Olympic Flame on display near Fukushima nuclear power plant ThurSday, april 2, 2020 paGE 13

SC takes all necessary precautions to protect World Cup 2022 workers

QNA criteria for suspected cases fulfilling The SC will work with its con- Doha the requirement of MOPH for re- tractors to ensure workers that porting on a daily basis. This report- are currently on leave will be THE Supreme Committee for Deliv- To date we have no confirmed ing is taking place through unified able to report to duty once the ery & Legacy (SC) said on Wednes- cases on SC sites, but we are confidential software, the SystmOne airports reopen. day that it is taking all necessary pre- software, introduced by the SC in On 31 March 2020 the Ministry cautions for workers, in line with the monitoring all projects and will partnership with The Phoenix Part- of Administrative Development La- COVID-19 preventative measures act accordingly if any worker nership (TPP), which offers an inte- bor and Social Affairs (MoADLSA) and interim guidelines recommend- shows symptoms. The SC’s grated electronic records system for announced that workers in quaran- ed by the Ministry of Public Health clinics are reporting criteria for workers - a first of its kind in Qatar,” tine and isolation will be paid full (MoPH). suspected cases fulfilling the the SC said. salary without any deduction and The SC in a statement issued requirement of MOPH for The SC has a comprehensive it is mandatory for employers and said that the SC has utilised its exist- medical framework on all projects companies to follow the policies. ing network of medical clinics across reporting on a daily basis. and accommodations, including As much as QR3bn has been all sites and accommodations, and Supreme Committee dedicated nurses, doctors and clin- earmarked for the salaries of work- implemented awareness sessions ics. The SC’s Workers’ Welfare De- ers and rents of the employers which delivered on construction sites and partment has its own doctor who could be utilised through banks. accommodations to educate work- ers with chronic disease and those for consumption as well as those ing work sites and accommodation is responsible for coordinating the Under article 82 of the Qatari ers on the importance of prevention, above 55 years have been temporari- that should be prohibited (as these sites to determine which workers work of all healthcare professionals Labor Law, employees are entitled and taking workers’ temperatures ly demobilised from site due to them items make them more vulnerable are most at risk of contracting COV- connected to our projects. to sick leave with pay for each year twice daily, and the distribution of being more vulnerable to COVID-19. to COVID-19). The same has been ID-19. This assessment allows SC a “All COVID-19-related health- of service, unless within the first masks and sanitizers on SC projects. The SC is ensuring that they stay in circulated to all the caterers serving greater chance to control the virus care is provided free of charge three months of employment, and In case of shortage of masks, per- SC compliant accommodation and food on the SC sites. spreading to our workforce and Qa- by Hamad Medical Corporation provided the employee can provide sonal scarves used by workers were they continue to receive salaries. It developed a Task Specific In- tar’s wider population. (HMC). Treatment for any other a medical report issued by a compe- advised for use. It carried out inspections of ex- spection (TSI) checklist and con- The SC is screening workers medical condition is provided by tent physician approved by the em- The statement added that non- isting caterers’ kitchen facilities and ducted inspections across all the where applicable. All workers with HMC or provided by our contractors, ployer, it said. essential visitors to SC construction based on risk assessment, identi- SC construction site mess hall with upper respiratory tract symptoms as per the SC’s mandated Workers’ On the possibility of suspend- sites prohibited and isolation rooms fied caterers that either need to an objective to identify if all the re- are examined by our work site doc- Welfare Standards,” it stressed. As- ing work on SC projects if there is established on all SC sites and ac- upgrade their kitchen operations; quirements with respect to hygiene tors and nurses following the MoPH suming necessary flight restrictions a breakout of COVID-19 amongst commodations. Interim disinfection or be replaced with a caterer that is and sanitation are met. The SC is Visual Triage screening. Only sus- do not impact routes to the home SC worker, the SC said it will assess protocols have been implemented equipped with better facilities, so as currently evaluating the possibility pected cases are reported as per countries of workers, anyone can each situation on a case-by-case at site and accommodation medical to ensure in both cases that higher of relocating workers residing in a MoPH Reporting Guidelines. travel to their home countries in the basis and will take the necessary facilities. All healthcare profession- standards are in place to mitigate non-SC accommodation to a cen- “To date we have no confirmed case of an emergency, the SC said, measures to protect the health and als are following Ministry of Public against the COVID-19. tralized SC compliant and managed cases on SC sites, but we are moni- adding that any further changes to safety of all construction workers Health (MoPH) measures to control The SC consulted with in-house accommodation. toring all projects and will act ac- the State of Qatar’s evolving travel and direct staff, which may include COVID-19 outbreak. doctor to identify a list of food The SC carried out a risk assess- cordingly if any worker shows symp- policy will be strictly adhered to by temporary suspension of work as The SC pointed out that work- items that are both recommended ment across all SC projects includ- toms. The SC’s clinics are reporting the SC and its contractors. and when required. Federer ‘devastated’

