German sportswear manufacturer Puma announced Wednesday it has secured a long-term kit deal with the Portuguese Football Federation, ending Nike’s 26-year partnership with the national team.
The agreement, set to begin in 2025, will see Puma outfit all Portuguese soccer teams, including men’s, women’s, youth, futsal, beach football, and E-Sports squads. The company plans to unveil its new product line early next year.
The deal marks the end of Nike’s relationship with Portuguese football, which began in 1997.
A key committee in Brazil’s lower house of Congress voted Wednesday to advance legislation that would ban abortion in all circumstances, including cases currently permitted such as rape, fetal deformation, and risks to maternal health.
The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee approved the measure 35-15, with conservative members forming the majority. The proposed constitutional amendment would establish that the right to life begins at conception rather than birth.
“The amendment will ensure that unborn children will enjoy the right to life,” said Chris Tonietto of the right-wing Liberal Party, who sponsored the legislation.
Progressive lawmakers opposed the bill, describing it as a “secular setback” that would threaten women’s rights. Critics also warned the measure could halt stem cell research and prevent procedures such as in vitro fertilization.
“It’s a provocation. It is shameless and perverse to say that this is a defense of anyone’s life,” said Samia Bomfim of the Socialism and Liberty Party.
The proposal now moves to a special committee for further consideration, with discussions expected to begin early next year.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation Wednesday requiring students from kindergarten through college to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their biological sex, adding Ohio to a growing list of states restricting transgender bathroom access.
The Protect All Students Act extends to private schools and prohibits transgender students from sharing overnight accommodations with students of the opposite biological sex. The measure comes amid intensifying national debate over transgender rights, following last week’s statement from the U.S. House speaker reserving Capitol building single-sex bathrooms for “individuals of that biological sex.”
“Common sense is on a winning streak in America today,” said Aaron Baer, president of the Ohio-based Center for Christian Virtue. “No student should be forced to go into the bathroom or locker room with a student of the opposite sex, and Ohio’s kids are better protected now because of Governor DeWine’s decision to sign this bill.”
The American Civil Liberties Union, which condemned the legislation when it passed the Ohio General Assembly two weeks ago, criticized the new restrictions. “At every level of government, trans Ohioans face a wave of attacks,” the organization said Wednesday. “Such efforts are blatantly discriminatory and deeply cruel.”
Jocelyn Rosnick, policy director for the ACLU of Ohio, had earlier called the measure “a cruel invasion of students’ rights to privacy.”
Ohio becomes at least the thirteenth state to enact such restrictions. Governor DeWine’s office declined to comment on the signing.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned Wednesday that Mexico would impose retaliatory tariffs if President-elect Donald Trump implements his proposed 25% across-the-board tax on Mexican imports, a move her government claims would eliminate 400,000 American jobs and increase prices for U.S. consumers.
“If there are U.S. tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs,” Sheinbaum declared during a press conference, marking her strongest stance yet on potential trade countermeasures against Mexico’s largest trading partner.
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, appearing alongside Sheinbaum, characterized Trump’s proposal as “a shot in the foot” that appears to violate the USMCA trade agreement. He detailed how the tariffs would particularly damage major automotive manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, while noting that 88% of pickup trucks sold in the U.S. are manufactured in Mexico.
“The average price of these vehicles will increase by $3,000,” Ebrard said, pointing out that pickup trucks are especially popular in rural areas that heavily supported Trump. The automotive sector represents nearly 25% of North American vehicle production, with Barclays analysts warning the tariffs “could wipe out effectively all profits” for Detroit’s major automakers.
Trump has tied the tariffs to demands for controlling drug flow – particularly fentanyl – and migration into the United States. Sheinbaum, who later reported an “excellent” phone conversation with Trump about “strengthening collaboration on security issues,” noted that migrant caravans are no longer reaching the U.S. border “because they are attended to” in Mexico.
The Institute of International Finance warned of challenging U.S.-Mexico relations ahead, as the USMCA faces review in 2026. Banorte’s international economics director Katia Goya predicted the three member nations would likely seek comprehensive renegotiation rather than simple renewal.
