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Day: 9 December 2025

Monaco United Women achieve striking 17-0 home win

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
09/12/2025

Monaco United continued with yet another win this Sunday, maintaining their remarkable unbeaten track record, with a crushing 17-0 victory over Cavigal Nice at the Didier Deschamps Stadium in Cap-d’Ail.

The team have now won all six of their opening league matches, sitting a the top of the table as they pursue their second objectives.

Playing at their home ground, Monaco United wasted no time asserting their dominance. An early goal settled any nerves before a relentless attacking display saw them race into 8-0 lead by half time.

However, the hosts never let up after the break, with Simone able to rotate his squad and give more players match time while maintaining the same intensity. The final 17-0 scoreline proved not only the team’s great attacking style, but their mastery of defence as well, as they were able to secure yet another clean sheet.

“The team delivered a very strong performance,” said defender Mélanie Hacard. “Playing simple, fast football allowed us to score early and then keep control with composure. Our defensive solidity, with no goals conceded, is also a major satisfaction, boosting the confidence of the entire back line; as someone who plays in that sector, it’s a special pleasure.”

Thomas Brezzo, President of Monaco’s National Council, attended the match and praised both the club’s progress and Simone’s leadership.

“I knew Marco at the end of his playing career and I’m delighted to see him so devoted to Monaco United, a club he created with passion and ambition,” Brezzo said. “The girls are fortunate to be part of a beautiful project led by a top-quality coach”

Marco Simone says he was pleased with how his side maintained their standards despite the comfortable scoreline.

“The performance was of a very high level,” he said. “Despite the large scoreline, the players maintained their standards and showed real collective maturity. Our defensive solidity reflects the team’s concentration on every detail.”

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Main photo credit: Monaco United

Japan reclaims title at Monaco’s 30th International Judo Tournament

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/12/2025

Japan’s Nittai Judo Club delivered a spectacular performance to win the 30th Monaco International Judo Tournament – Gérard Bertrand Trophy, crushing Ukraine 7-0 in the final at the Salle Gaston-Médecin.

The Japanese team, coached by Hayato Koga with his brother Genki excelling in the under-60kg category, continued their father’s legacy. The siblings are sons of legendary Olympic champion and three-time world champion Toshihiko Koga.

Elite Japanese squad delights crowd

The squad featured Kenshi Harada, winner of the 2021 Paris Grand Slam, and Ken Oyoshi, who claimed the 2023 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam. Oyoshi swept aside 2025 Ukrainian vice-champion Taras Nielziev, whilst the team received a standing ovation for their succession of ippon victories.

French club JC Venelles claimed bronze after a heartbreaking semi-final exit, losing the final bout when Mohamed Rouahi fell to Yaroslav Omelchenko in the over-100kg category. The Judo Pro League team had been the only side to trouble Japan during the pool phase, losing 5-2, before regrouping to beat Grand Avignon – Vaucluse 5-2 for bronze.

Monaco shows promise despite early exit

The home team impressed in their opening match, defeating Italian side ASD Kodokan Samurai Spello 6-1 with six ippon finishes. Abdou Khiri particularly distinguished himself with a commanding 10-0 victory over Georgian judoka Giorgi Janezashvili during the pool phase.

Although missing several key members, François Bick and Loïc Pietri’s Monaco squad competed creditably against top opposition and showed glimpses of future potential.

The 30th anniversary edition delivered spectacular judo, deep respect between competitors and a warm atmosphere, maintaining the tournament’s reputation as a December highlight in Monaco’s sporting calendar.

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Photos source: Government Communications Department 

 

Monaco’s Digital FlashUp programme to focus on AI training in 2026

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/12/2025

Monaco’s final Digital FlashUp session of 2025 took place on 4th December, with the Princely Government announcing that artificial intelligence will be the primary focus of next year’s programme as businesses seek to harness new technologies.

The initiative, delivered through the Princely Government’s Extended Monaco Enterprises (EME) programme, aims to make digital technology accessible, understandable and useful to businesses across the Principality. Since its launch in 2021, EME has supported 700 companies and trained 4,000 professionals in digital skills.

Short-format sessions tackle essential business topics

The Digital FlashUp format consists of 45-minute sessions led by local experts, designed to address essential digital topics in a simple, pragmatic and immediately applicable manner. The sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of Monaco’s business community, offering practical insights that professionals can implement directly in their operations.

Participants gain access to an extensive resource library on eme.gouv.mc, including practical guides, tutorials, checklists and use cases that allow them to explore each topic in greater depth. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses can continue their digital development beyond the initial training sessions.

Progressive support from audit to funding

The EME programme follows a progressive approach to digital transformation, beginning with digital maturity audits and continuing through to expert mobilisation. Financial support is available through the Fonds Bleu, which can cover up to 70 per cent of approved digital projects, significantly reducing the barrier to investment for smaller businesses.

The Digital FlashUp sessions complement this broader support structure by providing an accessible entry point for businesses seeking to understand digital opportunities. The combination of awareness sessions, expert guidance and substantial funding creates a comprehensive ecosystem for digital advancement in the Principality.

Artificial intelligence focus planned for 2026

According to the government, the Digital Economy unit of the Directorate of Digital Services will dedicate a significant portion of its 2026 programme to integrating artificial intelligence into professional practices. A new “AI Opportunity” questionnaire will help businesses identify concrete applications that could support their development.

