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Updated: Finland-Malta friendly facing investigation over suspicious odds

March 29, 2018, 2:15 pm
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Allegations over match-fixing scandal looms over Maltese football after a report in the Finnish media claims that the international friendly between Finland and Malta, played in Turkey last Monday, is being investigated over suspicious odds. Finnish broadcaster yle.fi reported on Thursday that the Finland Football Association will look into their national team’s 5-0 victory over Malta in a friendly played in Belek. The report said that the Finnish governing body of football is investigating claims made by Federbet, a non-governmental organisation that looks over suspicions of match-fixing, who claimed in a post on their official Facebook account, that the odds of the friendly match between Finland and Malta were deemed as suspicious. “We do not blame anyone. As usual, we got some signs of suspicious betting and monitored the international market,” Federbet secretary general Francesco Baranca told the Finnish broadcaster. On Monday, Finland raced into a 3-0 lead inside the first 27 minutes following a brace by Teemu Pukki and another goal from Kalle Taimi. Malta tried to claw themselves back into the match in the second half but it was Finland who added two late goals through...
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Russia summons Western ambassadors over Skripal poisoning row

March 30, 2018, 4:07 am
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Updated at 1.30pm The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned a slew of senior Western diplomats on Friday to set out the retaliatory measures it was taking in a standoff with the West over the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in Britain. Russia said on Thursday it was expelling 60 US diplomats and would eject scores from other countries that had joined London and Washington in censuring Moscow over the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, something Moscow denies. On Friday, embassy officials from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, Croatia, Belgium, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia and the Czech Republic were seen arriving in their official cars at the Foreign Ministry building in Moscow. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement it was summoning the representatives of a “raft of countries that have taken unfriendly action against Russia in solidarity with Britain because of the Skripal affair. "The envoys will be handed protest notes and told about the Russian side's retaliatory measures," the ministry said. The United States and a raft of Western countries are expelling more than 100 Russian diplomats and Moscow has said its own retaliatory measures...
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Puttinu Cares seeks to raise money for flats in central London

March 30, 2018, 4:30 am
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Xarabank on Good Friday will be dedicated to raising money for Puttinu Cares, which is trying to replicate the success it had providing flats in Sutton with ones which are closer to central London. The flats are used to host the relatives of patients requiring medical care in the UK. One patient who has benefitted from Puttinu’s input has been Javen, whose life was turned upside down when he was just six. “We noticed that he was getting confused, and once did not even recognise his grandparents when they came to visit,” his mother Graziella said. Tests were carried out the very next day and found a tumour – described by Great Ormond Street Hospital in London as the largest they had ever seen. The ordeal was a real blow to his parents, who had already lost one child. “Just when we thought that we could not suffer any more, we found this tumour. It was hard. Too hard,” his father Richard said. The tumour could not be operated on, and required some 20 treatment sessions in Germany on a machine the size of a football ground, the Xarabank team explained, which managed to shrink it. His condition is now considerably better but he still requires treatment in the hospital in the centre...
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Pilatus whistleblower fears for her life - lawyer

March 30, 2018, 4:40 am
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A Greek lawyer representing a Russian woman who blew the whistle on alleged wrongdoing at Malta-based Pilatus Bank, says his client fears for her life if she is extradited to Malta. Maria Efimova was identified by slain investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia as one of her sources. Galizia, killed in a car-bomb attack in October 2017, had reported that the Maltese prime minister's wife was the ultimate beneficiary of funds in a secret company in Panama, including funds from Azerbaijan transferred through Pilatus Bank. The prime minister and his wife have denied the accusation, and a magistrate's investigation in Malta is under way. Three men have been charged with Galizia's death. Efimova has been held in the women's wing of the Korydallos maximum security prison in Athens since earlier in March. Greek lawyer Alexandros Papasteriopoulos told Reuters TV in an interview in Athens that she turned herself in because she felt there was a risk to her safety. "She received a message that, 'you have to protect yourself' and therefore she went to seek for this protection from the Greek police," he said. He did not say who sent Efimova the message. A Greek court is scheduled to...
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Exiled Azeri journalist shot in France, wife is killed

