Patrick Holmes signs 10-yr deal which could fetch him $503mn page 15 WEDNESday, JULY 8, 2020 Securing Afif’s future, finding foreign players Xavi’s immediate targets

when the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandem- ic in March. With five matches I am happy that the squad remaining, Al Duhail lead on is complete after the return 42 points while Al Rayyan (38) of the remaining first team are second. players, in preparation for Xavi, however, believes this upcoming period and there is still all to play for and is determined to see Al Sadd hit- the resumption of the QSL ting the ground running when championship. competitive action resumes. Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez “My complete focus in this current period is to fully equip the players for the up- Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has extended his contract as Al ing the departures of both. coming domestic and Asian Sadd coach till the end of 2020-21 season. With the QSL resuming competitions.” on July 24, Xavi was glad to He will get a chance to AFC champions till the end of the welcome back on Saturday gauge the level of the play- Doha 2020-21 season. the Al Sadd players who were ers in friendlies against Umm The FIFA World Cup win- attending a national team Salal on Friday and Muaither Renewing Akram Afif’s ner and Barcelona legend said training camp. six days later. contract and securing replace- he would work closely with “I am happy that the Al Sadd were also on course ments for Gabi and Marco Fa- the Al Sadd management on a squad is complete after the for a berth in the 2020 AFC bian are top of Xavi’s list after number of key issues. return of the remaining first Champions League knockout signing a one-year extension “The most important team players, in preparation stage, with Xavi’s men having as Al Sadd head coach. of which is the renewal of Qatar and Al Sadd striker Akram Afif does a weight lift during a training session on Sunday. for this upcoming period and four points on the board in The Spanish legend put Akram Afif’s contract,” said the resumption of the league Group D after two matches be- pen to paper on Sunday, Xavi in a statement on the Al the Al Sadd squad and secur- the resumption of the QSL and players to replace Gabi and championship.” fore the season was suspended committing his future to the Sadd website. ing the 2019 AFC Player of the 2020 AFC Champions League. Marco Fabian,” added Xavi, Al Sadd were third in the due to the novel coronavirus reigning Qatar Stars League Afif is a key member of Year’s future is vital ahead of “We must also sign foreign with Al Sadd recently announc- QSL standings on 32 points COVID-19 pandemic.

Lazio suffer title blow as Patric sent off World awaits as cricket returns to for biting AFP Milan its new normal at Ageas Bowl Lazio’s Serie A title dream suffered another setback on Tuesday with a shock 2-1 de- feat at struggling Lecce which Batting holds key The first cricket Test post the forced coronavirus break will Lara says WI must saw Patric sent off for biting, see England and West Indies play behind closed doors at handing leaders Juventus the to England-WI the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from Wednesday. win in four, for they chance to move 10 points clear won’t last five days when they face AC Milan. Test series The capital club, who lost AFP 3-0 to Milan at the weekend, AFP London were only one point behind London defending champions Juve West Indies great Brian Lara when the Italian top flight re- Batting could well deter- says the Caribbean side must sumed last month following mine which side emerges on top try and beat “overwhelming fa- the coronavirus lockdown. when international cricket re- vourites” England in four days Maurizio Sarri’s Juve have sumes after months of corona- because their batting is not the chance to take a giant step virus-enforced lockdown with strong enough to last five days. closer to a ninth straight Serie the firstT est between England The three-Test series, A title later on Tuesday. and the West Indies at South- which marks the return of Defender Patric added ampton starting on Wednesday. international cricket after the to Lazio’s problems in injury Both sides have proven coronavirus shutdown, starts time as he was dismissed for pace attacks, with West Indies on Wednesday in Southamp- biting Lecce’s Giulio Donati. captain Jason Holder among a ton behind closed doors. Lecce ended a six-match bowling unit set to include the Jason Holder’s tourists losing streak in dramatic fash- likes of Shannon Gabriel, Ke- boast a powerful pace attack ion to climb out of the relega- mar Roach and Alzarri Joseph but their batsmen have strug- tion zone, one point clear of as the tourists look to retain the gled to post challenging totals 18th-placed Genoa, who host Wisden Trophy they won in the in recent years. Napoli on Wednesday. Caribbean last year. “They have to be able Lazio were without strik- England too have plenty of to pounce immediately,” ers Ciro Immobile and Felipe pace bowling options, with vet- Lara said in comments on Caicedo through suspension eran new-ball duo James An- BBC Sport. “England are against Milan, but despite the derson and Stuart Broad among not beaten very easily at pair’s return they struggled to a group of fast bowlers that also home and are overwhelming create many clear-cut chances. includes the Barbados-born Jo- Africa this year, with Joe Denly favourites.” The away side got the bet- fra Archer and Mark Wood. Stokes to follow Root but captain England his way set to play despite averaging a Lara, who scored a record ter of a dramatic start, as Lecce They, like the West Indies, modest 30 from 14 Tests. 