SPORT SPORT | 05 SPORT | 06 World number Tokyo to skip one Ashleigh one-year Olympic Barty wary of countdown over USU Open return virus: Organisers

SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020

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World Cup venues continue to take shape in leaps and bounds One more 2022 stadium ready QNA/THE PENINSULA – year, and the three remaining stadium’s inner architecture is the stadium and infrastructure stadiums will be opened before The completion of the at the final stages and the services by 45 percent, finishing KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL The Supreme Committee for the start of the tournament on state-of-the-art stadium tunnels that players will emerge works inside and outside the STADIUM Delivery & Legacy (SC) marked November 21, 2022. which overlooks the from in 2022 are ready. Outside building by 40 percent, and  a major milestone ahead of the The Khalifa International picturesque Education the stadium, grass and trees grass preparation work for the Following an extensive 2022 FIFA World Cup by Stadium is the first World Cup have been planted throughout stadium by 21 percent. redevelopment, the stadium re- announcing the completion of stadium ready after undergoing City Golf Course will be the precinct. Lakes and water The production and instal- opened on 19 May 2017 when the third tournament-ready a comprehensive renovation officially marked during features have also been created. lation of the golden facade are it hosted the Amir Cup final venue, which is located in process completed in 2017. In a ceremony on June 15. The dates of the inspection visits completed by 21 percent, and  During 2019, the stadium Education City. May 2019, were determined by the com- the process of installing fans’ hosted the IAAF World Ath- The SC and Qatar Foun- hosted the Amir Cup final, thus petent state agencies of the seats was started. letics Championships, along dation on Thursday announced becoming the first stadium to stadium, the energy centre, and At , with matches during both the the completion of construction be fully constructed specifically was completed on May 16, 2019, the area surrounding the Al Bayt excavations are complete and 24th Arabian Gulf Cup and FIFA work of the state-of-the-art to host the World Cup. hosted the Amir Cup final in Stadium Park. the venue’s foundations are Club World Cup Qatar 2019™ stadium which overlooks the The redevelopment of 2019 and several matches in the Testing and operation of the complete. Work on drainage  Stadium boasts a strong picturesque Education City Golf Khalifa International Stadium 24 Arabian Gulf Cup. stadium building and the energy networks and other utilities are hosting history, including the Course, completion will be was completed on May 19, 2017, As for Al Rayyan Stadium, centre are continuing, and elec- progressing well. In the 2006 Asian Games, FIFA World marked during a ceremony on when it hosted the Amir Cup the stadium is more than 90 tromechanical and plumbing meantime, the shipping con- Youth Championship Qatar June 15. The ceremony which final, as well as the 2019 World percent complete, with the works are nearing tainers that will become the 1995 and Asian Football Con- will be broadcast live will cel- Athletics Championships, the 24 stands in place and roof stabi- completion. arena’s “building blocks” and federation competitions ebrate the contribution of Arabian Gulf Cup, and FIFA Club lization finished. The seats are Concerning Lusail Stadium, the steel elements that will AL JANOUB STADIUM frontline workers during the World Cup Qatar 2019. now being installed and its dis- the upper pitch structure and become the frame have been coronavirus pandemic and will The stadium hosted many tinctive façade, which weaves prefab concrete terraces units delivered to the site, and instal-  Stadium opened on 16 May also discuss the future of sport, major sporting events, including together symbols representing in the crowd areas and the steel lation has commenced. 2019 when it hosted the Amir mental health and fan expe- the Asian Cup, the 2006 Asian Qatar, is now in place. Work has roof ring are completed with the About Al Thumama Cup final rience in a post-COVID-19 Games, and the FIFA World also begun on the pitch area. removal of temporary roof Stadium, the stadium’s concrete  During 2019, the stadium world. Youth Championship Qatar Regarding , beams. Electromechanical frame is now finished. Work on hosted matches during the 24th Al Bayt and Al Rayyan sta- 1995. the 60,000 seats for fans are works are completed by 52 the upper-tier stands and the Arabian Gulf Cup diums will be opened later this Al Janoub Stadium, which almost all installed. The percent, external works around roof columns is complete. Third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 in Education City: LUSAIL STADIUM LUSAIL STADIUM AL RAYYAN STADIUM  Stadium completion to be  Installation of super- officially announced on 15 June structure, precast units and roof 2020 compression ring completed  Building works completed  De-propping of roof com-  Installation of stadium pression ring completed envelope, seats, arch finishes  Installation of golden trian- and roof structure completed gular façade is 21% complete  Mechanical, engineering  Mechanical, electrical and and plumbing works plumbing works 