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Burkina Faso’s military junta arrests European humanitarian NGO workers for ‘spying’

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Burkina Faso’s military government arrested eight members of a Netherlands-based humanitarian organization Tuesday, accusing them of spying and treason by collecting and sharing sensitive information detrimental to the West African nation’s security.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the detention of eight International NGO Safety Organisation workers, including a Frenchman, a French-Senegalese woman, a Czech man, a Malian and four Burkinabe nationals. The arrests represent an escalation of the military junta’s crackdown on Western-affiliated organizations since seizing power in September 2022.

Those arrested included the country director of INSO in Burkina Faso and his deputy, Sana said during the announcement. The Hague-based organization specializes in providing security analyses for other humanitarian groups operating in conflict zones.

The INSO country director had been previously arrested at the end of July when authorities suspended the NGO for three months, accusing it of “collecting sensitive data without authorisation.” The latest arrests suggest the government believes the organization continued operations despite the suspension.

Sana alleged that INSO “collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security and the interests of Burkina Faso, to foreign powers.” He did not identify which foreign powers allegedly received the information or provide specific examples of compromised security data.

The security minister claimed that despite being banned from operating on July 31, some INSO members “continued to clandestinely or covertly conduct activities such as information collection and meetings in person or online.” The accusations suggest government surveillance of the organization’s activities following the suspension.

INSO, officially known as the International NGO Safety Organisation, provides security risk management services to humanitarian organizations working in dangerous environments. The organization analyzes security threats and shares information to help aid workers operate safely in conflict zones.

Burkina Faso’s military junta has systematically distanced itself from Western nations, particularly former colonial ruler France, since taking power through a September 2022 coup. The government has expelled French diplomats, terminated military cooperation agreements and accused Western powers of interfering in internal affairs.

Burkinabe authorities frequently suppress dissent within civil society and media organizations, justifying such actions as necessary measures in the battle against jihadist violence that has plagued the country for a decade. Human rights organizations have documented increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly under military rule.

The West African nation faces a severe security crisis with jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State controlling significant portions of territory. The military government has struggled to contain the insurgency despite pledging to prioritize security when justifying the coup.

The arrests of European nationals working for humanitarian organizations complicate Burkina Faso’s international relationships at a time when the country faces isolation from traditional Western partners. The detentions may further strain diplomatic relations with France, the Netherlands and Czech Republic.

INSO operates in numerous conflict-affected countries worldwide, providing security information services that enable humanitarian organizations to assess risks and make informed decisions about staff safety and program operations. The organization maintains that its work supports rather than undermines humanitarian access.

The charges of spying and treason carry serious legal consequences under Burkinabe law, though the military government’s judicial processes have faced criticism from international human rights organizations for lacking transparency and due process protections.

The arrests follow a pattern of increased scrutiny of foreign NGOs and international organizations operating in countries governed by military juntas across West Africa’s Sahel region. Mali and Niger, which have also experienced recent military coups, have similarly restricted foreign organizations and expelled international personnel.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Burkina Faso have expressed concern that the arrests will further restrict their ability to provide assistance to populations affected by conflict and displacement. The country faces a humanitarian crisis with millions requiring emergency aid due to violence and food insecurity.

The military government has not announced whether the detained individuals will face trial or provided information about legal representation and consular access for the foreign nationals. International humanitarian organizations await additional details about the charges and evidence supporting the espionage allegations.

France, the Netherlands and Czech Republic have not yet issued official statements regarding their citizens’ detention, though diplomatic channels are presumably working to verify their status and ensure appropriate treatment under international law.

Telefónica to cut 6,000 jobs as latin America exit deepens

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MADRID (BN24)— Spanish telecom giant Telefónica SA is preparing to launch one of its largest workforce reductions in recent years, with plans to cut as many as 6,000 jobs by the end of 2025 as part of a broad restructuring tied to its accelerated withdrawal from Latin America. The layoffs, reported by business outlet Expansión, underscore a strategic pivot as the company consolidates operations in Europe and Brazil.

The job cuts will impact not only Telefónica’s primary units in Spain but also extend to its subsidiaries, including Telefónica Tech, Movistar+, and the corporate center. While the total number of roles at risk could reach up to 7,000 from a Spanish workforce of around 25,000, union negotiations are expected to bring the final figure down.

