FORMULA 1 | Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 5 Silverstone De Bruyne vows holding out to play two until end of extra years after April on GP lockdown

Thursday, April 2, 2020 CRICKET Sha’ban 9, 1441 AH England could field GULF TIMES two teams at same time, says Morgan SPORT Page 2

FOCUS SC takes all precautions to protect workers of 2022 WC ‘To date we have no confirmed (Covid-19) cases on SC sites, but we are monitoring all projects and will act accordingly’

QNA for coordinating the work of all paying the rent due on compa- Doha healthcare professionals con- nies. nected to our projects. Under article 82 of the Qa- The SC is on alert for any Cov- tari Labour Law, employees are he Supreme Committee id-19 symptoms and, if detected, entitled to sick leave with pay for Delivery & Legacy will follow MoPH protocol. The SC for each year of service, unless (SC) said today that it also has a robust contingency plan within the first three months of Tis taking all necessary in place, with adequate resources employment, and provided the precautions for workers, in line ready to provide sufficient medical employee can provide a medi- with the Covid-19 preventative care if conditions worsen. cal report issued by a competent measures and interim guidelines “All Covid-19-related health- physician approved by the em- recommended by the Ministry of care is provided free of charge ployer, it said. Public Health (MoPH). by Hamad Medical Corporation “Employees are entitled to The SC said in a statement is- (HMC). Treatment for any other full sick pay for two weeks, re- sued yesterday that the SC have medical condition is provided by ducing to half pay thereafter for utilised its existing network of HMC or provided by our con- a further four weeks. Sick leave medical clinics across all sites tractors, as per the SC’s mandat- can be extended for a maximum and accommodations, and im- ed Workers’ Welfare Standards,” of six weeks beyond this period plemented awareness sessions it stressed. until the worker either resumes delivered on construction sites Assuming necessary flight re- his duties or is unable to return to and accommodations to educate strictions do not impact routes work due to health reasons. workers on the importance of to the home countries of workers, “If an employee chooses to re- prevention, and taking workers’ anyone can travel to their home sign from his job during the first temperatures twice daily, and countries in the case of an emer- six weeks of sick leave, his or her the distribution of masks and gency, the SC said, adding that employer is liable to settle the sanitisers on SC projects. In case any further changes to the State balance of all financial entitle- of shortage of masks, personal of Qatar’s evolving travel policy ments. This provision shall also scarves used by workers were ad- will be strictly adhered to by the apply in the event of death by vised for use. SC and its contractors. reason of sickness before the end The statement added that non- The SC will work with its con- of the aforementioned six weeks. essential visitors to SC construc- tractors to ensure workers that If an employee takes sick leave for tion sites have been prohibited are currently on leave will be able the full 12-week period, this does and isolation rooms established to report to duty once the air- not constitute an interruption of on all SC sites and accommoda- ports reopen. continuous service and will not tions. Interim disinfection pro- Lusail Stadium is proposed to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final. The SC has established isola- affect any end of service gratuity tocols have been implemented at tion rooms in separate blocks and which is owed. site and accommodation medi- both cases that higher standards ing workers residing in a non-SC porting Guidelines. cal information. TPP has also / or buildings on all of our ac- “Companies may provide ben- cal facilities. All healthcare pro- are in place to mitigate against accommodation to a centralised “To date we have no con- created several clinical decision commodations and will continue efits beyond the law at their own fessionals are following MoPH the Covid-19. SC-compliant and -managed ac- firmed cases on SC sites, but we support tools to enable clinicians to follow MoPH protocol. “We discretion. The SC remains in measures to control Covid-19 The SC consulted with in- commodation. are monitoring all projects and to correctly record and manage will continue to test where rel- constant dialogue with all of our outbreak. house doctor to identify a list of The SC carried out a risk as- will act accordingly if any work- suspected Covid-19 cases in ac- evant, with any suspected cases contractors and will engage with The SC pointed out that work- food items that are both recom- sessment across all SC projects er shows symptoms. The SC’s cordance with MoPH guidelines. reported to the relevant authori- contractors on a case-by-case ers with chronic disease and mended for consumption as well including work sites and ac- clinics are reporting criteria for The SC has further established ties with the appropriate action basis if any issues directly relat- those above 55 years have been as those that should be prohib- commodation sites to determine suspected cases fulfilling the re- isolation rooms at all of its work- taken.” ing to salary payment occur. As temporarily demobilised from ited (as these items make them which workers are most at risk quirement of MoPH for reporting ers’ accommodation sites to test On Tuesday, the Ministry of we have no confirmed cases, this site due to them being more vul- more vulnerable to Covid-19). of contracting Covid-19. This on a daily basis. This reporting is suspected cases and provide ap- Administrative Development La- is not currently an issue. nerable to Covid-19. The SC is The same has been circulated to assessment allows SC a great- taking place through unified con- propriate medical care. bour and Social Affairs (MADL- On the possibility of sus- ensuring that they stay in SC- all the caterers serving food on er chance to control the virus fidential software, the SystmOne As per MoPH protocol, testing SA) announced that workers in pending work on SC projects if compliant accommodation and the SC sites. spreading to our workforce and software, introduced by the SC for Covid-19 is only permitted to quarantine and isolation will be there is a breakout of Covid-19 they continue to receive salaries. It developed a Task Specific Qatar’s wider population. in partnership with The Phoenix take place within Hamad Hospi- paid full salary without any de- amongst SC worker, the SC said It carried out inspections of Inspection (TSI) checklist and The SC is screening work- Partnership (TPP), which offers tal and CDC-assigned hospitals. duction and it is mandatory for it will assess each situation on a existing caterers’ kitchen fa- conducted inspections across all ers where applicable. All work- an integrated electronic records The SC has a comprehen- employers and companies to case-by-case basis and will take cilities and based on risk assess- the SC construction site mess ers with upper respiratory tract system for workers — a first of its sive medical framework on all follow the policies. As much as the necessary measures to pro- ment, identified caterers that ei- hall with an objective to identify symptoms are examined by its kind in Qatar,” the SC said. projects and accommodations, QR3bn has been earmarked to tect the health and safety of all ther need to upgrade their kitchen if all the requirements with re- work site doctors and nurses fol- The SC added that SystmOne is including dedicated nurses, doc- pay the salaries of workers and construction workers and direct operations; or be replaced with spect to hygiene and sanitation lowing the MoPH Visual Triage supporting the clinics by ensur- tors and clinics. The SC’s Work- rents of the employers which staff, which may include tempo- a caterer that is equipped with are met. The SC is currently eval- screening. Only suspected cases ing uninterrupted anytime, any- ers’ Welfare Department has its could be utilised through banks rary suspension of work as and better facilities, so as to ensure in uating the possibility of relocat- are reported as per MoPH Re- where access to workers medi- own doctor who is responsible to pay the wages of labourers and when required.