The programme will introduce FlashLearn AI, a new e-learning pathway allowing companies to develop AI skills at their own pace. This self-directed approach recognises that businesses operate on different timescales and have varying levels of readiness for new technologies.

Bi-monthly sessions will continue throughout 2026, focusing on topics including cybersecurity, e-commerce and digital optimisation, responding to needs expressed by participants during the current year. The government has indicated that these themes remain priorities for Monaco’s business community as digital transformation continues to reshape commercial operations.

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Photo credit: Aerps.com, Unsplash

 

French football star Grace Geyoro named Champion for Peace by Prince Albert

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/12/2025

Grace Geyoro, midfielder for the French national team and one of the leading figures in women’s football, has been awarded the title of Champion for Peace 2025 by Peace and Sport in a ceremony attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco on 5th December.

The distinction recognises Geyoro’s exceptional commitment both on and off the pitch, particularly her work supporting vulnerable populations and youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 28-year-old footballer, who recently made a record-breaking transfer to London City Lionesses during the summer of 2025, has over 100 caps for France and helped the national team secure third place in the Football Nations Cup on 2nd December.

Formalising commitment through new association

Geyoro has spent several years supporting local initiatives in France and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but in 2025 she decided to formalise her commitment by creating Pow-Her, Be Gr8, an association that uses sport as a tool for education, cohesion and inclusion. The footballer has also published a book titled “Croire en ses rêves” (Believing in one’s dreams), aimed at inspiring young people to pursue their ambitions against all odds.

As a locker-room leader, Geyoro embodies the values of excellence, fair play and cohesion promoted by Peace and Sport, the Monaco-based organisation founded by Joël Bouzou that works to use sport as an instrument for peace and social development.

Assessing needs in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi

This year, Geyoro led a mission to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in partnership with Peace and Sport and JJPC (Je Joue Pour le Congo) to assess the needs for sports infrastructure and youth programmes. The mission involved engaging with local stakeholders to prepare sustainable actions that could benefit Congolese youth.

Her assessment revealed that in a fragile social context, Congolese youth show a strong demand for structured sports activities, highlighting the importance and urgency of developing projects that promote education, inclusion and social cohesion. The findings will inform future initiatives aimed at using sport as a vehicle for positive change in communities facing significant challenges.

Personal honour and powerful encouragement

Speaking after receiving the award, Geyoro expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “Receiving the title of Champion for Peace 2025 is a tremendous honour. Beyond the award itself, it is a powerful encouragement to continue with my commitment to young people, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she said.

She thanked Prince Albert and Peace and Sport for their support and trust, noting that their guidance has given a new dimension to her work and enabled her to turn her convictions into concrete projects.

Didier Drogba, Vice President of Peace and Sport and himself a former Champion for Peace, welcomed Geyoro to the organisation. “Grace Geyoro joins the large family of Champions for Peace today, and this is something that makes our organisation very proud. Her commitment to young people shows that the power of sport extends far beyond the lines of a playing field. Through her actions, she embodies a new generation of athletes who inspire young people in Africa and around the world.”

Joining prestigious collective of athlete activists

Geyoro now joins a collective of more than 100 high-level athletes personally committed to the movement for peace through sport. The Champions for Peace represent one of the fundamental pillars of Peace and Sport, working to make sport a tool for dialogue and social cohesion.

As role models and sources of inspiration for young people around the world, Champions for Peace devote their time, fame and athletic experience to projects that use sport as a tool for addressing social issues. The recognition of Geyoro reflects the growing acknowledgement that elite athletes can play a significant role in driving positive change beyond their sporting achievements.

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Photo: Prince Albert II with Grace Geyoro and Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, source: Peace and Sport

 

French Senate rejects plans to lower VAT thresholds for micro-entrepreneurs

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/12/2025

The French Senate has rejected government plans to lower VAT exemption thresholds for small businesses and self-employed workers, delivering a decisive blow to reforms that had sparked widespread opposition among micro-entrepreneurs.

On 2nd December, senators voted in favour of amendments to remove the proposal from the 2026 draft finance bill, which forms part of the annual budget alongside the social security finance law. The move mirrored action taken by MPs in the Assemblée nationale on 20th November, where amendments were passed with near unanimity, securing 239 votes in favour and just four abstentions.

The rejected reform would have introduced a single VAT exemption threshold of €37,500 for micro-entrepreneurs across most sectors, with a lower threshold of €25,000 specifically for the construction sector, set to take effect from 1st January 2026. The decision to remove the measure from the budget means these changes will be definitively cancelled.

Current thresholds to remain in place

Under existing regulations, VAT exemption thresholds stand at €85,000 for running commercial businesses and renting out furnished accommodation, whilst services and trades benefit from a €37,500 threshold. Self-employed lawyers, authors and performers operate under separate limits, with €50,000 for their main activities and €35,000 for related activities.

The proposed changes had faced strong resistance from small business owners who argued the reforms would create additional administrative burdens, increase accounting costs and force many to raise their business rates to compensate for the lost tax exemption benefits.

Government signals comprehensive review needed

Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of Public Accounts, acknowledged before the Senate that the government has been treating self-employment on a general basis covering aspects including taxes, welfare and social protection. She emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach to reforming the sector.

Second attempt at threshold reform fails

This marks the second failed attempt by the government to reform VAT thresholds for micro-entrepreneurs. The 2025 budget had already sought to create a single VAT exemption threshold of €25,000 for micro-entrepreneurs, a measure that was initially delayed before being definitively rejected by MPs in October.

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Photo credit: Maxence Pira, Unsplash