11,953 runs for West Indies midfielder Marco Mancosu saw will be captained by a seam- AFP taining a team for the first time since he was a “As a top-order batter Joe in 131 Tests, said it was vital his stunning long-range strike bowling all-rounder of their London teenager. “With Joe and his personal situation, it’s would obviously love to convert the tourists adapted to Eng- in only the third minute ruled own in new skipper Ben Stokes, been about letting him deal with that. those starts into hundreds... lish conditions quickly. out by VAR for a handball ear- shouldering the burden of Eng- Ben Stokes says he will captain England his own but also it is fully understood “They have to hit the lier in the move, before Lazio land leadership for the first time way in the first Test against the West Indies follow- Holder will save his advice for Ben that he has contributed to good road running and stamp their took the lead a minute later. in the absence of regular cap- ing advice from regular skipper Joe Root. Meanwhile, West Indies skipper Jason Holder team batting performances,” authority on England,” said tain Joe Root, who is missing Root is missing the opening match of the bio- said he would keep his captaincy secrets close said England national selector the 51-year-old. the match to attend the birth of secure series starting on Wednesday -- the first to his chest as he prepares to go head-to-head Ed Smith. “I don’t think they can last his second child. major international cricket fixture since March -- to with Stokes. West Indies’ also face ques- five days, so they have to take Quick read England have no spare bats- attend the birth of his second child. Holder, who tops the Test rankings for all- tions over whether their bats- these games in four days. man in their 13-man squad, Vice-captain Stokes, who will lead the rounders ahead of Stokes, has no intention men can give their bowlers They have to establish a lead Lee’s late strike with Dom Bess the lone spinner, side in his absence, was asked by report- of passing on any trade secrets to his enough runs to play with. and keep it.” keeps Valencia’s and that meaning the make-up ers on Tuesday what was the best advice rival, even for one game, until the A likely top-five of Kraigg West Indies, who beat Europa hopes alive of their pace attack appears to he had received about his new role. series is completed. Brathwaite, John Campbell, England 2-1 in the Caribbean be the outstanding issue. “The best message that I have re- “I’ll leave my advice to Stokesy Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope last year, have not won a se- Madrid: South Korean teen- Injuries have prevented ceived was when I got my photos done until after the series,” Holder told a and Roston Chase subsided to ries in England since 1988. ager Lee Kang-in scored with England pairing the express in the blazer,” said the star all-rounder. conference call. 49 for five in their final intra- “It’s going to be a series two minutes to play to move Archer and Wood together “Rooty just left a message on the “England are in capable hands. squad warm-up innings at that’s watched all around Valencia to within a point of the since the former’s Test debut hanger which said ‘Do it your way’. He is an excellent cricketer and a Old Trafford. the world and everybody is Europa League places in a 2-1 last year. But if they are both “Just because Joe is not here great competitor and I am sure the “I would have loved to see hoping to see a competi- win over Real Valladolid on Tues- in the final IX , it could mean doesn’t mean I am not going to use guys in the dressing room look up to the batsmen spend a little bit tive series,” said Lara, who day. Lee, 19, clinched his side’s Broad missing a first home Test him,” said Stokes, who will be cap- him too.” more time in the middle,” said scored 34 Test centuries. first victory since Albert Celades in eight years. West Indies assistant coach “It would mean a lot to all was sacked earlier this month With matches coming thick Roddy Estwick. West Indians if they could win. and sent his outfit up to eighth, and fast – the three-match se- The pitch at Lancashire’s ers using saliva in order to com- for 77 in the firstT est at Barba- How the teams are affected “If they play good cricket just behind Real Sociedad in the ries will be over before the end headquarters traditionally