UEFA set to strip Russia of Champions League final

Feb 23 2022

It is being reported that European football governing body UEFA are considering relocating the UEFA Champions League final from St. Petersburg in Russia, due to the country’s current tension with neighbouring country Ukraine.

This notion was also suggested by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who during parliament in the House of Commons, said that there is “no way” that Russia will be allowed to host a major football event after it’s decision to “invade a sovereign country”.

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As of right now many reports are saying that UEFA are looking at Wembley stadium as a potential replacement for the Gazprom arena in Russia. This idea was further supported after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Covid-19 restrictions will be coming to an end in the coming weeks in England, meaning it will be easier to organize for UEFA.

However a report from ESPN has stated quite the opposite with their sources telling them that whilst relocation of the final is quite likely, Wembley is not being considered. This is for a number of reasons primarily, the stadium has already been booked by the EFL to stage the promotion playoffs on the same weekend and that Wembley will already be the host of the final in 2024. The recent disorder and violence seen after the Euro 2020 final in Wembley is also another reason.ż

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The criteria’s for UEFA, for a substitute venue are it being a major European city with the stadium, transport links, infrastructure and accommodation to cater for around 100,000 visiting supporters. Other venues in London such as Tottenham’s and West Ham’s stadiums are reportedly being considered. Other cities like Rome, Barcelona, Munich, Paris and Amsterdam are also being considered.

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Arnold Cassola issues public letter on Transport Malta ‘abuses’

Feb 23 2022

Independent candidate Arnold Cassola has presented a four-page letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela on the ‘filthy’ scandals which he claims are taking place at Transport Malta.

Cassola’s letter includes cases of favouritism, downright ‘filth’ and even sexual harassment. Speaking on Wednesday, Cassola said that employee are scared to speak up. He said that he will be their voice and if elected to Parliament, he will speak for them.

In just four years the number of employees at Transport Malta has skyrocketed from 400 to over 1000, he said. A number of these new employees are from Transport Minister Ian Borg’s district.

The authority has become ‘an Ian Borg fiefdom, with a great deal of cronyism concerning his constituents or core Labour sympathisers’ said Cassola. ‘This is demoralising many qualified people in Transport Malta because it is difficult for them to get promoted.’

Cassola claims to have received numerous messages and reports on how arrogance became the norm at the agency. He went on to say that despite this, individuals are rewarded with promotions because they belong to either Labour or Ian Borg’s camp.

Cassola claimed he has also received reports of a case of sexual harassment case being covered up simply because the perpetrator involved is a hardcore voter for Labour. In his letter, Cassola says that he is ready to provide the names if Transport Malta is ready to have the agency cleaned up from the state of shame in which Ian Borg has reduced it to.

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Photo Source: Ian Borg FB, Arnold Cassola FB

Mużika Mużika changes date to avoid clash with election

Feb 23 2022

Following much discussion and speculation on whether or not Maltese language song festival Mużika Mużika would change its date after an election was announced for March 26th, Festivals Malta have just confirmed that it has been brought forward by a week.

The much awaited festival will now take place between Thursday 17th and Saturday 19th instead of election weekend. Some had commented on the lack of regard towards local festivals and that they should have changed the election date rather than the Mużika Mużika date, however that is clearly not the case.

This year’s edition is set to feature a myriad of local talent covering artists from all across Malta’s musical spectrum

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Former PM Joseph Muscat endorsing Labour Party candidates

Feb 23 2022

Former prime minister Joseph Muscat has been endorsing Labour Party candidates whilst also making appearances at fringe political events.

The former leader has been absent from any headline PL activities so far during the race, but it has been revealed that he will be a special guest at a political event in Marsa on Saturday afternoon.

Newsroom Times of Malta was informed that he has made two endorsement appearances for Chris Agius and Deo Debattista. Saturday’s event will see Muscat endorse Pieta mayor Keith Azzopardi Tanti on the first district.

With this Marsa gathering not being televised, it will also not be attended by Muscat’s successor Robert Abela who will not be on the island as he is scheduled to address an activity in Gozo.

It has also been understood that Muscat has been approached by a number of candidates to make guest appearances and endorsements over the campaign. Abela refused to answer any questions about whether his predecessor would be invited to speak at rallies.

After resigning in 2020 due to the connections between his office and the 2017 Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination as well as keeping a low profile, he started to speak up more last month when his family home was searched by police.

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