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Italy rejects Donald Trump's proposal to replace Iran in the World Cup
via SeneNews4 min read
Italy has firmly rejected a proposal to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup, despite the suggestion coming from Paolo Zampolli, an associate of Donald Trump. Italian sports authorities, including Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, deemed the idea "not appropriate," emphasizing that qualification for the World Cup is earned through on-field performance. Luciano Buonfiglio expressed being "offended" by the suggestion, and Giancarlo Giorgetti stated he would be "ashamed" of such a move, highlighting a unanimous rejection from the Italian side. The FIFA has also confirmed that no changes to the schedule or qualified teams are being considered, ensuring Iran's participation and reiterating that Italy's World Cup presence depends on its athletic achievements.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadDonald Trump stated on Thursday that he is not in a hurry regarding the conflict in the Middle East, where a two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington appears precarious. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, the first since the ceasefire began on April 8, which was unilaterally extended by the United States after initially being set to end on Wednesday. Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed readiness to resume the war, awaiting a green light from the US to return Iran to the "Stone Age." However, an Israeli security source told AFP that the army was not attacking Iran. With the aircraft carrier George HW Bush arriving near the Middle East, bringing the total number of US carriers in the region to three, Donald Trump affirmed he was not pressed to end hostilities. He wrote on Truth Social, "I have all the time in the world, but Iran does not." At a White House event, Trump also denied intentions to use nuclear weapons against Iran, stating, "Why would I use nuclear weapons when we have completely annihilated them, very conventionally?" The conflict, initiated on February 28 by an Israeli-American offensive against Tehran, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing, but negotiations between Americans and Iranians, expected to resume in Islamabad after an initial session on April 11, are still suspended. Trump asserted that an agreement would only be reached when it is re
During a match against Samsunspor, Chérif Ndiaye was expelled from the game after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on André Onana. This incident left his team playing with a numerical disadvantage.
Journalist Astou Dione has announced her appointment as the General Manager of Koom Media Group. This media conglomerate includes Koom Business TV, Koom FM RadioVision 88.1, and Koom Magazine. Dione noted that the group originated in 2011 as Trade FM and has since evolved into a broader multimedia entity specializing in economic information. In her new role, Astou Dione aims to introduce a new editorial dynamic focused on popularizing economic information. Her goal is to make this information more accessible, educational, and useful for the Senegalese public, particularly in their daily decision-making. She views this appointment as a continuation of her journalistic commitment to "giving meaning to information" and using it to serve development and social progress. Dione also expressed gratitude to those supporting her in this new professional endeavor.
Must ReadPrime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on April 23, 2026, a significant development in Senegal's gas resource management. An agreement has been reached for the joint withdrawal of Kosmos Energy and PETROSEN from the Cayar gas block license, known as Yakaar-Teranga. According to the head of government, this agreement was concluded without any financial compensation for the Senegalese state and will soon be formalized by a ministerial decree. Following this process, a new license will be exclusively granted to PETROSEN, which will then solely operate this promising gas field. Ousmane Sonko described this as a "major victory," aligning with a political commitment to regain control over the country's natural resources. He noted that the Yakaar-Teranga block was previously allocated under former President Macky Sall's presidency under what he termed opaque conditions. This decision, he stated, is the culmination of a decade-long political struggle to renegotiate unfavorable contracts. The Prime Minister also commended the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum, Birame Souleye Diop, and the Director General of PETROSEN, Alioune Gueye, along with their teams, for their roles in securing this agreement. This announcement comes as Senegalese authorities aim to strengthen their sovereignty over extractive resources, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, which are considered strategic for the nation's economic development.