has bat the spread of COVID-19. dos last year, with Roach taking by playing behind closed doors, on the first day of the Test spot for the qualifying rounds of the month – England may more bounce than the one at Root’s absence weakens five for 17. another anti-virus measure, series, show they have the for next season’s continental decide to hold Wood back for Southampton -- a consideration England’s batting, even if if Nevertheless, the pressure rather than in front of the good mettle to perform against competition. (AFP) the second and third Tests at that is even more important giv- he managed a mere four runs will be on the top order, for all crowds Tests in England usually England, that’s the key.” Old Trafford. en the temporary ban on bowl- when the side were bowled out England won a series in South attract, also remains to be seen. 14 Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Sports Qatar is the best place Clubs continue with for football, says Umm their preparations Salal’s Enes Sipovic nes Sipovic from Bosnia and Herzego- vina has already made an impact with QNB When I compare QSL TO RESUME EStars League side Umm Salal (Romanian, Belgian FROM JULY 24 ever since he joined them in this year’s January transfer and Bosnian) leagues window from his native club with the QNB Stars Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. Enes, League, none of them a strong presence in Umm has the infrastructure Salal’s defence, speaks to qsl. like that in Qatar. This qa in an exclusive Interview, is the best place for as The Orange Fortress are trying hard to keep their po- football. Organisation sition in the top flight with in Qatar is at the top only five matches remaining level. I’m looking in the 2019-20 league that is forward to extend set to resume on July 24 fol- my career here. lowing a long break forced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) Enes Sipovic, Umm pandemic. Salal player Excerpts: Al Rayyan players during a practice session on Tuesday. Al Rayyan will play a friendly with Umm Salal on July 17 as part of their preparations prior to the resumption Qatar Stars League on July 24 after a forced break since March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. How do you rate Umm Even players with big names How do you look forward Salal’s performance so far must work hard to stay afloat. to the times ahead? QNA safety of all, as all the clubs were cal teams. The kick-off timings Al Markhiya on July 17. in the QNB Stars League? We avoid close contacts in Doha subjected to the necessary med- and venues of matches in the Al Sadd announced that I’ve been following the How’s your training going all sorts of training, especially ical tests in the midst of strict last two weeks (21 and 22) will Mexican player Marco Fabian QNB Stars League even before on now in the wake of the while stretching. We don’t stay Qatari clubs have contin- health procedures by the QSL, be finalised later based on the will leave the club as his con- I arrived here and I think this coronavirus? in the gym together either. At ued their ongoing prepara- the Qatar Football Associa- results and standings of teams tract expired on June 30. isn’t the position (11th with Coronavirus has disturbed a time, it’ll be a maximum of tions with the start of the tion and the Ministry of Public in the table, as the QSL is keen Also, Spanish midfielder 14 points) in the table, where us a little bit. This is the first only four or five players in the countdown for the return of Health. With all the clubs com- to provide all clubs with equal Gabi left the team following the Umm Salal should be. experience with online train- gym. We come for training ful- the Qatar Stars League (QSL) pleting their quarantine period, opportunities. end of his contract. Gabi played ing sessions and devices, and ly equipped from home. How- competitions on July 24, after more preparations began for In the meantime, Umm two seasons with Al Sadd, Don’t you think that Umm it’s not easy especially for ever, I hope we’ll soon come a long period of interruption the return of the league and its Salal will play a friendly match where he won the league, Super Salal have performed be- coaches, but we’ve no choice. back to normal life. that lasted for more than three remaining five rounds, as com- against Al Rayyan on July 17 Cup, and Qatar cup titles. low expectations? We’re now moving forward months due to the novel coro- petitions will be tough for all ahead of resumption of the Al Duhail Club recently I arrived here in Decem- with our restricted training. You have experience play- navirus (COVID-19) crisis. who are seeking to win points league. Al Rayyan is preparing announced that it had reached ber and I can’t review the work ing in the Romanian, Bel- The Qatari league compe- and make more gains. to face Qatar club on July 24 in an agreement with the Croa- people had done before. From What’s your training gian and Bosnian leagues. titions have been suspended The QSL had made an round 18 at Jassim bin Hamad tian star