52% complete completed  Stadium pitch development  Testing and commis- is 21% complete RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM sioning almost completed  Installation of spectator seats AL RAYYAN STADIUM has commenced  Interior and exterior works  Installation of roof are 40% complete standing seam/roof membrane RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM and windscreen completed  Gym equipment installed  All structural foundations within precinct are completed  Mechanical, engineering  Underground utilities are and plumbing works 99% 71% complete complete  Fabrication of the steel  Internal finishing in structure is 95% complete and progress the development of the bowl  Installation of external steel is 50% complete render, curtain wall glazing,  Overall container fabrication fiberglass façade panels, progress is 97% complete pavers and precinct turf  The total container scope is completed 973, of which 949 are completed  Installation of Asphalt and delivered to site. 505 con- wearing course complete tainers have already been  Precinct training pitch turf installed at the stadium is 50% complete AL BAYT STADIUM:  Roof truss and cabling works  Seating installations and completed finishing works almost  Roof membrane installation complete of 680 panels completed  Inspections from local  Façade membrane instal- authorities arranged for lation completed in all 40 bays stadium, energy centre and  Bleacher installation precinct areas completed  Testing and commis-  Installation of seating is 56% sioning in progress for the complete stadium and energy centre  Mechanical, engineering and RAS ABU ABOUD  Mechanical, engineering plumbing works are 73% and plumbing works almost complete STADIUM completed SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020 SPORT 05 NBA set to return as board approves plan

AFP — LOS ANGELES in favour of the return-to-play to start training camps in their plan, with Portland the lone The NBA logo is displayed home cities on June 30 before The NBA’s board of governors vote against, according to as people pass by the NBA travelling to Orlando on July 7. approved a return-to-play plan, reports. Store in New York City, in this The league wants to have paving the way for the league Under the NBA’s proposals, October 7, 2019 file photo. daily testing and if a player tests to resume in Florida following the league would resume on positive he would be isolated a three-month coronavirus July 31 with 22 teams based at and quarantined. shutdown. Disney’s ESPN Wide World of The others would carry on The NBA said a proposal put Sports Complex in Orlando to playing while still being tested to the league’s board which will minimise the threat of on a daily basis. see 22 teams based at a single COVID-19. Games will be This year’s regular season location had passed played without spectators. was halted abruptly after Utah comfortably. Play-offs would take place Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested “We are in the equivalent of in August, with the NBA Finals positive. the first inning. We’ve got a long set to be completed by October Gobert, of France, was given ways to go here,” said NBA 12. the all-clear about two weeks Commissioner Adam Silver. The league has also pen- later. “We have always been looking cilled in a provisional December So far, less than a dozen for a safe way to resume, 1 start date for the 2020-2021 NBA players have been con- knowing we are going to be season. firmed as testing positive for the living with this virus for a “The Board’s approval of the coronavirus although not all while.” restart format is a necessary have been identified. Twenty-nine teams voted step toward resuming the NBA The NBA is first major pro- Under the NBA’s season,” Silver said. fessional sports league dis- “While the COVID-19 pan- erupted across the United States The NBA suspended its The Boston Celtics, Miami rupted by the coronavirus out- proposals, the league demic presents formidable since the death of an unarmed season on March 11 as the Heat, Indiana Pacers, Phila- break in North America to would resume on July challenges, we are hopeful of black man in police custody in COVID-19 pandemic erupted, delphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, confirm a return date. 31 with 22 teams based finishing the season in a safe Minneapolis last week. leaving professional sport in Orlando Magic and Washington Although the National at Disney’s ESPN Wide and responsible manner based “We also recognise that as North America at a standstill. Wizards complete the con- Hockey League and Major World of Sports Complex on strict protocols now being we prepare to resume play, Sixteen teams occupying the tingent from the East. League Soccer have both in Orlando to minimise finalized with public health offi- our society is reeling from playoff berths in the Western The Western Conference announced plans to return, cials and medical experts.” recent tragedies of racial vio- and Eastern Conferences will will provide 13 teams including neither league has revealed the threat of COVID-19. The NBA Players Associ- lence and injustice, and we be joined by six more teams to LeBron James’ Los Angeles details of when they expect Games will be played ation must sign off on the restart will continue to work closely determine the final playoff Lakers and the Los Angeles competition