AFP have been fortunate to go to LonDon Wimbledon every year since 1961 and I am certainly going FORMER champion Roger to miss it this year,” she said. Federer said he was “devas- “Right now, we need to tated” that Wimbledon has make sure we are taking good been cancelled for the first care of ourselves and our time since World War II be- loved ones. These are chal- cause of the coronavirus. lenging times for all of us and Wimbledon chiefs pulled now is the time for us to do the plug on the oldest what is right for our world and Grand Slam tournament on what works for our sport.” Wednesday in response to Two-time champion Pe- the continued chaos caused tra Kvitova summed up the by the pandemic. prevailing sentiment among Federer, who has won players as she said it would a record eight Wimbledon be hard to go a year without men’s singles titles, reacted visiting Wimbledon. with a single word, tweeting: “Definitely a tough one to “devastated.” take, with the announcement Serena Williams, a sev- of the cancellation of Wim- en-time Wimbledon wom- bledon this year,” she said. en’s singles champion, was “Not only is it a special also rocked by the news as tournament to me, but it’s the American tweeted: “I’m a tournament that has been Shooked (sic)”. part of history for so long Federer and Serena will that it will leave a big hole in be nearly 40 by the time of the calendar. wimbledon cancelled the 2021 championships. “I will miss playing on Wimbledon was due to the beautiful grass and wear- run for two weeks from June ing my whites, BUT of course 29, with Novak Djokovic and we know it will be back bet- Simona Halep set to defend ter than ever next year. And their singles titles. maybe we will all appreciate for first time since WW II But All England Club it even more! Stay safe and chiefs were left with no stay inside.” choice but to cancel the Coco Gauff, the teenager AFP Open, was still due to take place rounding the COVID-19 pan- grass-court event - which who dazzled with her surprise LonDon as planned. demic, and is preparing for was first staged in 1877 - due run to the last 16 year, tweet- All England Club chairman all contingencies.” to the continued health crisis ed: “I’m gonna miss playing WIMBLEDON organisers on Ian Hewitt said the decision across the world. in Wimbledon this year. Stay Wednesday scrapped the old- to cancel Wimbledon had not Becker plea American legend Billie- safe everyone, love you guys.” est Grand Slam tennis tourna- been taken lightly. Three-time Wimbledon Jean King, a six-time singles Kevin Anderson, beaten ment for the first time since “It has weighed heavily on champion Boris Becker on champion at Wimbledon, by Djokovic in the 2018 fi- World War II as the coronavi- our minds that the staging of Tuesday pleaded for tourna- said the cancellation was the nal, tweeted: “I’ve always rus wreaks further havoc on the The Championships has only ment chiefs to wait longer be- right decision. had so many great memories global sporting calendar. been interrupted previously by fore making a decision. at Wimbledon. The cancellation of the only world wars,” he said. But former women’s world ‘It’s a tough one’ “The grass season will grasscourt major at London’s “But, following thorough number one Amelie Maures- “I fully understand and definitely be missed but the All England Club leaves the sea- and extensive consideration of mo, the 2006 women’s champi- support the decision of the most important thing right son in disarray, with no tennis all scenarios, we believe that it on, said the 2020 season would committee and it is vital we now for us to focus on is that set to be played until mid-July. is a measure of this global cri- probably need to be scrapped. keep our focus on those most we’re all staying healthy and “Devastated,” tweeted sis that it is ultimately the right The cancellation of Wim- impacted by this pandemic. I safe at home.” eight-time champion Roger decision to cancel this year’s bledon could mean multiple Federer, while Serena Wil- Championships.” we know it will be back bet- The ATP and WTA have champions Federer, Serena liams, who has won the tour- Halep tweeted her disap- ter than ever next year. And also cancelled the grasscourt Williams and Venus Williams nament seven times, said she pointment. maybe we will all appreciate it swing in the build-up to the have played at the All England was shocked by the momen- “So sad to hear @Wimble- even more!” she tweeted. tournament, meaning the ten- Club for the final time. tous decision. don won’t take place this year,” The decision to cancel nis season will not now restart Federer and Serena will be Wimbledon was due to run she said. “Last year’s final will Wimbledon was widely expect- until July 13 at the earliest. nearly 40 by the time of the for two weeks from June 29, forever be one of the happiest ed, with the world struggling The US Tennis Association 2021 championships and Ve- with Novak Djokovic and Si- days of my life! But we are go- to contain the spread of COV- said it was sticking to its August nus will be 41. mona Halep set to defend their ing through something bigger ID-19, which has claimed more 31 to September 13 dates for the Serena, beaten in last year’s singles titles. than tennis and Wimbledon than 43,000 lives and infected US Open in New York. final by Halep, is stuck on 23 But tournament chiefs will be back! And it means I more than 860,000 people, ac- “At this time the USTA Grand Slam singles titles -- ag- bowed to the inevitable on have even longer to look for- cording to an AFP tally. still plans to host the US onisingly one away from equal- Wednesday, saying in a state- ward to defending