Paul Pogba banned from playing football for four years

Mar 1 2024

Sky Italia and well known football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that French and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from playing any type of football for four years after the World Cup winner tested positive in a drugs test back in August 2023.

The four year ban request of the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office was accepted by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA). The ban will end in August 20207 meaning the former Manchester United player will be 34 years old, raising doubts as to whether he will be fit enough to continue his playing career.

In a statement, Pogba confirmed that he will appeal this judgement to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in Lausanne and that he will tell his full story when he is free from any legal complications. He continued by stating “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”

Pogba was first suspended as a precaution in September 2023 after testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a drug that promotes the production the production of several hormones including testosterone.

It has been quite a fall from grace for Paul Pogba who has gone from World Champion with France and commanding a record-breaking transfer fee of €105 million in 2016. to potentially being forced to end his career early in disgrace.

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E-Scooter Rentals Banned From Today as €150 Grant Comes Into Effect

Mar 1 2024

As of today, Malta has officially prohibited the use of rental e-scooters on its roads.

In conjunction with this new regulation, the Transport Ministry has announced a supportive measure to encourage individual ownership of e-scooters. A government grant of €150 will now be available to assist individuals in purchasing their own e-scooters. This initiative was first introduced by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana during his budget speech in October, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett took to Facebook this morning to affirm the government’s pledge, stating that the promised €150 grant is now accessible. This financial incentive is part of the government’s broader strategy to encourage the adoption of sustainable transport options.

By offering the grant, the government aims to make it more appealing for residents to consider alternative, eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Would you consider getting an electric scooter?

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Corradino Building Collapse Site to Become Garden Named After Jean Paul Sofia

Mar 1 2024

In a recent announcement in Parliament, Minister Silvio Schembri has shared plans to transform the site of a tragic incident into a public garden, commemorating the life of 20-year-old Jean Paul Sofia.

Sofia’s life was abruptly ended in 2022 when a building collapse claimed his life. The decision to convert the site into a garden is a tribute to the young man and aligns with the wishes of Sofia’s mother, ensuring her son’s memory is preserved in a meaningful way.

Minister Schembri has taken it upon himself to oversee the transformation of this site into the Jean Paul Sofia Garden. He highlighted the importance of concluding the legal procedures promptly so that the work on the garden can commence.

This gesture is not only a significant way to remember Sofia but also serves as a healing symbol for the community affected by the tragedy. The creation of the garden aims to offer a place of solace and reflection, honouring the memory of Jean Paul Sofia in a serene and respectful manner.

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on social media that the public inquiry report into the death of Jean Paul Sofia has been received and that the proceeded to publish it immediately.

‘We are willing to continue reforming the construction sector and carrying out the inquiry’s recommendations’, wrote the Prime Minister.

Since the publishing of the public inquiry, five individuals have been dismissed or resigned, including OHSA chair David Xuereb, Malta Enterprise Deputy Chair Peter Borg and Malta Enteprise board members Victor Carachi and Paul Abela.

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IZI Group Registered 61% Year-On-Year EBITDAR growth

Mar 1 2024

IZI Finance plc, the financing and holding company of IZI Group announced yesterday its half-yearly results for the period July – December 2023.

The Group announced a 26% year-on-year revenue growth. The Group has seen an increase in revenue across all its business operations, most notably the National Lottery. The results which are in line with the Group’s expectations generated EBITDAR of €12.6 million for the 6-month period, an increase of 61% when compared to the same period last year.

The achievements obtained in the first half of FY2024, reflect a significant increase in revenue, brought about by the effectiveness of the strategic initiatives adopted, the robustness of the business model and the team’s unwavering commitment and dedication. This improved performance underlines the Group’s commitment to deliver value to its shareholders through its focus to grow revenues across all its business units.

The Group is now entering into a new phase within which it will amplify its efforts to attain operational efficiency and cost management, with the aim to improve further the margins across its business units.

Commenting on the results obtained, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Group, Mr. Chris Fenech, said that the financial results are very encouraging and augur well for the remainder of the fiscal year. “The positive trajectory of our fiscal performance has garnered increased confidence in the Group’s prospects. Our efforts across the diverse business units have been well received by our customer base enabling us to strengthen our foundation and market position. We look forward to the implementation of various other initiatives in the coming months. Our focus continues to be on cost optimisation and efficiency, innovation through the deployment of new technology, customer satisfaction and driving long-term value for all stakeholders.”

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