FIFA is embroiled in a major scandal at the 2026 World Cup after it annulled the suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium. This rare decision followed an alleged intervention by former US President Donald Trump with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to American media outlets like The New York Times and Associated Press. Trump himself fueled the controversy by posting on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing and righting a great injustice" shortly after the announcement. The New York Times reported that Trump personally called Infantino hours after Balogun's expulsion to request a review of the sanction. FIFA justified its decision by invoking Article 27 of its disciplinary regulations, a provision rarely used to suspend a sanction, especially not during a World Cup to allow an expelled player to immediately play the next match. The Wall Street Journal highlighted the close relationship between Infantino and Trump, which has existed for several years. The Belgian Football Federation expressed its astonishment and is exploring all options, with coach Rudi Garcia sarcastically remarking, "I didn't know July 5 was April Fools' Day in the United States." UEFA issued a strong statement, calling the decision a "red line" that threatens the "integrity of the game" and the "credibility of the competition," questioning the precedent it sets. European Commissioner for Sports, Glenn Micallef, p
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Hospital-university doctors, pharmacists, and dental surgeons in Tunisia staged a sit-in and march on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Monastir, following the assault of a colleague. Adnen Hanchi, Secretary General of the General Union of Hospital-University Doctors, Pharmacists, and Dental Surgeons, stated that this action highlights the continuous deterioration of working conditions, increased violence against healthcare professionals, and a lack of dialogue with authorities. He emphasized that the crisis extends beyond sectoral demands, affecting all healthcare personnel due to declining conditions in public health institutions and the absence of sustainable public policies. The protest was prompted by the assault of a surgeon at Fatouma Bourguiba University Hospital by a patient he had operated on. The surgeon sustained injuries requiring surgery and is considering resignation from public service due to the incident and a growing sense of abandonment among healthcare professionals. Hanchi noted that repeated violence is a major factor in the emigration of medical talent, alongside poor working conditions and material difficulties. He also highlighted the dire financial state of public hospitals, citing unpaid debts from the National Health Insurance Fund Cnam totaling approximately 2.2 to 2.47 billion dinars, which prevents hospitals from acquiring basic supplies. Hanchi criticized the ineffectiveness of security measures, such as a police post at Fatouma Bourguiba that lacks suf
Dr. Nihel Ben Youssef, a Tunisian academic and cybersecurity expert, has been awarded the prestigious "Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2026" global award in the "Volunteer" category. This recognition highlights her voluntary commitment to cybersecurity. The award ceremony took place on July 1, 2026, in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, with Hubert B眉chel, Minister of Interior, Economy, and Sports, in attendance. The United Cybersecurity Alliance, which presented the award, honors women who make exceptional international contributions to cybersecurity. The 2026 edition saw a record 4,980 applications from 70 countries. This award acknowledges over fifteen years of Nihel Ben Youssef's dedication to Tunisia's digital ecosystem. As a teacher-researcher, she co-founded and mentors SecuriNets, Tunisia's first cybersecurity club, heads the Tunisian chapter of OWASP Open Worldwide Application Security Project, and serves as an Industry Ambassador for the IEEE's Tunisian section. Through these roles, Nihel Ben Youssef has worked to promote cybersecurity, develop young talent, and strengthen the Tunisian cybersecurity community.
The National Coalition in Tunisia reported that a meeting scheduled for Sunday in Jendouba was prohibited, leading to strong condemnation from its leaders who view it as a further restriction on political freedoms. Neji Jalloul, the party's secretary general, and Haythem El Aouni, a leader, accused authorities of obstructing normal political activity. El Aouni stated on Facebook that the ban extends beyond a partisan meeting to the broader right of citizens to hear different political opinions, despite all administrative procedures, including official notification, having been followed. He described the shrinking political space as a dangerous message, implying that the public sphere tolerates only one voice. El Aouni contrasted a popular government with its ability to accept pluralism, asserting that a government confident in its popular support would not fear a meeting or a party presenting its program. He also linked the ban to broader national issues like the high cost of living, unemployment, deteriorating public services, and the economic crisis, affirming that the National Coalition will continue its peaceful political activities, viewing political freedom as a right, not a privilege. He concluded that when politics is managed by prohibition rather than persuasion, the crisis lies with governance, not the opposition. Following the meeting's cancellation, Jalloul reported that delegates were also prevented from sitting in cafes in Jendouba, questioning if they had becom