my title.” Organisers had earlier Open as scheduled, and we ling Margaret Court’s record. ment that they had made the Two-time champion Petra ruled out playing the event continue to hone plans to The French Tennis Federa- decision with “great regret”. Kvitova said the cancellation behind closed doors while stage the tournament,” it said tion provoked widespread an- US tennis chiefs responded was tough to take. postponing it would also have in a statement. ger with its unilateral decision by saying the US Open, due to “I will miss playing on created its own problems, with “The USTA is careful- to move the French Open from finish a week before the con- the beautiful grass and wear- shorter days later in the Eng- ly monitoring the rapidly its original May 24 start date to troversially rearranged French ing my whites, BUT of course lish summer. changing environment sur- begin on September 20. Roger Federer 12 Thursday, April 2, 2020 Sports Sports icon’s death awakens Senegal to coronavirus threat for us,” Ndione said. that it was painful to him that Ex-Olympique Tributes have poured in for he was the only black president Marseille president Diouf from Senegalese digni- of a European club. taries, with President Macky “I am the only black presi- Diouf dies after Sall calling him an “eminence dent of a European club. It’s a contracting COVID-19 grise of football” and the singer painful observation” but one Youssou Ndour saying he was a that “fits the image of a Euro- AFP “formidable and multi-dimen- pean society, especially French DaKar sional man”. society, that excludes ethnic Diouf’s death has put a hu- minorities,” he said. SENEGAL is in mourning fol- man face on what has tended to Nevertheless fans at the lowing the death of one of its be a distant concern in Senegal. Velodrome embraced the ever foremost sporting icons from The former French colony popular figure who was eventu- coronavirus, as the govern- has recorded 190 coronavirus ally forced out by internal dif- ment struggles to impose infections to date, and as in oth- ferences in the boardroom in health restrictions in the West er poor African states, there are A banner displayed on the bridge of Cours Lieutaud in Marseille on 2009. African state. fears that the government is ill- Wednesday reads “rest in peace Pape” to pay tribute to Diouf. (AFP) “Pape will remain in the Former Olympique de Mar- equipped for a large outbreak. hearts of the Marseillais forev- seille president Pape Diouf died Last week, Sall announced leave for Nice earlier on Tues- Marseille’s Stade Velodrome in er, as one of the great architects late on Tuesday aged 68 in the a state of emergency in order day to be treated in France, 2003-04. in the club’s history,” Marseille capital Dakar after contracting to curb coronavirus, impos- but a sharp deterioration in his He was brought on to the said in a statement. COVID-19. ing a dusk-to-dawn curfew. He health -- which saw him placed club’s payroll as general man- In Ligue 1, his most bitter ri- The first ever black presi- has also banned large gather- on a respirator -- prevented ager in 2004 and a year later val was always Lyon chief Jean- dent of a top European football ings, mosque prayers and shut him from boarding the plane. rose to become president, “a Michel Aulas. The pair traded club, a one-time journalist, was schools. Moving to Marseille from difficult post, where there were barbs over the years but the bit- idolised in his native Senegal. But the government has A February 2014 photo shows former president of Marseille football club Senegal aged 18, he was set to very few men from diverse ter jibes veiled his respect for a Diouf was the first to die from struggled to enforce some of “l’olympique de Marseille” Pape Diouf. Diouf, 68, died after contracting the follow in the footsteps of his backgrounds,” said Jacques- “great president” said Aulas. coronavirus in the country. these measures, with police CoVID-19 disease, his familly announced on Tuesday. (AFP) father, a World War II veteran, Henri Eyraud, the club’s cur- “I had profound respect His death was a wake-up sometimes having to disperse by embarking on a career in the rent president. for him,” Aulas said. “He was call. crowds of worshippers. Adama Ndione, of the Mar- Cup-winning national coach military. But he soon switched a great president and very suc- Adama Ndione, vice presi- “Pape’s death raises aware- seille fan club, said people had Didier Deschamps, who was paths. Painful cessful one.” dent of an Olympique de Mar- ness through its strong reso- not wanted to believe in the recruited as Marseille coach After dropping out of uni- “But he fought tooth and “He knew football, the me- seille fan club in Senegal, said nance,” psychologist Serigne threat posed by coronavirus, by Diouf in 2009. “His sudden versity he worked at the La nail, and won the hearts of dia, the agents and the players,” he had “spilled a lot of tears” Mor Mbaye was quoted as say- but would now start to fear it. and brutal passing saddens me Marseillaise newspaper before thousands of supporters.” said Louis Acaries, adviser to over his hero’s death. ing in local media. “He was a man of convic- deeply.” changing careers to become a Diouf was acutely aware Marseille’s then owner Robert “He was a Senegalese, a “We saw him as omnipo- tion, a man of wit and passion Diouf was hospitalised in football agent, handling some of the lack of diversity in the Louis-Dreyfus. perfect example of success in tent, at an inaccessible level,” for the game and all those in- Senegal after contracting the of Africa’s top talent including boardrooms of European clubs, “But above all he was a everything he did, an example he added. volved in it,” said French World virus there. He had been due to Didier Drogba, who enthralled telling an interviewer in 2008 man. And a good man.”