March 30, 2018, 4:47 am
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A gunman shot and gravely wounded an exiled Azeri journalist and killed his wife near the southern French city of Toulouse on Friday, in an incident the local mayor said appeared to be a settling of political scores. Rahim Namazov was an outspoken critic of the Azeri political leadership and served time in prison before seeking exile in France in 2010. In a video posted on YouTube in December that year, Namazov said he was jailed after writing stories about brutality against soldiers in units of the Azeri military. He said he had spent six months in solitary confinement. "It's the journalistic profession, the father of a family and the freedom of the press that has been attacked today," Karine Michelet-Traval, the mayor of Colomiers where the shooting occurred, said in a statement. In separate comments to La Depeche newspaper, she said: "You can't help but think this was a settling of scores." Namazov's wife was killed in the shooting. A police source said she had been shot in the head, apparently at close range. Witnesses spoke of hearing multiple gunshots, local media reported. Human Rights Watch said last year the Azeri government continued its crackdown on dissenting voices...
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Watch: Galaxy supporters serenade Zlatan on arrival

March 30, 2018, 4:47 am
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Hundreds of LA Galaxy supporters mobbed Swedish soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday night. Galaxy fans serenaded Ibrahimovic with a song outside a private terminal after he exited a black van to greet them and sign autographs. Ibrahimovic will hold his first news conference on Friday, and is expected to be available for the Galaxy's sold out Major League Soccer game against the expansion team Los Angeles FC on Saturday. The 36-year-old Swedish striker's move to MLS from Manchester United was confirmed last week, with Ibrahimovic swiftly vowing to reignite the Galaxy's fortunes after they finished bottom of the league last season. Ibrahimovic is the latest in a long line of European stars to head to MLS at the tail-end of their careers, following in the footsteps of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard.
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Whole new meaning for 'carpooling'

March 30, 2018, 5:03 am
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A Florida family found a new way to carpool when their car ended up accidentally rolling into a swimming pool. Okaloosa County Sheriff's officials said in a Facebook posting that a woman thought she put her car in park when she ran back into her apartment to grab some money. But the blue car with her husband and daughter inside crashed through a gate and ended up in a swimming pool. Deputies responding to a "car in pool" call said everyone was OK, but the car had to be pulled from the bottom of the pool.
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Irish pubs open on Good Friday for the first time in 91 years

March 30, 2018, 5:38 am
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Pubs in Ireland were open on Good Friday for the first time in almost a century after the repeal of a law banning sales of alcohol on the Christian holiday. The Intoxicating Liquor Act, passed in 1927, prohibited sales in shops and bars on three days a year -- Good Friday, Christmas Day and St Patrick's Day, although the latter was exempted in 1960. A new law passed in January repealed the ban, allowing pubs and bars to open their doors between 10:30am and 00:30 am, while local shops are also allowed to sell alcohol. Many people have previously stocked up on alcohol in shops the day before or bought travel tickets to take advantage of exemptions for trains and ferries. Hotels were also exempt. The change in the law underlines the loosening hold of the Catholic Church in Ireland, although it also followed lobbying by industry bodies, who claim it will boost tourism. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland estimates Good Friday will generate more than €40 million in sales for Irish pubs. "Tourism makes a much greater contribution to our economy and this is particularly true during holidays, such as the busy Easter period," justice and equality minister David Stanton said when he...
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Nine dead as Palestinians march near Israeli border

March 30, 2018, 5:50 am
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Updated 5.30pm - Death toll rises At least nine Palestinians were killed and hundreds injured by Israeli security forces confronting one of the largest Palestinian demonstrations along the Israel-Gaza border in recent years, Gaza medical officials said. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, pressing for a right of return for refugees to what is now Israel, gathered at five locations along the fenced 65-km (40-mile) frontier where tents were erected for a planned six-week protest, local officials said. The Israeli military estimate was 30,000. Families brought their children to the encampments just a few hundred metres from the Israeli security barrier with the Hamas Islamist-run enclave, and football fields were marked in the sand and scout bands played. But as the day wore on, hundreds of Palestinian youths ignored calls from the organisers and the Israeli military to stay away from the frontier, where Israeli soldiers across the border kept watch from dirt mound embankments. The military said its troops had used "riot dispersal means and firing towards main instigators." Some of the demonstrators were "rolling burning tires and hurling stones" at the border fence and at...
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Live stream: Solemn celebration of the death of Our Lord

March 30, 2018, 6:20 am
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  Catholic faithful are called to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, as the Church celebrates one of the most key events in the mystery of faith.  The celebration is characterised by its simplicity and solemnity, with no musical instruments used throughout the service and moments of silence throughout, as believers reflect on this crucial moment for Jesus Christ.  The celebration is divided into three parts: a. Liturgy of the World  b. Adoration of the Cross  c. Holy Communion  The event is scheduled to begin at 3.30pm. Follow it using the live stream above.
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Watch: NBA roundup: Durant returns from injury, gets tossed

