Latest news with #ZoranaJevtic
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Czech government faces no-confidence vote over bitcoin scandal
FILE PHOTO: Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala attends a meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic/File Photo/File Photo PRAGUE (Reuters) -The main Czech opposition party on Thursday called a no-confidence vote in the government, accusing it of corruption over the acceptance of a payment to the state by an ex-convict worth $45 million in bitcoin. The vote, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, is likely to fail as the government has a majority in parliament - but it could still dent the ruling centre-right coalition's chances in an October 3-4 election in which it trails the opposition. Political veteran Pavel Blazek resigned as justice minister on May 31 for accepting the payment for the state, though he denied doing anything illegal. Opposition groups including the ANO party led by former prime minister Andrej Babis have called on Prime Minister Petr Fiala to quit and said the payment was evidence of corruption. "We have no choice," ANO vice-chair Alena Schillerova said on X after filing the no-confidence motion. The man who made the donation of 468 bitcoins to the state was in jail from 2017 until 2021 after being convicted of involvement in the drug trade, fraud and illegal possession of weapons. Blazek has faced criticism for possibly legitimising the ex-convict's assets, instead of turning to prosecutors or police to help secure them. Opinion polls show Babis's ANO party with a clear lead over the main group in the government coalition led by Fiala's ODS party. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
The Star
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Soccer-Man City collect biggest UEFA bonus for releasing players for international duty
Soccer Football - 49th UEFA Ordinary Congress - Sava Congress Centar, Belgrade, Serbia - April 3, 2025 UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin during a press conference REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) -Premier League side Manchester City were allocated around 5.17 million euros ($5.94 million), the most of any UEFA club, as part of the European football governing body's Club Benefits Programme to encourage national team participation by players. A record 233 million euros were distributed to 901 clubs from all 55 member associations for releasing players to national team competitions: the 2020-21 and 2022-23 UEFA Nations League, European Championship qualifiers 2022–24 and Euro 2024. Spanish side Real Madrid were allocated 4.79 million euros while Inter Milan of Serie A were given 4.65 million euros. Clubs received an equal share for each player released for each UEFA Nations League and Euros qualifying match, as well as a fixed amount per player per day during the final tournament. Clubs throughout the football pyramid benefited with a tenth-tier side – Yorkshire Amateur of England – receiving 7,300 euros. "It is fantastic to see clubs of all sizes and levels, across the entire football pyramid, receiving financial rewards for their vital role in developing players who contribute to the success of our national team competitions - including the highly successful UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said. "Every success of our competitions is a shared one, and this benefits programme is another testament to that principle ... when football thrives, everyone benefits." The total amount for the release of players in this cycle was 100m euros, up from 70m for the previous cycle. The amount for the release of players for the European Championship also increased, from 130m to 140m euros, with funds going to 196 clubs from 29 UEFA member associations. ($1 = 0.8696 euros) (Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Christian Radnedge)