News in Brief EPL accused of ‘moral vacuum’ as clubs cut staff wages

Secrecy and suspense over AFP on wage cuts or deferrals for four months while players at He said: “Highly paid foot- being made of hedge fund loNDoN players, unlike the situation at German giants Bayern Munich ball players are people who can managers, they are not being Tour de France’s fate other top European clubs such accepted a 20 percent pay cut. carry the greatest burden and made of lawyers who charge ENGLISH Premier League as Juventus and Barcelona. “Clearly, when players at they should be the first one £10,000 a day, accountants, parIS: less than three (EPL) clubs have been accused Tottenham chairman Dan- Barcelona, or Juventus volun- to, with respect, sacrifice their or off-shore funds which avoid months before the tour de of living in a “moral vacuum”, iel Levy said he hoped discus- tarily, or some German clubs salary, rather than the person paying tax.” France’s scheduled start, with players urged to take their sions between the Premier voluntarily enter into these selling the programme or the According to the Sunday the possibility of cycling’s share of the financial hit from League and players’ and man- agreements with their clubs, person who does catering.” Times rich list, Tottenham greatest show taking place the coronavirus pandemic as agers’ representatives would then good on them,” said FIF- However, players can ar- owner Joe Lewis, who resides remains shrouded in doubt, non-playing staff begin to feel “result in players and coaches Pro general secretary Jonas gue the spotlight is being un- in the Bahamas, saw his wealth while the organisers have the pinch. doing their bit for the football Baer-Hoffmann. fairly shone on them to foot surge to £4.4bn last year. thrown up a wall of silence. Last year’s Champions eco-system”. “Where the players have the bill rather than the billion- “Joe Lewis himself is worth the highlight of the League finalists Tottenham as Levy is in the firing line the means and they step for- aire owners of clubs. over £4bn and we are having a French sporting calendar is well as Newcastle and Norwich himself despite taking a 20 ward I think that shows very “I think the football indus- go at Harry Kane who is a guy due to embark from Nice have faced a backlash for using percent cut in salary for the much that they understand try is being used a lightning with a career that is going to on June 27 and end on the the British government’s fur- next two months. what is happening right now rod by politicians,” football end at 35,” added Maguire. Champs-elysees in paris on lough scheme, which will guar- On Tuesday he announced and frankly we will be seeing finance expert Players do not want to be July 19. Geraint Thomas believes it is antee 80 percent of employees’ a 20 percent cut for 550 non- more of that.” Kieran Maguire the fall guys in a crisis only for But with France entering crucial for cycing that the Tour income up to a maximum of playing staff on the same day told AFP. clubs to behave irresponsibly its third week of coronavirus de France goes ahead. £2,500 ($3,000) a month. it was revealed he was paid £7 Political football “The same when their income returns. lockdown and more than “It sticks in the throat,” million last season, including a Bournemouth manager criticisms are “It’s ridiculous to have 3,000 deaths in the country, and unable to train normally, said lawmaker Julian Knight, £3 million bonus for the com- Eddie Howe became the most not being made clubs deferring their obli- organisers aSo are refusing and would clearly prefer to who chairs the Commons Digi- pletion of the club’s new sta- prominent Premier League of the banking gations to players and then to comment on their plans, be in full training before tak- tal, Culture, Media and Sport dium, which ran well over time figure so far to take what the industry, making big-money transfer other than to say they will ing on the gruelling tour. Committee, referring to the and budget. Cherries described as a “signif- not signings,” said PFA chief act in the best interests of unlike all other races, use of public funds to prop up Players at Barcelona have icant” pay cut on Wednesday. executive Gordon the general public. almost every contender wage bills. taken a 70 percent pay cut dur- London Mayor Sadiq Khan Taylor. “there will be a huge likes to arrive at the tour in “This exposes the crazy ing Spain’s state of emergency told the BBC that top-flight Yet, transfers are hunger for sports when this peak form, and that requires economics in English football and will make additional con- players should take the hit. far from the minds is over,” aSo chief Christian intensive training. and the moral vacuum at its tributions to ensure other em- of most executives prudhomme said in early Ineos star thomas says centre.” ployees receive full wages. Tottenham chairman Daniel just trying to en- March. unless the health the uncertainty is demotivat- That £2,500 sum would be The squad of Italian cham- Levy’s £7 million salary last sure their clubs crisis takes a turn for the ing. a drop in the ocean for many pions Juventus, including Cris- season has been criticised after are still standing better in the weeks to come, “If the tour de France Premier League stars, yet there tiano Ronaldo, have agreed to non-playing staff were handed a in a few months’ a postponement is increas- does go ahead in full, it’ll has so far been no agreement have their wages stopped for 20 percent wage cut. (aFp) time. ingly likely. be the best field ever,” said Most of the potential Matt White of australian competitors are in lockdown team Mitchelton-Scott. (AFP)

