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.

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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.

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Non-Burping Can Lead To Physical Pain & Depression

Dec 21 2023

Individuals unable to burp endure not only physical discomfort but also emotional distress, including embarrassment, anxiety, and depression, according to research conducted by a team of Texan university academics.

The condition, known as Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD) or “no burp syndrome,” manifests as abdominal bloating, socially awkward gurgling noises, and flatulence.

The study highlights that many doctors are unfamiliar with R-CPD, leaving patients underserved and emphasises the necessity for increased awareness and research into the syndrome.

R-CPD occurs when the cricopharyngeal muscle in the throat fails to relax, hindering the passage of gas upwards. Dr. Yakubu Karagama, an ear, nose, and throat consultant, has been treating R-CPD patients with Botox injections since 2016, providing life-changing relief.

However, limited awareness within the health profession means this treatment is currently available only privately.

Dr. Karagama underscores the need for funding for clinical research, as many individuals suffering from R-CPD remain unaware of their condition.

The study, based on a survey of 199 individuals unable to burp, emphasises the mental and social implications of R-CPD, calling for increased understanding to enhance diagnosis, treatment rates, and ultimately improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The study concludes that addressing the mental health implications of difficult-to-diagnose conditions is essential, advocating for further exploration in this regard.

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