TENNIS Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II

Reuters impossible for the grasscourt Oct. 4, shortly after the end of Former Wimbledon champion Shortening the format of the London, United Kingdom , scheduled for June the US Open. Amelie Mauresmo did not think tournament, or playing behind 29-July 12, to take place. The US Open organisers said either the US Open or the French closed doors, would also have “It is with great regret that they were continuing with their Open would go ahead this year. proved extremely unpopular he Wimbledon champi- the main board... have today de- plans to host the hardcourt Grand “I think we’re going to have to with the players. onships were cancelled cided that The Championships Slam in New York as scheduled draw a line under the 2020 “While in some ways this has for the first time since 2020 will be cancelled due to from Aug 31-Sep 14. season,” Mauresmo said on Twit- been a challenging decision, we World War Two yester- public health concerns linked to ter this week. strongly believe it is not only in T NO VACCINE = NO TENNIS day as the coronavirus pandem- the coronavirus epidemic,” the “International circuit = play- the best interests of society at ic struck another blue-riband AELTC said in a statement. Players across the tennis frater- ers of all nationalities plus man- this time, but also provides cer- sports event off the calendar “The 134th Championships nity reacted with shock and sad- agement, spectators and people tainty to our colleagues in inter- and wiped out the entire tennis will instead be staged from June ness at the cancellation of Wim- from the 4 corners of the world national tennis given the impact grasscourt season. 28 to July 11, 2021.” bledon. who bring these events to life. No on the events in the While the decision had looked Following the cancellation of , whose record vaccine = no tennis.” UK and in Europe and the broad- inevitable for some time, since the grasscourt major, and with haul of 20 Grand Slam titles in- Unlike the French Open which er tennis calendar,” AELTC Chief the virtual shutdown of world the pandemic worsening in Eu- cludes eight Wimbledon tro- is played on clay, Wimbledon’s Executive Richard Lewis said. sport and the postponement of rope and the US, the men’s ATP phies, said he was “devastated”. scope for re-arranging the start Tickets holders will be offered the Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon Tour, women’s WTA Tour and “There is no gif for these things date was extremely limited. the chance to purchase tickets for had been one of the few events the International Tennis Federa- that I am feeling,” he added. While Centre Court and the same day and court for 2021 not to have been officially can- tion extended the suspension of In a statement from the organis- Court One boast a roof, play- championships as well as be- celled or postponed. professional tennis for another ers of the Open, which was ing elite level tennis outside on ing issued with a refund for this But after emergency talks be- five weeks to July 13. ule,” said a joint statement from The French Open, originally also cancelled, Federer said: “We grass would have been extremely year’s event, organisers added. tween the various stakehold- “At this time, tournaments the governing bodies. due to be held from May 24-June are going through difficult times challenging in late summer or Wimbledon had been held ers over the last few days, the taking place from July 13, 2020 Britain’s death toll from the vi- 7 was postponed and controver- but we will emerge stronger. I al- autumn with a lack of light and every year since 1946 after a six- All England Lawn Tennis Club onwards are still planning to pro- rus reached 2,352 on Wednesday, sially rescheduled by the French ready look forward to returning to problems caused by dew forming year hiatus because the country (AELTC) announced that it was ceed as per the published sched- according to NHS figures. tennis federation for Sept. 20- Halle next year. Stay healthy.” on the surface late in the day. was at war. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 2, 2020 CRICKET

COMMENT ‘Newlands aftermath helped improve behaviour’ Reuters ing opponents in domestic cricket into players’ heads without flat-out uncertainty created by the Covid-19 Melbourne last year but Paine saw them as aber- abusing them, and I think that’s been shutdown, saying only that coach rations. shown by the Australian men’s team Justin Langer and selectors knew of “You’re looking at one or two very in particular.” his plans. layer behaviour has signifi- isolated instances, one with Patto and Paine also said a rising crop of “I know what I’m thinking, in terms cantly improved throughout one in the Big Bash,” Paine told re- young talent will compete with Steve of how far I can play on and we’re on Australian cricket after the 2018 porters in a video conference. Smith to be Australia’s next captain, . the same page,” he told reporters via PNewlands scandal and the scru- “I think in general the behaviour Smith captained the side before video conference. tiny that followed the episode, Test cap- throughout cricket in Australia has Paine but was slapped with a two- Paine said he had not spoken with tain Tim Paine said. improved. I think the players have year leadership ban over his part in Smith about the captaincy but the Australia’s ill-tempered tour of done a great job of that. the ball tampering scandal during a 30-year-old batsman would not be exploded in a ball-tam- “It’s still a really competitive envi- Test in Cape Town in 2018. the only candidate for the role. pering scandal in Cape Town two ronment where you’re going at each The ban expired this week, prompt- “We’ve got a number of guys to years ago, leading to a review of the other... but I think certainly in the ing renewed speculation that Smith choose from who can put their hand team culture among other measures. time I’ve been in cricket, the banter could soon resume the leadership du- up,” he said. Paine and coach Justin Langer, who or abuse level has certainly changed.” ties. “There’s Steve Smith, who’s done it replaced Darren Lehmann after the Paine felt players’ mindsets have While 35-year-old Paine has ac- before, or the people who are develop- episode, have since worked on im- changed and hoped the trend would knowledged he is in the twilight of his ing underneath like a Travis Head or proving the team’s on-field behav- continue. career, the wicketkeeper said he was an Alex Carey - Marnus Labuschagne iour. “I think there’s still plenty of chat not yet ready to walk away from the and Pat Cummins are other ones. Fast bowler James Pattinson and on cricket fields that I’ve been on. game. “We’re starting to build some real batsman Marcus Stoinis were sanc- “There’s certainly still ways of get- He refused to lay out a timetable for depth so that when my time’s up Australia’s Tim Paine celebrates with the Ashes urn after drawing the series to retain tioned by Cricket Australia for abus- ting in the contest and trying to get his departure, particularly with the we’ve got a number of options.” the Ashes in London on September 15, 2019. (Reuters)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT I can relate to Ibrahimovic’s story: England could field Bumrah to Rohit

