Football

French Police on High Alert for Israel-Mali Football Match Amid Protest ConcernsAround 1,000 French police officers will be deployed on Wednesday to safeguard the Israel-Mali football match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, as security forces anticipate potential protests. The match has been designated as high risk due to the presence of the Israeli team and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized the heightened security measures, stating that the match will have "an anti-terror perimeter" and that police will be present to "ensure that we are there for the sport." Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend the game.All Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympics will receive round-the-clock personal security from elite French police, both within the Olympic village and during their movements outside the compound. Security forces are anticipating "actions and disturbances around the stadium," including potential insults, whistling, and flag displays during the national anthems.Europalestine, a French activist group, has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration inside the stadium to protest the "genocide" in Gaza. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer expressed concern over the threat and emphasized the importance of protecting Israeli athletes in collaboration with French authorities.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and French President Emmanuel Macron have rejected a Palestinian demand to ban Israel from the Paris Games due to the war in Gaza. The Palestine Olympic Committee had requested the ban, citing the bombings of the Gaza Strip as a violation of the Olympic truce.The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that over 39,000 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Lionel Messi's summer schedule is shaping up to be a whirlwind of international commitments and club obligations. The Argentine maestro will be a key figure for his country at the Copa America (June 20-July 14) and is rumored to be considering participation in the Paris Olympics (July 24-August 10).Adding to Messi's packed itinerary, Inter Miami, his current club, will compete in the Leagues Cup (July 26-August 25). The tournament pits MLS teams against Liga MX clubs, further complicating Messi's availability.Javier Mascherano, Messi's former Barcelona and Argentina teammate, provided an update on the star's potential Olympic involvement. "Lionel is aware that age is catching up with him," Mascherano told Tyc Sports. "He has to manage his workload because he has had a year of heavy activity."Mascherano emphasized that the invitation to the Olympics was extended to give Messi time to consider his options. "We believed it was necessary to extend this invitation so that he has the time to think it over and analyze it because he would have to leave his club," he said.Mascherano also commented on the possibility of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez joining the Olympic squad. "How could we not consider Dibu Martínez? We have the advantage of having the World Cup-winning team," he said. "Dibu is among the best goalkeepers in the world."However, Mascherano ruled out the inclusion of Ángel Di María, another former Argentina teammate. "Ángel appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris," he said. "We have ruled him out; he wants to give space to the younger players."Messi has previously won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but his participation in Paris remains uncertain. He is expected to be a key player for Argentina in their Copa America title defense, as they aim to retain the trophy they won in 2021.