Mario Mandzukic to the moment coach Aziz Ben schedule like? How do you How do you view it? since last March due to the amendment to the schedule of Stadium, while Umm Salal are end a contract by mutual con- Askar and the club adminis- stay fit and get ready for All of those leagues are Coronavirus, which led to the matches in Weeks 18, 19 and scheduled to meet Al Duhail on sent, while Moroccan Mbark tration started rebuilding the the action? special in their own ways. I suspension of sporting activities 20 of 2019-20 season QNB July 25. Qatar Club decided to Boussoufa refused to renew side, we’ve been putting up nice After the vacation and came to professional football in all countries of the world and Stars League after reviewing cancel the friendly scheduled with Al Sailiya. performances. In a short period Covid-19 test, we stayed for at a very young age. When I canceled many major global the latest developments and against Al Shamal on July 10 as Al Arabi Club announced of time, we regained the club’s two weeks in the team hotel. compare all those leagues with competitions, especially in light recommendations, and in co- part of its preparations to play the renewal of the contract of reputation to some extent. During that time, we trained the QNB Stars League, none of the high number of infections ordination with the authori- against Al Rayyan. the team player Fahad Khalfan individually and focused on of them has the infrastruc- and the high number of deaths ties concerned. Al Wakrah Club announced for two seasons, to continue You’re new to Qatar. What improving our physique. Now, ture like that in Qatar. This as well, a matter which forced It had been decided to that the team will play two with the club until the end of the do you think of the level of the training is more about is the best place for football. most countries to announce the hold matches in each round friendly matches during the season (2021-2022). QNB Stars League? technique even though we ad- Organisation at the federation suspension of all sports activi- over three days and reduce the current camp period with the Al Arabi had previously re- The QNB Stars League is here to precautions. We hope and clubs in Qatar is at the top ties to uphold the safety of all. number of stadiums to be used teams of Al Shahaniya and Al newed contracts of a number of tough and whoever thinks it’s to be match-ready after play- level. I’m looking forward to The clubs’ preparations be- to two (Al Janoub and Al Sadd) Markhiya. Its first match will be players, including Jasser Yahya, easy to play here, he’s wrong. ing some friendly games. extend my career here. gan a long time ago and in many in order to minimise the pres- against Al Shahaniya on July 10, Khalifa Al Maliki, Jassim Jaber, phases in order to preserve the sure on operations and medi- while the second will be against and Mohamed Saad Al Badr. We have obligation to re-sign Son-Lloris clash as Spurs beat Everton

tunnel at half-time, France Son and Lloris looked to Messi: Barcelona president goalkeeper Lloris confronted have buried the hatchet when the South Korea forward, they hugged at the final whistle AFP League second leg against shouting at him and shoving in north London after Totten- Barcelona Napoli played at the Camp Nou his shoulder. ham secured their second win instead of at a neutral venue. The usually placid Son re- since the coronavirus hiatus. Barcelona president Josep sponded angrily and the pair “It just belongs to the chang- Maria Bartomeu responded to ‘Setien will stay’ had to be kept apart by team- ing room. Outside you can say a storm of speculation by say- “Setien will continue, of mates Harry Winks and Mous- whatever you want. What hap- ing on Tuesday that the club course,” said Bartomeu. “I am sa Sissoko as the altercation pened is just part of football had “an obligation to re-sign” quite happy with the develop- threatened to boil over. sometimes,” Lloris said. Lionel Messi, calling him “the ment we are showing in the Lloris was irked by Son’s “Let’s be honest, we are in best player in history”. games despite the draws. failure to close down a loose a situation we are not happy “Normally we do not ex- “I do not regret the change ball in midfield moments with so we have to fight, to plain the discussions with of Valverde. The team needed a before Everton threatened make sure we all go in the players but it is evident that we Barcelona president Josep Maria boost. Setien knows our DNA, through Richarlison. same direction. have the obligation to re-sign Bartomeu with Lionel Messi. the model and he has brought “I think to concede a chance “Most important is to stay him”, Bartomeu told Catalan fresh air and new ideas and is Tottenham Hotspur’s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Tottenham Hot- a few seconds before half-time focused on the team. We can radio station Rac1. “He is the spot to Real Madrid. working hard,” said Bartomeu spur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-Min arrive on the pitch for the second because we