IANS ans with the former leading Mumbai the team to their record fourth title, also spoke on Sri Lanka T20 captain and veteran pacer ndia pacer Jasprit Bumrah Lasith Malinga who also plays two teams at same yesterday said he takes for Mumbai Indians. Rohit inspiration from Swedish asked Bumrah on his relation Istar footballer Zlatan Ib- with Malinga. rahimovic and the way he rose “The communication was from the ashes to become one difficult initially. He taught of the best in the business. me the mindset when he gets Talking on Instagram live hit, he smiles. I used to get with opener Rohit Shar- annoyed at the beginning but time, says Morgan ma, Bumrah said: “I love Ibra. he explained there is no point I can relate to his story that getting angry,” Bumrah said. people did not take him se- Bumrah also said he looked ‘I SEE EVERY OPTION BEING VIABLE DURING THIS EXTRAORDINARY TIME’ riously and then he became forward to bowling with New a star. I can relate as I think Zealand pacer Trent Boult in AFP people took me lightly initially the IPL but with it now being London and then I proved them wrong, postponed due to the corona- I am still trying.” virus, he has to wait. Bumrah is the No. 1 ranked “When he was in Delhi, I orld Cup-winning ODI bowler at present. He rose asked him about slower ball. I captain Eoin Mor- through the ranks playing for met him in also gan says he is open to Mumbai Indians in the Indian and I spoke to him.” WEngland fielding two Premier League (IPL) and had a Rohit said Mumbai had a teams on the same day at separate forgettable first outing . balance team this term and venues if the coronavirus out- On debut against Royal would have done well. break leads to a compressed home Challengers Bangalore, Bum- “I was looking forward to international season. rah was smashed to three this (season) we had lethal new The England Test team, skip- boundaries by Virat Kohli in ball combination, we had all pered by Joe Root, could face his first-ever IPL over. How- bases covered. IPL would have either West Indies or , ever, what followed that was a been exciting but anyway this who are both due to arrive for ribbon-cutting to his glorious can’t be controlled,” said In- three-match series, while Mor- cricketing career. dia’s limited overs vice-cap- gan’s white-ball side take on Rohit and Bumrah, both tain and one of the best white- Australia in 50-over and Twen- teammates at Mumbai Indi- ball batters. ty20 matches scheduled in July. “I see every option being vi- able during this extraordinary time,” said England limited- Sidhu part of Warne’s all-time overs captain Morgan during a conference call on yesterday. India XI, Ganguly named captain “Certainly I’ve never experi- Australia spin legend Shane Cup winning captain Kapil enced anything like it and I don’t Warne yesterday included Dev, spinners Harbhajan think anyone else has. I think the Navjot Singh Sidhu in his Singh and Anil Kumble and serious nature of the situation all-time Indian XI he played Javagal Srinath. “I am only economically and financially for against and picked Sourav picking players that I played the game is something that we Ganguly as the captain of against and that’s why M S have never come across.” the team. Warne took to Dhoni and Virat Kohli are All domestic cricket in Eng- Instagram to name this side not going to be a part of the land has been postponed until and picked all the players side. While Dhoni is probably May 28 at the earliest, with the against whom he had played the greatest wicketkeeper- West Indies series still scheduled til the situation is downgraded during his career. “I had to batsman to have played the to start on June 4. from a pandemic.” Buttler auctions World Cup final shirt for hospital appeal pick Navjot Singh Sidhu game, Kohli is one of the England and Wales Cricket One consolation for Morgan because he was the best greatest batsmen across Board chief executive Tom Har- during the outbreak is that the England’s Jos Buttler is auction- tals’ charity. ers who were members of the player against spin I have formats,” said Warne. rison, announcing a £61 mil- 33-year-old Dublin-born bats- ing the shirt he wore in last “As we all know, hospitals, doc- squad.” ever played against. All the The most notable omission lion ($76 million) aid package man recently became a father year’s dramatic World Cup final tors, nurses and the NHS are all British television personality other spinners I have played in Warne’s Indian side was V on Monday, said touring inter- after his wife Tara gave birth to a win in support of hospitals treat- doing quite an incredible job at Piers Morgan submitted a bid of with, they have also told V S Laxman because he was national sides were being “very son, Leo. ing the coronavirus. the moment,” Buttler said. £10,000 ($12,422) but the value me that Sidhu was brilliant called to be the nemesis for flexible, innovative and massive- “My wife gave birth to our first The 29-year-old wicketkeeper/ “And in the weeks and months to of the shirt had soon passed the against them,” Warne said Australia. “I went for Gan- ly understanding”, with Morgan child three weeks ago so we have batsman played a key role in come they are going to need our £12,000 mark. while naming the side on guly because I wanted him indicating his teammates would been preoccupied looking after England’s thrilling defeat of New support even more. Cricket, in common with many Instagram Live. to be the captain of my side, adopt a similar approach. the baby,” said Morgan. Zealand at Lord’s in July, scoring “Last week, the Royal Brompton sports, has seen its fixture pro- Sidhu played 51 Tests and that is why Laxman missed “Certainly from a players’ “We’ve been isolated for a bit a fifty, batting in the Super Over and Harefield hospitals’ charity gramme brought to a shudder- 136 ODIs for India in which out,” the former Australian point of view, we want to do as longer than anyone else, which is and then running out Martin launched an emergency appeal ing halt by the global spread of he scored 3,202 and 4,413 leg-spinner said. much as we can to try and keep really nice. Guptill off the very last ball of to provide lifesaving equipment the coronavirus. runs respectively.The leg- things going,” Morgan said. “We’ve been dealt a really the match. for those two hospitals, specialis- Buttler was on England’s tour endary leg-spinner picked Warne’s all-time India XI: “If there’s an opportunity to good hand when it comes to In a social media video posted ing in lung and heart conditions of Sri Lanka that was recently Virender Sehwag and Sidhu Virender Sehwag, Navjot play as much cricket as we can, things that are going on at the on Tuesday, the 29-year-old said in preparation for the Covid-19 abandoned during a warm-up as openers, followed by Ra- Singh Sidhu, Rahul Dravid, I’d like to think every player moment and have been bunkered he would be posting the jersey, outbreak. game and was due to play in the hul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Mohamed would be behind it. I certainly away for a while, and haven’t signed by all members of the “To help with their fundraising lucrative Indian Premier League Mohamed Azharuddin and Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly am. But obviously times are still been under pressure to go off and World Cup-winning squad, on effort I’m going to be donating Twenty20 event, which has been Ganguly.He named Nayan (captain), Kapil Dev, Nayan uncertain at the moment... Re- play cricket, which has been re- eBay. this shirt, which is the shirt I postponed until at least April 15. Mongia as the wicket-keeper Mongia (wicketkeeper), alistically we can’t think about ally nice. All proceeds will go to the Royal wore in the World Cup final last There will be no cricket in Eng- of the team. Warne’s team Harbhajan Singh, Javagal playing, when our first game will “It’s been good fun and a very Brompton and Harefield hospi- year, signed by all the play- land until May 28 at the earliest. also included 1983 World Srinath, Anil Kumble. be, or how many we will play un- exciting time for us.”

