Oct 25, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national football team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have shared insights on their careers and the state of domestic football.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national side under manager Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching. After spending more than a decade as Katanec's assistant—including seven years working in Asia—Čeh highlighted his lasting affection for former clubs Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, alongside his respect for NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third stint, targeting a league championship. Commenting on rivals Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar acknowledged their recent internal difficulties while warning that derby matches remain inherently unpredictable.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump presented sharply contrasting diplomatic visions during their addresses at the United Nations General Assembly. In his final speech before leaving office, Macron criticized US policy regarding Gaza, describing it as a "shameful spectacle," and denounced Israeli actions in the West Bank.

Hours earlier, Trump defended his unilateral stance in international affairs, stating, "while others talk, I act." The US president threatened to "annihilate" Iran, predicted the fall of Cuba's government, and highlighted American access to Venezuelan crude oil. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez sought a bilateral meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on the sidelines of the assembly to address diplomatic relations.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to draft legal frameworks for holding national elections once martial law is lifted. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that advance preparation is essential for maintaining political stability after hostilities conclude.

Under current Ukrainian law, elections cannot take place while martial law remains active. Organizing a vote presents significant logistical challenges, including ensuring voting access for millions of displaced citizens, overseas refugees, and active military personnel serving on the front lines. Ukrainian authorities have not specified a timeline for ending martial law or scheduling future elections.

Sources: Le Monde.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government's rejection of a 15-point Gaza peace framework proposed by the United States. Speaking during televised cabinet remarks, Netanyahu declared that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and specified that troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The framework, negotiated by the US Board of Peace, had previously received endorsement from Hamas. Despite Netanyahu's explicit public refusal to pull back forces, active Israeli military operations in Gaza have remained mostly halted amid sustained diplomatic pressure from Washington.

The Prime Minister's firm stance comes as he prepares for Israel's general election on 27 October. Netanyahu continues to navigate competing political demands, balancing diplomatic relations with the White House against domestic calls from far-right coalition partners opposing territorial concessions.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.