Ebrard emphasized that USMCA trade reached $1.78 trillion in the first nine months of this year, advocating for regional cooperation over trade conflicts. “We can fragment and divide with tariffs,” he said. “Mexico does not want conflicts and divisions, but to build a stronger region.”
Trump’s transition team defended the tariff proposal, with spokesperson Brian Hughes saying it would protect U.S. manufacturers and workers from “unfair practices of foreign companies and foreign markets.” Many analysts, however, view the threats more as negotiating tactics than concrete trade policy.
Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to European competition Wednesday for the first time since its fans were attacked in Amsterdam, preparing for a relocated Europa League match against Turkey’s Besiktas to be played without spectators in Hungary.
The match, scheduled for Thursday at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, was moved from Istanbul and closed to fans following the November 7 violence in Amsterdam that sent five people to hospitals and led to multiple arrests. Dutch authorities had characterized those attacks as antisemitic.
“It’s not a question for me what happened outside of the stadium. We saw some videos and everything, but we really try to focus on football,” Maccabi head coach Zarko Lazetic told reporters Wednesday. “We’ll see tomorrow what is the effect.”
The Amsterdam incidents occurred after authorities banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the Ajax match. Video showed Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans en route to the stadium, followed by youths on scooters and foot attacking Israeli supporters throughout the city, according to Amsterdam’s mayor.
Besiktas had requested its home fixture be moved to “neutral ground” over security concerns, with Hungary emerging as the only willing host nation. Hungarian authorities required the match be played behind closed doors. The country has previously hosted several Israeli national team games since the Gaza war began.
Maccabi press officer Ofer Ronen-Abels maintained Wednesday that the Amsterdam events “had nothing to do with football.” The team completed its final practice at Tel Aviv’s Kiryat Shalom complex before departing for Hungary.
A federal judge denied Sean “Diddy” Combs bail for the third time Wednesday as the hip-hop mogul awaits his May sex trafficking trial, citing evidence of witness tampering and jail regulation violations.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian rejected the proposed $50 million bail package in a written ruling following last week’s hearing, where Combs’ lawyers argued the substantial sum would prevent him from fleeing or intimidating potential trial witnesses. Two other judges had previously sided with prosecutors who deemed the Bad Boy Records founder a threat to the community.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he coerced and abused women for years through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical beatings. Prosecutors claim that even from his Brooklyn federal lockup, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns to influence prospective jurors and attempted to leak materials he believes support his case, while contacting potential witnesses through third parties.
Last month, a federal appeals court judge denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reviews his bail request. Prosecutors maintain no bail conditions would adequately protect the public or prevent the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing.
Combs’ lawyers contend the alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment involved consensual relations between adults, and say new evidence refutes claims that Combs used his “power and prestige” to orchestrate drugged sexual performances with male sex workers, known as “Freak Offs.”
Liverpool ended their 14-year wait for a victory over Real Madrid Wednesday night, defeating the Spanish giants 2-0 at Anfield to maintain their perfect Champions League record this season.
Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock early in the second half, finishing a clever one-two with Conor Bradley by firing into the bottom corner. Stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher then preserved the lead with a crucial penalty save from Kylian Mbappe after Andy Robertson had fouled Lucas Vazquez.
Mohamed Salah had a chance to double Liverpool’s advantage from the penalty spot after being brought down by Ferland Mendy, but the Egyptian struck the outside of the post. The miss proved inconsequential as Cody Gakpo secured the victory, rising above Luka Modric to head home Robertson’s cross with 13 minutes remaining.
The result marked Liverpool’s first triumph over Real Madrid in nine attempts since 2009 and left Carlo Ancelotti’s injury-depleted side struggling to qualify after their third loss in five group matches. Liverpool sit two points clear at the top of the group standings with a perfect record of five wins.
Mbappe, recently moved to the left wing, endured a difficult evening contained by Bradley, culminating in his crucial penalty miss. The night ended with fresh concerns for Liverpool manager Arne Slot as both Bradley and Ibrahima Konate departed with apparent hamstring and knee injuries respectively ahead of an upcoming clash with Manchester City.