didn’t make a press only do it as a team. best player in history. He has The president said he was before adding that “coaches, half during their English Premier League match in London on Monday. (AFP) annoyed me. But yeah, that’s “When you play a season many years of football left.” happy with the direction of the evidently, need results.” football,” Lloris said. like this one it’s very easy to Bartomeu also said Barca club and maintained he had “If La Liga, which will AFP min after the Tottenham stars Neither of the feuding fall apart but we showed we coach Quique Setien would been right to replace Ernesto be difficult, is not won then London were involved in a furious row players was hauled off at the are still together. keep his job despite a run of Valverde in January. comes the Champions League during their side’s 1-0 win break as Tottenham manager “There is no problem at all. unconvincing form since La Bartomeu also said Bar- in August. We have to try to Hugo Lloris insisted he had against Everton late on Monday. Jose Mourinho tried to keep You could see after the game Liga’s restart that has seen the celona are trying to have the win one and then the other,” made peace with Son Heung- As Son walked towards the the peace. we were fine.” reigning champions lose top second leg of the Champions said Bartomeu. On the brink – Chinese-owned Espanyol set to drop out of La Liga

AFP this week issuing a statement There has been little else has graced the elite in 26 con- Madrid to express their dismay at to cheer. Signed amid much secutive campaigns, playing what has happened under the excitement last year, Chinese in three different stadiums in Forever condemned to live current ownership. striker Wu Lei has contributed that time. in the shadow of Barcelona, China’s Rastar Group, just four league goals this sea- They left their old home Espanyol’s worst nightmare which specialises in model cars, son, including a late equaliser in Sarria in 1997 and spent a will come true on Wednes- paid 60 million euros ($67.7m) in a 2-2 draw with Barcelona dozen years at the Montjuic day if they are doomed to rel- for 54 per cent of the club’s in January. Olympic Stadium before egation from La Liga by their shares in January 2016. They moving into a 40,000-seat city neighbours. now own almost 100 per cent. Proud history home near the city’s airport It is a likely scenario. “We have been deeply an- That would not be enough this in 2009. With four games remaining, gered by this shameful sea- time for a club who have won That same year, club cap- Chinese-owned Espanyol are son, the worst in our history,” the Copa del Rey four times tain Dani Jarque died of a rock bottom, 11 points from said the federation, which has and twice reached the UEFA heart attack aged 26, and it safety. Even a win at the called on president Chen Yan- Cup final, most recently in was left to Pochettino to guide Camp Nou would therefore sheng to hand over the reins to Espanyol’s worst nightmare will come true on Wednesday if they are doomed to relegation from La Liga by 2007 when Ernesto Valverde’s the team through the after- only delay the inevitable. someone based locally. their city neighbours Barcelona. team lost on penalties to Se- math of that tragedy. Los Periquitos (The Budg- “We want to express our in- villa in Glasgow. For all his efforts, Espan- erigars) have not beaten Bar- dignation, our sadness, our dis- able to halt the slide. been all the harder to take as “I can’t understand how Only Barcelona, Real yol struggled to fill their new celona in La Liga since 2009, appointment, anger and feeling “The whole team are fed it came off the back of a fine 80 million euros has been Madrid and Athletic Bilbao ground and continue to do so, when Mauricio Pochettino of helplessness at witnessing up with the situation, but they 2018-19 campaign under Rubi. spent on transfers, and with have spent more seasons in despite trying to promote their was coach. this pathetic relegation.” can’t give up. We have to keep He led them to seventh the eighth-biggest budget in the top division than Espa- own underdog identity. Wednesday therefore Espanyol have spent the fighting until the end,”R ufete place and Europa League quali- the league, the club has had nyol -- founded in 1900 and Unlike their neighbours looks set to be the day of reck- season chopping and changing said after a 1-0 defeat by Le- fication, only to depart forR eal the worst season in its his- named not as a counter to they have kept their distance oning for a club who are one of coaches, with David Gallego, ganes at the weekend. “We Betis, taking top scorer Borja tory,” fumed former president the Catalanism of Barca, as from the Catalan independ- the proudest names in Span- Pablo Machin and Abelardo have to go to the Camp Nou Iglesias with him. Spanish in- Joan Collet. is sometimes assumed, but ence movement, but Espanyol ish football. Fernandez all being sacked and play for pride.” ternational defender Mario They did make it to the Eu- as a reaction to a Barcelona has a squad with a strong local It is too much to bear for before sporting director Fran- Hermoso left for Atletico Ma- ropa League knockout rounds, team whose players were core. That may not help them fans, with the Federation of cisco Rufete was put in charge Sorry season drid and those departures were but lost to Wolverhampton mostly foreigners. on Wednesday against Lionel Espanyol Supporters’ Clubs last month. He has been un- Espanyol’s sorry season has not adequately replaced. Wanderers. Espanyol’s blue and white Messi and co. Sports Wednesday, July 8, 2020 15 Quick read Twice world champion Alonso likely to make F1 return; Vettel keen to continue

