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fRIDAY 3 April 2020 Coronavirus could change global football AFP – Paris

Football has ground to a halt due Infantino says to the coronavirus pandemic, and the immediate concern is the things will be simple survival of many clubs because of the financial impact, but there is hope that the global totally different game could ultimately emerge better from this crisis. REUTERS – ROME “We are living through some- thing none of us were used to and Football will be totally different when it eventually resumes which will change us profoundly,” after the coronavirus outbreak, the head of global soccer Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti body FIFA Gianni Infantino said yesterday. told Corriere dello Sport. “Football will come back, and when it does, we’ll cel- Not since World War II has ebrate coming out of a nightmare together,” he told the the sport been forced to stop A man passes by a logo of the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship Italian news agency ANSA in an interview. across Europe. The sudden inter- displayed on a wall in Otopeni, Romania, in this March 16, file photo. “There is one lesson, however, that both you and me ruption has exposed the defi- must have understood: the football that will come after ciencies of a system intoxicated the virus will be totally different...(more) inclusive, more by huge sums of money. power belongs to the lucky few of whether salary caps could out of this crisis as well as we can, social and more supportive, connected to the individual Cutbacks are inevitable in the at the top, but even they are being finally be seen as a way forward, but let’s also put safeguards in countries and at the same time more global, less arrogant short term. hurt. That is likely to affect the despite the difficulties presented that manage player loads suc- and more welcoming.” “TV money will go down, transfer market, and huge by EU rules. cessfully moving forward,” He added: “We will be better, more human and more players and coaches will earn less. spending sprees on players could In Germany, the Bundesliga’s warned Jonas Baer-Hoffmann, attentive to true values.” Last week, Infantino told Tickets will cost less because become a thing of the past. four Champions League repre- general secretary of global Gazzetta dello Sport that it was the right time people will have less money. The “In two or three years, it will sentatives this season have players’ union FIFPro, as to take a step back and reform a sport where economy will be different and so not be possible to spend the sums pledged €20m ($22m) to help he called for “a much fixture lists have become overloaded and will football. Maybe it will be we have been seeing because crisis-hit clubs in an encouraging healthier set-up than we financial resources increasingly concen- better,” said Ancelotti. every country will be affected. In sign of solidarity. what have had lately.” trated in the hands of a few elite clubs. “As with most things, crisis is all likelihood a new footballing Meanwhile, lessons may also FIFA President He suggested there could be “fewer, an opportunity,” football historian world will emerge from this,” be learned about how TV revenue Gianni Infantino has but more interesting tournaments. and academic David Goldblatt, insisted former Bayern Munich is distributed in future. acknowledged the calls Maybe fewer squads, but more author of recent book The Age of president Uli Hoeness. It may also be time to rework for change, telling La balance. Fewer, but more Football, told AFP, before Already players at Barcelona the fixture calendar. The fashion Gazzetta dello Sport that c o m p e t i t i v e , sounding a warning. -- the richest club in the world -- for expanding existing tourna- “we can perhaps reform matches to “It could actually get worse. have agreed a 70 percent pay cut. ments -- like staging a 48-team world football by taking a s a f e g u a r d For there to be real change there Clubs across Europe are taking World Cup and 24-team Club step back. With dif- the health has to be a change in the way similar measures. World Cup -- is surely not ferent formats. Fewer of the power and ownership is dis- It is evidence that clubs, even sustainable. tournaments, maybe players.” tributed in the game.” in the elite, have been living on “It is now high time that we fewer teams, but At the moment the financial the edge, and it raises the question find some rules to say ok, let’s get more balanced.” Club Brugge declared AFC extends Asian Cup Belgian champions 2027 hosting deadline after season cancelled

REUTERS – BRUSSELS AFP – Hong Kong current COVID-19 pandemic to allow member associations, many of whom have been affected Club Brugge have been declared Belgian QMMF launches The Asian Football Confederation by the global outbreak, sufficient time to meet champions after the remainder of the coun- extended the deadline for prelim- their internal processes and timelines,” it said. try’s professional league season was cancelled inary bids for the 2027 Asian Cup China will host the next Asian Cup in yesterday due to the coronavirus pandemic. online racing yesterday after the coronavirus 2023 but Saudi Arabia is the only country Brugge had a runaway 15 point lead at the pandemic caused major so far to throw its hat in the ring for 2027. top of the standings with one round of matches problems for football Qualifying for the 2023 Asian Cup, like left to play before the start of the post-season series for fans administrations. most other football worldwide, has been playoffs, involving the top six clubs. They were Expressions of put on hold as countries batten runners-up last season to Racing Genk, who The Peninsula – Doha interest will now be down to stop the were seventh when the league was suspended accepted until June 30, spread of the last month in the wake of the coronavirus The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation three months after the novel corona- outbreak. (QMMF) has launched an online racing series original deadline of virus. Qatar, Media reports yesterday said it was hoped for residents in the country. March 31, the AFC hosts of the that the cup final plus the second division pro- With all sport