Morocco Building ‘World’s Largest Football Stadium’

Nov 21 2024

New details and images have been unveiled for the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, set to become the world’s largest football stadium.

With a capacity of 115,000, it will surpass the current record-holder, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, and is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Casablanca will host the tournament’s final.

Designed by Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi and global sports firm Populous, the stadium reflects Moroccan cultural traditions.

Its roof is inspired by the “moussem,” a gathering symbolising cultural exchange, and resembles a grand tent set against the forested Casablanca landscape. Surrounding the stadium are botanical gardens and smaller sports complexes, creating an “oasis of greenery” that integrates nature and sports.

The Grand Stade Hassan II features two stands for 29,500 general admission spectators and five VIP hospitality tiers accommodating 12,000 more.

Lead architect Tarik Oualalou described the design as a fusion of Moroccan heritage and modernity, emphasising hospitality and environmental respect. Situated 38 km north of Casablanca, the stadium is poised to be a landmark blending sports innovation with cultural significance.

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Photo Source: Oualalou + Choi and Populous

Exhibition Honours Legacy Of Malta’s First Sports Photojournalist Karmenu Fava

Nov 21 2024

An exhibition dedicated to the legacy of sports photojournalist Karmenu Fava (1917-2009) was inaugurated this morning at Malta’s National Archives in Mdina by Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici.

Curated by Dr. Steve Borg, the exhibition is housed at the Court and Tribunals Archive.

“This is a remarkable exhibition as it captures Maltese sports, which reflect the spirit of our people. A country without memory is like an orphan, and sports have always been a mirror of our society,” said Minister Bonnici.

Born in Sliema in 1917, Fava worked as an electrical fitter in the Royal Naval Dockyard before serving in the British Army during WWII.

In the 1960s, he began documenting Maltese sports, from football and water polo to less prominent activities like archery and sailing. His work, featured in Union Press publications, made him Malta’s first sports photojournalist.

Fava also captured Malta’s cultural heritage, documenting historical sites and aspects of Maltese life.

After his passing in 2009, his son Raymond donated Fava’s extensive collection, including thousands of photographs, slides, and negatives, to the National Archives. The collection was meticulously curated by Dr. Borg to preserve and celebrate Fava’s legacy.

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Malta Invests €4 Million in Research and Innovation Projects

Nov 21 2024

Seventeen projects spanning seven different research fields have received around €4 million in funding through the national FUSION program and various internationalisation schemes. These investments underscore the government’s commitment to advancing research and innovation.

Funding is expected to grow in the coming years, with the FUSION program budget increasing from €5 million to €6.3 million by 2025. Meanwhile, internationalisation scheme allocations will rise from €1.6 million to €2.2 million.

This was announced during the second edition of the Research and Innovation EXPO, an event showcasing innovative research projects funded by Malta’s Science and Technology programs.

The EXPO serves as a platform for researchers to present their work, fostering idea exchange, collaboration, and celebrating achievements to date.

The event included detailed presentations on research processes, prototype exhibitions, and discussions with project coordinators, academics, and private and public sector partners.

Discussions aligned with Malta’s National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation 2023–2027 and related strategies, emphasising priority areas for innovation-driven growth.

Education and Innovation Minister Clifton Grima highlighted how the EXPO demonstrated tangible results through advanced solutions and prototypes.

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti announced grants for cancer research projects, emphasising the critical role of funding in driving transformative outcomes.

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Logan Paul Sends Lookalike To BBC Interview Amidst Accusations

LOGAN PAUL SENDS LOOKALIKE TO BBC INTERVIEW AS HE FACES CRYPTO BACKLASH

Nov 21 2024

Logan Paul sent a lookalike to an interview with the BBC, avoiding questions about allegations that he profited from misleading cryptocurrency promotions.

The BBC documentary Logan Paul: Bad Influence?, airing Wednesday, investigates claims that Paul endorsed crypto projects without disclosing financial ties, causing token values to spike and benefiting his own investments.

Filmmaker Matt Shea attempted for months to secure an interview with Paul, who eventually invited the BBC to his Puerto Rico gym. However, the interview was a farce, with a lookalike posing as Paul.

When Shea questioned the deception, the lookalike maintained, “I’m right here, bud,” prompting Shea to end the interview. A crowd then appeared, shouting insults at the BBC, led by a man with a megaphone referencing past scandals involving the broadcaster.

Paul’s lawyers sent the BBC a letter warning against airing the findings. The investigation claims that in 2021, an anonymous wallet linked to Paul’s public wallet traded a cryptocurrency shortly before his tweet promoting it, allegedly earning $120,000 in profits.

Shea concluded that Paul chose to troll rather than defend himself, leaving questions about his financial dealings and ethical practices unanswered.

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