NBA | Page 3 MOTORSPORT | Page 5 Lakers’ LeBron UK quarantine eager to get would make back to British GP impossible: F1

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 FOOTBALL Ramadan 27, 1441 AH QSL CEO reveals GULF TIMES plan to complete season SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL Six positive tests for Covid-19 at Premier League clubs ‘PLAYERS OR CLUB STAFF WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE WILL NOW SELF-ISOLATE FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS’

Agencies spread testing conducted by other London major leagues hoping to complete the season. Liverpool captain Jordan Hender- ix positive cases for coronavirus son was among those returning for the have been detected at three Pre- league leaders while Tottenham also mier League clubs after players saw some of their players come back. Sand staff were tested ahead of a Manchester United said their players return to training, England’s top flight would not return until Wednesday. said yesterday. ’s top two divisions regis- “The Premier League can today con- tered 10 positive cases out of 1,724 tests firm that, on Sunday 17 May and Mon- two weeks ago ahead of their return to day 18 May, 748 players and club staff action last weekend. were tested for Covid-19,” the league Five players from Spain’s top two di- said in a statement. visions tested positive last week before “Of these, six have tested positive La Liga’s return to group training. from three clubs.” Premier League clubs are aiming for No details were released over which a return to action by the middle of next individuals or clubs are affected. month, but face resistance from players “Players or club staff who have tested concerns over their welfare. positive will now self-isolate for a pe- Watford captain Troy Deeney has riod of seven days,” added the league’s said he will not return to training this statement. week due to fears he could pass the vi- rus on to his five-month-old son. I can’t get a haircut until “I can’t get a haircut until mid-July, mid-July, but I can go and get but I can go and get in a box with 19 in a box with 19 people and people and jump for a header,” said jump for a header. Deeney on the Talk The Talk podcast. ‘ “I don’t know how that works. No one — Troy Deeney, could answer the questions, not because Watford captain they didn’t want to, but because they don’t know the information.” Brighton have previously confirmed Newcastle left-back Danny Rose three positive cases among their squad claimed players were being treated like at different stages of the pandemic, “guinea pigs or lab rats”. while positive tests for Arsenal man- Rose’s manager Steve Bruce said the ager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger majority of his players are in favour of a Callum Hudson-Odoi played a major return to training and praised “meticu- role in the decision to suspend matches lous” planning on behalf of the Premier on March 13. League to make the environment as Premier League clubs began return- safe as possible. ing to training in small groups yester- However, Bruce has also questioned day after protocols on safety measures the limited preparation time players were signed off on Monday. could have between returning to con- The number of positive cases repre- tact training and competitive matches, sents just 0.8 percent of those tested warning his squad could “fall down like and is consistent with similar wide- a pack of cards” with injuries. Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker arrives at Melwood in Liverpool for a training session yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Ronaldo back training at Juve after 2 months AFP Turin, PSG chief al-Khelaifi all praise for Ronaldo Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi ristiano Ronaldo returned to train- has explained his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. ing with Juventus in Turin yesterday In an interview no doubt destined to spark a fresh after an absence of over two months round of transfer rumours, the PSG chief hailed because of the coronavirus pandemic. the Juventus forward’s “extraordinary strength of C character”. The 35-year-old arrived at the Juventus Training Centre in a Jeep with tinted win- Ronaldo is about to return to training, having dows around 09:20 (0720 GMT), leaving arrived back in Turin from Portugal as the Serie A three hours later with a smile and thumbs up season looks to get back underway. for waiting photographers. “Year after year, he shows a unique determination, Ronaldo underwent medical and physical an extraordinary strength of character,” al-Khelaifi tests before joining up with his teammates for told Football. the first time in 72 days for individual train- “He remains motivated by this desire to improve ing, according to media reports. every day and he always pushes his limits. Coach Maurizio Sarri has been conduct- “I admire this relentless will; he is a great example ing training in small groups since Monday, for all athletes of the future.” pending the final health protocol to be agreed The French capital has been suggested as a pos- Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi. with the Italian government. Juventus players sible destination for Ronaldo in the past, with PSG got back to individual training on May 4, the keen to acquire some of football’s biggest names. career, with a memorable farewell for PSG at the day Ronaldo returned to Italy after spending Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as he leaves Juventus training centre in Turin, Italy, Perhaps their most significant signing of their Parc des Princes. The England legend spent half lockdown in his native Portugal. For the past yesterday. (Reuters) modern era was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a season in Ligue 1 at the tail-end of his career, two weeks, he has been in quarantine in his 156 goals in 180 games for the club after joining returning for a final spell in after his time villa in Turin. are leading Lazio by one point as they target a suggesting the possibility of a restart on June from AC Milan in 2012. at LA Galaxy. According to the president, Beckham Ronaldo played in Juventus’ last Serie A ninth consecutive ‘Scudetto’. 13 might still exist. “Thinking back to all the players who have joined played a key role in transforming PSG into the game before the season was suspended, a 2-0 The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) an- But Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte us since the beginning of our ambition with PSG, I superclub they are today. win over Inter Milan behind closed doors at nounced on Monday that all its competitions, said on Saturday he needed “more guaran- could still highlight the time of Zlatan Ibrahimovic “I must also quote . Although he the Allianz Stadium on March 8. The five- including Serie A, will remain suspended un- tees” before the green light could finally be for his character, his leadership, his charisma and was only at PSG for a short time, he had a trans- time Ballon d’Or winner is the first Juventus til June 14. given for football to resume. his ability to get things done,” al-Khelaifi noted. formative effect on our club. foreign player, among those who left Italy Serie A had hoped to return on June 13 but A meeting is planned in the near future be- “He was always reliable, and when the situation “His investment in training, his concern for apply- during the lockdown, to return to the team’s the FIGC has pushed back the date in line tween Conte and Italian football bosses.The demanded something from him, he knew how ing every detail at every moment, his determina- Continassa training centre. with a government decree that all sports government’s technical and scientific com- to stand up to the challenges of the moment.” tion to succeed, his taste for teamwork and his Italy has been one of the countries hard- competitions be suspended until next month. mittee will decide in the coming days if it ac- Monday marks seven years to the day since David natural aura were extremely precious assets.” est hit by the Covid-19 pandemic with more The FIGC said the choice was made “pending cepts the new health protocols proposed for a Beckham played the final game of his professional (Goal.com) than 32,000 deaths. League leaders Juventus any further... decision by the authorities”, return to group training and competition. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT German FA, Bayern want salary cap for ‘credible’ football

Berlin: German FA presi- QSL CEO reveals plans dent Fritz Keller and Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge want to pro- pose a salary cap to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, it was revealed yesterday. “There are absurd salaries and transfer fees that are no to complete season longer credible,” Keller, boss of the German Football Asso- ciation (DFB), told reporters. Ballan says the decision to resume football are based on an integrated plan “We have to talk about salary caps. I am glad that I ani Ballan, CEO of the Qatar agree with Karl-Heinz Rum- Stars League (QSL) and mem- menigge on this point. There- ber of the Executive Commit- Hani Ballan, CEO of the Qatar Stars fore we will write a letter to tee of the Qatar Football As- League (QSL) and member of the UEFA president Aleksander H Ceferin.” sociation (QFA), has provided a detailed Executive Committee of the Qatar explanation after the ruling body’s de- Football Association (QFA). Rummenigge touted the cision to resume football activity from idea at the weekend in an July 24 to August 26. interview with broadcaster The decision to resume football was Sky. “(Former UEFA presi- made after a circular issued by the Qa- dent) had the tar Olympic Committee urging sports idea years ago to introduce bodies to complete competitions of the a salary cap in Europe based current sports season after July 20. The on the American model,” football details were announced during Rummenigge said. a response to inquiries from local jour- While the Frenchman al- nalists that were transmitted through legedly had the support “of the media office in QFA. all the big clubs in Europe. Ballan said the decision to resume However, we were told from football are based on an integrated plan the outset that this could developed in consultation between all not be brought into line with concerned parties – whether in the QFA competition laws,” Rum- and – or the relevant menigge added. authorities in Qatar especially the Min- Now Keller wants to write a istry of Health. combined letter to persuade In the beginning, the national plan Ceferin. The restricting of reviewed the decisions that were tak- wages, which are currently en in line with the directions adopted “partly from another world”, by Qatar to combat the spread of the can only be achieved with coronavirus as it was indicated by the UEFA’s help, he added. decision to hold matches without fans “The end result must be since March 11 before football activity a regulation that conforms was completely stopped on March 15. to European law and also Then there was a decision to extend the applies to Britain,” Keller said, suspension of activity until May 31 be- referring to England’s big fore the QFA announced its decision to spending Premier League resume football activity from July 24 to clubs. The DFB boss also August 26. Legacy and the Ministry of Culture and nology during the matches. What are the medical procedures attending matches in the future? wants a reform of the Finan- Also, it was announced that as club Sports. or medical protocols that will be This is subject to an assessment of the cial Fair Play rules. players were given leave from May 17 What are the media measures to be followed? situation during the months of July and “We must bring profes- to June 7 before appearing for the Cov- Will the league be completed with applied during matches? Our medical protocol has been ap- August. An appropriate decision that sional football closer to the id-19 detection tests on 8 and June 9. ? No press conferences are to be held proved by the Ministry of Public Health. preserves the safety of everyone will be people again,” said Keller. The players will start their training from We will complete the remaining five before and after the matches. The club The QFA and QSL will implement the taken later. We hope that the matches “The current crisis (coronavi- June 10, according to the circular issued rounds of the Qatar Stars League. At the social media platforms will be used to protocols strictly. First of all, the player could be held in the presence of fans in rus pandemic) has brought to by Qatar Stars League. Exceprts from same time, the promotion and relega- share news of players and coaches. The tests will be conducted on June 8 and 9. the future. light problems in football that an interview with Ballan. tion will be applied in accordance with post-match interviews will be delivered Match officials, referees and backroom were previously overshad- the provisions of the Qatar Football As- only on the pitch by TV crew that will staff at clubs will also be tested accord- What about signing of new players owed by ever new (transfer) When is the completion date of the sociation statutes. maintain distance during an interview. ing to a timetable of events before train- ahead of the new season? records.” News that Keller Qatar Stars League? Other than host broadcaster screw, ing sessions are resumed after June 10. The competent authorities will de- and Rummenigge are joining The Qatar Stars League will be com- Will the five sub rule of FIFA applied no media journalist will be allowed in- In case of somebody emerging as posi- termine the transfer of players and the forces means their recent pleted between July 24 until August 26. and use of VAR seen at matches? side the match venue. tive, those cases will be dealt with ac- registration of new players for the next spat has been resolved. “I The Qatar Stars League will issue circu- The Qatar Football Association will Photographers on the other hand will cording to the medical procedures ap- season 2021/2020. A circular explaining spoke to him on Tuesday lars regarding the dates and determine make use of the five substitutions - ap be allocated a separate zone in the me- proved by the Ministry of Health. all aspects regarding the registration morning and the matter has the venues after coordination with the proved by FIFA recently. Also, QSL will dia tribune where adequate distancing mechanism and its dates will be issued been resolved,” said Keller. Supreme Committee for Delivery & continue make use of the the VAR tech- will be maintained. What are the chances of fans in this regard later.