activities in the country coming said in a next World motion final between Beerschot and OH to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, statement. Cup in 2022, Leuven could still be played if the government the QMMF hopes it will give the opportunity for “ T h e won the 2019 allowed. The decision to cancel the League motorsport fans to race against fellow residents decision Asian Cup where campaign came the day after a UEFA meeting online. w a s Akram Afif kissing the AFC Asian Cup trophy the tournament recommended that countries try to complete The QMMF yesterday said that the official taken in after Qatar’s historic title win in Abu Dhabi, expanded from 16 to 24 their seasons, even if it means playing on into game/console for participation is Gran Turismo light of the in this February 1, 2019 file photo. teams. August. Sport on PS4 with valuable cash prizes on offer for winners. Competitors will have to register on the game with their real names as there will be no nick- names allowed. Rugby: Jones extends England contract Competitors are divided randomly into three groups of 15. AFP – Twickenham so it’s a great opportunity for us to The organisers yesterday announced that all England head coach keep moving forward.” 45 spots are filled, however, gamers can still reg- Eddie Jones has signed a two-year Eddie Jones. Acknowledging the impact of ister with the QMMF. If any spot becomes extension to his contract as the coronavirus outbreak that has available, late entries will be entertained. England coach that will see him led to the suspension of major The races will start on April 5 with each remain in charge of the side until sport worldwide, and saw him take driver racing against competitors in his or her the end of the 2023 World Cup in a 25 percent pay cut this month, group. Each participant will be racing for three France, the Rugby Football Union Jones said: “The extension is a races each week (Sunday, Tuesday and announced yesterday. great honour for me, but in the Thursday) and the competitors will be notified The 60-year-old Australian current environment, it is only of the exact times. took charge following hosts Eng- right to acknowledge what a dif- The chosen car for every weekend will be land’s first-round exit at the 2015 ficult time the world is facing. announced two days before the start of the World Cup. “We are all looking forward to weekly competitions. The track on which every His current deal expires in 2021 a time when we can get back to race will be held will be announced to all com- but talks have been ongoing about playing rugby and use the sport as a petitors one night before. an extension since Jones guided force for good in bringing people There will be 10 minutes allocated for England to last year’s World Cup back together.” practice before each race which will be followed final in Japan, where they were Jones has guided England to two by 15 minutes for qualifying and 25 minutes of beaten by South Africa. Six Nations titles - including the 2016 racing. Points will be awarded only for the race Jones’s new contract means he Grand Slam -- and his side are cur- results. is set to become England’s longest- Jones added the challenge of unfortunately we missed that by rently top of this season’s edition, Competitors will accumulate points based serving head coach, surpassing the making England the “best team in 80 minutes. with one match to play after this on their finishing position over a three weeks’ eight-year stint of the world” by going one better than “Now we want to be the team month’s entire last round was post- period and the top five scorers from each group -- in charge of the team that won they did in Japan at the next World that is remembered as being the poned due to the outbreak of will qualify for finals. the 2003 World Cup final when Cup had inspired him to remain in greatest team the game has ever COVID-19. The winner of the series will bag QR 15,000 they defeated an Australia side the post. seen. It’s a big ambition but I Last year’s World Cup also saw as price money while the second-placed racer coached by Jones. “I am excited about raising the believe we are capable of doing the former Japan boss in charge of will receive QR13,000. Third place winner will “I never thought coming here standards again,” he said. “We it. one of England’s greatest victories, a get QR10,000 while QR6,000 will be presented four years ago I would be doing a have a great team. “We have players with an 19-7 semi-final win over holders New to the gamer who finished at fourth. second four years but the circum- We set out four years ago to be enhanced reputation, we have a Zealand, only for his side to lose stances are right,” said Jones. the best team in the world and team that is expected to do well, 32-12 to the Springboks in the final. 02 sPORT fRIDAY 3 April 2020 Olympic sports fret over lost Games income

AFP – Lausanne for its World Championships scheduled for next summer in Fukuoka, Japan, The postponement of the Tokyo when they would probably clash with Olympics and the shutdown of the the Tokyo Games. sporting calendar because of the coro- “One edition of the World Cham- navirus pandemic are going to hit pionships means for us $10m in rev- international sports federations hard enues,” said one sports federation financially. official, speaking on condition of Many sports that are part of the anonymity. Games depend heavily on the payouts “If this income is postponed, totally every four years from the International or partially, for a year, we will face Olympic Committee (IOC). major problems, especially if the IOC “The situation is tense and very money, originally expected in Sep- gloomy. An assessment will be made, People take pictures of the Olympic Flame which was passed from Tokyo 2020 to Fukushima Prefecture at the J-Village tember, is not paid out.” The Sin- but clearly some posts are under National Training Centre in Naraha-town, yesterday. gapore-based International Table threat,” said an official of a major inter- Tennis Federation has already taken national federation. Sports Federations (ASOIF), which is swimming and gymnastics) can expect reserves, IOC aid represents a small steps, with “the Executive Committee The 28 international federations