OPINION We are behind Australia and England in fitness, but not skill: Harmanpreet

IANS “But now girls have understood these teams because our domestic start these things late,” Kaur told batter said she is not thinking too New Delhi their responsibility towards being set-up is not as good as it should be. The Week. much about pressure and also cap- fit. Earlier there used to be a huge Now the players are getting more “For the last three years the girls taincy. difference between a domestic aware about being fit and following have been working hard on fitness. “From the outside it may look like ndia’s T20I captain Harman- player and what is expected at the the right daily routines,” Kaur said. It does not improve overnight, we that, but personally I have never felt preet Kaur has said India’s do- international level. But now some “The things we have grasped in the need to work on it for longer dura- so,” she said when questioned on mestic structure is “five-six 30 girls are given individual pro- last two-three years, England and tions. Earlier, we would come close the captaincy. Iyears behind” Australia and gramme by the BCCI. Australia have been doing from long to these teams and lose, but now we “I really enjoy this part. I feel England, adding that skill wise they “So when one of them is picked before.” are winning matches against them. more involved. The captaincy are at par with them. for India, she is not clueless about Kaur said it is more about fitness Skill-wise we are better batters keeps me alert all the time. Earlier, India lost to Australia in the T20 what is expected of her. As we keep and not skills that separate them and bowlers than these two I used to think about my perform- World Cup final by 85 runs last improving our domestic level, the from Australia or England. countries.” ance alone. Captaincy has made month. “Definitely we are five-six performances at the international “Just the fitness. In these two Kaur’s form was poor throughout me a better person. (Now) I cannot years behind them in these aspects,” level will improve. That is why I countries fitness is part of their the World Cup campaign in Aus- think only about myself, but (have Kaur told Mumbai Mirror. said we are five-six years behind culture. Unfortunately, in India we tralia. But the 31-year old dashing to think) of other things, too.” India’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Gulf Times Thursday, April 2, 2020 3 SPORT

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Kapas among nine Hungarian swimmers Silverstone holding infected with virus out until end of April Formula One’s season has yet to start, with two races cancelled on British GP and six more postponed so far

Reuters Olympic hopefuls had been Budapest, Hungary attending training camps in warm climates over the past few months. The association utterfly world cham- said everyone was quarantined pion Boglarka Kapas upon their return to Hungary is among nine swim- and did not take part in any Bmers on the Hungar- joint training sessions. ian national team to have tested “I feel fine,” the 26-year-old positive for coronavirus, the Kapas, who won the 200m but- country’s swimming associa- terfly world title in 2019, said in tion said in a statement late on a video posted on Instagram. Tuesday. “This does not change my Dominik Kozma, who won routine, as I have been at home a bronze in the 4x100m free- anyway, going out for some style relay at the 2017 worlds, fresh air to my garden at most... has also tested positive for the Even if you feel fine you should fast-spreading virus that has be extra careful and stay home brought global sport to a virtual if you can in case you carry the standstill and led to the one- virus.” year postponement of the 2020 Kozma said his second test Tokyo Olympics. was positive after a negative “We tested everyone on the first test. national swim team roster, as “I took it with mixed feel- well as the staff working with ings,” he told state television. the team, trainers, masseurs,” “I’m not saying I’m not scared the Hungarian Swimming As- of this. I worry about my wife.” sociation said in a statement. So far 525 people have test- “Results keep coming in and ed positive for coronavirus in as of Tuesday night nine were Hungary, while 20 people have positive.” died.

TENNIS US Open still set for August 31 start The Silverstone Circuit during the British Grand Prix in 2019. (Reuters) AFP turning tennis courts into a Reuters and the authorities asking eve- available. New York hospital zone and the Louis London ryone to stay at home except for Formula One has said it hopes Armstrong Stadium into a essential travel. Formula One’s to resume racing in the Europe- Italian MotoGP rider Iannone meal assembly area for pa- season has yet to start, with two an summer and is working on a gets 18-month doping ban S Open organisers tients, volunteers and area ritish Grand Prix organ- races cancelled and six more reduced and rejigged calendar of still plan to host the schoolkids. isers have set an end of postponed so far. 15-18 grands prix that could run Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Sport Italia. Grand Slam event The USTA is following the April deadline to decide “Silverstone and Formula One into January if necessary. Iannone has been banned “But it could have been worse, starting August 31 advice of health experts in for 18 months after testing now we will immediately resort U whether the country’s remain in close dialogue regard- The British and Italian Grands in New York, the US Tennis making its next moves. B positive for anabolic steroids, to CAS to try to get back in the Formula One race goes ahead ing the ongoing situation and Prix are the only ones to have Association said yesterday in “We also rely on the USTA’s as scheduled in July or becomes are assessing the feasibility of been held in every year since the the international motorcycling saddle as soon as possible.” the wake of Wimbledon being medical advisory group as another casualty of the corona- holding the British Grand Prix world championship started in federation (FIM) announced Iannone was disqualified from cancelled. well as governmental and se- virus. on 17th-19th July,” Silverstone 1950, with Silverstone hosting yesterday. the final two rounds of the Even as indoor courts at curity officials to ensure that The race, a highlight of a Brit- said yesterday. the first. Iannone, 30, tested positive 2019 season in Malaysia and the National Tennis centre we have the broadest under- ish sporting summer that looks “We fully appreciate that Monaco, a glamorous fixture in a urine sample collected at Valencia, but remained 16th in were being used as a make- standing of this fluid situa- likely to be wiped out by the other UK sporting events in July since 1955, has already been an in-competition test at the the standings on 43 points, as shift coronavirus hospital tion,” the USTA said. pandemic, has been the best at- have taken decisions regard- cancelled for this year however. Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang he failed to finish both races. facility, the US Tennis Asso- “In all instances, all deci- tended on the F1 calendar in re- ing their events,” the statement Italy’s race at Monza is sched- on November 3. “The sentence leaves us baffled ciation said it will monitor the sions made by the USTA re- cent seasons with a total crowd continued. uled for September. An FIM disciplinary hearing by the punishment imposed on pandemic and alter plans as garding the US Open will be of 351,000 last year. “But it is important to high- The Goodwood Festival imposed a ban from December Andrea but also very satisfied,” needed. made with the health and The Sunday turnout at the light that their logistics and of Speed — which attracts a 17, 2019 to June 16, 2021. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo “At this time, the USTA still well-being of our players, fans former World War Two airfield sporting arrangements differ 200,000-strong crowd over the Iannone’s team Aprilia said Rivola said in a statement. plans to host the US Open as and all others involved in the in central England was 141,000 from Silverstone’s and, there- weekend before Silverstone — they would be appealing to “The judges recognised scheduled, and we continue to tournament.” in 2019, with the race close to fore, our timeline gives us until has been postponed. the Court of Arbitration for Andrea’s total good faith in hone plans to stage the tour- The US Open is now the next home for seven of the sport’s 10 the end of April to make a final The Euro 2020 soccer cham- Sport (CAS) as the FIM had confirming the thesis of food nament,” the USTA said in a tournament on the schedule teams including six times world decision.” pionship, whose July 12 final recognised the possibility of contamination. statement. from August 31-September champion Lewis Hamilton’s Silverstone said the safety of would have been at London’s food contamination. “We want Andrea riding his “The USTA is carefully 13 on the Flushing Meadows Mercedes. all involved remained a priority. Wembley Stadium, has been “On the one hand they Aprilia RS-GP, we will be at his monitoring the rapidly chang- hardcourts, with the French Britain’s Hamilton won at Sil- The circuit is owned by the postponed to 2021. recognise my innocence, side until the end and we will ing environment surrounding Open having been postponed verstone last year for a record British Racing Drivers’ Club and The June 29-July 12 Wimble- because they speak of support him in his appeal.” the COVID-19 pandemic, and to a September 20 start on the sixth time. requires some temporary infra- don tennis championships are involuntary contamination, Iannone joined Aprilia last is preparing for all contingen- red clay in Paris. Britain has strict social dis- structure, although less than also expected to become a casu- but we lost because I was season following two years cies.” Wimbledon’s grass courts tancing measures in place at in the past, which depends on alty of the virus, with a decision sentenced,” Iannone told Sky with Suzuki. AFP New York remains the made any notion of postpone- present, with all sport on hold workers and contractors being imminent. hardest-hit area in America, ment a difficult one.