In response to the reports, a Telefónica spokesperson said the company is conducting “numerous analyses across all areas,” but added that “a redundancy plan is not on the table at this time.” Still, preparations are underway to inform labor unions after the company unveils its strategic roadmap on November 4. Under Spanish labor law, once formal discussions begin, there is a 15-day window to establish negotiating committees and a 30-day period to finalize agreements with employee representatives.

The cuts are central to Chief Executive Marc Murtra’s restructuring strategy, aimed at reducing costs and refocusing the company on more stable markets. Telefónica has already divested operations in Argentina and Uruguay and is exploring exits in Chile, Mexico, and Ecuador. Analysts from Kepler estimate the Latin American asset sales could bring in up to €3.6 billion.

Once considered a cornerstone of Telefónica’s global growth, Spanish-speaking Latin America has become a drag on earnings due to increasing competition and regional economic volatility. In the first half of 2025, the company posted a €1.35 billion loss tied to discontinued operations in the region.

Murtra plans to consolidate these losses into the 2025 fiscal year, targeting a leaner cost structure by 2026. Telefónica’s last major redundancy plan in 2023 affected 3,421 employees and delivered annual savings of €285 million. The 2025 layoffs are expected to require provisions exceeding the €1.3 billion set aside during the last round.

Despite the cuts, Telefónica aims to strengthen its core markets through targeted acquisitions and partnerships. Murtra told Reuters in September that the company remains committed to maintaining an investment-grade credit rating while eyeing potential deals such as acquiring Vodafone’s Spanish division, merging with Germany’s 1&1, or expanding holdings in Brazil.

As Telefónica’s international footprint contracts, its leadership is betting on consolidation and streamlined operations to deliver financial stability and growth in the post-Latin America era.

Albanian judge shot dead in Tirana courtroom during property trial

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TIRANA, Albania (BN24)— A high-profile judge was fatally shot inside a courtroom in Albania’s capital on Tuesday after a man opened fire moments after a verdict was delivered in a heated property dispute case.

Judge Astrit Kalaja, 53, was presiding over the hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana when the suspect, identified by police as 30-year-old Elvis Shkëmbi, allegedly drew a pistol from his belt and shot the judge multiple times at close range.

Kalaja was rushed to the hospital but died en route, according to Albanian state police. Two other individuals, reportedly a father and son involved in the trial, were also shot but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities arrested Shkëmbi at the scene and also detained his uncle, who was a defendant in the case, as well as a 63-year-old court security officer accused of failing to follow basic safety protocols.

According to police, the gunman and his uncle were allowed to remain in the courthouse lobby for nearly an hour before the trial began. The suspect passed through a metal detector, which was triggered. Still, the officer identified only as “BK” allegedly failed to conduct a physical search or log their entry in the court’s official record book.

In a statement, police said Shkëmbi pulled out the weapon immediately after the verdict was read, shooting the judge and then turning the gun on the plaintiffs. He later exited the courtroom and handed the firearm to a court clerk.

Investigators believe the attack was premeditated. The suspect’s uncle, police added, “did not take any action to stop his nephew’s criminal actions,” raising suspicions that he may have been an accomplice or instigator in the killing.

Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack, calling it a “criminal aggression” against the judiciary and promising “the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor.” Rama also called for a review of court security nationwide and stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession.

Albania’s General Prosecutor Olsian Çela warned that the killing was not only a personal tragedy but a blow to the integrity of the legal system. “This event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system,” he said.

Judge Kalaja, a veteran of Albania’s legal system with over three decades of experience, was appointed to the Tirana Court of Appeal in 2019.

While rare, deadly courtroom shootings have occurred elsewhere in Europe. In 2015, a gunman killed a judge, a lawyer, and a co-defendant during a trial in Milan’s Palace of Justice before fleeing and later being arrested.

Albania has seen a worrying trend of firearm-related violence in public settings. A UN-backed regional monitor reported that from January to June of this year, the country recorded 43 firearm incidents tied to public disputes, more than any other Balkan nation.

As the investigation unfolds, Tuesday’s attack has reignited urgent calls for reform in Albania’s judicial security and broader questions about gun control in a nation grappling with rising public violence.