responsible for distributing this approximately $40m. proportion of their income. agreeing to reduce their expenses and (IF) of the sports that were due to be money. For the second tier, made up of For others, it is vital. senior staff offering to take a salary present at the Tokyo Olympics, would The five additions to the Tokyo cycling, basketball, volleyball, football “Some IF probably don’t have the reduction,” said marketing director have received substantial sums from Games programme - karate, surfing, and tennis, the sum is $25m. cashflow to survive one year,” said Ryan. Matt Pound, but, he added,”further cuts the IOC. skateboarding, climbing and baseball/ For group three, which contains For most federations, the post- will take place if needed.” However, the postponement of the softball - are not eligible. eight sports, including boxing, rowing, ponement of the Olympic Games has The ITTF has suspended all its com- Games until 2021 could lead to a freeze The Olympic payout totalled judo and table tennis, it is $17m. a domino effect, forcing them to petitions until June and that is costly. of their payment. $520m after the Rio Games, four years The nine sports in the next level reschedule their own money-earning Kim Andersen, the Danish pres- “We have a lot of IF with sub- ago. (including sailing, canoing and fencing) competitions. ident of London-based World Sailing, stantial reserves, but others work on “The Olympic money could be less receive $12m. “The revenues from these events said commercial revenues are not a different business model, they have than for Rio 2016,” Ryan warned before For the three in the last category will eventually come in,” said Ryan. immune. income from major events which are adding: “My advice is to budget the (rugby, golf, modern pentathlon) the “But this impacts the cashflow.” World “The IOC will eventually pay out suspended, which can be a problem same as in Rio”. payout is $7m. Athletics has already postponed the its aid, but what weighs most heavily for the cashflow if they don’t have The federations receive money on For the largest associations, such 2021 World Championships in Eugene, is the uncertainty about whether our enough reserves,” said Andrew Ryan, a sliding scale determined by their as football’s FIFA which has a $1.5bn Oregon to 2022. competitions will be held and whether director general of the Association of audience and size. nest egg, or basketball body FIBA The International Swimming Fed- our sponsors will be maintained,” he International Olympic Summer The three largest (athletics, which has CHF 44.4 million (€42m) in eration (FINA) will have to do the same said. More delays in Europe amid Hit list: What’s uncertainty over resumption next in line

AP – LONDON for the European Champi- committee has agreed to relax for possible onship. That tournament has some elements of Financial Fair UEFA postponed more matches been pushed back a year to Play rules that limit losses that postponement and deadlines yesterday 2021. clubs can incur, saying “excep- without giving any firm indi- UEFA last week had little tional circumstances neces- AFP – Paris cation on when European option but to postpone club sitate some specific football might be able to resume competition finals that were interventions.” Ronaldo as it continues to grapple with due to be played in May, There is no longer an imme- The coronavirus pandemic has decimated the challenge of completing including the Champions diate need to provide financial the 2020 sporting calendar, with the Tokyo competitions suspended League final in Istanbul. Time reports due to the “ongoing Olympics and football’s European Champi- Ex-Brazil star because of the coronavirus frames for the return of leading extraordinary events.” onship the biggest events to be postponed, pandemic. European domestic leagues that UEFA, like domestic com- while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first The governing body were also scheduled to finish in petitions, could try to play time since World War II. Ronaldo urges couldn’t even put a definitive May are also hard to set due to matches without fans even- Here, AFP Sport takes a look at six of the timeframe on when this sea- lack of certainty over when tually but even that could upcoming major competitions which could son’s Champions League and forms of lockdowns and social require medical personnel at also be scrapped or delayed due to the fans to stay home Europa League must be distancing can be eased. stadiums in countries where the COVID-19 outbreak: resumed, having been sus- One scenario discussed health services are being AA – ANKARA pended midway through the during a meeting of the 55 stretched treating COVID-19 Epsom Derby: June 6 round-of-16 stage. However, it European football nations patients. A former Brazilian football star urged fans is contemplating the idea of during a video conference on UEFA has put the focus on British racing is in shutdown mode until at yesterday to stay home as part of the global fight having the domestic season run Wednesday was trying to com- finishing league seasons by least the end of April, placing doubt on against the novel coronavirus. through the summer into plete all leagues by August 3. scrapping the June slot for Newmarket’s Guineas weekend on May 2/3, “The best thing to do now is to stay home as rec- August - if games can resume UEFA said that would require national team games, saying and inevitably also the jewel in the British ommended by the world health authorities and gov- on time amid nationwide lock- resuming competitions in the they “remain postponed until flat racing crown, the Epsom Derby. The Blue ernments,” Spanish La Liga club Real Valladolid’s downs because of the virus. second half of June which it further notice.” Riband of the turf has been held every year Chairman Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima - com- UEFA’s executive com- acknowledges might not be The Euro 2020 play-offs since Diomed took the inaugural running in monly known as Ronaldo - said on social media. mittee also decided Tuesday to feasible. were originally scheduled for 1780. During the two World Wars it was Ronaldo, 43, said on the Spanish club’s Twitter indefinitely postpone national The leagues