CYCLING Secrecy and suspense over Tour de ’s fate AFP CANCELLATION Ineos star Thomas says the is impossible to say, but August Paris This seems be the least likely uncertainty is demotivating. would be a fairly popular deci- scenario. Keeping the Tour on “If you knew that the Tour de sion. track is the key to cycling’s eco- Suisse (in June) was going to be ess than three months nomic well-being. Unless the your next race, you could just THE ORIGINAL PLAN before the Tour de lockdown continues well into the work towards that and devise a There appears to be solid support France’s scheduled summer, it would be hard to im- training programme. But at the for sticking to the original dates, Lstart, the possibility of agine the Tour being cancelled. moment it’s all up in the air,” he even if riders show up below top cycling’s greatest show tak- “The Tour represents around said. form. ing place remains shrouded in 60 % of earnings in a season,” The International Cycling After Euro 2020 and the Tokyo doubt, while the organisers have French team AG2R boss Vincent Union held a video conference Games were postponed, the Tour thrown up a wall of silence. Lavenu said. meeting on the matter last Fri- is one of the year’s last sporting The highlight of the French The 2018 champion Geraint day. landmarks left standing. sporting calendar is due to em- Thomas agrees, telling the Daily The postponement of the To- Running the Tour without bark from Nice on June 27 and Telegraph this week he feared for kyo Olympics was a huge relief fans, as French sports minister end on the Champs-Elysees in people’s jobs if the Tour was can- for cycling, as it clears the whole Roxana Maracineanu has sug- Paris on July 19. celled. autumn period for rescheduled gested is possible, would be fine But with France entering its events. Add in the postponement for those watching on television. third week of coronavirus lock- POSTPONEMENT of the Giro d’Italia in May, and it But it would be financially dam- down and more than 3,000 Unless the health crisis takes a means everyone will want to be aging for the economies of the deaths in the country, organis- turn for the better in the weeks at the Tour. small towns banking on it. ASO ers ASO are refusing to comment to come, a postponement is in- “If the Tour de France does go want the fans there. on their plans, other than to say creasingly likely. ahead in full, it’ll be the best field “It’s too early to tell if it’s pos- they will act in the best interests Most of the potential com- ever,” said Matt White of Aus- sible but it would be a great sign of the general public. “There will petitors are in lockdown and un- tralian team Mitchelton-Scott. if the Tour went ahead on sched- be a huge hunger for sports when able to train normally, and would “With the Olympics off the ule,” top French rider Romain this is over,” ASO chief Christian clearly prefer to be in full training cards, it does leave a window for Bardet said. Prudhomme said in early March. before taking on the gruelling later in July and even early Au- Julian Alaphilippe, France’s With the cycling world desper- Tour. Unlike all other races, al- gust,” White added. hero of the 2019 Tour after wear- ate to keep the 2020 Tour alive, most every contender likes to ar- Given there is little visibil- ing the leader’s jersey for 14 days, AFP looks at three potential out- rive at the Tour in peak form, and ity on the potential length of the isn’t so sure he would want a race In this file photo taken on July 25, 2015, spectators waiting for riders along the road during the twentieth comes: that requires intensive training. lockdown from the authorities, it without fans at the roadside. stage of the 102nd edition of the Tour de France. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 2, 2020 SPORT