LEGEND ROUND-UP FOCUS On this day: Born May 20, City’s ban appeal to 1952: Roger Milla, Serie A group training Cameroonian footballer be held on June 8-10 anchester City’s it would represent a massive gets all clear, season appeal against a blow to the club’s prestige. two-season ban Mfrom European FRENCH SEASON COULD competition by UEFA will be HAVE BEEN COMPLETED decision May 28 heard by the Court of Arbitra- IN AUGUST: UEFA tion for Sport from June 8-10, An August 3 deadline to com- AFP when Serie A will restart,” he said. “The impor- the Swiss court confirmed plete the suspended football Milan tant thing will be to restart with the firm intention yesterday. The reigning Eng- season was only a recom- of completing the championship, then the feder- lish champions are accused of mendation and “not official”, ations will decide the modalities and formats to committing “serious breach- according to a letter written taly’s Serie A teams have been given the green be adopted.” es” of UEFA’s financial fair by UEFA president Aleksander light to resume group training but will have to The revised protocol will allow group training, play regulations by overstating Ceferin amid an ongoing row wait until May 28 to know whether the season but not oblige players to remain permanently in sponsorship revenue in its ac- over the decision to call a pre- Ican resume, Sports Minister Vin- the team’s sports centre. In the counts between 2012 and 2016. mature end to the campaign in cenzo Spadafora said yesterday. case of a positive test only the in- On top of the ban, City were France. In a letter sent to the Spadafora told Italian television fected player will be placed in two- also fined 30mn euros. Lyon president Jean-Michel that government scientists had ac- week’s quarantine, while the team The court said it “does not Aulas on May 14 — revealed cepted the Italian football federa- group will be placed in isolation, Reuters would cut it. “I knew that if I got yet know” if the appeal will be by French daily Le Parisien — tion’s (FIGC) revised health protocol. and monitored, but can continue Cape Town into shape I’d have a chance to heard via video conference or Ceferin explains that European “The Scientific Technical Commit- to train together. FIGC president make an impact,” he said. “When in person due to the restric- football’s governing body had tee have approved the FIGC protocol Gravina praised the decision “as I returned to the national side tions imposed to prevent the indeed discussed setting an for the resumption of team training,” a decisive step on the path of re- hen the country’s I got a warm welcome from the spread of coronavirus. City August 3 deadline for coun- Spadafora told Rai. starting football in Italy”. president demand- younger players. But the older have vowed to overturn what tries to finish their domestic “It is excellent news, collective The Italian season has been on ed that a soon-to- ones had ganged up against me they described as a “flawed” leagues. training can now resume. The FIGC hold since March 9 amid the pan- Wturn 38-year-old and were not so happy to see me.” decision by European foot- August 3 was cited as the have reviewed its first proposal with demic which has killed more than striker be included in the World Just weeks later, however, that ball’s governing body. latest date for the top 15 Euro- clarifications on the quarantine time 32,000 people in Italy. Cup squad, it was seen as a new had all changed as the veteran An investigation was pean leagues, including France, in case of a positive test, but above all Serie A teams have been train- low for African football. The forward captured international launched after leaked emails to finish seasons which ground the famous initial self-isolation is avoided.” ing individually since May 4, and had been hop- game on the continent had long imagination, no more so than published last year by German to a halt in mid-March because Spadafora said he has slated a meeting on May ing to return to competition on June 13. The FIGC been dogged by the fatuous in- when wiggling his hips in a pro- magazine Der Spiegel as part of the coronavirus pandemic. 28 with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and pushed that date back to June 14 on Monday in terventions of powerful politi- vocative assault on the corner of “Football Leaks”. Should The date for lower-ranked Lega Serie A chief Paolo Dal Pino to decide on the line with a government decree that all sports cians, but messing with selection flag as he celebrated a goal in City fail to overturn the ban competitions was July 20. return to competition. “We will then decide if and competitions be suspended until next month. for the sport’s global showpiece Cameroon’s unlikely march to event seemed hare-brained in the World Cup quarter-finals. the extreme. The dance is better remem- LIGUE 1 Cameroon President Paul Biya bered than the breakaway goal had watched Roger Milla play a against Colombia as Cameroon’s charity game a few weeks before Indomitable Lions went further and insisted he be included in at the tournament than any Afri- Marseille offer coach Villas-Boas new contract the squad for the 1990 finals in can team had been before, even- Italy. Milla was days away from tually losing to England in extra AFP which would tie him to the Velodrome well as the “confidence of the club in the turning 38, earning retirement time in a tense quarter-final. Marseille until 2023. It would also carry the op- qualities of Andre Villas-Boas as a coach”. money playing on the French “We just really wanted to have tion of a further season if they qualify for However, the announcement comes island of Reunion and long past fun but that we achieved new the Champions League in that campaign. when Villas-Boas has been widely ex- his heyday, which included com- things for African football made arseille have offered coach It comes after the 42-year-old led the pected to quit in the wake of the depar- peting at the 1982 World Cup, it special,” Milla added. In all, he Andre Villas-Boas a two- former European champions to second ture of Spanish sporting director Andoni playing in three Africa Cup of scored four goals at Italia 90 and year contract extension, the place behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Zubizarreta, to whom he had tied his fu- Nations finals and scoring more extended his record as the tour- MFrench club announced yes- Ligue 1 season which was ended early be- ture. than 100 Ligue 1 goals for Bastia, nament’s oldest goal scorer when terday, amid widespread reports that the cause of the coronavirus pandemic. “I came here, one, due to the size of the St Etienne and Montpellier. he netted one more at the World Portuguese is set to leave after just one Marseille, who are owned by American club, and, two, for Andoni Zubizarreta. I “I got a call from the President Cup in the US four years later. season in charge. tycoon Frank McCourt, are therefore set have already said that my future is inti- who said he thought I should play By then Milla had become a A Marseille statement said the club to feature in the Champions League next mately linked to his future,” said Villas- and I was in no position to argue,” symbol for a continent, with his wished to put right “erroneous” media season for the first time since 2013/14. Boas in January. The former Porto, Chel- Milla remembered. Biya’s or- exploits after emerging from reports about a new contract offer and The statement said the contract offer sea and Tottenham Hotspur coach has der turned out to be a fortuitous semi-retirement earning him confirmed Villas-Boas — whose exist- showed “the club’s willingness to create also expressed concern about the club’s master stroke, even though Milla the accolade as the best African ing deal runs until the end of next sea- stable conditions without which noth- ability to invest in new signings for next himself was not sure whether he footballer of the 20th century. son — had been offered the extension ing solid can be built for the long term” as season. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA COMMENT NHL considers ‘eight or nine different sites’ to Lakers’ James wants finish season: Bettman season resumption ‘as soon as possible’ ‘THERE’S A LOT OF PLAYERS THAT I KNOW PERSONALLY THAT WANT TO PLAY’ Reuters field. Los Angeles In terms of when play might resume, Bettman said, “I don’t think anybody has a he NHL is zeroing fixed timetable, particularly in on a return to ac- in North America right now. tion with neutral-site We have been working very Tgames. Commissioner hard since we took the pause Gary Bettman said Mon- on March 12 to make sure that day that the league is eyeing whatever the timing is, what- “probably eight or nine dif- ever the sequencing is, what- ferent places” that each would ever physical ability we have in play host to approximately 12 terms of locations to play, that teams. we’re in a position to execute Multiple media outlets have any or all of those options. indicated that Las Vegas is one There is still a great deal of un- of the front-runners to be a certainty.” host site. ESPN also reported The league and the NHL that Minnesota, Edmonton, Players Association reportedly Toronto and Vancouver also have been in regular consul- have submitted proposals to tation regarding restart pro- the NHL. According to Sport- posals. Complicating poten- snet, Columbus is another tial proposals is the fact that, possibility. according to Bettman, 17 % The NHL suspended play of the players live outside of on March 12 due to the coro- North America, and travel re- navirus pandemic, with teams strictions amid the pandemic having between 11 and 14 will make returning difficult. games left in the regular sea- In addition, the border be- son. The structure of the sea- tween the United States and son, if and when it resumes, Canada is closed to travel remains uncertain. with the exception of essential “Do we complete the regular business. season when we’re given the The league almost must de- opportunity?” Bettman said vise a plan to secure the neces- while speaking online as part sary Covid-19 testing for play- of the Leaders Week sports ers and staff. business conference. “Do we “I am told that there can be do an abbreviated regular sea- enough (testing) capacity, and son, because our competitive certainly over the next couple balance is so extraordinary, of months, there will be more it’s hard to tell how the sea- capacity,” Bettman said. “But Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (left) in action against the Portland Trailblazers during their NBA game in Los Angeles on January 31, 2020. (AFP) son would have ended? Do we that is a fundamental ques- go right to the (Stanley Cup) tion, and we certainly can’t AFP weekend. In North America the popu- Bucks and were already assured of a playoffs and in what form? be jumping the line in front of Los Angeles lar NASCAR stock car series resumed spot in the playoffs — which were due NFL developing facemasks “And if we’re not playing in medical needs.... without spectators on Sunday and golf to start in April. with surgical material front of fans, which at least in “Everything we’re hearing stuck a toe in the water with a made- Among the uncertainties surround- the short term seems (likely), from our fans is that they’re os Angeles Lakers superstar for-TV charity event featuring Rory ing an NBA return is whether all of the The NFL Players Association’s medical direc- do we do it in a centralized lo- (eager) to get back, and we LeBron James said on Monday McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. remaining games of the regular season tor on Monday said the NFL and equipment cation or locations? And if so, don’t take that for granted, he’s eager for the NBA season to The NBA, along with Major League will be played and whether teams will company Oakley are working on developing what places might be suitable which is why we will do what resume, as long as the health of , the National Hockey League play in their home arenas or at sites a facemask that contains surgical or N95 from a Covid-19 standpoint the medical people tell us is L material in an effort to better protect players players and their families won’t be en- and Major League Soccer are still for- that will better allow the league to limit in terms of the communities necessary and appropriate for dangered amid the Covid-19 pandemic. mulating plans to return, while the access for safety reasons. from the coronavirus when they return to the that you’re in and how big the us to do to bring fans back. James, speaking on the “WRTS: Af- NFL tries to stay on course for an on- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told playing field. During an appearance on “The outbreak is? And what is the And again, everything we do ter Party” programme on the Uninter- schedule season opening in September. players last week that he expected the Adam Schefter Podcast,” Thom Mayer said a availability of testing? And so is going to be governed by the rupted multi-media platform, said he “Not only myself and my teammates, league to study outbreak and testing recommendation probably will be made to that requires a collaboration doctors, the medical people hoped the NBA season resumes sooner the Lakers organization, we want to developments for another two to four the NFL that the league use the revised face- with our medical advisers. and by governments at all lev- rather than later. play,” James said. “There’s a lot of play- weeks before making a decision about masks. Mayer said the new designs could see “And I believe that all of the els, which will tell us what is “Definitely not giving up on the sea- ers that I know personally that want to resuming competition. the entire facemask covered by the new pro- major sports in North America and isn’t appropriate for us to son,” said James, whose Lakers led the play. And obviously, we don’t ever want James has said he doesn’t relish the tective material. “Back in early March, I had are going through this same do. Western Conference when the NBA to jeopardize the health of any of our idea of playing without fans in attend- suggested that we should consider novel and exercise, and while the medi- “So a lot of our planning suspended play on March 11 after Utah players or any of the players’ families ance, but he said on Monday he just emerging ways to handle the helmets and cal and health issues are prob- and a lot of the issues we’re Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested positive and so on and so on. wants to be back on court. the facemasks and the spread of the virus,” ably to some extent the same confronting ultimately are for the coronavirus. “This is a pandemic that we have no “You know, I want to get back to Mayer said. “And these guys, the bioengi- for all of us, the logistics of going to be resolved for us The virus brought global sport to idea — we can’t control it,” James said. playing,” James said. “I love to play the neers that we use and that the league uses — what we do and how we do it by other people, whether it’s a virtual standstill, but as lockdowns “We’re going to listen to the people game of basketball. I know how inspir- Oakley, as you may or may not know, does all may be a little different -de physicians or whether it’s gov- aimed at preventing its spread have that’s been following this pandemic, ing the game of basketball is. I know the face visors for the league under contract pending on the sport.” ernmental leaders, and that’s begun to ease, sport has begun to re- following the numbers, following the how inspiring sport is, itself. — these guys got the bit between their teeth.” Multiple media outlets why we have to be doing a lot emerge. data.” “As soon as possible, when we can As for the look and design, Mayer said he is have reported that the NHL is of contingency planning so we Germany’s Bundesliga became the The Lakers own the second-best get back out there, we’d love to bring still not sure which direction the design will weighing the possibility of a can react to whatever they’re first top European football league to record in the league behind Eastern the game of basketball back to our ultimately go. 24-team playoff tournament telling is us appropriate and resume after a two-month hiatus at the Conference leaders the Milwaukee fans.” instead of the usual 16-team permissible.”