Candace Owens releases Charlie Kirk leaked text confirms he was livid about ‘bullying’ Jewish donors: ‘I’m leaving pro-Israel cause’

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk furiously criticized Jewish donors for what he characterized as “bullying” and threatened to leave the pro-Israel movement before his death, according to text messages released by Candace Owens and confirmed as authentic by his organization.

The bombshell revelation emerged after Owens published screenshots showing Kirk complaining in a group chat that Jewish donors were withdrawing funding over his association with Tucker Carlson. Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots Tuesday during the latest episode of The Charlie Kirk Show.

In the text messages, Kirk privately expressed frustration that a Jewish donor had withdrawn a $2 million annual investment from Turning Point USA because he refused to disinvite Carlson from the upcoming AmericaFest event.

“Just lost another huge Jewish donor,” Kirk wrote in the messages. “$2 million a year because we won’t cancel Tucker. I’m thinking of inviting Candace.”

Kirk continued his criticism by stating, “Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this.” He concluded the message with a stark declaration: “Leaving me no choice but to leave the pro Israel cause.”

The Daily Mail reached out to Turning Point USA for additional comment beyond Kolvet’s on-air confirmation.

Owens claims Kirk sent the screenshots two days before his assassination while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. Kolvet did not confirm that specific timeline during his Tuesday remarks.

Days after Kirk’s murder, Carlson told his audience that a major donor had pulled funding from Turning Point USA two days before Kirk’s death due to the activist’s refusal to disinvite him from this year’s AmericaFest conference scheduled for December.

Owens, who has gained attention in recent weeks for promoting unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death, is a vocal critic of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Her release of the private messages has intensified scrutiny of Kirk’s final weeks and his evolving views on Israel.

The FBI arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, as the prime suspect in Kirk’s murder shortly after the September attack. Robinson could face the death penalty in Utah if convicted of the murder charges.

Carlson revealed in September that Kirk had frequently expressed negative opinions about Netanyahu in private conversations. “He did not like Bibi Netanyahu and he said that to me many times and he said to people around him many times. He felt that Bibi Netanyahu was a very destructive force,” Carlson stated.

According to Carlson, Kirk’s criticism of Netanyahu centered on the Turning Point leader’s belief that the United States was being manipulated into fighting wars on behalf of Israel. The former Fox News host added that “there was a small, very intense group who tormented Charlie Kirk until the day he died.”

The revelation of Kirk’s criticism of Israel and Jewish donors represents a dramatic shift from his public persona. The 31-year-old conservative activist had been regarded as one of the leading evangelical supporters of Israel within the conservative movement.

Kirk traveled to Israel frequently for religious and political events throughout his career. He met his wife Erika in Israel before their romance developed, underscoring his previously close ties to the country and its political establishment.

Kolvet, identified as one of Kirk’s closest confidantes, explained that he had been aware of the text messages but initially chose not to share them publicly “because it was a private exchange… I wanted to not betray my friend’s trust.”

The Turning Point spokesman revealed that soon after Kirk’s assassination, he shared the text messages with government officials because he wanted to leave “no stone unturned” in the investigation. His decision to confirm their authenticity publicly came only after Owens released the screenshots.

The leaked messages have sparked intense debate within conservative circles about donor influence over political organizations and the pressure applied to prominent figures to maintain specific positions on Israel. Kirk’s frustration with what he perceived as donor coercion highlights tensions that may exist privately even among pro-Israel advocates.

The timing of the donor withdrawal, coming shortly before Kirk’s death, has fueled speculation among some commentators, though law enforcement has identified Robinson as the suspected shooter and has not indicated any connection between the donor dispute and the assassination.

Kirk’s apparent shift in his Israel stance, if genuine, would have represented a significant departure from his established political positions. Throughout his leadership of Turning Point USA, he had consistently championed Israel and defended its policies against criticism from the left.

The controversy surrounding the leaked texts adds another layer of complexity to Kirk’s legacy and raises questions about the extent to which prominent conservative figures may privately hold views that differ from their public advocacy positions.

Turning Point USA faces challenges navigating the aftermath of these revelations while continuing its operations following Kirk’s death. The organization has appointed new leadership but must now address questions about its founder’s final views on Israel and the influence of major donors on organizational decisions.