GOLF Curtis Cup rescheduled from June to 2021 AFP “But based on a number of New York factors, including guidance Ryder Cup should go ahead on time, says from the CDC (US Centers Europe’s Harrington In this file photo taken on June 7, 2014, for Disease Control) and re- Georgia Hall of Great Britain in action he 41st Curtis Cup, strictions on international Europe captain Padraig Harrington because the merit of getting out during the 38th Curtis Cup at the St. a biennial women’s travel, we’re confident this says it would be better to stage the there and showcasing our sport far Louis Country Club in Missouri. (AFP) amateur golf show- is what’s best.” Ryder Cup on schedule this Septem- outweighs a perfect qualifying sys- down between US Both the USGA and R&A ber with a shortened qualification tem,” the Irishman told the Daily Mail. T period than postpone the biennial “It wouldn’t worry me if we were the and British and Irish teams have major men’s champi- set for June 12-14 in Wales, onships still on the summer showpiece. first tournament back and I had to go has been postponed until schedule, with the US Open The coronavirus pandemic has with 12 picks with no qualifying. 2021. set for Winged Foot near already forced the postponement of “In many ways it would be perfect if The US Golf Association New York on June 18-21 and the first two majors of the year, the the Ryder Cup was the first tourna- (USGA) and the R&A, golf’s the British Open from July Masters and the US PGA Champion- ment back. Just 12 guys from Europe world governing bodies, an- 16-19 at Royal St George’s. ship. and 12 guys from America, with no nounced yesterday that the A formal selection process Paul Casey, a member of the winning prize money at stake and competing match, the first to be staged for the eight-woman teams Europe team in France in 2018, has just for the glory. in Wales since 1980, would would have taken place this called for the tournament to be put “Wouldn’t that be a nice way for the be moved to next year at month. back 12 months. sport to start back?” Conwy Golf Club due to the The Americans lead the Three-time major winner Harrington The Ryder Cup is scheduled to take coronavirus pandemic. all-time rivalry 29-8 with is set to skipper Europe at Whistling place at Whistling Straits on the “The decision to postpone three drawn. They won Straits in the and would shores of Lake Michigan from Sep- this year’s Curtis Cup match the most recent matchup rather the event took place this year, tember 25 to 27. did not come lightly,” USGA on home soil in 2018 but even if it means changing the qualifi- The event was postponed by 12 senior managing director of haven’t taken the trophy in cation criteria. months in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks championships John Boden- Europe since 2008 at St An- “We’re playing on, if at all possible, on the United States. hamer said. drews.

FOCUS REPORT Las Vegas could get 16 NBA players to NFL draft in 2022 take part in ‘NBA 2K’ The tournament will run from tomorrow to April 11 and be tournament televised on ESPN and ESPN2

Reuters tion and Visitors Authority) Los Angeles out there. But that is some- thing we are considering, for sure. he coronavirus pan- “We want to thank our tre- demic wiped out the mendous partners in Las Ve- NFL’s plans to host gas, the state of Nevada, the Tthis year’s draft in Las Las Vegas Raiders and all of our Vegas, but the event might partners and fans who would head to Sin City in 2022. have been part of an amazing Next year’s draft will be held public draft in Las Vegas. As in Cleveland, and the 2023 we have said previously, we draft is scheduled for Kansas are focused with them now City, but the NFL has yet to on identifying a future draft pick a 2022 venue. to do fully and properly in Las The 2020 draft, to be held Vegas.” April 23-25, will be run re- Raiders owner Mark Davis motely out of a television stu- was pleased by O’Reilly’s com- dio. All team representatives ments. will be in their home markets, “At some point in time Las and potential draftees will be Vegas is going to be able to take made available via televised advantage of being Las Vegas connections. and what we have to offer here, The original plans for the so we’d be beyond excited for Las Vegas draft called for a that opportunity,” Davis told three-day fanfest outside the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Caesars Forum, plus a red- “It’s just unfortunate how eve- carpet stage above the foun- rything was lined up for this tains at the Bellagio Hotel, to be the kickoff to the inau- with draftees taking ferries to gural season of the Raiders in TV interviews. Las Vegas, and it just made so Those plans might be resur- much sense and we were all so rected in two years, according excited about it, everyone from to NFL vice president Peter the governor down to the city O’Reilly. managers and everyone else. “(The draft in) 2022 is an “And everyone put a lot of option for Las Vegas,” O’Reilly time and effort into making it said Tuesday on a conference an event that would be second call. “We need some time to to none, here in Las Vegas. We work through that with Las were all looking forward to it, Vegas, with the Raiders and and it was just going to be so with the (Las Vegas Conven- exciting.”

SPOTLIGHT Titans add pass rushers File photo of Kevin Durant (right) of the Golden State Warriors and Patrick Beverley of the LA Clippers in action during a regular NBA match at Staples Center. (TNS)