The match had started brightly for Liverpool, with Darwin Nunez nearly forcing an own goal from young defender Raul Asencio in the fourth minute. Though Madrid attempted to quiet the Anfield crowd through patient possession, Liverpool’s pressure eventually told in a dominant second-half display.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has been named the 2024 Golden Boy as Europe’s top young footballer, becoming the youngest-ever winner at 17 years and four months, Italian sports daily Tuttosport announced Wednesday.
The Spanish international enjoyed a remarkable year, helping Spain capture the Euro 2024 title while setting tournament records as both its youngest player and scorer with his goal in the semifinal victory over France. His performances earned him the tournament’s Young Player award before Spain’s 2-1 triumph over England in the final.
Yamal, who emerged from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy like predecessor Lionel Messi, edged out Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Paris St Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery for the prestigious award recognizing Europe’s top under-21 player. He has maintained his impressive form this season, scoring five goals in 12 league games to help Barcelona lead LaLiga.
The teenage sensation’s Golden Boy victory follows his Kopa Trophy win at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished eighth in the overall rankings. He becomes Barcelona’s fourth recipient of the award after Gavi, Pedri and Messi, joining a distinguished list of past winners including France’s Kylian Mbappe and England’s Jude Bellingham, who won last year.
In a double triumph for Barcelona’s youth development, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s Golden Girl award.
Indonesian authorities arrested Filipino fugitive Hector Aldwin Pantollana at Bali’s international airport, where biometric screening identified the man accused of orchestrating a $67.7 million investment scam in the Philippines, officials said Tuesday.
Pantollana, 35, a casino junket operator, was detained November 9 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport after an automatic immigration gate flagged him through biometric data, according to Saffar M. Godam, acting Director General of immigration at Indonesia’s Immigration and Correctional Ministry.
The arrest followed an Interpol Red Notice issued October 31, seeking his worldwide detention. Pantollana had initially entered Bali on October 10. Indonesian authorities transferred him to Jakarta for investigation and plan to deport him to the Philippines Wednesday.
National Central Bureau Interpol chief Untung Widyatmoko said Philippine police named Pantollana as a suspect after he allegedly collected more than 4 billion Philippine pesos from thousands of victims through fraudulent investments. “This collaboration aims to make the ASEAN region an area free from transnational crime and criminal hiding,” Widyatmoko said.
The arrest continues Indonesia’s recent string of high-profile fugitive captures. Last month, Bali immigration officers arrested a Chinese suspect wanted for operating $14 billion worth of investment scams. In September, authorities caught Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor accused of ties to Chinese criminal syndicates. June saw the arrest of Chaowalit Thongduang, one of Thailand’s most wanted fugitives, linked to multiple killings and drug trafficking.
Indonesia’s location between Asia and the South Pacific, combined with its multicultural society, makes it an attractive haven for local, regional, and global organized crime, officials noted.
Interpol announced Tuesday the arrest of 1,006 suspects in a sweeping two-month cybercrime operation across Africa that uncovered tens of thousands of victims and nearly $193 million in financial losses worldwide.
Operation Serengeti, conducted jointly with Afripol, the African Union’s police agency, targeted criminals behind ransomware, business email compromise, digital extortion, and online scams across 19 African countries between September 2 and October 31.
“From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern,” said Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
The operation’s success marks a significant improvement in African cybercrime enforcement. Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, Interpol’s Assistant Director of Cybercrime Operations, told The Associated Press that previous operations in Africa had resulted in only 25 arrests over the past two years.
Notable cases included the arrest of nearly two dozen suspects in Kenya linked to an $8.6 million credit card fraud scheme, and the detention of eight people, including five Chinese nationals, in Senegal for operating a $6 million online Ponzi scheme.
Authorities also dismantled a human trafficking operation in Cameroon using multi-level marketing schemes, an illegal virtual casino in Angola, and a cryptocurrency investment scam in Nigeria.
Afripol Executive Director Jalel Chelba said the organization is now focusing on emerging threats, including artificial intelligence-driven malware and advanced cyberattack techniques.
The operation highlights Interpol’s growing challenges as it approaches its second century. The 196-member organization operates on an annual budget of approximately 176 million euros ($188 million), significantly less than Europol’s 200 million euros or the FBI’s $11 billion, while facing an increasing caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse cases amid rising divisions among member countries.
