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Spain’s National Team Resumes Participation in Nations League Matches After Boycott Agreement

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The majority of Spain’s national football team members have agreed to end their boycott, as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Sports, Victor Francos. This decision was reached after over seven hours of discussions that concluded at 05:00 local time on Wednesday.

Francos stated that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has committed to implementing immediate and significant reforms. Out of the 23 players initially selected for this month’s Nations League matches, two, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, have chosen to leave the squad.

The boycott began when the former RFEF president, Luis Rubiales, kissed forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory over England on August 20. This incident led to Rubiales’ resignation and the dismissal of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.

The Spanish team is scheduled to play against Sweden and Switzerland in their upcoming matches. Francos expressed relief that the team would participate with assurances.

He mentioned that the decision was the result of “amicable” discussions in Valencia involving players, RFEF officials, the CSD (Spanish government’s national sports agency), and the women’s players’ union Futpro. A joint commission will be established to oversee the agreed-upon changes, with the signing set to take place soon.

Leon and Guijarro will not face penalties for their decision to leave, which Francos described as “fully respectable.” They had previously boycotted the national team along with 15 other players before the World Cup, citing issues with Coach Vilda. They did not participate in this year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Regarding the situation, Leon stated, “We already knew this was not the right way to return, and we are not in the right state,” and Guijarro added, “It’s quite difficult and quite hard. Mentally we are not right to be here.”

The new head coach, Montse Tome, included 15 players from the World Cup squad in her selection for the Nations League games, but the players reaffirmed their boycott in a statement, expressing their reluctance to participate and exploring potential legal implications.

Tome excluded Hermoso from the squad “to protect her,” but Hermoso argued that this decision indicated that “nothing has changed” at the RFEF.

The CSD announced the establishment of a commission to oversee the agreed-upon changes, focusing on equality policies, equal pay advancements, and improvements to women’s sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, the RFEF confirmed plans to merge the men’s and women’s Spanish national teams under a single logo and branding known as “Seleccion Espanola de Futbol” (Spanish national team). This move aims to promote equality in football.

Amanda Gutierrez, the president of Futpro, stated that most players had chosen to stay in the interest of the agreement, calling it the beginning of a long journey.

The Spain players arrived at their training camp in Valencia on Tuesday. When asked about her feelings regarding the situation, midfielder Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, responded, “Well, bad.”

Rubiales has been ordered to stay at least 200 meters away from Hermoso after she filed a legal complaint against him. In his first court appearance, Rubiales denied the allegations of sexual assault.

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Switzerland: Hundreds of sex abuse cases ‘tip of the iceberg’, say researchers

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A recent official investigation into the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland has revealed nearly 1,000 cases of sexual abuse dating back to 1950. The report, compiled by researchers from the University of Zurich, found that the majority of victims were children, with 56% of them being male. Most of the accused individuals were men, and there was also evidence of a widespread cover-up within the Church.

The study, which was commissioned by Church authorities and conducted over a year, granted access to Church archives and included interviews with victims of sexual abuse. However, the researchers noted that many relevant documents had not been provided. They also uncovered instances of records being destroyed in two dioceses, and some cases of abuse were not documented or archived.

The report suggests that the identified cases represent only a fraction of the actual abuse cases, as many likely went unreported. A significant portion of the abuse occurred during pastoral activities, such as confession, altar service, and religious education in children’s clubs and associations. About 30% of the abuse took place within institutions like Catholic children’s homes, day schools, and boarding schools.

The researchers criticized Church officials, including bishops, for their inadequate response to these cases, often keeping them secret, covering them up, or downplaying their significance. They found evidence of clerics accused of abuse being systematically reassigned to different roles, sometimes abroad, to avoid prosecution, prioritizing the Church’s interests over the safety of parishioners.

This culture of secrecy and protection persisted until the 21st century, when various sex abuse scandals began to surface. Groups representing sexual abuse victims expressed their disappointment in the Church’s actions over the decades, accusing it of prioritizing the institution’s reputation over the well-being of victims.