Source: dailymail

Flight chaos as air traffic control systems go dark and planes left stranded for hours

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The government shutdown triggered another major air traffic control crisis Tuesday as Nashville International Airport implemented ground delays with its approach control tower expected to remain dark until after midnight due to severe controller staffing shortages.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that Nashville International Airport would face ground delays starting at 5 p.m. ET, with flight backlogs already exceeding two hours according to the FAA’s website. Nashville’s air traffic approach control faces a complete staffing shortage leaving no controllers available to direct aircraft.

Nashville International revealed Tuesday that the FAA informed officials this manpower reduction “will remain in effect until further notice,” creating uncertainty about when normal operations might resume. Airport officials notified all airlines of the slowdown and advised travelers to verify flight status before arriving at the airport.

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs handling over 80 million passengers annually and thousands of daily flights, also announced ground delays starting at 7 p.m. ET and lasting until midnight due to air traffic control tower understaffing throughout Tuesday.

According to Axios, O’Hare has experienced controller shortages with expectations of inadequate staffing levels persisting throughout most of Tuesday. The airport has postponed over 60 flights since 2 p.m. ET, according to Flight Aware’s tracking data.

A dozen facilities experienced staffing shortages Monday, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, where Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported many air traffic control workers were calling out sick.

“If we see there’s issues in the tower that are affecting controllers’ ability to effectively control the airspace, we’ll reduce the rate, and you’ll see more delays or you might see a cancellation,” Duffy said, explaining the FAA’s response protocol to staffing crises.

The travel disruptions follow similar chaos Monday when air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California were left unmanned for hours due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Flight Aware’s “Misery Map” enables passengers to track delayed flights at U.S. airports and identify travel hubs particularly impacted by the federal shutdown. Data Tuesday afternoon showed O’Hare experiencing the most delays nationwide, reflecting the severe operational constraints created by controller shortages.

The FAA’s ground delay procedures force aircraft to remain on the ground at their departure airports rather than allowing them to take off and potentially circle destination airports awaiting landing clearance. This protocol aims to manage airspace capacity when controller availability cannot support normal traffic volumes.

Nashville and O’Hare represent critical nodes in the national aviation system, with delays at these hubs creating ripple effects throughout airline networks. Passengers connecting through these airports face compounding delays as aircraft and crews become mispositioned for subsequent flights.

The shutdown has forced air traffic controllers to work without pay while the federal government remains unfunded. Some controllers have responded by calling out sick, exercising their rights under labor protections while creating additional staffing pressures on already stretched facilities.

Transportation Secretary Duffy’s acknowledgment of tower issues affecting controllers’ ability to manage airspace effectively underscores the safety implications of inadequate staffing. The FAA prioritizes safety over operational efficiency, implementing traffic restrictions when controller availability falls below safe operational thresholds.

Airlines have scrambled to adjust schedules and notify passengers of delays, though the uncertainty about when normal operations will resume complicates rebooking efforts. The open-ended nature of the staffing reductions, with no clear timeline for resolution, creates planning challenges for both carriers and travelers.

The aviation disruptions represent one of the most visible public impacts of the government shutdown, affecting thousands of travelers daily and potentially influencing political pressure to resolve the funding impasse. Previous extended shutdowns have concluded partly due to aviation system disruptions demonstrating the shutdown’s practical consequences.

Air traffic controllers belong to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which has advocated for ending the shutdown to restore normal operations and ensure controllers receive paychecks for their safety-critical work. The union has emphasized that requiring controllers to work without pay while maintaining complex airspace operations creates unnecessary stress.

The FAA manages over 45,000 daily flights across U.S. airspace under normal conditions, requiring sophisticated coordination among hundreds of control facilities. The shutdown-induced staffing shortages at multiple major facilities simultaneously represents an unprecedented operational challenge for the aviation system.

Travelers facing delays can monitor the FAA’s website for real-time airport status information and should contact their airlines directly for rebooking options if their flights are affected by ground delays or cancellations resulting from controller shortages.

Credit: dailymail

German Mayor Iris Stalzer in critical condition after being stabbed 13 times outside her home

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HERDECKE, Germany (BN24) — Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of Herdecke in western Germany, is in critical condition after being stabbed 13 times outside her home on Tuesday, in an attack that has shocked the country’s political establishment.