uEFa postpones all international Coronavirus casts shadow over Everest matches scheduled for June AFP of good weather to set off a rush according to the World Travel PariS: ueFa have made a move towards clearing the decks KhuMjunG (nePaL) to the top. and Tourism Council. for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday Last year’s spring season Nepal, still recovering that all international matches that had been pushed back to THE Himalayan hilltown of saw a record 885 people sum- from a major 2015 earth- june have now been postponed until further notice. Khumjung should be bustling mit Everest, 644 from the Nepal quake, was hoping to attract a “this includes the play-off matches for ueFa euro 2020 ahead of Everest’s climbing side. But the coronavirus has record two million tourists in and qualifying matches for ueFa Women’s euro 2021,” said season, but the coronavirus left base camp deserted. 2020. Those ambitious plans european football’s governing body in a statement. has forced the shut down of Namche bazaar, the last now lay shattered. “all other ueFa competition matches, including the the world’s tallest mountain town before it, is also empty. But Everest region resi- centralised international friendly matches, remain postponed and threatened the livelihood The guides, porters, cooks dents agree with the govern- until further notice.” of the famed local Sherpas. and other support staff have ment’s decision. The risk of the decision followed a videoconference with europe’s While there are no report- had to walk down the slopes infection is real. The spring 55 member federations as part of discussions on how to ed cases in the town -- home home empty-handed. season sees hundreds of for- adapt the fixture calendar in the face of the ongoing corona- to many of the ethnic Sherpas Mount Everest and other peaks from Namche Bazaar, the last stop before “With the season cancelled, eign climbers and trekkers virus crisis. who dominate the industry base camp in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain Everest. (aFP) noone gets a job. From flights snake through their villages. At the play-off semi-finals and finals that are supposed to helping climbers -- the Hima- to shops to porters, there is base camp, climbers and Ne- decide the last four qualifying berths for the next european layas have been closed by the for all mountain expeditions Base camp ghost town no work. Everyone is head- pali support staff have to live in Championship were initially postponed at the end of March global shutdown of borders on March 12, effectively clos- “We don’t go to the moun- ing home,” said Pemba Galzen close quarters. and pencilled in provisionally for June. and air travel. ing its peaks. tains because we want to, it Sherpa, who has been to Ever- As the air thins, breathing that was “subject to a review of the situation” amid Phurba Nyamgal Sherpa -- That cost at least four mil- is our only option for work,” est’s summit 14 times. is already difficult at higher al- uncertainty over how the pandemic will develop and whether who has been climbing Ever- lion dollars in lost revenue Sherpa told AFP at his home in Damian Benegas, who has titude -- adding to the medical many european countries currently in lockdown will be able est and other mountains since from climbing permits. An Khumjung, where he lives with guided teams on Everest for risks if there is an outbreak of to return to some kind of normality. he was seventeen -- is now Everest permit alone costs his wife and a six-year-old son. nearly two decades, said the any kind. however, ueFa has also stated a determination to finish worried about his future, like $11,000. Son of a yak herder, Sherpa, porters and kitchen workers Renowned mountaineer all domestic and club competitions by June 30. hundreds of other guides and But Sherpa and other 31, has been to the top of Ever- who keep expeditions running Phurba Tashi Sherpa, who has While that currently looks ambitious at the very least, expedition workers. guides, who are often the sole est eight times and helped doz- will be the hardest-hit. climbed Everest 21 times, said clearing the international fixtures from the same month does Ropes and picks are still breadwinners for their fami- ens of climbers reach the sum- “Those people don’t have that coronavirus would wreak buy some more time as they aim to complete the Champions hung up in the Khumjung lies, say they face a more des- mit. any savings back-up or any con- havoc if it entered Himalayan league and europa league competitions as well as domes- houses with their green stone perate problem. “I think everyone is suffer- tracts that expedition organis- villages. tic leagues. roofs. Hostels and tea shops The Everest season from ing from the same problem,” he ers have to keep,” Benegas said. “It cost us our jobs, but it is Carrying the season on beyond that date runs the risk in the region used by trekkers early April to the