NFL SPOTLIGHT Brady conducts two-hour NFL reportedly increases Rooney Rule stipulations

Reuters ties. Under the proposal, teams would workout with new teammates Los Angeles move up 10 places in the third round of the draft ahead of the second year Reuters owners met virtually yesterday and under a newly hired minority GM. For Los Angeles are expected to welcome players n its latest attempt to increase di- newly hired head coaches of colour, and staff back to team headquarters versity, the NFL reportedly is in- teams would get a six-place jump in as soon as next week. creasing the scope of the Rooney the third round of the draft before his uccaneers quarterback Brady signed with the Bucca- IRule to require additional inter- second season. Tom Brady facilitated a neers in free agency, leaving the views with minority candidates for key Should a team hire a minority head two-hour workout at a New England Patriots after nearly positions. coach and GM in the same year, the rise Bprep school in Tampa yes- two decades of dominance and six The NFL established the Rooney would be 16 places in the third round — terday. Super Bowl victories. Rule in 2003, requiring teams to in- potentially into the second round. The gathering of the 42-year-old Brady signed a two-year, $50mn terview minority candidates for all Teams also would get a five-spot Brady and his new teammates was contract and is adopting to a new head-coaching openings. The league bump in the fourth round ahead of the not in violation of NFL offseason offensive scheme — although the expanded the rule in 2009 to include third season of diverse head coaches or rules. The league said only health Patriots were dynamic in their ap- senior football operations jobs. GMs. Also, if a minority quarterbacks and safety guidelines from local proach with a chameleon-like shift According to a Monday report from coach is retained beyond one season, and state officials in Florida would week to week — for the first time NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the al- his team would get an additional draft pertain to this type of session, since he played at Michigan two tered rule would mandate that teams pick at the end of the fourth round. which Brady chronicled in a series decades ago. must interview two or more external The NFL also is looking to eliminate of photographs shared yesterday. He’s had some awkward occur- minority candidates for head-coach- the rule that allows teams to block as- A crew that didn’t appear to in- rences since his arrival in Florida, ing openings, and they must talk with sistant coaches from moving to anoth- clude Rob Gronkowski worked out where he is renting the mansion at least one external minority candi- er team to take a co-ordinator job. The before 7 a.m. at Tampa’s Berkeley owned by former New York Yankees date for vacancies at offensive coordi- change is viewed as helpful for minor- Preparatory School. shortstop Derek Jeter. nator, defensive coordinator, general ity head-coaching applicants, as teams Brady worked under center with Brady was booted from a local manager and senior football operation generally want candidates to have co- Ryan Jensen firing snaps and had park — closed due to Covid-19 — roles. ordinator experience. multiple wide receivers and tight and entered the wrong home when The news comes days after multiple The draft-pick proposals reportedly ends running route combinations. All non-essential employees, league conducted free agency and attempting to meet at offensive media outlets reported that the NFL is will be discussed on Tuesday during Team facilities are expected to from coaches to custodial staff and the draft in altered forms to adhere coordinator Byron Leftwich’s resi- putting forward another rule change the virtual owners meeting. At least 24 reopen across the league by the end scouts to secretaries, were ordered to restrictions required to prevent dence. Brady instead walked into a that would reward draft-pick compen- of the 32 teams must vote in favour for of the month. to work from home by the NFL. The the spread of the coronavirus. NFL neighbour’s house. sation to teams that made hire minori- the changes to be enacted. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS RUGBY NZ lock in second rower Barrett until Berrettini says it’s not next World Cup players’ job to help fellow professionals ‘THEY HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF US. THE REAL PROBLEM IS DEEPER’

Reuters said in a NZR statement. “It’s Wellington really exciting for the future having him re-signed.” Foster has inherited an All ock WScott Barrett Blacks team in transition, with has re-signed with several veteran players having New Zealand Rugby moved on or retired following L(NZR) and the Canter- last year’s World Cup. bury until the 2023 Depth at lock is a concern as Rugby World Cup in a boost is approach- for new All Blacks coach Ian ing the end of his career, while Foster as he looks ahead to the is unavailable next global showpiece. until late 2021 having signed a The 26-year-old Barrett is contract allowing him a two- one of three brothers in the All year playing sabbatical in Ja- Blacks squad along with fly- pan. Barrett and Auckland half Beauden and utility back Blues captain Patrick Tuip- Jordie, all of whom went to last ulotu are the only other locks year’s World Cup in Japan. playing top-class rugby within Barrett told reporters of the New Zealand with All Blacks decision yesterday and Foster test experience. welcomed the news. Barrett returned to training “Scott has already made an for the Crusaders on Monday outstanding contribution to as they prepared for the launch the team since making his de- of a 10-week domestic compe- but back in 2016 and we know tition involving New Zealand’s the best is yet to come,” Foster teams on June 13.