Reuters to work with 2K and the NBA to bring Blazers (87) Beasley and Crawford Los Angeles this experience to life for the entire 4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz (87) All Lakers players free of NBA community.” The players are 5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (86) Covid-19 symptoms Reuters while appearing in 16 games seeded No. 1 to No. 16, with seeding 6. Andre Drummond, Cleveland Cava- Los Angeles and making 15 starts. he NBA is the latest profes- based on their player ratings in NBA liers (85) Two weeks after news broke that a pair of He was picked No. 8 overall sional sports league to turn 2K20. Each player will select eight 7. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls (85) Los Angeles Lakers players tested positive by the Falcons in the 2015 NFL to e-sports in the absence of current NBA teams from which they 8. Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers (85) for Covid-19, the team revealed Tuesday that he Tennessee Titans Draft out of Clemson. Beasley real events, as the league, the will choose their team each round. 9. Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers (85) all players are symptom-free after a complet- officially added Vic posted five sacks in both 2017 T 10. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (85) ing a 14-day period of home isolation. players association and 2K Sports an- Each player can use a team only once, Beasley on Tuesday, and 2018 after registering a ca- nounced Tuesday the formation of a and if two opponents select the same 11. DeMarcus Cousins (81) “All Lakers players are currently symptom- and they reportedly reer-high 15.5 sacks and earn- 12. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (81) free of Covid-19. The team will continue to T players-only NBA 2K20 tournament team, the away team gets first choice signed another former At- ing first-team All-Pro honours to benefit charity. of team. 13. Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards follow the health and safety guidelines set lanta Falcons edge rusher, Jack in 2016. The NBA 2K Players Tournament Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets (79) by government officials, the Lakers and the Crawford, as well. Crawford, 31, spent the past will feature 16 current NBA players in is the No. 1 seed, and he selected the 14. Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers (78) NBA,” the team announced. Beasley’s contract was an- three seasons with the Falcons a bracket-style tournament that will Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas 15. Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings On March 19, two Lakers players reportedly nounced by the team. Terms after stints with the Oakland run from tomorrow to April 11 and be Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, (78) tested positive for the virus, though their weren’t revealed, but multi- Raiders (2012-13) and Dallas televised on ESPN and ESPN2. Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clip- 16. Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat (78) identities were never made public. The team ple media outlets reported on Cowboys (2014-16). He played The first two rounds will be single pers, Oklahoma City Thunder and originally got its players tested after four March 17 that Beasley landed a every game last season and elimination while the semis and finals Utah Jazz as his eight teams. He will SCHEDULE players on the Brooklyn Nets tested positive. one-year, $12 million deal with made four starts while amass- will be best-of-three games. face 16th-seeded Derrick Jones Jr. Round 1 The Lakers played the Nets on March 10. The $9.5 million guaranteed. ing 24 tackles, a half-sack, five The winner will receive $100,000, of the Miami Heat at 7:30pm ET on Friday next day, the NBA announced it was suspend- Agent David Canter an- quarterback hits and a career- which will be donated to a charity of Friday. Jones has selected the Boston 7:30-8:30pm ET (ESPN): Derrick Jones ing games indefinitely. nounced Crawford’s deal on high three passes defensed. his choice to support ongoing Cov- Celtics, the Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Jr. (16) vs. Kevin Durant (1) ESPN reported that 14 of the 17 players on the Twitter, but again, terms were In 2018, Crawford notched id-19 relief efforts. Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami 8:30-11:30pm ET (ESPN2): Games TBA Lakers’ roster (including those on two-way not announced. a career-best six sacks and “This tournament offers a unique Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadel- Sunday, April 5 contracts) were tested, and that the tests Beasley, 27, recorded 37.5 made the only interception of opportunity for our players to com- phia 76ers as his teams. Noon-4pm ET (ESPN2): Games TBA did not require the players to get out of their sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 11 his career. Overall, he has 137 pete with one another while also Quarter-finals vehicles. forced fumbles, 156 tackles tackles, 16 sacks, 21 tackles for supporting their philanthropic ef- TOURNAMENT SEEDINGS (with NBA April 7 ESPN also reported earlier in the day that and two touchdowns in 78 loss and two forced fumbles in forts and engaging with their fans,” 2K20 rank in parentheses): 7pm ET (ESPN2) the NBA and players union are discussing games (60 starts) over five 93 games (27 starts). Josh Goodstadt, a representative of 1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets (96) Semi-finals and finals plans for withholding player pay should any seasons with the Falcons. Last Oakland selected Crawford the players union’s commercial arm, 2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks (90) April 11 regular-season games be cancelled. season, he had eight sacks, 42 in the fifth round of the 2012 said in a statement. “We are excited 3. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Times TBA (ESPN). tackles and two forced fumbles draft out of Penn State.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS UEFA suspends De Bruyne vows to play two extra years after lockdown Champions AFP London League, Europa League until anchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has further notice vowed to play for an extra Mtwo years at the end of his Reuters career to make up for the time lost due London to the coronavirus. The Premier League is postponed until at least April 30 be- cause of the pandemic and is likely to be EFA bowed to the in- delayed even longer when the English evitable yesterday and game’s stakeholders meet tomorrow. suspended all Champi- De Bruyne has not played since Uons League and Europa March 1 because of the health crisis and League matches “until further the miserable experience has under- notice” due to the coronavirus lined to the Belgian star just how much pandemic. European governing he loves the game. The 28-year-old’s body also said all national team desire to prolong his career comes af- games scheduled for June have ter he enjoyed a superb personal season been postponed, including play- with City after missing most of their off matches for Euro 2020, which treble-winning campaign last term due has been moved to 2021. to injury. “I told my wife I’m going to The finals of Europe’s elite play a little longer,” De Bruyne said in Champions League competition, an Instagram Live video Q&A with Bel- second-tier Europa League and gium teammates Romelu Lukaku and Women’s Champions League, Axel Witsel. all of which were scheduled for “After this lockdown, I cannot stay May, had already been post- at home. I told her I’m going to take two poned. While most leagues in years more. It’s time to play football Europe hope to finish their do- again. I miss it and it’s difficult. But we mestic seasons once restrictions are not important, football is not im- on movement and social contact portant. People love football, but you are lifted, UEFA president Ale- need to stay safe.” ksander Ceferin said last week De Bruyne revealed his family, in- the season could be lost if play cluding his two children, had been ill does not start by the end of June. during the virus lockdown, but he said Video conference call of they are better now. “I’ve been at home UEFA’s 55 member associations now for two weeks,” he said. included discussion on the cri- “At the beginning, my family and my sis and what options might face kids were a little bit sick so that was a the game in the coming weeks. little bit worrying but they are alright A source said while no decisions now. It took eight or nine days, we don’t were taken, given the lack of cer- know, but now they are better luckily as tainty over the time frame for you never know what is going to hap- the pandemic the understanding pen. People ask why I’m not in Belgium. was that the longer the delay, the It’s because I’m self-isolating in Eng- more the priority would fall on land. I live here so I’m here with my kids completing domestic seasons. and wife.” their fitness work. every day now.” the second time in three years, having year deal in 2018. One possibility on the table De Bruyne and the rest of the City De Bruyne has had a treadmill de- The 28-year-old was closing on the clinched it in 2018 by setting up Gabriel City were second in the league stand- at UEFA, in case of a long delay squad have been keeping in touch livered to his house to ensure he stays Premier League assists record, standing Jesus’ late winner at Southampton on ings and leading Real Madrid 2-1 after into the summer, is to complete through WhatsApp and video calls dur- in shape until football can resume. four behind Thierry Henry’s high of 20. the final day of the season. De Bruyne the first leg of their Champions League the European club competitions ing lockdown while Pep Guardiola and “I don’t want a bike,” he added. “I’m He is also on course to win the league’s is contracted to City until the summer last-16 tie before the season was sus- with a mini-tournament, such his coaching staff have been monitoring swimming every day. Running almost own Playmaker of the Year award for of 2023 after signing a blockbuster five- pended. as a ‘final four’.

BACKLASH DEMISE Tributes paid to Premier League accused ex-Marseille of ‘moral vacuum’ as president Diouf