provide a path March 26-31 and have now lost moved to Newmarket. account that people should exercise lots of team matches that had already to determine qualification for their June 4-9 dates. The playoffs patience and responsibility to minimize the effects been rescheduled once to June, the Champions League and will decide the last four places Canadian Grand Prix: June 14 of the coronavirus outbreak as the world is going including playoff qualifiers to some Europa League slots. in the 24-nation lineup for the through a difficult time. complete the 24-team lineup U E F A ’ s e x e c u t i v e postponed tournament. The earliest the Formula One season can get He said he hopes the world can beat the coro- underway is in Montreal on June 14 after the navirus in the shortest possible time. opening eight races of the campaign were all “Thank you and stay home. See you soon,” he either postponed or cancelled. added. Prudent Wimbledon should A decision on a potential delay will be The 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cup winner made by Easter weekend (April 11-12), owns a 72.7% stake in Real Valladolid. according to race organisers. Formula One He was one of the legendary football figures withstand cost of cancellation and Silverstone chiefs also said they have in the 1990s and 2000s, playing for PSV Eind- until the end of April to decide whether to hoven, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Italian archrivals AFP – London Romania’s postpone the British Grand Prix, scheduled Inter Milan and AC Milan as well as the Brazilian Simona Halep for July 19. national team. Forced to cancel Wimbledon for kisses the Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 international the first time since World War trophy as she Royal Ascot: June 16-20 appearances for Brazil. II on Wednesday, All England celebrates Club chiefs can at least breathe after winning British monarch Queen Elizabeth II has only a sigh of relief that the chaos the 2019 missed attending two Epsom Derbies since caused by the coronavirus Wimbledon her first visit as a princess in 1946. But she DLS co-founder should not take a heavy toll on final against has never failed to attend her ‘local’ meeting their finances. Serena since ascending the throne in 1952. The historic decision to write Williams of The five day festival draws a 300,000 Tony Lewis off the world’s most famous the US in this crowd which consumes 56,000 bottles of tennis tournament due to the July 13, 2019, champagne and 80,000 cups of tea while pandemic left eight-time file photo. out on the track equine aristocrats joust for passes away champion Roger Federer “dev- prize money in excess of £8m ($10m). It has astated” and seven-time winner been staged every year since 1911. AP – London Serena Williams shocked and foresight to take out extensive Association is expected to still shaken. insurance which will protect it receive its annual surplus from US Open (golf): June 18-21 Tony Lewis (pictured), Yet, the tennis world agreed from the kind of huge losses Wimbledon’s profits. the co-developer of it was the right move at a time potentially faced by Roland The payment, which effec- The 120th US Open at Winged Foot is due to the Duckworth- when the health services are Garros. tively funds British tennis’ gov- be the first men’s major of the golf season Lewis-Stern method under unbearable strain and One senior figure at the All erning body for the year ahead, after the postponements of both the Masters used in cricket for countries across the globe are England Club told the Daily Mail was over £40m in 2018. and the PGA Championship. But American calculating target in lockdown. the cost of the insurance was But there is certain to be media reports earlier this week said that the scores in weather- Wimbledon, which had been “around the low seven figures”. some concern at the LTA, which tournament in Mamaroneck, New York, was affected limited-overs scheduled between June 29 and That will prove good value, has lost over £12m in the past likely to be put back until later in the summer. matches, has died. He July 12, should return in 2021 if it can guard Wimbledon from two years and will be affected was aged 78. once the virus is controlled, long-term damage. by the entire 2020 grass-court Tour de France: June 27-July 19 The International leaving the club hierarchy to The All England Club will be season in Britain being wiped Cricket Council con- focus on dealing with the able to refund ticket holders, out. The Tour de France is still scheduled to start firmed the news yesterday, the day after Lewis died. financial fall-out from cancelling broadcast partners and sponsors The Wimbledon warm-up in Nice on June 27, despite France having Lewis and fellow mathematician Frank Duck- the 134th Championships. in a bill which reportedly could at Queen’s Club is the LTA’s extended its lockdown until April 15. Sports worth developed the Duckworth-Lewis method French Open bosses this top £200m. marquee tournament and its Minister Roxana Maracineanu on Wednesday after South Africa’s winning target in the 1992 Cricket week admitted their tournament Wimbledon’s 2018 financial absence is a big blow. said that the world’s most prestigious cycling World Cup semi-final against England was farci- could face losses of £230m figures show the Championships Thanks to the All England race, which usually draws more than 10 cally reduced from 22 runs off 13 balls to 21 runs off ($284m) if it is not played this had an annual turnover of Club’s Risk and Finance Sub- million fans to the roadsides, could take place one ball. Their system for a fairer target was first year. £254.8m ($315.4m). Committee - who have insisted with no spectators. But she also admitted that used in 1997, and adopted by the ICC in 1999 before The clay-court event has The cancellation will hit the on a clause covering epidemics all options, including cancellation, are being that year’s World Cup. He and Duckworth were been moved to late September tournament’s merchandising - Wimbledon’s hallowed lawns considered. appointed as Members of the Order of the British from its original start date in late and food revenue, but Boris remain firmly rooted. Empire in 2010 for services to cricket. May. Becker, a three-time Wim- The consolation for tennis British Open: July 16-19 After Lewis and Duckworth retired, Australian In contrast, Wimbledon bledon men’s singles champion, fans is that Wimbledon’s British media reported on Friday said that professor Steven Stern became the custodian of the should be shielded from the does not believe Wimbledon will financial foresight ensures it will the British Open at Royal St George's could calculation in 2014 and it became known as the worst effects of cancellation. have major financial issues. still be there to lift spirits when be postponed within days. Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The All England Club had the The British Lawn Tennis life returns to normal. fRIDAY 3 April 2020 Sport 03

