Author: DW

Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in June looked impressive from afar. But, according to football’s world governing body, FIFA, it was achieved with seven overseas-born players using false birth certificates to claim their grandparents had been born in the country. In September, FIFA fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) $438,000 (€377,000) and suspended the players.The FAM said in a statement earlier this month that it would appeal the decision, adding that they believe “there is no evidence to support these allegations presented by FIFA.” The scandal has put the issue of naturalization on the front and back pages of newspapers all around a region that has…

At least 17 people were killed in northeastern Brazil after a passenger bus collided into a sand embankment when the driver of the bus lost control, local authorities said Saturday. The crash happened in Saloa, a city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco, according to the Federal Highway Police. The vehicle departed from the neighboring state of Bahia, with state Governor Jeronimo Teixeira writing on X that his administration was supporting rescue efforts and the identification of victims. “I am following the situation with my team and deeply mourn the loss of lives, the injuries and the suffering of all the families” he said. What do…

Japan’s ruling party and main opposition have agreed to form an alliance, paving the way for Sanae Takaichito become the Asian nation’s first female Prime Minister, local media reported on Sunday. Takaichi — the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) — and Hirofumi Yoshimura — head of the smaller right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin — are set to sign an agreement forming a coalition on Monday, the Kyodo news agency reported, citing unnamed senior officials from both parties. Takaichi’s derailed bid for prime minister Takaichi took the reins of the conservative LDP earlier this month after winning…

Previously, when Germans wanted to point out how crazy something is, they would naturally use German and say “Das ist verrückt.” Young Germans, however, now prefer to say, “Das crazy.” Whether you’re surprised, speechless, want to make an ironic comment or simply can’t think of a suitable response, “Das crazy” is always a good choice. “Use it when you don’t know what to say, don’t feel like answering, or just want to politely keep the conversation going,” was the official explanation given by the jury. It’s no wonder that the expression may sound like painfully incorrect German to older ears, as the grammatically…

A recent picture that’s gone viral in the United States captures the prevailing mood among Americans: a clear plastic bag containing an American flag, labeled “Made in China.” For supporters of US President Donald Trump, it’s proof that something is deeply wrong with the US economy. They’ve called on “patriots” to boycott Chinese goods. Trump’s dilemma — the US economy cannot do without China-made productsImage: X/@joemccuiston But can America really afford to cut ties? Is the free flow of mutually traded goods like rare earths, smartphones, soybeans and microchips at risk of becoming a victim of the fight for geopolitical dominance? Deep economic ties Were all trade…

It’s been around since the 1890s, used in skin care and cosmetic products, industry, ceramics, roofing, plastics and paper. Even if you never came into contact with it as a baby or child, chances are you have heard of it: talcum power.  Since the 1970s, studies have indicated that talc may be carcinogenic — even studies conducted by one of its biggest commercial producers, the US pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson. But many studies and experts suggest it’s when talc is contaminated with asbestos that it becomes conclusively carcinogenic. Johnson & Johnson says its talc products “do not contain asbestos.”  However,…

Four years since they last played an official match ahead of the devastation, destruction and displacement caused by the return of the Taliban, Afghanistan’s women are ready to play for their country again. The “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” will see the newly formed Afghanistan women’s refugee football team play against Chad, Libya and hosts the United Arab Emirates from October 23 to 29. While the games do matter, sending a message to the oppressive rulers of their homeland matters even more. “There are a lot of emotions coming up, a mix of excitement and looking forward to the tournament, but also, at…

A Polish court on Friday declined to extradite to Germany a Ukrainian suspected of involvement in sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The Warsaw District Court also ordered his immediate release. The decision may be subject to appeal. A series of underwater explosions damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022, seven months after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.The Nord Stream pipelines were damaged in a series of explosions in September 2022Image: Danish Defense Ministry/Xinhua/picture alliance Court cites lack of evidence, jurisdiction “The Polish court does not have any evidence in this case, as the German side only sent…

Dozens of South Koreans who had been detained in Cambodia over allegations of being involved in cyberscam operations have returned home under arrest and will now face a criminal probe. Cambodian Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak had said earlier that 64 South Koreans were to be repatriated from his county. The South Korean suspectes were flown home on a chartered flightImage: Heng Sinith/AP Photo/picture alliance Repatriated South Koreans arrested on plane A chartered plane carrying the suspects landed in South Korea’s main Incheon International Airport on Saturday morning.  They were arrested on board, shortly after getting on the plane, news agency…

When young musicians from Nigeria and Germany took to the stage at a Beethovenfest concert in Bonn on September 11, it was clear that the audience was witnessing the culmination of an incredible journey. Afrobeat rhythms pulsed alongside clarinets and violins, Nigerian protest songs merged with Beethoven’s”Egmont.” The concert, with its musical mix of influences, was the culmination of Campus Project 2025 — a collaboration between BeethovenfestBonn, the German Youth Orchestra and DW that’s been running for over two decades. Each year, the project brings together young musicians for a cultural and musical exchange. This year, six young German musicians met six Nigerian counterparts to experiment…