AFP Marseille clubs cut staff wages ributes poured yester- day for former Marseille ‘This exposes the crazy economics in English football and moral vacuum at its centre’ president Pape Diouf, Twho has died aged 68 after contracting the coronavi- AFP German giants Bayern Munich accepted a rus. Diouf, who became the first London 20% pay cut. ever black president of a top Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe European football club, died on became the most prominent Premier Tuesday in Dakar, his family said. remier League clubs have been League figure so far to take what the The former journalist and foot- accused of living in a “moral vac- Cherries described as a “significant” pay ball agent led the club between handling some of Africa’s top uum”, with players urged to take cut yesterday. Howe, 42, agreed to take a 2005-2009 and helped build the talent including Didier Drogba, Ptheir share of the financial hit “significant” cut to his reported £4 mil- side that lifted the Ligue 1 title in who enthralled Marseille’s Stade from the coronavirus pandemic as non- lion-per-year ($4.9mn) contract to help 2010. “He was a man of convic- Velodrome in 2003-04. He was playing staff begin to feel the pinch. offset the financial damage caused by the tion, a man of wit and passion for brought on to the club’s pay- Last year’s Champions League finalists pandemic. Players can argue the spotlight the game and all those involved roll as general manager in 2004 Tottenham as well as Newcastle and Nor- is being unfairly shone on them to foot in it,” said French World Cup- and a year later rose to become wich have faced a backlash for using the the bill rather than the billionaire owners winning national coach Didier president, “a difficult post, where British government’s furlough scheme, of clubs. “I think the football industry is Deschamps, who was recruited there were very few men from di- which will guarantee 80% of employees’ being used a lightning rod by politicians,” as Marseille coach by Diouf in verse backgrounds,” said Jacques- income up to a maximum of £2,500 a football finance expert Kieran Maguire 2009. “His sudden and brutal Henri Eyraud, the club’s current month. “It sticks in the throat,” said law- said. passing saddens me deeply.” president. “But he fought tooth maker Julian Knight, who chairs the Com- “The same criticisms are not being Diouf was hospitalised in Sen- and nail, and won the hearts of mons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport made of the banking industry, not being egal after contracting the virus thousands of supporters.” Committee, referring to the use of public made of hedge fund managers, they are there and became the country’s Diouf was acutely aware of the funds to prop up wage bills. “This exposes not being made of lawyers who charge first Covid-19 fatality. He had lack of diversity in the board- the crazy economics in English football £10,000 a day, accountants, or off-shore been due to leave for Nice ear- rooms of European clubs, tell- and the moral vacuum at its centre.” funds which avoid paying tax.” lier on Tuesday to be treated in ing an interviewer in 2008 that That £2,500 sum would be a drop in According to the Sunday Times rich list, France, but a sharp deterioration it was painful to him that he was the ocean for many Premier League stars, Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, who resides in his health — which saw him the only black president of a Eu- yet there has so far been no agreement on in the Bahamas, saw his wealth surge to placed on a respirator — prevent- ropean club. “I am the only black wage cuts or deferrals for players, unlike £4.4bn last year. “Joe Lewis himself is ed him from boarding the plane. president of a European club. It’s the situation at other top European clubs Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe became the most prominent Premier League worth over £4bn and we are having a go Moving to Marseille from Sen- a painful observation” but one such as Juventus and Barcelona. figure so far to take what the Cherries described as a “significant” pay cut. (Reuters) at Harry Kane who is a guy with a career egal aged 18, he was set to follow that “fits the image of a Euro- Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said that is going to end at 35,” added Maguire. in the footsteps of his father, a pean society, especially French he hoped discussions between the Pre- two months. On Tuesday he announced en a 70% pay cut during Spain’s state Players do not want to be the fall guys in World War II veteran, by em- society, that excludes ethnic mi- mier League and players’ and managers’ a 20% cut for 550 non-playing staff on of emergency and will make additional a crisis only for clubs to behave irrespon- barking on a career in the mili- norities,” he said. representatives would “result in players the same day it was revealed he was paid contributions to ensure other employees sibly when their income returns. “It’s tary. But he soon switched paths. Nevertheless fans at the Velo- and coaches doing their bit for the foot- £7mn last season, including a £3mn bo- receive full wages. The squad of Italian ridiculous to have clubs deferring their After dropping out of university drome embraced the ever popu- ball eco-system”. nus for the completion of the club’s new champions Juventus, including Cristiano obligations to players and then making he worked at the La Marseillaise lar figure who was eventually Levy is in the firing line himself despite stadium, which ran well over time and Ronaldo, have agreed to have their wages big-money transfer signings,” said PFA newspaper before changing ca- forced out by internal differences taking a 20% cut in salary for the next budget. Players at Barcelona have tak- stopped for four months while players at chief executive Gordon Taylor. reers to become a football agent, in the boardroom in 2009.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN, HOFFENHEIM PLAYERS AGREE PAY CUT AMID VIRUS PANDEMIC Berlin: Bayer Leverkusen players, staff reached an agreement. The two clubs their players. England’s Premier League deaths in the country, according to taking part while the festival included Serie A, like football leagues around and management unanimously agreed join several others in the Bundesliga to clubs are under mounting pressure to latest figures. La Liga said the concert, performances from a number of inter- the world, has been brought to a stand- to accept an unspecified pay cut as the have agreed pay cuts, including Borus- follow that example. which was broadcast on more than 100 national artists, including Alejandro still and there is no indication of when Bundesliga remains suspended amid sia Moenchengladbach and Schalke 04. platforms simultaneously, commanded Sanz, Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Morat and it may be able to start again, although the coronavirus pandemic. Bundesliga Play in the Bundesliga has been LA LIGA CONCERT RAISES MORE an audience from 182 different coun- Manuel Carrasco. the Italian federation says it wants to rivals Hoffenheim later followed suit, suspended since mid-March and the THAN A MILLION EUROS tries and connected more than 50mn finish the season. On Saturday, Italian with club bosses saying success for the German Football League (DFL) on Tues- La Liga’s online music festival on people online. CAGLIARI PRESIDENT SAYS STAFF champions Juventus said their players small club in recent years had created day extended the league suspension Saturday raised more than 1mn euros The 1,003,532 euros ($1.1mn) raised AGREE TO GO WITHOUT had agreed to accept reduced wages a cushion and it was now time to give until at least April 30. The DFL has also that will be used to buy medical equip- from donations will be used to buy 1,115 ONE MONTH’S WAGES from March to June to help the Turin something back. indicated that should play resume in ment for the fight against coronavirus, non-invasive ventilators, 1,435,000 The players and staff at Serie A team club through the crisis. Inter Milan were Hoffenheim are financially supported the coming weeks or months it would the Spanish football league said. The high-risk masks, 12,595 protective suits Cagliari have agreed to go without pay also reported by Italian media to be by billionaire major investor Dietmar likely be without spectators. funds will be put towards ventilators, and 500,000 protective gloves. for one month to help the Sardinian close to agreeing a wage cut with their Hopp. Leverkusen captain Lars Bender Other major clubs in Spain and Italy, protective suits, gloves and masks as Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, Bar- club get through the stoppage caused players. Some clubs such as Fiorentina said discussions had taken place in the including heavyweights Juventus and Spain continues to battle against the celona’s Gerard Pique and tennis star by the coronavirus outbreak, its presi- and Torino have already said they think last few weeks and on Tuesday they Barcelona, have also had pay cuts for virus that has caused more than 9,000 were among the athletes dent Tommaso Giulini has said. the season will have to be abandoned.