Former All Blacks Franks appointed scrum coach File photo of Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. (Reuters) Former New Zealand prop Franks said. Ben Franks has been hired “I had always known I was as scrum coach at Pro14 side going to retire this season so Scarlets, the Welsh region before the coronavirus I had Reuters because I believe that no player and are not covered under other announced on Monday. planned on taking some time London — in any kind of sports — should relief programmes. ITF plans on new relief fund to support Franks, currently with English off, doing some travelling and be put in the position of help- World No. 3 Dominic Thiem lower-level players Premiership side Northamp- upskilling. Glenn then got in ing another player financially,” had earlier rejected the notion ton, is to retire from playing touch and it’s an opportunity atteo Berrettini Berrettini told Eurosport Italy’s that top tennis players should The International Tennis players, who depend solely at the end of the 2019-20 I’m excited to be taking.” thinks tennis play- Call-azione show. chip in to help the lower-ranked Federation (ITF) has said it is on tournament winnings earn season. Delaney worked with Franks ers should not be put “I think that this responsibil- competitors, saying he felt there working on additional meas- a living. Head coach Brad Mooar at and he in a position where ity belongs to the federations, were sections of society that ures, including a new relief The ITF World Tennis Tour and forwards coach Ioan added: “Ben’s playing record M fund, to support lower-ranked consists of lower-rung tourna- Cunningham are leaving speaks for itself. I know him they have to provide financial ITF, ATP, WTA... they are the needed more urgent help. aid to fellow professionals and ones who make tournaments “We need to invest money professionals who have ments and serves as a transi- the side, with defence coach well from my days with my it should be the responsibility happen, and us, the players, pay in a different way in order to been left in the lurch due to tion circuit between the junior Glenn Delaney becoming the original club Linwood back of those governing the sport, the them back with our perform- help lower-ranked players,” the coronavirus-led lockdowns. and senior games, allowing region’s boss and Franks join- in New Zealand and also with Italian world number eight has ances. “They have to take care of 24-year-old Berrettini said. The professional tennis sea- more professionals to make ing his backroom staff. Irish and he is the ultimate said. us. The real problem is deeper.” “Personally, I prefer to help oth- son was halted in early March money as well as improve Franks won 47 caps for New professional.” World No 1 Novak Djokovic The governing bodies recently er more specific causes. and will remain shut until at their rankings to qualify for Zealand lifted the Rugby The Pro14 season has been had urged players to contribute raised over $6mn to help the “I spoke with Djokovic and he least July end due to travel the men’s ATP Tour or the World Cup in 2011 and four suspended since mid-March to a fund set up by the sport’s lower-level players, who depend told me ‘don’t worry Matteo, the restrictions that numerous women’s WTA Tour. years later. with June’s final cancelled governing bodies to help the solely on tournament winnings donation is not mandatory. It’s countries have implemented The ITF said its new meas- The Australia-born 36-year- due to the coronavirus pan- lower-ranked professionals af- to earn their living, during the something that you can agree to contain the spread of the ures will include a relief fund old also won two Super demic with the west fected by the tennis shutdown shutdown caused by the novel on if you feel like it. If you prefer virus. to help tour players ranked Rugby titles with Crusaders. outfit third in Conference B. which began in March and will coronavirus pandemic. to buy masks for hospitals like Earlier this month, the ITF, between 501 and 700, and are “Coaching is something I had The Scarlets are through to continue at least until end of The International Tennis Fed- Spallanzani or helping families ATP, WTA and the govern- not covered under other relief always planned to do when the postponed European July. eration has said it is working on in need, I respect you’. ing bodies of the four Grand programmes. Further details I finished playing and I was Challenge Cup quarter-finals “I took a moment to reflect additional measures, including “That’s an important mes- Slams raised over $6mn to will be announced following delighted when this opportu- and will face French side on my priorities, not because I a new relief fund, to help play- sage, it should be spread outside help about 800 lower-ranked its board meeting on June 2. nity came with the Scarlets,” Toulon. don’t respect the other players, ers ranked between 501 and 700, of our players’ circle.”

GOLF MOTORSPORT USGA scraps qualifying for US Open F1 could manage to race even

AFP with Covid-19 cases, says FIA Singapore Reuters London lympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling is seeking ormula One could cope Oto further delay his with up to 10 posi- national service in Singapore so tive tests for Covid-19 he can compete in the postponed Fwhen the sport starts Tokyo Games, officials said yes- the season in July, according to terday. the chairman of the governing The city-state requires all FIA’s medical commission. male citizens aged 18 to serve Professor Gerard Saillant two years in the military, the po- told Sky Sports television the lice or the emergency services, sport would still need a ‘red an obligation authorities rarely line’, however, beyond which let people skip. racing could not continue. But Schooling was allowed to The planned March 15 sea- defer national service in 2014 son-opener in Australia was to train for the 2016 Rio Olym- cancelled after a McLaren team pics, where he famously beat his employee tested positive. idol Michael Phelps to win the “I think the situation is quite that, to know where the red line already gathered in Australia 100-metre butterfly gold. different between Melbourne is beyond which it is impossible when that race was called off He got another deferment to and now,” said Saillant. to continue. But I think it is not before first practice at Albert train for the 2020 Tokyo Olym- “The knowledge of the virus is a problem for us now,” he said. Park. pics, but the Games were moved quite different. It is possible to Formula One is planning to FIA president Jean Todt said to next year because of the coro- prevent and to anticipate a lot hold two races behind closed it would be unfair to attach any navirus pandemic. The US Open will be held with limited spectators and without qualifying this year. of things. “If we have one posi- doors in Austria in early July, blame for what happened but Singapore’s defence ministry tive case, or maybe even 10, it with teams flown in on -char lessons would be learned. said Schooling and another To- examine “details of their train- in the Philippines, where he won mier League, saying he did not is possible to manage perfectly ter flights, tested regularly and “We want to make sure that kyo-bound Singapore swimmer, ing plans and