DPA Spielberg Spaniard Fernando Alonso will be Spain’s two-time Formula returning next Nadal will play One world champion Fernan- season to Renault, Madrid, raising do Alonso will return to the say reports. doubts over US elite motorsport series next Open participation season with Renault, a report said on Tuesday. MADRID: Rafael Nadal said on Alonso, 38, has signed a Tuesday that he will take part in contract with the French team the Madrid Open, raising doubts and will be confirmed “soon” about whether he intends to according to the BBC. defend his title at the US Open. There is a vacancy com- The US Open, whose fate ing up at Renault as a result Ferrari’s German still hangs in the balance, is of Daniel Ricciardo moving driver Sebastian scheduled to run from August to McLaren next term. Alonso Vettel during the 31 to September 13 on the hard would then return to the team, season’s F-1 opener courts of New York while the with whom he won world titles in Spielberg, Austria. main draw at the Madrid event in 2005 and 2006, to partner on clay starts on September 14. Esteban Ocon. Madrid will serve as a warmup for Alonso is widely recog- a mid-table car but budget of the season. what to do after the expira- title with the Scuderia, and Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius the rescheduled French Open, the nized as one of the best drivers caps have been lowered for Germany’s four-time tion of his Ferrari contract finished 10th in Sunday’s on Sunday effectively con- clay court Grand Slam that begins of his generation. He last raced the coming years due to the world champion has said his but the former world cham- season-opener in Austria. firmed that their Mercedes on September 20. in F1 for McLaren in 2018 be- coronavirus crisis and techni- future remains open and has pion is overall keen to con- He will not get a new team will continue with The Madrid tournament direc- fore pursuing other driving cal changes will be made to the not ruled out retirement if a tinue racing in Formula One. contract after the season, re- world champion Lewis Ham- tor Feliciano Lopez tweeted: “I goals including the Indy 500, rules from 2022. suitable seat is not available. Vettel, 33, told Austrian vealing last week he wasn’t ilton and Valtteri Bottas. have spoken to my friend Rafael the 24 hours of Le Mans and The F1 season continues broadcasters Servus TV late even offered an extension as Vettel meanwhile said: Nadal who confirmed his partici- the Dakar Rally. behind closed doors with on Monday “I haven’t reached Ferrari set all their hopes in “I am still very ambitious, pation in Madrid in September. As Renault were reportedly a second race in Spielberg, Vettel still keen to a decision yet and I don’t Charles Leclerc and already motorsport is my life. I always, we await you with open considering their position in Austria. continue Formula 1 know yet” what to decide. have a replacement for Vet- wouldn’t really want to miss arms in the Caja Magica!” F1 but the signature of Alonso Alonso’s return further The German, who won tel in Carlos Sainz. it. With the right job and the Nadal answered: “That’s right would suggest their commit- narrows the options availa- career after Ferrari four world titles at Red Bull, Finding a new team suit- right place I would still feel Feli. See you in September in ment has been renewed. ble to Sebastian Vettel when Munich: Sebastian Vet- joined Ferrari in 2015 but able for him could prove very much at home in a For- Madrid. Meanwhile everything is They presently have only he leaves Ferrari at the end tel has not yet decided has failed to win another difficult, especially after mula 1 car.” going well!”(AFP)