March 30, 2018, 7:10 am
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Giannis Antetokounmpo had a game-high 32 points and Khris Middleton added 23 Thursday night as the Milwaukee Bucks ran past the Golden State Warriors 116-107 in Oakland, Calif., in a game that featured the ejection of Kevin Durant. Eric Bledsoe scored 18 of his 20 points and Antetokounmpo had 17 of his 32 in the second and third quarters, a 24-minute span during which the Bucks outscored the Warriors 63-45 to take command. In his return from a six-game absence caused by fractured rib cartilage, Durant had 10 points and six assists in 17 minutes getting a bang-bang, two-technical ejection from referee Tre Maddox for arguing a call in the final seconds of the second period. The Warriors also welcomed back Draymond Green from a three-game absence. He had 11 points, five rebounds and six assists in 28 minutes. Quinn Cook scored a career-best 30 points for the Warriors. Spurs 103, Thunder 99 LaMarcus Aldridge scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and San Antonio made the plays down the stretch to outlast visiting Oklahoma City. The win granted San Antonio a 2-2 split in the season series with Oklahoma City and pushed the Spurs into a tie for fourth place with the Thunder in the...
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Car catches fire on Ta' Xbiex seafront

March 30, 2018, 7:26 am
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A couple driving along the Ta' Xbiex seafront wasted no time in fleeing their car when it suddenly caught fire on Friday afternoon.  The incident happened at around 2.45pm, police said, with the driver quickly pulling over after he sensed a burning smell while driving.  Police and Civil Protection Department officials ensured the flames were quickly extinguished. Nobody was hurt in the incident. 
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2024 Paris Olympics risk running €500m over budget

March 30, 2018, 8:18 am
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The cost of hosting the 2024 Olympics in Paris is at risk of running half a billion euros over budget and some sites may not be ready in time if plans are not revised, a French government report warned on Friday. The report by finance, sports and infrastructure inspectors called for Olympic village plans to be revised to take account of remnants of archaeological value at the site, a residency for migrants and a high school. It said plans for a media village should be scaled down and it warned that the swimming centre and surrounding developments were at risk of running as much as €170 million over budget. "At this point the total potential risks identified by the cases under consideration stand at €500 million euros," the report said, adding the figure could be kept to €200 million if its recommendations were followed. "Nonetheless, the main risk is that indispensable structures are not delivered in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," it said. The overall budget for hosting the games was initially set at €6.8 billion euros, with an investment of public money of €1.5 billion euros. Separate reports from the Senate and the public audit office have already warned that a...
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Joshua drops weight for Heavyweight unification clash with Parker

March 30, 2018, 8:21 am
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Anthony Joshua cut a lean figure on the Cardiff scales as he weighed in nearly a stone lighter than his last fight for his world heavyweight unification showdown with Joseph Parker. Joshua, the WBA and IBF king, tipped the scales at 17st 4lbs 2oz for Saturday's fight at the Principality Stadium - 6lbs heavier than New Zealand's WBO champion Parker. The 28-year-old had shed 12lbs from his 18st 2lbs frame when stopping Carlos Takam in October, while Parker has lost 9lbs since outpointing Hughie Fury a month earlier. "Taking that bit of weight off makes this fight a little easier," Joshua said on stage after the two men had weighed in. "I feel better. Training is all about rehearsal and so is sparring, but it has gone well. "You will see I will be a lot sharper. "My reflexes will be sharper and my speed will be much sharper." With both unbeaten champions coming in significantly lighter than their previous fights, the action before a 78,000 sell-out crowd promises to be fast and furious. The two men looked keen to get down to business as they entered the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena before 4,000 fans. Parker, at 26 two years younger than Joshua and the first to enter the auditorium, was...
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Premier League - Talking Points

March 30, 2018, 8:24 am
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The Easter weekend could see significant moves at both ends of the Premier League table as the season approaches its climax. Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the latest round of fixtures. Man of the Mo-moment Liverpool hot-shot Mohamed Salah will ease himself into illustrious company if he scores at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Egypt international, who has 28 league goals to his name to date, would become just the third man after Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie to score in 21 matches in a 38-game season as records continue to tumble at his feet. Pep's prize in sight Should Manchester City win at Everton in Saturday's late kick-off, Pep Guardiola's men would at worst be 16 points clear at the top of the table with just 21 left to play for. They will run out at Goodison Park knowing exactly what second-placed Manchester United and Liverpool in third have done, and any earlier slip-ups would provide added motivation if it were needed. Crunch Tyne The three promoted sides are doing their best to buck the trend of new boys heading straight back down to the Sky Bet Championship, and two of them - Newcastle and Huddersfield...
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Russia expels diplomats from 23 countries as spy crisis escalates