milestones” before only one individual gold medal. meet the criteria. with a special pathway for the isolated from the local popula- arriving to the first event on the Quah Zheng Wen, have applied making a decision. Schooling In 2018, the defence ministry Davis signed a deal with Pre- positive case.” tion. The teams would also be 2020 calendar, we don’t face to further postpone their na- faces a tough fight to repeat his refused an application by Singa- mier League side Fulham any- Saillant recognised the kept separate from each other another unpredictable situa- tional service to compete in the 2016 success — he was criticised porean football player Ben Davis way, and could now face jail for sporting and media reaction and staff kept to a minimum, tion and we have experts work- Olympics. for being out of shape at last to defer national service so he missing his national service if he might be harder to deal with. with no sponsors or guests al- ing on that,” said the French- The ministry said it would year’s Southeast Asian Games could play in the English Pre- returns to Singapore. “We have to try to anticipate lowed to attend. The teams had man.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS football legend UK quarantine would Younis Mahmoud to appear on Generation Amazing Live today make British GP raq football legend and Su- hearing about his inspiring ca- preme Committee for De- reer – which we are sure will in- livery & Legacy (SC) am- terest our audience.” Ibassador Younis Mahmoud Generation Amazing’s online will be the special guest during sessions were launched in April this week’s Generation Amaz- in order to continue the pro- ing Instagram Live stream today gramme’s football for develop- impossible, says F1 at 8pm. The former striker, who ment sessions during the ongo- collected 148 international caps ing pandemic. Broadcast daily and played for several clubs in via Instagram Live, the sessions Qatar, will outline how he has have reached 100,000 viewers ‘If all elite sport is to return to TV, then exemptions must be provided’ supported the SC to deliver key over the past six weeks. messages during the ongoing The sessions have featured a Covid-19 pandemic. variety of special guests, includ- He will also discuss his illus- ing Xavi Hernández, Cafu, Tim trious football career, which in- Cahill, Samuel Eto’o and Hernán cluded spells with top Iraqi side Crespo. In addition, health and Al Talaba and five Qatari teams, fitness tips have been shared including Al Gharafa, where he by Generation Amazing master won a host of honours during a coaches Hamad Mohamed and notable five-year spell. Michael Richardson. There have On the international front, also been live discussions about Mahmoud won the AFC Asian football development with rep- Cup with Iraq in 2007, scoring resentatives from partners such the most goals in the tournament as AS Roma, KAS Eupen and the and picking up the best player International Federation of the award. He became an ambas- Red Cross and Red Crescent. sador for the SC in 2019, which The live sessions will take a break led to him attending a Genera- over the Eid period before re- tion Amazing activity with local suming on 1 June. schoolchildren at one of the Qa- Generation Amazing is the tar 2022 training sites. SC’s core social and human de- Speaking ahead of Mahmoud’s velopment legacy programme. It appearance on @GA4Good, has reached half a million ben- Generation Amazing’s Market- eficiaries since being launched in ing & Communications Director, 2010 and aims to reach 1 million Moza al-Mohannadi, said: “We people by 2022. are thrilled to welcome Younis Stay tuned to @GA4Good on Mahmoud to our series. He is an Instagram, Facebook and important and legendary figure for the latest on the Generation Formula One is planning two Grands Prix without of Arab football. Younis is also Amazing Live schedules. Share spectators at Silverstone, immediately after two an icon of the Asian Cup and photos of you and your family in Austria in early July. (Reuters) Qatar Stars League and we are enjoying the live broadcasts, tag- proud he is a part of our Genera- ging @GA4Good and using the tion Amazing school programme hashtag #GALive, for a chance to initiatives. We look forward to be reposted. (Sc.qa) Reuters would make it impossible to have a Brit- and all staff would be tested, making a was in “active discussions” about what London ish Grand Prix this year,” a Formula One quarantine totally unnecessary,” said the more it could do. “We should, indeed, spokesman said yesterday. “It has a major spokesman. consider further improvements. For ex- impact on literally tens of thousands of Austria is one of Europe’s least affected ample, things like air bridges enabling ormula One says the UK govern- jobs linked to F1 and the supply chains. If countries by Covid-19 but everyone go- people from other countries who have ment’s quarantine plans would all elite sport is to return to TV, then ex- ing on to Silverstone would be similarly themselves achieved lower levels of coro- rule out a British Grand Prix and emptions must be provided.” isolated. Quarantine also threatens Eng- navirus infection,” he said. Faffect tens of thousands of F1- Seven of the 10 Formula One teams lish football clubs’ progress in Europe if Formula One has yet to publish a re- related jobs if exemptions are not granted are based in England and plans for the still in force once matches resume. vised 2020 calendar but chairman Chase for sport. Ministers have said they plan a season, which has yet to start due to the Manchester City and Chelsea are in Carey has said venues not previously due 14-day quarantine for most people arriv- pandemic, would be disrupted by teams the Champions League while Manches- to host races are being considered as part ing in the country in the coming weeks to being forced into two weeks’ quarantine ter United, Wolverhampton Wanderers of contingency planning. try to prevent a second peak in the Cov- every time they return from abroad. and Scotland’s Glasgow Rangers remain That could mean Germany’s Hocken- id-19 pandemic. Formula One plans to hold the Austrian in Europa League contention. There was heim, which has been in discussions with Formula One is planning two Grands races within a controlled ‘bubble’, with no immediate comment from the Premier F1, following on from Austria to over- Prix without spectators at Silverstone, all team members tested repeatedly for League or the clubs concerned. come the quarantine restrictions if Sil- which this year marks the 70th anniver- the virus, travelling on charter flights and Asked in parliament on Monday about verstone is ruled out. sary of hosting the first world champion- avoiding contact with anyone outside the exemptions, transport minister Grant There could then be more races on suc- Generation Amazing’s online sessions were launched in April in ship race, immediately after two in Aus- paddock. “We would be travelling back Shapps said that while it would initially cessive weekends in Europe before the order to continue the programme’s football for development tria in early July. “A 14-day quarantine to the UK on F1-only occupied aircraft be a blanket approach, the government teams have to return to England again. sessions during the ongoing pandemic.