In response to the report, the president of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference acknowledged that the organization had made numerous excuses and had fallen short in its response to victims’ needs. Church authorities pledged to fund a follow-up project by the University of Zurich, set to begin in 2024.

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Missing Climber from 1986 Found as Melting Swiss Glacier Reveals Secrets

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Human remains discovered on a glacier near the Matterhorn in Switzerland have been identified as the body of a German climber who had been missing since 1986. The finding is one of several long-held secrets revealed by the melting Alpine glaciers, which are shrinking rapidly due to climate change.

The Theodul glacier, where the body was found, has experienced a significant retreat in recent years. This glacier is part of Zermatt’s renowned year-round ski region, the highest in Europe. However, global warming has caused the alpine ice fields to be particularly vulnerable. As a result, various objects and remains, lost for decades, have emerged from the melting ice in recent years.

Such discoveries have included a crashed plane from 1968 and the remains of missing climbers from past decades. Furthermore, the melting ice has even led to changes in international borders between Switzerland and Italy, with the shifting position of the drainage divide.

The consequences of the glacier melt extend beyond the discovery of historical artifacts and climbers; these glaciers are vital to Europe’s environment, providing essential water sources for rivers like the Rhine and Danube, and helping maintain aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, the rapid rate of ice retreat observed by experts indicates that most Alpine glaciers could vanish by the end of the century. As global temperatures continue to rise, the fear of further ice loss and its far-reaching impacts on the environment persists.

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Storms in Europe cause huge damage and disruption

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Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, has been hit by severe storms and heavy rainfall, leading to significant damage and disruptions. Many towns and cities in the region have experienced torrential rain, causing floods and forcing the closure of numerous roads.

The rail traffic has also been affected, with the Hamburg-Berlin line and a major north-south line between Kassel and Goettingen being closed due to storm damage. Switzerland has also faced thunderstorms, resulting in numerous calls to the fire department.

Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 135 km/h have uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and street infrastructure, although no casualties have been reported. Austria has witnessed several landslides that have affected homes, and the state of Carinthia experienced large hailstones of up to 8 centimeters in diameter, causing significant damage to crops.

Videos circulating on social media show violent storms and flooded streets, including the complete submersion of the forecourt and road in front of the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe ICE train station.

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Swiss Referendum: Public Supports Carbon Reductions as Glaciers Melt

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Switzerland’s referendum results show support for a new climate bill aimed at reducing fossil fuel usage and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The government emphasizes the need to protect energy security and the environment as Swiss Alps glaciers rapidly melt. The legislation necessitates a transition from imported oil and gas to renewable energy sources. In the referendum held on Sunday, 59.1% of voters approved the green energy proposals. Critics argued that the measures would lead to increased energy prices. Almost all major Swiss parties, except the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), endorsed the bill.

The SVP triggered the referendum after opposing the government’s suggestions. Currently, Switzerland imports approximately three-quarters of its energy, relying entirely on foreign oil and natural gas. The climate bill commits to providing 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.2 billion; £1.7 billion) in financial support over a decade to encourage the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives to gas or oil heating systems, as well as 1.2 billion Swiss francs to promote green innovation in businesses.

This decision comes as Alpine glaciers face significant threats from rising temperatures caused by climate change, having lost a third of their ice volume between 2001 and 2022. Noted Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss, who has closely monitored the glaciers’ retreat, expressed his satisfaction on Twitter, describing the referendum outcome as a “strong signal” that climate science arguments were heard. Socialist Party parliamentarian Valerie Piller Carrard hailed it as an “important step for future generations.”

Additionally, voters overwhelmingly supported the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of 15% for multinational corporations in a separate referendum, with 78.5% in favor. Switzerland joined over 140 countries in 2021 by signing an agreement within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to establish a minimum tax rate for large companies.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter commended the “very strong acceptance rate” for the constitutional amendment enabling Switzerland’s participation in the agreement. The voter turnout for the referendums stood at approximately 42%.

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Tariq Ramadan: Islam scholar cleared of Swiss rape charges

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Tariq Ramadan, a renowned Islamic studies scholar and Swiss citizen, has been acquitted of charges of rape and sexual coercion by a Swiss court. The case was brought forward by a Swiss woman who claimed that Ramadan had raped her in a Geneva hotel in 2008. Ramadan, the grandson of the founder of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, denied all the charges but admitted to having met the woman. If convicted, he could have faced up to three years in prison.