end of May said. - Right decision -It is not the right decision,” he said. of clubs losing their out-of-contract players before matches and climbers acclimatising feeds his family for the whole Sherpa would normally just the Sherpas who are being “In Khumjung we have one have been completed, unless a solution can be found. for the start of the 8,848-me- year. now be at the Everest base hurt. Tourism contributes near- small hospital and not enough the impact of the pandemic on europe has already tre (29,029 feet) ascension Guides tend to earn be- camp, setting up as hundreds of ly eight percent of Nepal’s gross resources, imagine if people forced ueFa to put euro 2020 back 12 months. (AFP) are empty. tween $5,000 and $10,000 mountaineering glory seekers domestic product and accounts started getting sick here,” said Nepal suspended permits during the season. head there to wait for a window for more than one million jobs, the mountain veteran. Sports Thursday, April 2, 2020 13 18-month doping ban Beijing 2022 Olympics face ‘special situation’ after Tokyo delay on Italian OlyMpiC FlaME On diSplay nEar FuKuShiMa planT

MotoGP DPA from this July and august until July 23, 2021 led toKyo tokyo organisers to suspend the relay for now. rider Iannone at a handover ceremony, a message from the olympic Flame arrived near the crippled Fukushima Governor Masao uchibori was read AFP Fukushima nuclear power plant in north-eastern out: “I believe that the departure of the olympic MiLan Japan on Wednesday, a week after the Inter- Flame from the J-Village will send a strong mes- national olympic Committee (IoC) and Japan sage that we can overcome any hardship.” tokyo ITALIAN MotoGP rider agreed on the postponement of the tokyo organizers call it the “Flame of recovery” as Andrea Iannone has been Games amid the coronavirus crisis. Japan’s north-east has spent nine years on re- banned for 18 months af- tokyo olympic organisers said a caul- construction since it was devastated by a 2011 ter testing positive for dron with the flame will be on display from earthquake and ensuing tsunami. anabolic steroids, the in- AFP Winter Games beginning on thursday to the end of april at the J-Village foot- the natural disasters left about 18,400 ternational motorcycling fed- BeijinG February 4, 2022 there is the ball training centre near the Fukushima Daiichi dead or missing and also caused a triple melt- eration (FIM) announced on unusual challenge of almost Nuclear power Station, the site of Japan’s worst down at the Fukushima plant. Wednesday. BEIJING 2022 organisers said back-to-back Olympics. nuclear accident. the flame arrived in the prefecture of Miyagi Iannone, 30, tested posi- they face “a special situation” af- “The new dates of the To- tokyo organisers handed the flame to a on March 20 from Greece and, on the following tive in a urine sample collect- ter the postponement of the To- kyo Olympic and Paralympic Fukushima local government official at the cen- day, more than 55,000 people flocked to see ed at an in-competition test kyo 2020 Olympics means less Games mean we are faced with tre, where a torch relay was originally scheduled it at Sendai station despite concerns over the at the Malaysian MotoGP in than six months between the a special situation where the to begin on March 26. novel coronavirus, local newspaper Kahoku The Olympic Flame is displayed at the Sepang on November 3. Summer and Winter Games. Summer Games and Winter the postponement of the two-week Games Shimpo reported. J-Village National Training Centre. An FIM disciplinary The Tokyo Olympics are Games are to be held in half- hearing imposed a ban from now scheduled to run from a-year,” a Beijing 2022 official December 17, 2019 to June July 23 to August 8, 2021 af- told Xinhua news agency. “In the meantime, will situation properly and push says that its preparations spread of the disease. 16, 2021. ter they were put back a year “We will have a detailed keep close communication forward our preparation in all for 2022 are on schedule, Beijing will become the Iannone’s team Aprilia because of the coronavirus assessment of how the new with the IOC (International aspects.” despite much of the coun- first city to host both the Sum- said they would be appealing pandemic. dates of Tokyo 2020 will affect Olympic Committee) and the China, where the corona- try shutting down in Febru- mer and Winter Games, hav- to the Court of Arbitration for However, with the Beijing the Beijing 2022 Games. Olympic family to handle the virus emerged in December, ary in an effort to stop the ing held the 2008 Olympics. Sport (CAS) as the FIM had recognised the possibility of food contamination. “On the one hand they recognise my innocence, be- news cause they speak of involun- in brief tary contamination, but we aston Martin’s return lost because I was sentenced,” Iannone told Sky Sport Italia. indian cricketers face backlash for “But it could have been supporting pakistan virus fund worse, now we will immedi- ately resort to CAS to try to to Formula One in neW DeLhi: indian cricketers yuvraj Singh and harbhajan Singh get back in the saddle as soon have unleashed a social media storm by backing former Paki- as possible.” stan captain Shahid afridi’s foundation in its fight against the Iannone was disqualified coronavirus