authorise the Super League project but emphasises FIFA and UEFA’s “abuse of a dominant position” in the football market.

A22 Sports, the firm championing the Super League, celebrated the ruling as a victory against UEFA’s monopoly, claiming, “We have won the right to compete. The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is free.”

In response, UEFA stated that the court’s decision did not endorse or validate the breakaway competition but highlighted a technical flaw in UEFA’s pre-authorisation framework that had been addressed in June 2022. UEFA expressed confidence in its new rules and emphasised commitment to the European football pyramid in collaboration with fans and stakeholders.

The legal dispute originated in April 2021 when major European clubs announced the Super League, challenging UEFA’s Champions League just before the latter’s planned reforms. Faced with backlash, most clubs withdrew support within 48 hours, and the court ruling focused on UEFA rules predating changes in 2022.

#MaltaDaily

Last Chance To Donate A Gift With Love Today

Dec 21 2023

Anyone wishing to donate for the ‘Rigal b’Imħabba’ initiative has until today, Thursday 21st December, 1900hrs to donate their gift at the Castille Square Christmas Village.

The initiative, being led by Prime Minister’s wife Lydia Abela and daughter Giorgia Mae aims to once again hand out gifts to less fortunate children around Malta and Gozo.

The fourth edition of the initiative, Dr Lydia Abela has expressed her conviction that the activity will once again show the Maltese population’s generosity and charitable nature.

Have you donated yet?

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UK To Introduce Sign Language For Students

Dec 21 2023

Starting from September 2025, British Sign Language (BSL) will be offered as a GCSE in England, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity, according to the government.

All students will have the opportunity to learn approximately 1,000 signs, equipping them with a valuable life skill. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan emphasised the doors this qualification will open for young people.

Ofqual, the exams regulator, will review and accredit the syllabus following a 12-week public consultation involving input from parents, teachers, and representatives from the deaf and hearing communities.

BSL gained official recognition as a language in the UK last year through the British Sign Language Act. The National Deaf Children’s Society’s CEO, Susan Daniels, expressed delight at the publication of the course content after a decade of campaigning.

The GCSE aims to celebrate the rich culture and history of British Sign Language, a cause championed by 17-year-old Daniel Jillings, profoundly deaf since birth, who initiated the campaign at the age of 12.

While Daniel won’t directly benefit from the GCSE, he hopes it will reduce isolation for deaf students in schools. The British Deaf Association estimates 151,000 people in the UK use BSL, with 87,000 being deaf. The challenge now lies in how schools can effectively offer and deliver BSL education.

Despite support from educational associations, concerns about practical constraints, including staffing, finances, and time, are acknowledged. There is a call for training programs for both deaf and hearing individuals proficient in BSL to ensure a sustainable supply of qualified teachers.

#MaltaDaily