According to German broadcaster WDR, the 57-year-old Social Democratic Party (SPD) politician was able to drag herself into her house following the assault. Her two teenage children, a 15-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter, were inside the home at the time. Stalzer reportedly told her son that several men attacked her on the street, stabbing her repeatedly in the stomach and back before fleeing.

Local newspaper Bild reported that Stalzer’s son was taken from the scene wearing a forensic suit to preserve potential evidence. Police launched a major operation in Herdecke, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, sealing off the area and beginning an intensive investigation.

In a joint statement later Tuesday, police and prosecutors said they were “investigating in all directions” and that a “family background also cannot be ruled out at present.” Authorities have not confirmed any arrests or identified suspects.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack on the social platform X, calling it an “abhorrent act.”
“We fear for the life of the designated mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for her full recovery,” Merz wrote. “My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

Stalzer, a lawyer specializing in labor law, was elected mayor of Herdecke on September 28 with 52% of the vote, defeating a candidate from Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union in a runoff. She was due to take office on November 1.

Matthias Miersch, leader of the Social Democratic parliamentary group in Berlin, also expressed shock and concern. “We heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke,” he said. “We hope that she survives this terrible act.”

Stalzer’s personal website notes that she has lived in Herdecke for most of her life and has built her career locally. Her election marked a new chapter for the town’s leadership, but the brutal attack has cast a shadow over the transition and raised security concerns for local politicians across Germany.

Union urges air traffic controllers to maintain duties amid government shutdown and rising absences

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WASHINGTON (BN24)— The U.S. National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), representing over 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers, and aviation safety professionals, has urged its members to continue working through the ongoing government shutdown despite growing frustration over unpaid labor and a rising number of sick calls. Now entering its second week, the shutdown has strained federal aviation staff, with some controllers calling in sick, raising concerns about potential impacts on air safety.

In a message to members, NATCA warned that any job actions or protests could violate federal law and risk the union’s credibility, while also exposing employees to termination. The union emphasized the critical responsibility air traffic controllers bear in safeguarding the flying public, urging members to maintain professionalism despite the financial and emotional toll.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed during a press briefing at Newark Liberty International Airport that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control teams have seen a slight uptick in sick calls since the shutdown began. He cautioned that continued absences could result in flight delays, but reassured that safety remains the highest priority. Duffy acknowledged the financial hardships faced by workers, noting, “They have bills, and they’re thinking about that at the same time they’re controlling the airspace,” and called on employees to remain focused amid the uncertainty.

As essential federal employees, air traffic controllers are required to work through the shutdown without immediate pay, with the government promising back pay once funding is restored. NATCA President Nick Daniels addressed members via TikTok, recognizing the “uncertainty and hardships” caused by the shutdown but reaffirming the union’s commitment to unity and professionalism.

Similar challenges face TSA officers, who also must work during the shutdown. Historical precedents during the 2018–2019 shutdown saw approximately 10% of TSA workers calling in sick, causing widespread delays at airports nationwide. With Congress still deadlocked over budget approval, the aviation sector remains under pressure, grappling with staffing shortages at more than 90% of control towers across the country.

As the shutdown persists, the aviation community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to restore funding and alleviate the strain on essential workers responsible for the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace.

Nigeria gets new acting INEC Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu

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ABUJA (BN24)— Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially handed over the leadership of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman of the commission. The transition took place during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner within INEC, assumed the new role amid high expectations to steer the commission through its ongoing responsibilities. She currently chairs the INEC Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC), positioning her as a seasoned and influential figure within the electoral body.

Professor Yakubu, whose second and final five-year term is set to expire in November 2025, urged the commission’s commissioners and directors to fully support Agbamuche-Mbu in her interim leadership role until a substantive chairman is appointed. The outgoing chairman emphasized that his departure complies with the constitutional term limits, having completed his first term in November 2020 before being reappointed for a second tenure by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

In an emotionally charged farewell address, Yakubu expressed profound gratitude to INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts during his leadership. His tenure saw significant strides in Nigeria’s electoral processes, underscoring the critical role the commission plays in the country’s democracy.

As May Agbamuche-Mbu steps into the role of Acting Chairman, stakeholders and observers across Nigeria are watching closely, anticipating how she will navigate the challenges ahead, especially as the commission prepares for upcoming elections and maintains the integrity of the nation’s electoral system.