Golf duo to meet NFL stars Brady, Manning: Report Joshua has ‘lost close Woods, Mickelson to play relief match ones’ due to coronavirus REUTERS — NEW YORK The negotiations are still being finalised but the match he won an NFL-record six Super for The Open this year, pitting 15-times major champion Woods and Manning Bowl titles. including postponement," R&A Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson against five-times major winner Mickelson and Brady Manning, who played for chief executive Martin Slumbers AFP — London will play a coronavirus relief could be aired on live TV and is unlikely to be featured the Indianapolis Colts and said in a statement. golf match next month with on pay-per-view. Denver Broncos, retired in 2016 "Due to a range of external World heavyweight Super Bowl-winning quarter- as the NFL’s all-time leader in factors, that process is taking champion Anthony backs Tom Brady and Peyton A match-up featuring two of the most famous golfers passing touchdowns and yards some time to resolve. Joshua revealed he has Manning, CNBC reported. of their era and two of the all-time greatest NFL and is the only five-times "We are well aware of the “lost close ones” due to The report, which sourced winner of the league’s Most Val- importance of being able to give the coronavirus. an unnamed person familiar quarterbacks would be a rare sporting event during the uable Player award. clear guidance to fans, players Joshua’s title defence with the negotiations, said the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the sporting Meanwhile, the fate of the and everyone involved and are against IBF mandatory charity match would be held at world to a halt. 2020 Open Golf championship working to resolve this as soon challenger Kubrat Pulev an undisclosed location without remains in the balance after as we can. was scheduled for June. fans and is being organised by said in a statement. A match-up the American replied: “Working organisers the R&A held off "We will give a further But the Briton’s bout the PGA Tour and AT&T’s featuring two of the most famous on it”. making a decisive call on update as soon as we are in a is set to be rescheduled WarnerMedia. golfers of their era and two of the When another fan tweeted Thursday. position to do so and thank eve- due to the pandemic. The negotiations are still all-time greatest NFL quarter- to Mickelson asking him not to The 149th edition of the ryone for their support and “Wherever you are in being finalised but the match backs would be a rare sporting “tease”, the 49-year-old championship is set to take understanding in this chal- the world I’m just pitting 15-times major event during the coronavirus responded: “I don’t tease. I’m place from July 16-19 at Royal lenging situation." checking in personally for champion Woods and Manning pandemic which has brought the kinda a sure thing”. St George's in Sandwich, Kent. everyone to just say, I against five-times major winner sporting world to a halt. Woods, 44, last competed Coronavirus has caused hope you were well I will Mickelson and Brady could be The event will feature a in mid-February and then havoc with the sporting cal- keep it safe,” Joshua, 30, aired on live TV and is unlikely small production crew to film withdrew from a number of endar, including the post- said on his YouTube to be featured on pay- it and each individual will tournaments with a back injury ponement of the first two channel. per-view, the report obey the social-dis- before the PGA Tour decided to golf majors of the year, the “I’ve lost no one said. tancing recommenda- cancel a slew of events because Masters and the US PGA immediate to me. But I’ve “Discussions tions to stay six-feet of the coronavirus. Championship. lost close ones from my along these lines apart, the report said. Mickelson finished third in "We are continuing to boxing gym, close friends have been Mickelson was the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in work through our options and friends of friends. ongoing for asked recently on early February and missed the And it gets serious when quite some Twitter about the cut in his next two starts. it starts coming closer to t i m e , b u t chances of a round Woods and Mickelson home.” nothing has been of golf against Woods played each other in a winner- Joshua, the WBA, IBF, approved by the being live streamed in takes-all $9 million matchplay WBO and IBO champion, tour,” the PGA the near exhibition in November, 2018 admitted he is missing his T o u r future, that was golf’s first venture into daily routine while he a n d pay-per-view. stays in lockdown. That event was hyped like “I would love to be out a Las Vegas prize fight but there right now doing the proved more of a pillow fight most on my dirt bikes, with both golfers in jovial mood, meeting up with my boys, playing for a purse that was put sparring, going down to up by sponsors and went to a the boxing gym. Even a charity of Mickelson’s choice. rebel like me is trying to Phil Mickelson Brady recently joined the follow some guidelines to Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Tiger Woods do the right thing,” he 20 years with the New said. England Patriots during which McLaren to put staff on MotoGP start pushed back further as furlough, Formula One French race postponed over virus

drivers take pay cut AGENCIES — PARIS