Ramadan had gained recognition as a prominent voice in Islamic thought, condemning terrorism and advocating for human rights. He faced criticism from some quarters, particularly in France, where he was accused of anti-Semitism by leading academics. In 2017, Ramadan’s reputation suffered a blow when he was accused of rape by a French woman, leading to more women coming forward with similar allegations. By 2020, he faced multiple charges of rape in France and Switzerland, spending nine months in detention in France before being released on probation.

The Swiss trial marked the first to go to court, and tension was palpable in the Geneva courtroom. Ramadan’s accuser, using the pseudonym Brigitte, requested a screen to be put up so she would not have to face the man she accused of rape. She provided a detailed account of the alleged attack, expressing fear for her life. Ramadan admitted inviting her to his hotel room but denied any violence, asserting that the accusations against him were politically motivated attempts to discredit him.

Throughout the trial, Ramadan’s family, as well as prominent figures like Noam Chomsky and Ken Loach, supported his claim of being unfairly targeted. However, the prosecution argued that Brigitte could not have fabricated the detailed account of the alleged attack. Ramadan’s defense lawyer maintained his client’s innocence, describing the charges as baseless.

After a week of deliberation, the three Swiss judges found Ramadan not guilty. While he has been cleared in Switzerland, the possibility of further trials looms, as French prosecutors are still evaluating whether charges should be brought against him in France. Ramadan continues to assert his innocence in all cases and intends to clear his name.

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Swiss court case ties human rights to climate change

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More than 2,000 women are suing the Swiss government for allegedly infringing their right to life and health through its climate change policies.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will consider the case as the first one involving the effects of climate change on human rights. It comes after six years of futile court fighting in Switzerland.

Switzerland’s temperatures are rising faster than the average for the world, and heatwaves are happening more frequently. The 73-year-old average age of the Swiss women claim that the threat of climate change puts their life, health, and even human rights in jeopardy. Their medical records were submitted as evidence to the court.

They urge Switzerland to make a bigger effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by issuing an order from the ECHR. The Swiss government acknowledges that climate change can have an impact on health, but claims that it cannot be directly linked to the wellbeing of older women.

If the women prevail, the case might serve as a precedent for all 46 of the nations that make up the European Court. Human activity is causing global temperatures to rise, and climate change now threatens every aspect of human existence.

Unchecked global warming will have disastrous effects on humanity and ecosystems, including increased droughts, rising sea levels, and a mass extinction of species.

Globally, extreme weather events are already getting more and more dangerous, endangering lives and livelihoods.

Climate scientists believe that if we wish to prevent the worst effects of climate change, temperature rises must be curbed. They claim that by 2100, global warming must be limited to 1.5C.

If the increase in global temperature is not maintained to 1.5C, Europe will be at risk of flooding brought on by excessive precipitation, according to the UN climate organisation, the IPCC.

This was the case in Europe last summer, extreme temperatures can also raise the risk of wildfires. In comparison to the average, France and Germany burned nearly seven times more land between January and the middle of July 2022.

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Credit Suisse bank: UBS is in talks to take over its troubled rival

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UBS, the largest bank in Switzerland, is in advanced negotiations to acquire all or a portion of its ailing rival Credit Suisse. The second-largest Swiss bank, Credit Suisse, is experiencing a crisis of confidence, and its shares have dropped precipitously recently, worrisome the markets.

The Financial Times reports that UBS is prepared to offer up to $1 billion (£820 million) to acquire Credit Suisse. Before the markets open again on Monday, regulators are attempting to broker a solution.

The stability of the global financial system has been called into question as a result of the problems at Credit Suisse and the bankruptcy of two smaller US banks over the past two weeks.

One of the roughly 30 banks considered too big to fail due to its significance to the banking system is Credit Suisse.

Yet, the 167-year-old organisation is in the red and has encountered numerous issues lately, including accusations of money laundering.

The Swiss National Bank’s emergency $54 billion (£44.5 billion) lifeline on Wednesday failed to calm the markets, and Credit Suisse shares fell 24%, sparking a larger sell-off on European markets.

The FT, which broke the news that regulators and the Swiss National Bank were aiding discussions between the two Swiss banking goliaths, said a deal might be reached as soon as Sunday night.

Credit Suisse shares would be valued at less than a sixth of their Friday price under the offer that is currently thought to be on the table. The FT, however, stated that an agreement has not yet been signed and that the terms could alter. The FT reports that the Swiss authorities are preparing to amend the country’s regulations to forgo a shareholder vote on the transaction, which would ordinarily give UBS shareholders six weeks to review a deal of this magnitude.

While regulators and management contemplate the future of Credit Suisse, Bank of England officials have acknowledged they are in frequent contact with their counterparts at the Swiss National Bank. The situation is also being watched by the UK Treasury.

Credit Suisse warned it does not expect to be profitable until 2024 after reporting a loss of 7.3 billion Swiss francs ($7.9 billion; £6.5 billion) in 2022, the company’s worst year since the 2008 financial crisis.

UBS, however, generated a $7.6 billion profit in 2022. Any agreement may also lead to massive employment losses.

Credit Suisse handles the assets of wealthy clients in addition to being a domestic bank with 95 locations. It also operates a global investment banking operation.

By the end of last year Credit Suisse had a global headcount of 50,480, including 16,700 in Switzerland, albeit 9,000 jobs were to be eliminated, the Swiss broadcaster SRF reports.

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“24 Years Feels Like 24 Hours”: Roger Federer Announces Retirement

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The only male tennis player to win 20 grand slam titles, Roger Federer, has declared his intention to stop competing after the Laver Cup in 2022. Federer posted a message on his Twitter account announcing his choice. When he won the Wimbledon championship in 2003, Federer captured his maiden grand slam. Since then, he has won six Australian Opens, one French Open, eight Wimbledons, and five US Opens. He’s been dealing with a knee problem for a very long time.

He announced it on his Twitter account: “The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event.”The 20-time Grand Slam champion, 41, has been out since losing in the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2021 before requiring more knee surgery. Serena Williams’ retirement and Federer’s announcement are related events. Serena retired having won the second-most grand slam titles in women’s tennis (23). In terms of the total number of grand slam titles won, Federer sits third, behind his top competitors Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

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Jean-Luc Godard: Legendary film director dies at 91 by assisted suicide

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The revolutionary French New Wave filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard has passed away at the age of 91. With 1960’s bout de souffle (Breathless), Godard made his debut and launched a string of critically acclaimed films that changed the norms of cinema and influenced filmmakers from Martin Scorsese to Quentin Tarantino.

According to a family member, he committed assisted suicide in Switzerland. Godard, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, “has the vision of a genius.” Mr. Macron described him as “like an apparition in French cinema” in a tribute on Twitter. He eventually mastered it.

“The most iconoclastic of the New Wave filmmakers, Jean-Luc Godard, created a resolutely contemporary, passionately free work. A guy with the vision of a genius has been lost to us; he was a national treasure.”

According to the AFP news agency, Godard’s legal counsel Patrick Jeanneret stated that the Franco-Swiss filmmaker “had recourse to legal assistance in Switzerland for a voluntary departure as he was plagued with’multiple invalidating illnesses,’ according to the medical report.”

In rare cases, assisted suicide is permitted in Switzerland.

Before taking the helm of the elegant and edgy Breathless, Godard worked as a cinema reviewer. The film’s actors, Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo, were glamorous in a fresh, laid-back way, and the editing and dialogue were both semi-improvised.

“It was a film that took everything that cinema had done — girls, gangsters, cars — exploded all this and put an end, once and for all, to the old manner,” the filmmaker once said.

Jack Lang, a former minister of culture in France, stated to the news agency Reuters: “He crammed philosophy and poetry into the movies. We were able to notice the undetectable because to his keen eye.”

Actor Antonio Banderas was among many who paid tribute, writing: “Thank you monsieur Godard for extending the horizons of the film.”

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