pandemic. from the final two rounds of the two countries are bitter rivals and the move touched a the 2019 season in Malaysia 2021 confirmed raw nerve in India. afridi’s appeal for donations to help people and Valencia, but remained affected by the deadly virus in pakistan has had overwhelming 16th in the standings on 43 support from leading cricketers. points, as he failed to finish AFP harbhajan urged people to contribute in a video message, both races. LonDon and called on other cricketers in the two countries to make “The sentence leaves us similar appeals. baffled by the punishment ASTON Martin shareholders “these are testing times, it’s time to look out for each imposed on Andrea but also have approved the British luxu- other,” yuvraj wrote on twitter in a call for funds. very satisfied,” Aprilia Racing ry carmaker’s return to Formu- While afridi thanked the two, Indian twitter users reacted CEO Massimo Rivola said in la One as a constructor in 2021, with fury at the support for a rival player who has been a vocal a statement. it was confirmed Wednesday in critic of India’s handling of the Kashmir dispute. “The judges recognised a deal that will see the Racing “Do you have any sense?” wrote one twitter user. “lost Andrea’s total good faith in Point team rebranded. respect” for harbhajan Singh, added another. “Sorry guys you confirming the thesis of food The announcement came lost it.” contamination. after a consortium led by Cana- World Cup-winning batsman yuvraj, who made a return from “We want Andrea riding dian billionaire Lawrence Stroll cancer before finally retiring last year, has also raised money to his Aprilia RS-GP, we will be injected £260 million ($322 fight coronavirus through his ‘youWeCan’ foundation. at his side until the end and million) of new capital into a India, which has been under a 21-day lockdown since March we will support him in his fundraising effort of £536 mil- 24, has so far confirmed more than 1,600 coronavirus cases appeal.” lion ($664 million). and 38 deaths. (AFP) Iannone joined Aprilia “On Monday 30th of March, last season following two the shareholders of Aston Mar- years with Suzuki. tin Lagonda approved a £536m Buttler to auction fundraising, underpinned by an Aston Martin officially confirmed about returning to Formula 1 racing in 2021. WC final shirt for injection of £260m of new capi- hospital appeal tal from Yew Tree Consortium 2018 when it was on the verge has been competing very suc- after the forthcoming season. - a group of investors led by of going bankrupt, has previ- cessfully in various classes of The British manufacturer loNDoN: england’s Jos Lawrence Stroll,” Racing Point ously made clear his desire to motorsport throughout its his- last entered an F1 works team Buttler is auctioning the said in a statement. take on the F1 front-runners. tory, but we now have an op- in 1960. shirt he wore in last year’s “As part of this investment “A brand with the pedigree portunity to create a works Aston Martin is cherished dramatic World Cup final Mr Stroll will become Executive and history of Aston Martin team in Formula One.” by Hollywood actors, global win in support of hospitals Chairman of Aston Martin and needs to be competing at the Plans to rebrand the Rac- sports stars and British royalty. treating the coronavirus. Aston Martin will create its own highest level of motorsport,” ing Point team were announced Fictional superspy James the 29-year-old wick- works F1 racing team.” Stroll said. in January when Stroll led a Bond’s carmaker of choice had etkeeper/batsman played Stroll’s son Lance current- “I think it’s the most excit- rescue deal for the struggling made its debut in 1964 film a key role in england’s ly drives for his Racing Point ing thing that’s happened in luxury carmaker. ‘Goldfinger’ and more recently thrilling defeat of New team alongside Mexico’s Sergio recent memory in Formula One Aston Martin has enjoyed featured in 2015’s ‘Spectre’. Zealand at lord’s in July, scoring a fifty, batting in the Super Perez. and it’s incredibly exciting for a title partnership agreement The brand features once over and then running out Martin Guptill off the very last ball of Stroll, who bought Rac- all stakeholders in the sport, es- with Red Bull Racing over the more in the latest instalment, the match. ing Point when it was formerly pecially the fans.” past four years, an arrange- “No Time to Die”, due out In a social media video posted on tuesday, the 29-year-old Andrea-Iannone known as Force India in August He added: “Aston Martin ment that will come to an end this year. said he would be posting the jersey, signed by all members of the World Cup-winning squad, on eBay. all proceeds will go to the royal Brompton and harefield hospitals’ charity. “as we all know, hospitals, doctors, nurses and the NhS are all doing quite an incredible job at the moment,” Buttler said. “and in the weeks and months to come they are going to England could field two cricket need our support even more. “last week, the royal Brompton and harefield hospitals’ teams at same time: Morgan charity launched an emergency appeal to provide lifesaving equipment for those two hospitals, specialising in lung and AFP adopt a similar approach. heart conditions in preparation for the CoVID-19 outbreak. loNDoN “Certainly