Formula One racing com- The start of the MotoGP season REUTERS — LONDON panies who have joined was pushed back to the end of forces to ramp up production May at the earliest yesterday McLaren became the first of a ventilator made by after France postponed its race Formula One team to fur- Smiths Group which supports at Le Mans due to the corona- lough staff because of the those with complications virus pandemic. coronavirus, with drivers from the virus. The race, which had been Lando Norris and Carlos Britain has ordered 10,000 due on May 17, was the fifth Sainz joining senior man- of the breathing machines. The round postponed since the agement in taking a pay cut. majority of the Formula One March 8 season-opener in The sportscar maker said team, who are currently on a Qatar was cancelled. in a statement the temporary three-week factory shutdown “The ongoing coronavirus three-month wage reduction brought forward from August outbreak has obliged the event was part of wider cost- due to the season being on to be rescheduled,” governing cutting measures due to the hold, will be furloughed from body FIM, promoters Dorna and impact of the pandemic on next week with McLaren the teams’ association IRTA said its business. making up some of the in a statement. “These measures are difference. They said a revised calendar focused on protecting jobs in Those not furloughed, with new dates for France and the short-term to ensure our from McLaren Racing CEO the recently-postponed Spanish employees return to full-time Zak Brown downwards, will Grand Prix at Jerez would have work as the economy work on reduced pay. to wait until the situation The race, which had been due on May 17, was the fifth round postponed recovers,” McLaren added. The team spokesman became clearer. since the March 8 season-opener in Qatar was cancelled. A team spokesman said British 20-year-old The Italian Grand Prix at emphasised that 100-150 Norris and Spaniard Sainz Mugello on May 31 is next in line staff from across the group were adamant they too but also looks uncertain with who were working on a wanted to play their part. the country on Wednesday doubts about the country’s 18 months by the International provisionally suspended. It will “VentilatorChallengeUK” With racing unlikely to extending a national lockdown Formula One race at the Motorcycling Federation after expire in June 2021. project were not included in start until the European until at least mid-April. southern Le Castellet circuit testing positive for a steroid. Iannone has 21 days to the measure. summer at the earliest, F1 Another race in Spain, at scheduled for June 28. The failed test came from a appeal the decision to the Court The group, including the sources have said the teams -- Barcelona’s Circuit de Cat- The Formula One season is urine sample collected from the of Arbitration for Sport. luxury carmaker and applied a majority based in Britain -- alunya, follows Italy on June also yet to start, with two races Italian driver at the Malaysian The start of the MotoGP technology arm, employs are discussing extending the 7 with Germany on June 21 cancelled and a further six post- Grand Prix on November 3. season has been postponed by some 3,700 people with shutdown. Non-essential busi- and the Netherlands on June poned. The sport has said it Iannone maintains that the the coronavirus pandemic. around 850 working for the nesses are shuttered in Britain 28. hopes to run a reduced cham- positive result came from con- The 30-year-old Iannone F1 team. McLaren is part of a because of the virus and the Whether any will be able to pionship of 15-18 races from the taminated meat that he ate. races for Aprilia Racing Team consortium of leading aero- authorities have asked eve- go ahead remains uncertain. European summer. The federation said the ban Gresini. His only MotoGP space, engineering and ryone to stay at home. The postponement of the Meanwhile, MotoGP rider will be backdated to Dec. 17, victory came at the 2016 Aus- French MotoGP race also raises Andrea Iannone was banned for 2019 - the date he was trian GP. NBA: Lakers and Nets symptom free after 14-day isolations

AFP — New York Four Nets players who had athletes nor the performance team to tested positive for the virus, put a timeline on it,” Marks said. “I LeBron James The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles reportedly including superstar think everyone is dealing with bigger, (left) of the Los Lakers have completed 14-day home far more pressing things.” Angeles Lakers and forward Kevin Durant, now isolations without any players showing show no symptoms of COVID-19. All team practice facilities have Joe Harris of the symptoms of coronavirus, the NBA been closed due to the outbreak. Brooklyn Nets in clubs said. “Just by getting time off, yes, does action during their The clubs intend to continue to coronavirus symptoms. Durant has not that make your body heal and so forth? NBA match in New follow safety guidelines set by health played a game for the Nets due to a But there were several of our players York City, in this and government officials regarding ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in that need the facilities, need game reps, January 23, 2020 social distance and sheltering in place. last June’s NBA Finals while with need to be playing,” Marks said. file photo. Nets general manager Sean Marks, Golden State. “You could take the other side of this the first New Zealand-born player in Kyrie Irving played only 20 games and say that this hiatus has set their reha- the NBA, said the four Nets players who for Brooklyn before calling it quits for bilitation back and it has slowed them.” had tested positive for the virus, the season due to a shoulder injury. Marks and other Nets personnel are reportedly including superstar forward But with the NBA season shut down only seeing players from a distance. Kevin Durant, now show no symptoms and playoffs potentially pushed back “They know their bodies better of COVID-19. into August, they might both be than anyone else, so at the right time The entire travel group for the Nets recovered enough to play in post- and when they are 100% and they are has completed isolation after learning season games if they are played. up for it, I’m sure they will be making March 17 that a player was showing “I don’t think it’s fair to those those decisions.” 04 Sport fRIDAY 3 APRIL 2020