to resume. without spectators. plan for it to take effect. The with our teams and players to line-up. Clippers. Major League Baseball Play-offs would take NBAPA is expected to vote on use our collective resources Nine teams from the Eastern Each of the 22 teams will meanwhile remains mired in a place in August, with the plan during a conference and influence to address these Conference will be led by the play eight regular-season bitter contractual wrangle the NBA Finals set to be call. issues in very real and con- Milwaukee Bucks and the games for seeding purposes for between teams and players with completed by October 12. Silver, meanwhile, refer- crete ways,” Silver said. reigning NBA champion the postseason. no clear idea of when the enced the protests which have Quarantine, testing Toronto Raptors. The league plans for teams season may start. Czechs to host tennis event Boris Becker World number one Barty with fans wary of US Open return next week AFP — SYDNEY schedules have been on ice AFP — PRAGUE since March with action not set World number one Ashleigh to resume until the end of July Prague will host a women’s Barty (pictured) voiced caution at the earliest. charity tennis tournament with yesterday about resuming Wimbledon was cancelled I’d need to an audience next week, pitting tennis too soon, saying she for the first time since World understand all of two six-member teams led by needed more information War II, while the French Open Karolina Pliskova and Petra before committing to the US has been shifted from May-June the information and Kvitova, organisers said Open in August. to September-October. advice from the WTA yesterday. German great Becker The Australian, who surged A decision about the US and the USTA before “Don’t waste the chance to to the top of the rankings last Open -- played in New York, watch this unique team contest,” year and has stayed there since, which has been a hotbed for the making a decision read the tournament’s Facebook does not rule out said it was not just her but her virus -- is yet to be made, but on the US events: page in a bid to attract fans entire team she must consider its main draw is scheduled to Ashleigh Barty before ticket sales kicked off. comeback as coach in the wake of the coronavirus begin on August 31. The June 13-15 event will pandemic. Barty said she was con- benefit from the Czech govern- REUTERS — MUMBAI not possible because I’m “It’s exciting that tennis is cerned about travel exemptions ment’s decision to allow events responsible for the men’s Team being talkedd about again for her support staff. remains unclear whether that with up to 500 people as of June German tennis great Boris Germany. and thingsgs are WhileW h i l e also applies to their teams. 8 within an extensive easing of Becker, who previously worked “But nothing is eternal. If moving inn thethe playersp l ayers “It’s not just me, it’s my measures taken in March to with reigning world number there are players who interest right directionon fforor coucouldld be team I have to consider,” she stem the coronavirus spread. one Novak Djokovic, has not me, who allow me to coach so us to start com-com- eexemptxempt said. Pliskova’s team will com- ruled out a return to coaching, and want to be open with me, peting,” shee totoldld ffromrom a On Thursday, Rafael Nadal prise her twin sister Kristyna, the six-times Grand Slam then that’s something I could the Sydney MorningMorning 114-day4-d ay insisted tennis should not start Marketa Vondrousova, Karolina champion said. definitely consider. Herald. quarantinequarantine again “until the situation is Muchova, Tereza Martincova During his stint with “The problem is that it is “But I’d need to period, it completely safe”. and junior Nikola Bartunkova. Becker, Djokovic won six Grand very time-consuming. As a understand allall ofof “If you told me to play the Kvitova’s team includes Barbora Slam titles. After they parted coach of Novak Djokovic, I the informationmation US Open today, I would say Strycova, Katerina Siniakova, ways, Becker was named by the spent 25 to 30 weeks with him. and advicee ffromrom ‘no’,” said the Spaniard, who Barbora Krejcikova, the Russian German tennis federation as I have a family and I have other the WTA andnd thethe captured a fourth US Open and Ekaterina Alexandrova and head of men’s tennis, a position professional projects that I need USTA beforefore 19th major in New York last junior Linda Fruhvirtova. he holds today. to manage. But I don’t want to making a year. The Czech tennis season “I wouldn’t rule out the pos- rule it out completely.” decision oonn “In a few months, I don’t started with a Prague tour- sibility of becoming a coach The German great one said the USS know. I hope so. We have to nament played behind closed again,” the 52-year-old told he had an honest conversation events.” wait for people to return to doors and won by Kvitova last Eurosport Germany’s Vocal with Djokovic before taking up Thee normal life. And when it does, week. Athletes podcast. the coaching role between the WTA andd wait to see how the virus “In the current situation, it’s end of 2013 and 2016. ATPP evolves.” Montgomerie welcomes NHL to enter phase two European Tour resumption of return-to-play plan AFP — LOS ANGELES play-off rounds will be REUTERS — NEW YORK best-of-seven series. The The NHL is moving into league and the players’ Colin Montgomerie (pictured) has the second phase of its union also agreed the welcomed the return of golf’s reopening process on playoffs would not follow European Tour in July amid the Monday by allowing the traditional bracketed COVID-19 pandemic but says he feels players to return to their format, but instead the sorry for younger players due to the training facilities in cities teams would be reseeded less lucrative schedule. where health officials again after every round. Golf’s calendar has been deci- British Masters on July 22 as part of a six- permit it. “While nothing is mated by the novel coronavirus out- tournament run in the United Kingdom Players can now take without risk, ensuring break, with three of the sport’s four and each event will have a prize pot of part in small group team health and safety has been majors rescheduled and the British less than £1m ($1.26m). training sessions with up central to all of our Open cancelled. “It’s sensible. I know the prize money to a half dozen players at planning so far and will The European Tour, suspended isn’t what they’d expect but it gets the a time. The players can remain so,” Bettman said since March, will resume with the membership playing golf,” Montgomerie, resume skating sessions last week. the winner of 31 European Tour titles, told but with no coaches 12 because of the corona- play-off format for the “Let me assure you the BBC. allowed on the ice. virus pandemic. postseason. that the reason we are “It’s a total reset and I feel for the The league’s new Commissioner Gary The format includes a doing this is because our young guys coming through who thought safety rules also state the Bettman announced last best-of-five series for the fans have told us in over- they were going to be playing for mil- players must wear face week that the league qualifying round before whelming numbers that It’s sensible. I know the lions. It’ll take a few years before we get coverings in the facilities would end its current shifting to the traditional they want to complete the prize money isn’t what back to those times.” Montgomerie, 56, except when working out hiatus with NHL best-of-seven series season if at all possible. said the financial impact of the pandemic in the gym or on the ice. resuming play in two hub format for the remainder, And our players and our they’d expect but it gets would be worse than when the Tour faced Most NHL players cities. including the Stanley Cup teams are clear that they the membership playing hardships over a decade ago. haven’t skated since the The owners and the finals. want to play and bring the “This’ll be much worse. So I can league shut down its players also agreed Following the quali- season to its rightful golf: Colin Montgomerie understand the Tour wanting to get it regular season on March Thursday on a 24-team fying round, all four conclusion.” done in an economic sense,” he added. 06 SPORT SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020 Tokyo to skip one-year Olympic countdown over virus: Organisers

AFP — TOKYO continuing to rage in much of Kevin Durant the world, it remains unclear Tokyo will scrap events whether the Games can be held marking a year to go until the next year. postponed 2020 Olympic Yesterday, a member of the Durant buys Games, organisers said In view of the current organising committee’s exec- yesterday, citing the “current economic situation, utive board said a decision on small piece of economic situation” caused by whether the Games could be the coronavirus pandemic. Tokyo 2020 will not held or not would need to be Philadelphia The Games have been be holding any events taken in spring. pushed back until July 23, 2021 to mark the new one “I think we need to decide because of the disease outbreak, around March next year,” team: Report though it remains unclear year to go milestone Toshiaki Endo, a former whether even that delay will be for the Games. But Olympic minister told reporters, AFP — LOS ANGELES sufficient. denying speculation that the Last year, the city and we will consider what IOC intends to make a decision Two-time NBA finals MVP organisers held a series of we can do to show in October. Kevin Durant has purchased events to mark the one-year our solidarity with the IOC chief Thomas Bach said a minority stake in Major countdown, including unveiling last month that 2021 was the League Soccer’s Philadelphia the newly designed medals. people: Organisers “last option” for holding the Union, the US media reported But given the global crisis, Tokyo Games, stressing that on Thursday night. organisers ruled out a similar postponement cannot go on The Brooklyn Nets player celebration. forever. bought a piece of the team “In view of the current eco- A Japanese-style tour boat called “Yakatabune” sails in front of giant Olympic rings at the waterfront He declined to say whether worth between one percent nomic situation, Tokyo 2020 area at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo. a vaccine was a prerequisite for and five percent, according to will not be holding any events going ahead with the Olympics, Charlotte, North Carolina- to mark the new one year to go reported that posters and mes- governor confirmed the city and for the virus. Tokyo 2020 but was lukewarm on the idea based Sports Business Daily. milestone for the Games,” the sages of encouragement to ath- organisers are looking at ways declined to comment on those of holding them behind closed This is not the first time organisers said. letes might be put up and dis- to scale back next year’s Games. reports, saying discussions doors. Durant, who has won two NBA “But we will consider what played online instead, adding Japanese media said about coronavirus counter- Japanese Prime Minister championships with the we can do to show our soli- that the organising committee streamlining plans could measures would be held “from Shinzo Abe has said it would be Golden State Warriors, has darity with the people.” felt a more “moderate tone” was involve cutting the number of this autumn onwards”. “difficult” to hold the postponed tried to buy a piece of an MLS The confirmation came appropriate. spectators and reducing partic- Organisers and Tokyo offi- Tokyo Olympics if the corona- club. Two years ago, he looked after reports in the Japanese A nationwide state of emer- ipation in the opening and cials face the twin headaches virus pandemic is not at a stake in DC United in his media that organisers would gency over the virus has been closing ceremonies. of ensuring the postponed contained. Washington, DC hometown. scrap the event, fearing it was lifted in Japan, but a recent rise The Yomiuri Shimbun daily Games can be held safely, And Tokyo 2020 president There were no details on inappropriate given the global in cases in Tokyo has led to quoted an unnamed source as given the pandemic, and Yoshiro Mori has said the whether Durant’s investment pandemic and the ongoing risk fears of a second wave. saying that everyone including keeping additional costs to a Olympics would have to be can- is a personal one or made of infection inside Japan. The latest reports come athletes, officials and spectators minimum. celled if the disease isn’t under through his company Thirty Kyodo News agency after Tokyo’s would be required to take a test But with the pandemic control by next year. Five Ventures. Match-fixing still haunts Pakistan cricket a decade after Lord’s scandal

AFP — KARACHI

When Mohammad Amir bowled a no-ball against England on the opening day of the 2010 Test at Lord’s, no one could have A file photo of Hungarian imagined his long stride past the Grand Prix. crease marked the first step in a historic fixing scandal. Two days later it was revealed that three no-balls -- two by Amir, and one by his Hungarian Grand Prix pace partner Mohammad Asif -- had been part of a shady betting deal. contract extended by Pakistan’s captain Salman Butt had orchestrated the delib- erate no-balls in return for This combination of file pictures created on November 1, 2011 shows former Pakistan cricketer a year to 2027 money offered by undercover Mohammad Asif (centre) and former captain Salman Butt (left) leaving Southwark Crown Court in journalist Mazhar Majeed REUTERS — LONDON London on November 1, 2011 after being found guilty of fixing parts of a Test against England, and him as saying. “We cannot posing as a bookmaker. bowler Mohammad Amir arriving at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on March 17, say exact numbers, but (the) The scandal, exposed in the 2011 over the same charges. Hungarian Grand Prix organ- rights fee is a fragment of the sting by Britain’s now-defunct isers have negotiated a year’s one we pay in case of an News of the World tabloid, It marked a new low for As the orchestrator of one Mani said. Former Pakistan contract extension to 2027 to open event. Furthermore, we rocked the cricketing world, Pakistan cricket, already reeling of the darkest episodes in the captain-turned-commentator compensate for having to have achieved an extension and aftershocks can still be felt from the aftermath of terror cricket-mad country’s history, Ramiz Raja went a step further, hold this year’s Formula One in our contract, so now it is a decade on in Pakistan. attacks in Lahore on the Sri that seems unlikely, especially recommending tainted players race without spectators due valid until 2027 instead of Not only did that dark Lankan team a year before, with match-fixing still haunting should not play again for the to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026.” morning at the revered ‘home which triggered the suspension the game. national team, as Pakistan con- Hungary is set to be the Gyulay said the annual of cricket’ derail the careers of of home internationals. Sharjeel Khan and Khalid template the return of Sharjeel third race of a shortened increase of the rights fee had three players who were banned Because he pleaded guilty Latif were banned after a after serving his ban. season on July 19, after back- also been reduced. and jailed, the saga also led to earlier than his two team- Pakistan Super League spot- “We have suffered to-back Grands Prix behind The Hungarian Grand calls for Pakistan to be booted mates, and on account of his fixing case in 2017. numerous times from bringing closed doors in Austria. Prix has been held every year from international cricket. youth, the 18-year-old Amir And in April this year, the back tainted players yet we Hungaroring CEO Zsolt since the first in 1986. Butt, Amir and Asif were received worldwide talented-yet-maverick Umar continue to welcome them just Gyulay said there had been With Monaco cancelled tried in a London court for sympathy. Akmal was banned in April for because of their talent,” Raja discussions with Formula this year, the Hungaroring offences under the Gambling He was allowed to play three years for failing to report said. One’s commercial rights near Budapest will be second Act and were jailed in international cricket again in fixing offers. On the field at least, holders Liberty Media about after Italy’s Monza in the November 2011. 2016 and, now 28, has been The cases have led to calls Pakistan have managed to lift compensation for the lack of current list of longest unin- Announcing the sentences, successfully reintegrated into for the country to criminalise the clouds. ticket revenues. terrupted runs on the F1 the judge underscored the the Pakistan team. fixing, a campaign taken up by They found an astute “We did our best during calendar. severity of the crime. Asif, who received a seven- the Pakistan Cricket Board skipper to replace Butt in the discussions to get a good Organisers said there had “The image and integrity of year ban and a one-year prison (PCB). Misbah-ul-Haq, who had been agreement both for the been discussions about what was once a game, but is sentence, is now 37 and in the “We need to make match- contemplating retirement after country and the sport even holding two races in Hungary now a business, is damaged in twilight of his career. fixing a criminal offence... I being left out for infamous in these challenging times,” but Liberty had wanted to go the eyes of all, including the Butt, 35, still harbours hopes have talked to the government England tour. the official race website to as many circuits as many youngsters who regarded of an international comeback to bring in this change and He led Pakistan to number www.hungaroring.hu quoted possible. three of you as heroes,” Justice after consistent domestic make a law related to match- one in the Test rankings in Jeremy Cooke said. performances. fixing,” PCB chairman Ehsan 2016. RFU warns England players to expect pay cuts AFP — LONDON expires in the summer and talks over around a table and find compromises that new contracts are ongoing. work for both sides,” said Sweeney when England’s top players can expect cuts But RFU chief executive Bill asked how a potential clash might be to their match fees as a result of the Sweeney, who has seen his salary and avoided. coronavirus, the chief executive of the that of his senior colleagues including “We want to avoid a pure conflict Rugby Football Union said yesterday. England coach Eddie Jones temporarily situation with that and recognise the Players at leading clubs such as reduced by 25 percent as a result of the international game has got require- Leicester have already seen their pay pandemic, warned the players might ments and the club game also, but let’s reduced by 25 percent because of the have to feel some pain when it came find a way through it.” pandemic before being placed on the to their current £23,000 match fees. Longer term, Sweeney added he British government’s furlough scheme “We are all facing really chal- was open to the prospect of summer and they could now see pay cuts at Test lenging situations,” Sweeney told rugby, saying the RFU thought it “can level. reporters. “Clearly we need to cut costs work”. “But we are also mindful of the The RFU have previously warned but we’re also looking at ways where challenges it can throw up,” he said. a total wipeout of international rugby we can share risk. We’re in the middle “For the community game summer in Europe for the remainder of this year of that conversation and that’s an rugby may not work because a lot of would cost them £122m ($154m) in lost ongoing process.” pitches and clubhouses are shared The England players’ current deal expires in the summer and talks revenue. “You need that recognition that 2020 across different sports and there is a over new contracts are ongoing. PIC: COURTESY ENGLAND RUGBY The England players’ current deal is an exceptional year and we have to sit challenge in that.” SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Bahraini sprint champion Naser gets provisional doping ban

AFP – PARIS performance in Doha made her Elite athletes are required to Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser Elite athletes just the second woman to win a provide the AIU got it with their prepares to compete in are required to Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, who global-level title for Bahrain, fol- whereabouts 90 days in advance the Women’s 400m final provide the AIU ran the third fastest time ever lowing in the footsteps of Ethi- so they can be subjected to out- of the 2019 IAAF Athletics got it with their when she won world 400m gold opian-born Maryam Yusuf Jamal, of-competition doping tests. World Championships at last year, has been provisionally who won two world 1,500m titles Under World Athletics’ rules, the Khalifa International whereabouts 90 banned after failing to meet (2007, 2009) and was upgraded any combination of three where- stadium in Doha in this file days in advance ‘whereabouts’ criteria, the to Olympic gold in the 2012 abouts failures (filing failure and/ photo taken on so they can be Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) London Games after the initial or missed test) within a period of October 3, 2019. subjected to out- announced yesterday. winner and runner-up were both 12 months constitutes an anti- The Nigerian-born 22-year- banned for biological passport doping rule violation, for which of-competition old clocked 48.14 seconds to win irregularities. the sanction is two years’ ineligi- doping tests but the one-lap race at the Doha Naser switched allegiance to bility subject to a reduction to a the Nigerian-born Worlds, placing her third in the Bahrain in 2014, when she was 16. minimum of one year depending 22-year-old World all-time list behind Marita Koch That year she turned heads at the on the athlete’s degree of fault. (47.60 in 1985) and Jarmila Kra- Youth Olympic Games when she The AIU is the independent Champion has tochvilova (47.99 in 1983). won 400m silver while wearing anti-doping watchdog for track failed to do so. Naser’s gold medal-winning a hijab and a full bodysuit. and field, set up in 2017. Klopp's men to meet Everton on June 21 as English football gears up for restart Chelsea crowned Women’s Super League winners Liverpool eye clear path to title as in England Premier League fixtures revealed REUTERS – LONDON Chelsea were awarded the Women’s AFP – LONDON mile from Anfield, but a game can go ahead at Jurgen Klopp’s men, Aston Villa will host Shef- Super League title and Aston Villa venue has not been con- Goodison or should be with a commanding field United in the first match were declared the winners of the Premier League leaders firmed by the Premier moved to a neutral venue. 25-point lead at of “Project Restart”, followed second-tier Women’s Championship Liverpool could claim a first League. All remaining 92 Premier by Arsenal’s trip to City on by England’s Football Association (FA) title for 30 years at Anfield Crystal Palace will then League games this season the top of the table, June 17. yesterday after the season was ended after the initial batch of visit Anfield three days later. will be played behind closed could claim a first Manchester United’s visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. fixtures of the restart was Wins in both of those doors, but there are fears that title for 30 years at to Tottenham will spearhead “The FA Board has reached a announced yesterday. matches would guarantee hosting the game in Liv- Anfield as Premier the first full round of matches majority decision to decide the Jurgen Klopp’s men, with Liverpool’s first English top- erpool could encourage sup- spread over four days from 2019-20 FA Women’s Super League a commanding 25-point lead flight title since 1990. porters to congregate around League announces June 19 to 22. and FA Women’s Championship on a at the top of the table, were But if Manchester City stadiums. the initial batch Premier League chief basic point-per-game basis, with pro- just two wins away from lose at home to Arsenal on Palace’s trip to Anfield of fixtures of the executive Richard Masters motion and relegation determined on clinching the title before June 17, the Reds would be will kick off at 2015 local restart. said: “We know it won’t be sporting merit,” the FA said in a coronavirus forced the sus- champions if they beat time (1915 GMT). the same without our loyal statement. pension of football in March. Everton. The only other match supporters in stadiums but, “As a result, the FA Board has Liverpool’s first match Liverpool City Council’s that could be moved to a people who would turn up together with our broadcast today confirmed the decision to back is against Everton on safety advisory group will neutral venue from the first outside Anfield” on the day partners, we are able to award the 2019-20 Barclays FA June 21. The Merseyside derby meet next week to make a three rounds of fixtures is Liverpool’s long wait for a ensure fans can watch or Women’s Super League title to is due to take place at decision on whether the Liverpool’s visit to City on league title was ended. listen to each match live from Chelsea FC Women, and to award the Goodison Park, less than a July 2. That has been disputed by home.” 2019-20 FA Women’s Championship The mayor of Liverpool, the club, who said they have “I am delighted we are title to Aston Villa Women FC.” Joe Anderson, voiced engaged with supporters’ able to take another positive The decision to award the title on fears that “there groups to make sure social- step towards the season a points-per-game basis represents would be many distancing guidelines are returning in just under two a blow to Manchester City. thousands of followed. weeks’ time,” he added. City were top of the WSL table and a point ahead of second-placed Chelsea, having played one game more than their rivals, when the season was halted in mid-March. Both teams qualified for next sea- son’s Women’s Champions League. Bottom-placed Liverpool, whose men’s team are two wins away from securing a first top-flight crown in 30 years, will be relegated to the second- tier for the 2020-21 season. Liverpool’s team bus travels past fans during a parade in Liverpool, England following their The Women’s FA Cup is at the 2-0 Champions League title-winning victory over Tottenham Hotspur a day earlier in this quarter-final stage and the FA said an June 2, 2019 file photo. Premier League leaders Liverpool could claim a first title for 30 update on the status of the compe- years at Anfield after the initial batch of fixtures of the restart was announced yesterday. tition would be issued after a board meeting later this month.

PREMIER LEAGUE PL allows Floyd justice messages Vietnam league FIXTURES LONDON (TIMES GMT) AP – even after he stopped moving The Premier League is due to restarts with and pleaded for air. resume on June 17. Wednesday, June 17 English Premier League players But the English FA, which Players from Chelsea, Liv- packed crowds 1700 Aston Villa vs Sheffield United will be able to show solidarity oversees disciplinary action for erpool and Newcastle have been 1915 Manchester City vs Arsenal with the George Floyd justice Premier League games, has given pictured this week in training Friday, June 19 campaign during games without the green light for players using taking a knee as part of anti- REUTERS – AM DINH, VIETNAM 1700 Norwich City vs Southampton the prospect of facing sanctions. games to protest against social racism gestures sparked by the 1915 Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United The Football Association on and racial inequality. death of Floyd. The England team Thousands of fans poured into Saturday, June 20 Tuesday endorsed FIFA’s new “Where any behaviors or ges- tweeted a close-up photo of stadiums in Vietnam yesterday as the 1130 Watford vs Leicester City stance that “common sense” tures on the pitch that may con- Jordan Henderson and Raheem country resumed top-flight soccer 1400 Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal would be applied when assessing stitute a breach of the laws of the Sterling high-fiving alongside the without social distancing measures 1630 West Ham United vs Wolverhampton the context of on-field messages game have to be assessed, they message “whatever our nation- or curbs on crowd sizes, owing to its Wanderers on players’ equipment. The laws would be reviewed on a case by ality. Whatever our race. We’re success in combating the spread of 1845 Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace of the game prohibit “any case basis with a common sense all on the same team.” the novel coronavirus. Sunday, June 21 political, religious or personal approach and understanding of An England men’s game had Matches in Vietnam’s professional 1300 Newcastle United vs Sheffield United slogans, statements or images.” their context,” the FA said in a to be stopped twice last year in league were suspended in March but 1515 Aston Villa vs Chelsea German soccer authorities said statement when asked about Bulgaria after players were sub- with no coronavirus deaths and just 1800 Everton vs Liverpool they may sanction players who players’ tributes to Floyd. jected to racial abuse. 328 confirmed cases, the communist Monday, June 22 used goal celebrations to high- “The power of football can The FA said it “strongly con- country is eagerly pursuing a return 1900 Manchester City vs Burnley light last week’s death in Minne- break down barriers across com- demns discrimination of any kind to normalcy to get its economy back Tuesday, June 23 apolis of Floyd, a handcuffed munities and we remain deeply and has endeavoured to ensure on track. black man who died after a white committed to removing all forms that football in England is both The stadium in Nam Dinh was 1700 Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion police officer pressed his knee of discrimination from across the diverse and inclusive in recent close to its 30,000 capacity on Friday 1915 Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United Wednesday, June 24 into his neck for several minutes game we all love.” years.” as the home side lost 2-1 to visitors Viettel in one of three opening V. 1700 Manchester United vs Sheffield United League matches, where spectators 1700 Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Vitoria Guimaraes’ Brazilian forward Leo Bonatini (right) vies for the ball stood shoulder-to-shoulder with few 1700 Norwich City vs Everton with Sporting Lisbon’s Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates during their face masks to be seen. 1700 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bournemouth Portuguese League match played at the Dom Afonso Henriques Stadium in Hand sanitisers were available as 1915 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Guimaraes, on Thursday. Portuguese League resumed this week as European Thursday, June 25 stewards performed temperature football continues to make its gradual return amid the coronavirus pandemic. checks on fans, who were asked to 1700 Burnley vs Watford wear masks as they entered. 1700 Southampton vs Arsenal Vietnam has won praise for its 1915 Chelsea vs Manchester City aggressive coronavirus testing and Saturday, June 27 a mass, centralised quarantine pro- 1130 Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers gramme, putting it on course to Sunday, June 28 revive its economy sooner than 1530 Watford vs Southampton others. Monday, June 29 The V. League’s decision to pick 1900 Crystal Palace vs Burnley up exactly where it left off bucks a Tuesday, June 30 global pattern of countries preparing 1915 Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester to restart leagues without supporters, United while discussing changes to rules to Wednesday, July 1 handle fixture backlogs, the lack of 1700 Arsenal vs Norwich City atmosphere or fears about fans gath- 1700 Bournemouth vs Newcastle United ering outside grounds. 1700 Everton vs Leicester City Leagues in Spain, England and 1915 West Ham United vs Chelsea Italy are set to resume later this Thursday, July 2 month, while the German Bundesliga 1700 Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur has already restarted with a haunting 1915 Manchester City vs Liverpool atmosphere at empty stadiums and muted goal-scoring celebrations.