from a players’ point of view, we “to help with their fundraising effort I’m going to be want to do as much as we can to try and keep donating this shirt, which is the shirt I wore in the World Cup WORLD Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan says things going,” Morgan said. final last year, signed by all the players who were members of he is open to England fielding two teams on the “If there’s an opportunity to play as much the squad.” (AFP) The FIBA has rescheduled the 2020 3x3 season. same day at separate venues if the coronavirus cricket as we can, I’d like to think every player outbreak leads to a compressed home interna- would be behind it. I certainly am. tional season. “But obviously times are still uncertain at ECB launches £61mn aid package for FIBA reschedules The England Test team, skippered by Joe the moment... Realistically we can’t think about English cricket Root, could face either West Indies or Pakistan, playing, when our first game will be, or how Doha 3x3 tournament who are both due to arrive for three-match se- many we will play until the situation is down- loNDoN: the england and Wales Cricket Board (eCB) an- ries, while Morgan’s white-ball side take on graded from a pandemic.” nounced on tuesday a £61 million ($76 million) aid package TRIBUNE NEWS NETWEORK uled. A new date will be an- Australia in 50-over and Twenty20 matches One consolation for Morgan during the out- in response to the “once in a generation” challenge of the MieS nounced at a later stage. scheduled in July. break is that the 33-year-old Dublin-born bats- coronavirus outbreak. The Manila and Chengdu “I see every option being viable during this man recently became a father after his wife Tara the 18 first-class counties and their boards, as well as the THE international of interna- Masters are now planned for extraordinary time,” said England limited-overs gave birth to a son, Leo. MCC, will immediately each receive a share of some £40m in tional basketball, FIBA, has re- August 15-16 and October 17- captain Morgan during a conference call on “My wife gave birth to our first child three their respective bank accounts on Wednesday, with a further scheduled its 3x3 calendar after 18, respectively. Wednesday. weeks ago so we have been preoccupied looking £20m available in interest free loans and grants. its Central Board meeting. All Regarding the two FIBA “Certainly I’ve never experienced anything after the baby,” said Morgan. “It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the biggest chal- the 2x3 tournaments in Doha, 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tour- like it and I don’t think anyone else “We’ve been isolated for a bit longer than any- lenge the eCB have faced in the history of the game, the Manila, Chengdu, Mexico City naments, the Central Board has. I think the serious nature one else, which is really nice. modern era certainly,” said eCB chief executive tom harrison and Utsunomiya Masters have announced FIBA will con- of the situation economically “We’ve been dealt a really good in a conference call. been rescheduled. tinue its discussions with the and financially for the game is hand when it comes to things that “We won’t know the full impact for a few months... We are The first five Masters in the IOC in order to find the best something that we have never are going on at the moment and trying to work around the clock to understand that impact and FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2020 sea- solution for the scheduling come across.” have been bunkered away for a take some short term steps to help counties and recreational son have been postponed to the of the remaining six Olympic All domestic cricket in Eng- while, and haven’t been under clubs to get through the immediate impact. second semester due to the cur- Qualifying Tournaments (two land has been postponed until May pressure to go off and play “preparing yourselves for something like this is incredibly rent situation with the corona- for 3x3 and four for men’s 28 at the earliest, with the West Indies se- cricket, which has been re- difficult, it is a once in a generation scenario.” virus (COVID-19) outbreak and basketball). ries still scheduled to start on June 4. ally nice. all domestic cricket in england has been postponed until at in order to protect the health FIBA will continue to moni- England and Wales Cricket Board chief “It’s been good fun least May 28, raising questions about whether a full campaign and safety of players, coaches, tor the COVID-19 situation on executive Tom Harrison, announcing a £61 mil- and a very exciting time featuring several competitions, including the new hundred officials and fans. a daily basis and evaluate the lion ($76 million) aid package on Monday, said for us.” tournament, as well as tours by West Indies, pakistan, australia The Doha, Mexico City and options for the lifting of the sus- touring international sides were being “very flex- and Ireland is possible as officials contemplate the nightmare Utsunomiya Masters will not pension of competitions when ible, innovative and massively understanding”, England skipper Eoin prospect of scrapping the season completely. (AFP) take place as originally sched- the situation allows for it. with Morgan indicating his teammates would Morgan.