Cyprus allows fans back into stadiums QB Mahomes signs 10-year deal Team Qatar athletes undergo virus tests NICOSIA: Cyprus said on Tuesday The athletes and supporting staff of Qatar’s that fans can attend sports events national teams took Coronavirus (COVID-19) for the first time since March, with NFL champion Chiefs tests on Sunday and Monday at Ali bin after having largely contained the Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in preparation of disease. The numbers of new gradual sports activities resumption. On confirmed daily cases of COVID-19 Deal to fetch him as much as $503 million over the total term Sunday, the swimming, cycling, taekwondo, have been in the low single digits shooting, basketball, handball, table ten- for several weeks. The island’s AFP fetch him as much as $503 million over the nis and gymnastics national teams took government has reported 1,005 New York total term. coronavirus tests while tennis, athletics, golf, coronavirus cases and 19 deaths, It will keep Mahomes in Kan- weightlifting, wresting, volleyball, equestrian, while four more deaths amid 113 Patrick Mahomes, who quarterbacked the sas City through the 2031 cam- rugby, hockey, and cricket national teams cases have been declared in a Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl title in paign and includes a no-trade underwent the same medical examination breakaway statelet in the north. February, inked a 10-year contract exten- clause. on Monday. Ishaq Al Hashimi, Head of the Health Minister Constantinos sion, the team confirmed on Monday, amid The 24-year-old had two QOC Sports Federations Section said this Ioannou announced the return of reports the deal makes him the highest-paid years and $27.6 million left step coincides with the approaching date of spectators for professional sports player in US team sports history. on his existing deal -- $2.8 the gradual return to practice sports activi- both indoors and outdoors. (AFP) “We have signed QB Patrick Ma- million this year and ties in the country. Al Hashimi thanked the homes to a 10-year extension,” the $24.8 million in 2021. sports federations for their cooperation with Chiefs tweeted on Monday. “Ma- Certainly the the QOC and lauded the preventive meas- A-League chaos as homes secured with Chiefs for the deal shatters the old ures taken by Qatar to curb the spread of Melbourne teams fail next 12 seasons.” NFL record aver- the novel coronavirus. (QOC) to beat border closure Chiefs chairman and chief ex- age annual payout ecutive Clark Hunt elaborated in of $35 million to Sydney: Australia’s planned a statement, calling the signing “a Seattle Seahawks A-League restart next week was significant moment” for the club. quarterback Rus- thrown into chaos after three “Since he joined the Chiefs sell Wilson. Howard will play for Lakers when Melbourne teams failed to leave just a few years ago, Patrick It also beats Victoria state when their dramatic has developed into one of the the 12-year, airport dash to beat a border most prolific athletes in all of sports,” $426.5 million NBA resumes in Orlando closure was scuppered by fog. Hunt said. fully-guaranteed Nine days from the scheduled “With his dynamic play and in- deal signed by AFP Howard said he will do- opening game, the A-League was fectious personality, he is one of the Los Angeles An- Los Angeles nate his salary from the re- left seeking a New South Wales most recognised and beloved figures gels star center start, about $700,000, to his government exemption for the to put on the Chiefs uniform. He’s an fielder Mike Trout. Los Angeles Lakers center Breathe Again charity. This teams after the border was shut extraordinary leader and a credit to Mahomes completed Dwight Howard says he will season, Howard has averaged to contain a worsening COVID-19 the Kansas City community, and I’m 319 of 484 passes for 4,031 play when the NBA season re- 7.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and crisis in Melbourne. The Mel- delighted that he will be a member yards and 26 touchdowns last season af- sumes in Orlando on July 30 1.2 blocked shots a game for bourne City, Melbourne Victory of the Chiefs for many years to ter tossing a league-high 50 touch- despite concerns the restart the Lakers, who led the West- and Western United players had come.” downs and earning NFL Most might distract from his social ern Conference at 49-14 when planned to fly out Tuesday ahead The team did not disclose Valuable Player honors in 2018. activism. Howard announced Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles the NBA season was shut of a midnight border closure, but financial terms. In Super Bowl 54 at Miami his decision to join LeBron Lakers. down March 11 after Utah’s were forced late Monday night ESPN reported the ex- in February, Mahomes completed James and his other Laker Rudy Gobert tested positive to race to the airport at short tension was worth $450 26 of 42 passes for 286 yards and teammates in a CNN appear- team in Orlando, but during for COVID-19. notice when the shutdown for million, but Mahomes’ two touchdowns while rushing for ance late Monday, citing his that time we will be getting “I feel like we have a great Melbourne residents was brought agency, Steinberg Hansas City Chiefs 29 yards and another touchdown contract and his hunger to win a lot of work done,” Howard opportunity, the Lakers do, forward by 24 hours. (AFP) Sports, tweeted quarter-back Patrick to power the Chiefs over the San an NBA crown at age 34. said of mixing his NBA goals for winning the title this year,” that the deal could Mahomes. Francisco 49ers, 31-20. “Yes, I will be joining my with his activism. Howard said. Sports prepare for return in the US, but virus doubts persist AFP inside the bubble has highlight- Entering