Oct 5, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their football careers and the internal dynamics of domestic football.

Čeh, who served as captain during Slovenia's qualification era under manager Srečko Katanec, detailed his transition into coaching following his playing career. After spending over a decade as Katanec's assistant—including seven years in Asia—Čeh expressed affection for former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK alongside respect for rival NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, striker Jan Mlakar addressed his third tenure with Maribor. Born in Ljubljana, Mlakar dismissed past speculation regarding a move to Olimpija, emphasizing his trust in Maribor's management. Looking ahead to the derby, Mlakar noted that while Olimpija currently faces internal challenges, domestic rivalries remain unpredictable regardless of current club form.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

German law enforcement investigations into a failed August drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport have directly implicated Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU. Investigative files obtained by domestic media name a suspected GRU operative as the key logistical manager responsible for deploying an explosive-laden drone near four Ukrainian cargo aircraft. The attempt ultimately failed when the device's fuse malfunctioned.

German authorities view the incident as part of an escalating campaign of state-sponsored hybrid warfare. Federal and state police are currently investigating more than 100 suspected cases of foreign intervention, ranging from drone overflights and railway sabotage to digital disinformation and undersea cable damage. Domestic intelligence agencies also caution that foreign actors may have hidden concealed weapons caches inside Germany to support future operations.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

A Wall Street Journal investigation has sparked scrutiny over US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and her advisor, energy lobbyist Christos Marafatsos, regarding their involvement in commercial energy deals across Europe. Reporting indicates that Guilfoyle facilitated discussions between Greek energy firm Aktor and Albanian officials, leading to a $6 billion gas supply agreement signed in Tirana.

The investigation highlights potential conflicts of interest surrounding Marafatsos's simultaneous roles as a private lobbyist and diplomatic aide. Media reports have raised questions about the boundaries separating official American foreign policy, private corporate interests, and Greece's expanding footprint in the Balkan energy sector. Neither US officials nor representatives for Aktor have publicly confirmed any ethical violations regarding the diplomatic backing of the deal.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed in July by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has called on parliament to begin drafting legislative frameworks for future post-war elections. Active martial law and constitutional regulations currently bar national voting while the war with Russia continues. However, Fedorov urged lawmakers to address logistical challenges early, particularly regarding voting access for millions of refugees abroad and active-duty military personnel on the frontlines. Proponents argue that setting clear legal guidelines in advance will safeguard democratic standards and ensure an orderly transition whenever martial law is lifted.

Sources: Le Monde.

Tehran continues to wait for an official response from Washington regarding a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, despite US President Donald Trump signalling rejection of the plan. Iranian officials maintain that the strategic waterway will remain closed until key conditions are met, including the removal of US oil sanctions, an end to port blockades, the unfreezing of assets, and a cessation of military operations.

The diplomatic standoff coincides with rising military friction in the corridor. Following a US air strike on Larak Island and nighttime naval escorts for commercial tankers, Iranian forces reportedly deployed rocket-launched sea mines into the passage, heightening risks of further escalation.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP