News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Blatter and Platini given lengthy bans

The President of FIFA Sepp Blatter and the head of European football Michel Platini have been suspended for eight years from all football-related activities following an ethics investigation. The pair had been suspended for 90 days in October while an investigation was carried out into allegations surrounding a 2 million Euro payment approved by Blatter which was made to Platini in 2011. Both men have denied any wrongdoing. At a press conference, Blatter said FIFA's Ethics Committee had no right to relieve him of his duties and that he would challenge the decision in FIFA's Appeals Committee and in the Swiss courts: "I am now suspended for 8 years. But I will fight. I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended for 8 years - for what?"

Coalition talks to start in Spain

Coalition talks will be getting underway in Spain shortly following yesterday's election which saw the ruling centre-right Popular Party lose its parliamentary majority. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says he will try to form a stable government. The Socialist Party finished second, whilst two new parties - the anti-austerity Podemos and the business-friendly Citizens - made big gains in the poll. The head of Podemos Pablo Iglesias says the country's political landscape has changed: "we are very happy about the fact that in Spain the two-party system has ended. And we are happy because we are starting a new political era in our country."

Dozens missing after China landslide

In China, rescue teams are looking for survivors after a landslide hit over 30 buildings in the south of the country. 7 people were pulled from the rubble with minor injuries. But over 90 people are still missing. Officials say the disaster was caused by a huge man-made mound of construction debris which collapsed. According to reports, the site should have been closed down in February but mud and waste had continued to be dumped there.

5 killed in attack in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, a suicide bomber on a motorbike has attacked a joint US-Afghan patrol killing five soldiers and wounding six. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack which happened near the Bagram airbase.

Slovenia voters reject same-sex marriage

Voters in Slovenia have rejected legislation for same-sex marriage. The results from yesterday's poll showed 63% were opposed to the bill.

The weather

There is some persistent fog about but parts of the east and south will have some occasional sunshine. The northern side of the Alps will be mostly cloudy with some light rain in places. Highs ranging between minus 1 and plus 12 degrees.

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