the bubble he is contemplating skipping work in the United States. The Los Angeles ed the omnipotent threat posed Zach Binney, an epidemi- Major League Baseball’s abbre- number of cases is just so high.” by the coronavirus, even in the ologist at Oxford College of viated season to remain with his Unlike the NBA and MLS Four months after grind- face of carefully crafted mitiga- Emory University in Atlanta, wife, who is expecting the cou- comebacks, where all games ing to a halt due to the deadly tion measures. believes the two MLS outbreaks ple’s first child next month. will be played in empty arenas, coronavirus pandemic, major “It’s important that the have exposed the single biggest “I love baseball, but I have baseball has been more circum- professional sports leagues in leagues realize that even in flaw in the “bubble” models. to do what’s right for my fam- spect about whether or not to North America are taking their a ‘bubble’, there is still risk “The most difficult part is ily,” said Trout, widely regarded allow fans in ballparks. first nervous steps back on the to all players and staff for getting everyone into the bub- as baseball’s biggest star. As it stands, local govern- road to recovery. contracting COVID-19,” said ble safely without introducing While basketball and soc- ment rules about coronavirus But as basketball, soccer and Robert Glatter, an emergency the virus right at the start,” Bin- cer have opted to base all their will determine whether specta- baseball gear up for long-await- physician at Lenox Hill Hos- ney told AFP. teams in one location, Major tors can attend games. ed returns this month, they are pital in New York. “This was always something League Baseball will start their doing so against a backdrop of “It’s impossible to com- I was worried about but it has shortened season this month ‘Sociopathic’ Indy 500 anxiety and surging COVID-19 pletely mitigate the risk even been shown to be a much bigger with teams playing at their At least one US sporting cases across the United States. when players and staff prac- deal than I thought. home stadiums. event, however, plans to host Athletes in all three sports tice social distancing and “I still believe that bubbles Public health experts be- a mammoth crowd despite have expressed deep misgiv- wear masks.” can work -- it’s just that nobody An employee at a boardwalk basketball game awaits customers last lieve it is a riskier proposition the warnings of public health ings about arrangements put That point was underscored has mastered getting into the Friday in Wildwood, New Jersey. (AFP) than the bubble plans put in experts: the rescheduled Indi- in place for their return, and in by Monday’s news that 11 mem- bubble safely.” place by the NBA and MLS. anapolis 500 IndyCar Race on several cases have opted to skip bers of Dallas FC’s organization Binney believes the answer with,” said Inter Miami mid- Vela on Monday said he would “Major League Baseball is August 23. participating altogether. – 10 players and a technical may be to introduce an “airlock” fielder Wil Trapp. miss the tournament, citing basically trying to run the Bun- Organisers of the iconic race The National Basketball assistant – had tested positive system, where teams spend a “We’re players who want concerns for his family’s health. desliga plan – but they’re try- at Indianapolis Motor Speed- Association and Major League for COVID-19. Dallas FC were period of up to seven days in to play, that’s one part of it, The Mexico international’s wife ing to do it in the US, not Ger- way have said they plan to oper- Soccer have drawn up plans later withdrawn from the MLS isolation in their home market but we’re also human beings is pregnant. many,” said Binney, referring ate at 50% fan capacity – mean- which will see teams based is Back tournament altogether, before they travel. and this is bigger at times to German football’s top-flight, ing a potential crowd of around in a protective “bubble” in less than 48 hours before it For athletes on the ground, than sports.” Baseball risks which successfully returned to 175,000 for the event. Orlando, Florida where COV- kicks off on Wednesday. meanwhile, news of the posi- For others, the risk of Baseball superstar Mike action in May. That prospect alarms epi- ID-19 cases have skyrocketed Nashville SC, another team tive cases has fuelled a sense traveling to Florida has Trout is wrestling with an iden- “MLB’s plan would work demiologists like Binney, who in recent weeks. taking part, have also reported- of anxiety. proved too much. tical dilemma. great in Germany, South Korea, describes the decision to allow Yet a cluster of outbreaks in- ly suffered multiple coronavirus “It’s certainly something Los Angeles FC’s star striker The Los Angeles Angels or Vietnam or New Zealand. I fans as “completely unaccep- volving two MLS teams already cases since arriving in Florida. that we’ve abruptly been faced and reigning MLS MVP Carlos slugger revealed at the weekend have sincere doubts it’s going to table, sociopathic.”