Chris British government tells Premier Woakes League players to ‘take pay cut’

AFP – London Premier League to express what Manchester United’s he said was his “dismay” and David de Gea holding The British government warned that “this two-tier a ball during a Premier yesterday said English Premier system is morally wrong”. League match against League footballers should take “The purpose of the Coro- Watford in this a pay cut, amid outrage at top- navirus Job Retentions Scheme February 23 file photo. flight clubs using a furlough is not to support the economics scheme for non-playing staff. of Premier League clubs”. Salary Tottenham, Newcastle and He has proposed “financial Norwich have said they will use redress” so the government a government scheme to guar- recoups a proportion of the cuts still antee 80 percent of salaries for money clubs pay to the players staff up to a maximum of if there is no change of £2,500 ($3,100) per month. approach. an option: The decision prompted The Premier League are in anger from the head of parlia- discussions with the Profes- Woakes ment’s digital, culture, media sional Footballers’ Association and sport committee, Julian (PFA) but no salary cuts have AFP – London Knight, as no cuts have so far yet been agreed. been agreed for high-earning Players at Spanish club Bar- England all-rounder Chris players. celona have taken a 70 percent Woakes yesterday indicated pay Asked whether it was pay cut, while in Italy the cuts for the country’s leading ethical for clubs to put non- Juventus squad have agreed to cricketers could yet happen as playing staff on the furlough stop their wages for four the sport tries to keep financially scheme, Health Secretary Matt months. gather via conference call for a Premier League earn far more than union added that it believes that afloat amid the coronavirus Hancock said everyone needed Bournemouth manager meeting on Friday which will players at smaller clubs. if a club can pay non-playing pandemic. to play a part in the fightback Eddie Howe became the first also include the English Football Revealing a wage deal is staff out of their own money, On Wednesday, England against coronavirus. top-flight manager to take a League and the PFA. expected soon, a statement said: they should, despite being and Wales Cricket Board Chief “That means Premier voluntary pay cut because of the They will discuss the issue “The PFA fully accepts that “aware of the public sentiment Executive Tom Harrison League footballers too,” he told crisis on Wednesday, with of pay cut or deferrals to mit- players will have to be flexible that the players should pay non- announces he was taking a 25 a news conference in Downing Brighton boss Graham Potter igate the financial impact of the and share the financial burden playing staff’s salaries”. percent pay cut, with other offi- Street. following suit on Thursday by outbreak. of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hancock’s demand for a cials at Lord’s reducing their sal- “Given the sacrifices that agreeing a “significant vol- Consideration is expected to order to secure the long-term salary cut will earn praise from aries as well. many people are making, untary pay cut” for the next be given to an indefinite sus- future of their own club and many who believe players on That followed his including some of my col- three month. pension of the professional game indeed the wider game. multi-million pound contracts announcement on Tuesday of leagues in the NHS who’ve B u t t h e r e c e n t in England with the landscape “We are hoping to reach an are over-paid. the ECB’s £61m ($76m) aid made the ultimate sacrifice of announcement that Tottenham having shifted significantly since agreement with the Premier But former Manchester package in response to the going into work, and have chairman Daniel Levy would be March 19 when the decision was League and EFL that secures the United and England defender “once in a generation” challenge caught the disease and have paid a £7 million salary, on the taken to suspend play until at long-term future of the clubs Gary Neville hit back. of COVID-19. sadly died, I think the first thing day his club’s non-playing staff least April 30. and protects players. “I wish I was a player for 10 Harrison said Tuesday there Premier League footballers can were furloughed, increased the The PFA have been keen for “As an industry, we are in more mins. The PL players are were no plans to enforce a pay do is make a contribution, take feeling that Premier League all clubs to agree a unified deal that discussions with clubs and more than likely working on a cut on leading England players, a pay cut and play their part,” teams are out of touch with the cuts or defers wages by the same players to identify the support proposal to help clubs, commu- with cricket worldwide he added. public mood. amount for each player, even we can give to our country nities and The NHS,” Neville suspended. Knight has written to the Premier League clubs will though stars at the top clubs in the during this difficult time.” The tweeted. But the ESPNcricinfo website reported Harrison had written to the chief executive of A Bayern England’s Professional Crick- Munich fan eters Association’ to suggest displays a Players’ association denies centrally contracted stars such banner before as Test captain Joe Root and all- a Bundesliga rounder Ben Stokes volunteer match. blocking wage deferrals to accept a cut of some 20 percent. REUTERS – LONDON government job retention public sentiment that the The players, however, do scheme. players should pay non- not yet appear to have been The association representing “Contrary to some press playing staff’s salaries. contacted directly. England’s professional foot- reports the PFA has never However, our current position “It’s a tricky one, talking ballers denied yesterday that stated that it will block all is that - as businesses - if about finances and people’s it has blocked wage deferrals wage deferrals,” said the Pro- clubs can afford to pay their wages, it can be a delicate for players during the coro- fessional Footballers’ Associ- players and staff, they subject,” World Cup-winner navirus stoppage but said that ation (PFA) in a statement. should,” it said. Woakes told BBC