FIFA accuses Malaysia of faking foreign-born players’ eligibility

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (BN24) — FIFA has accused Malaysia’s football federation of forging citizenship documents to make seven foreign-born players eligible for the national team, calling the move a “form of cheating” in a detailed report released Monday.

The world governing body for football had already suspended the players in September. It fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), but this is the first time it has made public the full findings of its investigation.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that the FAM submitted altered birth certificates falsely showing that the grandparents of the players were born in Malaysian cities such as Penang and Malacca. FIFA’s investigators obtained what they claim are original certificates that place the grandparents’ births in countries including Argentina and Spain, the same nations where the players themselves were born.

According to FIFA, the falsified documents were used to exploit its “grandfather rule,” which permits a player to represent a country if a biological parent or grandparent was born there. The rule is intended to strengthen national ties, not serve as a loophole for naturalization.

“This constitutes, pure and simple, a form of cheating,” the disciplinary report said.

FAM denied wrongdoing, attributing the discrepancies to “administrative error” and insisting that the players remain “legitimate Malaysian citizens.” The association said it will appeal FIFA’s ruling.

The seven players include Spanish-born Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, and Jon Irazabal Iraurgui; Argentinian-born Rodrigo Julian Holgado and Imanol Javier Machuca; Dutch-born Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano; and Brazilian-born Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo.

Malaysia came under scrutiny after a 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, prompting questions about player eligibility. FIFA launched a formal investigation shortly thereafter.

The disciplinary committee fined each player 2,000 Swiss francs (approximately $2,500) and handed them one-year suspensions. The FAM was ordered to pay 350,000 Swiss francs (around $440,000).

The controversy unfolds amid a broader regional trend, with several Southeast Asian nations accelerating recruitment of foreign-born players. Indonesia, in particular, has drawn on talent from its Dutch-Indonesian diaspora in recent years.

Malaysia’s Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh acknowledged the damage to the country’s reputation, saying her office would withhold further comment until the appeal process concludes.

“I also understand that all local football fans are naturally angry, disappointed, and want to see improvements,” Yeoh said at a Tuesday press conference, as reported by the national news agency Bernama.

Malaysia is scheduled to face Laos in an upcoming Asian Cup qualifier this week. The squad will be without the suspended players, marking a significant change to its line-up.

Spain and Barcelona great Jordi Alba to retire at end of Inter Miami’s season

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 MIAMI (BN24) — Jordi Alba, the legendary Spain and FC Barcelona left back now playing for Inter Miami, announced Tuesday that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, bringing to a close a storied 16-year career at the top level.

The 36-year-old defender revealed his decision in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying the time had come to “close a truly meaningful chapter” of his life. “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season,” Alba wrote. “I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had, and now it’s the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.”

Alba expressed gratitude to the clubs that shaped his career, from his beginnings at Atlético Centro Hospitalense, Cornellá and Nàstic de Tarragona, to Valencia CF, where he debuted in Spain’s top flight. He described FC Barcelona as “the club of my life,” where he spent more than a decade, won every major title available, and cemented his status as one of the best left backs of his generation. He also thanked the Spanish national team, Inter Miami, teammates, coaches, and fans for their support.

“Football has given me absolutely everything,” he wrote. “Today I close this chapter knowing I’ve given it my all. Football has been and always will be an essential part of my life. Thanks, football, for everything.”

Alba joined Inter Miami in July 2023 after leaving Barcelona, reuniting with former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. He quickly became a key figure in the club’s rapid rise, helping Miami capture the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield while setting the league record for most points in a single season. Over three MLS campaigns, Alba registered 10 goals and 27 assists in 63 regular-season appearances, often linking up with Messi to devastating effect.

Earlier this year, Alba extended his contract through the 2027 season but opted to rescind the deal and retire. His decision comes as Inter Miami moves to secure his successor, with the club in advanced talks to sign Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón on a free transfer. Reguilón has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in July. Miami faces MLS roster restrictions that may delay his debut until the 2026 season.

Alba’s club career is defined by his 11 years at Barcelona, where he won six LaLiga titles, one UEFA Champions League, and produced 37 goals and 107 assists in 605 appearances across all competitions. Internationally, he won the 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain.

His retirement marks the end of a career that bridged eras at Barcelona and saw him play a central role in both club and country’s greatest triumphs.

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