A local FIFA player signed for a Cypriot eSports team… and you’ll never guess who announced him!

Oct 19 2021

If you hadn’t heard already, the world of competitive organised video gaming is making global strides. The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta is no exception as competitive gaming continuously grows and constantly welcomes up-and-coming gamers to the scene.

One of those names is Michael Micallef, more commonly known as Mizu in the gaming scene. Mizu has been competing in the local esports scene for years taking part in various competitions and eSports festivals as well as the BOV ePremier League which was established a few years ago.

Now, Mizu looks to set up shop in the international eSports scene as he signs for Apollon eSports, a eSports subdivision of football, volleyball and basketball club Apollon Limassol FC. The club also recently opened up an eSports branch, with Maltese football legend André Schembri announcing the signing of Micallef.

Do you follow the local eSports scene?

#MaltaDaily

Harry Styles will play Thanos’ brother ‘Eros’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Oct 19 2021

Who knew Harry Styles playing the mad titan’s brother in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was the crossover we needed? The One Direction star, aged 27, will be playing Eros in an upcoming Marvel film. News of the role was revealed at the premiere of ‘The Eternals’, with an end credits scene set to showcase the singer in his comic movie debut.

Thanos was played by Josh Brolin in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. But who is exactly Eros? Well, he is a carefree and womanising powerhouse, which contrasts heavily to Thanos’ stern and power-hungry drive. Eros even defied his brother, aiding his parents in the battle against the purple alien on a quest to exterminate half of all life. Harry Styles seems to be quite the perfect candidate to bring this personality to the big screen. Whether we’ll see him go toe-to-toe with Brolin’s Thanos is still unclear, but what is sure is we’ll be seeing a cross-section of fans of both comics and the singer’s fanbase coming together.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Orlando Sentinel, Forbes

Lydia Abela celebrates 13 year anniversary with wholesome post

Oct 19 2021

Lydia Abela took to social media to celebrate her 13 year marriage with Prime Minister Robert Abela, sharing an emotional post expressing the love and appreciation she has for her beloved husband. Addressing the Prime Minister, she said ‘nothing in this world can be as wonderful as the love you give me and GIorgia Mae. Happy anniversary Robert, I love you.’

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Lydia Abela (@lydiaabela_la)

The post consisted of two photos from two different time periods – one vintage showing the couple getting married in the Mdina Cathedral and the other a modern photograph of them recently. Their anniversary comes just after Lydia herself celebrated her birthday on Sunday, with Robert himself expressing a similar appreciation post on the occasion. The Prime Minister himself also showed an image on Instagram, with adorable Giorgia Mae embracing her parents.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Robert Abela (@robertabela.mt)

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: @lydiaabela_la IG, @robertabela.mt IG

Malta’s grey-listing plummets attractiveness for foreign investors

Oct 19 2021

Malta is currently at its all-time lowest in terms of attractiveness towards foreign investors. This comes following the FATF grey-listing, with only 37% of foreign investors deeming Malta attractive for FDI. A whopping 46% find the island unattractive. The statistics were revealed by the EY Malta Attractiveness Index which reported that 40% of respondents went from finding Malta attractive to either ‘no’ or ‘don’t know’ over the last two years.

The FDI attractiveness of Malta seems to have been on the decline since 2016, but the spiral downwards worsened after 2019. At that point, 77% of respondents found Malta attractive for FDI. Now, that figure ranks at 37%. The survey was carried out just after Malta was placed on the FATF grey list of jurisdictions. Asked on what could improve this state, respondents pointed towards reputation, governance, skills base improvement and tackling the grey listing as urgently as possible.

Despite 77% of existing FDI companies still looking at a future based in Malta, an increase of no responses was noted. 84% of investors believe that the grey-listing impacts Malta’s ability to be viewed as a reputable destination for business. Another massive 55% feel that doing business in Malta will be more difficult as a result of grey-listing.

#MaltaDaily