Radio. clubs should pay all staff if Instead, it had sought “a The PFA said it accepted “The PCA is our governing they could afford it. structured and unified that players would have to be body (union) as players and they Professional football in approach to ensure a fair flexible and share the do a fantastic job for us. They’re England has been suspended response across the leagues.” financial burden of the coro- looking after us as well as they until April 30, at the earliest, It said that a meeting with the navirus outbreak “in order to can and trying to help the ECB due to the pandemic with Premier League and the secure the long-term future through this.” Crisis will end ‘unhealthy’ some top flight clubs putting English Football League -- of their own club and indeed The 31-year-old Warwick- non-playing staff on leave. consisting of the lower divi- the wider game.” shire star added: “Those discus- Player wages, with some sions -- in March agreed to In the third and fourth sions are ongoing between the spending: Bayern Chairman paid many times more per protect players’ salaries for tiers, it said that a significant ECB and the PCA and there’s week than the average Briton that month and talks about number of players were every chance that might happen AFP – Berlin demand will regulate the market takes home in a year, have possible cuts in April were employed on 12-month con- but at the minute we haven’t and help establish a new become a hot topic as club ongoing. tracts with salaries closer to been asked to take a pay cut.” The crisis caused by the corona- equilibrium”. staff are furloughed under a “We are aware of the the national average. The start of the English virus pandemic will stop the With the German season being domestic season has been “unhealthy” inflation of player halted on March 13, Bayern delayed until at least May 28 wages and transfer fees in players have agreed to take a pay and doubts remain over the football, Bayern Munich Chairman cut, as have players at other clubs future of lucrative incoming Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wrote in the Bundesliga. tours by the West Indies, in an editorial published The reigning German cham- Pakistan and Australia. yesterday. pions are one of the world’s Questions over whether “With every crisis comes an richest clubs although they have well-paid sportsmen should opportunity,” Rummenigge noted been reluctant to splash out on the accept pay cuts became a in Bayern’s own club magazine. kind of transfer fees paid by other political football yesterday “For a long time we have seen top sides in Europe. when the British government unhealthy amounts of money paid Their record transfer fee is the said Premier League soccer in wages and transfer fees. The €80m ($87.3m) spent on France players -- who earn consid- coronavirus and the crisis it is defender Lucas Hernandez from erably more than their cricket causing will at least put an end to Atletico Madrid last year, some counterparts -- should take a this idea of ‘always more, every- way short of the world record pay cut, amid outrage at top- thing more expensive and quicker €222m paid by Paris Saint- flight clubs using a government General view outside Old Trafford as the Premier League than before’.” Germain to Barcelona for Neymar furlough scheme for non- is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. He added: “Supply and in 2017. playing staff. Rugby in crisis as unions engage in ‘unprecedented dialogue’

AP – London dialogue” between the sport’s The statue of Welsh legend Ray Gravell is seen outside Parc y see how they can sustain the countries, is ensuring the new leading countries during the Stadium in , South Wales. game in what it sees as a key season scheduled to start in USA Rugby has filed for bank- outbreak that has shut down future market. September can proceed as ruptcy. The Australians are rugby. Sweeney last week said the planned. facing a black hole of more “The relationship between RFU was bracing for lost Wales and Scotland have than $70m. England leaders the north and the south has revenue of up to £50m ($62m) already voided their domestic have drawn up worst-case probably never been better,” over the next 18 months. campaigns, as has England scenarios of an even bigger Bill Sweeney said. There will be a further below the top-tier financial hit. Sweeney acknowledged blow to global revenues in Premiership. The coronavirus pandemic that Australia might be in the July if test matches set to be A decision was made by the has left rugby on its knees over weakest position of all the hosted by New Zealand, South RFU yesterday that final the last two weeks, with the major unions. Africa, Australia and Japan are standings in English leagues prospect of more pain to come After returning a net loss of called off because of the should be determined by a because of the uncertainty over more than $5.4m for last year, pandemic. “best playing record formula,” whether leagues, lucrative the Australian A decision is set to be taken meaning that Newcastle tours and international com- could take a hit of more than on those tours by the northern Falcons will be promoted to the petitions can resume or go 10 times that figure this year if hemisphere sides at the end of Premiership because they have ahead. Super Rugby does not start up April, but there is little a 100% record so far this The chief executive of Eng- again and there are no a TV deal at present after negotiations have now been optimism around given most season. The Falcons are set to land’s Rugby Football Union, domestic test matches for the refusing to take up an offer suspended. countries are under lockdown, replace Saracens, whose the world’s richest union, said Wallabies, according to CEO with Foxtel, its existing broad- World Rugby, the sport’s and could be for months. demotion because of breaches yesterday there has been an Raelene Castle. caster. Foxtel had been bidding governing body, is in conver- More realistic, at least of salary cap regulations was “unprecedented amount of The ARU doesn’t even have for rights with Optus, but sations with the Americans to among northern hemisphere confirmed in January. fRIDAY 3 April 2020 Classifieds 05

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