March 30, 2018, 8:26 am
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Russia expelled diplomats from 23 countries Friday in a wave of retaliatory measures against the West in a spy row, the biggest wave of tit-for-tat expulsions in recent memory. The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that it had summoned the heads of missions from 23 countries earlier to tell them that some of their diplomats had to leave the country. Germany and Poland each said that Russia was expelling four of their diplomats. Among the other countries that had similarly been told to pull their envoys were the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland and Lithuania. Malta was not among the countries sanctioned, despite it following Luxembourg's move to recall its Ambassador to Moscow earlier this week.  The moves are in retaliation to a coordinated expulsion of Russian diplomats by Britain and its allies over a nerve agent attack against former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the English city of Salisbury on March 4. "This is certainly not a surprise," Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said through a spokeswoman, referring to Moscow's expulsion of two of the country's diplomats. Blok called upon Russia to cooperate with the ongoing...
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Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund - Past Meetings

March 30, 2018, 9:00 am
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Bayern Munich could wrap up the Bundesliga title when they face Borussia Dortmund in 'Der Klassiker' on Saturday. If Schalke lose on Friday and Munich beat Dortmund then top spot will be confirmed, adding another exciting chapter to a great rivalry. Here, Press Association Sport looks at some classic meetings between the two sides. Borussia Dortmund 1 Bayern Munich 2 - 2012-13 Champions League There was guaranteed to be a German Champions League winner as the two sides met in the final at Wembley and all the drama came in the second half. Mario Mandzukic put Bayern ahead on the hour-mark but the advantage was short-lived as Ilkay Gundogan's penalty eight minutes later levelled matters. It looked to be heading for extra-time until Arjen Robben burst into the area and coolly clipped home in the 89th minute to seal glory for Jupp Heynckes' men and heartbreak for Jurgen Klopp's side. Bayern Munich 6 Borussia Dortmund 2 - 2000-01 Bundesliga Ottmar Hitzfeld's side laid down an impressive marker in their pursuit of another Bundesliga title with a demolition of Dortmund, who actually took an early lead through Heiko Herrlich. But quickfire goals from Hasan Salihamidzic and Giovane Elber...
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Photos: Good Friday celebrations around the world

March 30, 2018, 9:40 am
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Christians around the world are commemorating Good Friday, in what is one of the most important events in the liturgical year.  Good Friday processions featuring costumed actors reenacting the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ featured prominently in celebrations across the globe.  Enjoy the following photos of Good Friday events around the world. 
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Hunters and bird lovers disagree on enforcement

March 30, 2018, 10:01 am
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Ahead of the start of the spring season this weekend, the hunting federation and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) issued contradictory statements on the enforcement of hunting laws. While the hunters’ federation warned that any illegalities would result in heavy fines and possibly imprisonment, CABS denounced what it described as impunity with regard to illegal bird trapping. The spring hunting season this year opens on Easter and closes on April 21. The hunters’ federation warned members that any illegalities could jeopardise future spring hunting seasons, apart from the criminal consequences such breaches could have. “During this season, which, as always, will be strictly supervised by law enforcement agents, hunting will only be legally permissible for quail in accordance with established quotas, special licence, fixed timings and compliance with the respective laws and regulations within the framework of the derogation that is being applied,” the federation said. The federation and the government were working closely to ensure the Maltese traditional spring hunt could be extended for “Malta’s chief game-bird, the turtle dove” as soon as possible, it added. CABS...
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Facebook gets a thumbs down from PR strategists

March 30, 2018, 11:22 am
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When it comes to its handling of the scandal over how its users' data was harvested to help elect US President Donald Trump, Facebook gets an almighty thumbs down from crisis management experts. Public relations specialists questioned by AFP were damning in their verdict of how the world's biggest social network has dealt with the fall-out of the revelations that Cambridge Analytica obtained users' personal information to try to manipulate US voters. Slow and unconvincing explanations they say have left Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg dangerously exposed. While the news that the data of 50 million users had been hijacked broke in the The Observer newspaper on March 17, it took Zuckerberg five days to publicly address the firestorm by apologising first on Facebook and then CNN. That is an eternity in the digital age, said Marie Muzard, head of the MMC communications agency. READ: A leaked memo comes back to haunt Facebook "The most basic of basics in crisis management is that every hour that passes without reacting allows a little more sound and fury to gather," she said. What makes that all the more ironic was that much of that fury was gathering on Facebook itself. "Because...
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