CRICKET Kohli credits change in stance for versatility New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s wide shotmaking options,” said the Among his contemporaries, India to delay call on Sri Lanka tour range of shots makes him one 31-year-old, who goes back-and- Australian Steve Smith has an of the most versatile batsmen across in his current stance. unorthodox but effective stance, ndia’s cricket board (BCCI) will wait down to May 31 while all commercial flights WON’T FORCE PLAYERS TO TOUR of his era and the India captain “It works for many, Sachin standing open to the bowler and for more clarity on international travel in and out of Sri Lanka remain suspended at ENGLAND: WINDIES SKIPPER HOLDER says it was a tweak to his stance Tendulkar for instance. He had shuffling across the off-stump restrictions before making a call on the least until the end of the month. West Indies skipper Jason Holder says he that brought him a deluge of no issues because of his supe- line, and Kohli said batsmen limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July, a Bangladesh are being similarly cautious will not force his team mates to travel to runs in recent years. Kohli made rior technique and hand-eye had to find out what worked for I his India debut in 2008 as a coordination. I had to tweak it to them. top board official told Reuters. Virat Kohli’s for their three-Test series in Sri Lanka in England for a three-Test series delayed team are scheduled to play three one- July and August. by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cricket West flashy batsman but has since suit my game. When someone “I always feel you should be dayers and the same number of Twenty20 “We have to look at travelling restric- Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave had combined compact technique first told me it could open up open to changes... You can’t Internationals in Sri Lanka but the series is tions in Bangladesh, and the quarantine said last week that the players would not be with elegant shotmaking. my options, I thought of giving stagnate, you have to keep under threat due to measures imposed to protocols in both countries,” Bangladesh coerced to tour the UK, which has recorded In a Facebook live chat with it a try. Luckily, it clicked and I learning,” he said. “If you keep battle the Covid-19 pandemic. Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin over 243,600 cases and more than 34,000 Bangladesh one-day captain immediately started executing playing in the same manner, “Nothing has been decided as yet, Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo. deaths. Tamim Iqbal, he said ditch- shots which I never thought I opposition will figure out your because we are not sure what would be the “We have to be mindful of the players’ “Each player has to be comfortable in ing his earlier stance opened could.” game. You have to be ahead of travel restrictions then,” BCCI treasurer readiness... we have to figure out other making the step,” Holder told the BBC. “It’s up scoring options for him. “I Kohli averages 50-plus in all the game. So try it and drop it Arun Singh Dhumal said. “There is no details about this tour.” been made clear if we are to hop on a plane changed because I wanted to three formats, has smashed if it doesn’t work, but any bats- clarity about it. So we’ll wait for that and Sri Lanka have already had to postpone and go over to England to play, it must be score all over the ground. The 70 international centuries and man should be open to positive accordingly take a call.” home series against England and South safe... from my perspective, I won’t be forc- static position was limiting my boasts an exquisite cover drive. changes,” added Kohli. India has extended a nationwide lock- Africa because of the global health crisis. ing anyone to go anywhere.”

BOTTOMLINE Lin Dan vs Lee Chong Wei: how ’s great rivalry was born AFP without winning either of the sport’s Fiery Lin and soft-spoken Lee are final at the 2016 Rio Olympics — only top two titles. very different characters, although they to lose once again in the final, this time “Their rivalry happened in a period were friends off the court and share a to another Chinese player, Chen Long. when badminton needed inspiration,” strong mutual respect. Known as “Su- The sinewy star longed for a final shot ifteen years ago in a packed KM Boopathy, a veteran Malaysian per Dan”, Lin had a reputation as bad- at Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, Kuala Lumpur stadium, rising sports journalist who watched the 2005 minton’s bad boy — he sported multiple now postponed due to the coronavirus, stars Lin Dan and Lee Chong game, said. “They managed to make the tattoos, unusually for a Chinese player, but his hopes were dashed after being FWei met in a final for the first sport extremely popular.” and strutted around the court with su- diagnosed with nose cancer in 2018. time, setting the stage for what would Lee, now 37, and Lin, 36, played 40 preme confidence. He recovered after treatment but become badminton’s greatest rivalry. times in total, with the Chinese player The two-time Olympic and five- struggled to regain his form, and an- Malaysia’s Lee, then 22, fell to the convincingly winning their head-to- time world champion, often regarded nounced his retirement last year at a floor, punched the air and blew kiss- head 28-12. Lee had lost his first and as the best badminton player ever, of- tearful press conference. With 705 wins es to the crowd after his see-sawing, only encounter against Lin before beat- ten ran into controversy. In 2008, he and 69 titles, Lee is a national hero in 88-minute 17-15, 9-15, 15-9 victory, ing him in the Kuala Lumpur final. threw a temper tantrum during a train- Malaysia, which has produced few when he fought back from behind in the The 2008 and 2012 Olympic title ing session after which he had to deny world-class athletes. first and last games. matches were among the most memo- striking his coach. In contrast, Lee was The pair’s final match was the quar- “Everyone saw how (Lin) played,” rable showdowns between the men, quiet and unassuming. But his humble ter-finals of the prestigious All-Eng- said Lee, who was the defending cham- who both enjoyed long spells as world demeanour belied a dazzling array of land Open in March 2018, which the pion, after his win at the Kuala Lumpur number one. Lin won in straight games weapons on the court — he was blessed Chinese won. But Lin has not hit his Badminton Stadium. “He is excellent in in Beijing in 2008, but Lee came ago- with lightning reflexes and once held former heights in recent years, and with attack and his overhead smashes and nisingly close to gold at London 2012, the record for the world’s fastest smash. retirement looming he looked certain to forehand crosscourt shots are danger- leading 19-18 in the deciding game His 19-year career also had its fair miss the Tokyo Olympics before they ous. So it is very satisfying to beat him.” before fatefully leaving a shot that share of drama, however. The then were postponed to next year. When Lee It was a fittingly tense start for a dropped on the line. world number one was banned after announced his retirement, Lin posted match-up that would span two Olym- Bracketing the 2012 defeat, Lee lost testing positive for a proscribed anti- on China’s Twitter-like Weibo: “I will pic finals and two world championship world title matches to Lin in 2011 and inflammatory at the 2014 world cham- be alone on the (badminton) court and deciders, and drew a new generation of then in 2013 in southern China, when pionships, and was sidelined for eight no one will accompany me.” fans. But the match would remain one the air conditioning mysteriously failed months until authorities eventually And only last month, Lee described of the high points for Lee, who lost his mid-match and the Malaysian was accepted his explanation he took it in- his nemesis, who is still playing, as a four world and Olympic finals against stretchered off with cramp as he faced Lee Chong Wei (left) of Malaysia and China’s Lin Dan played 40 times in total, with advertently. Lee launched a comeback “legend”. “His titles speak for them- the Chinese great and retired last year match point. the Chinese player convincingly winning their head-to-head 28-12. (AFP) and defeated Lin in a thrilling semi- selves. We have to salute him,” he said.