British Open golf called off; new dates for PGA, US Open paGe 13 TueSDay, aprIl 7, 2020

Guardiola’s mother dies FIFA urges clubs and players to reach after contracting virus

AFP agreement over wages: Sources LoNDoN

AFP Therefore FIFA “strongly encourag- most countries, it is now obvious that Positive impact PEP Guardiola’s 82-year-old LaUSaNNe es clubs and players to work together” the current season will not end when Individual agreements must still mother has died after con- to find agreements on a range of issues, people thought it would. Therefore, it be signed between the clubs and tracting coronavirus, Man- FIFA on Monday urged clubs and play- including salaries. is proposed that contracts be extended players, who will waive between two chester City announced on ers to reach agreement on wage reduc- It is common practice for European until such time that the season does and four months’ salary. Monday. tions to protect clubs suffering financial player contracts to run until June 30. actually end.” The decision was reached unani- “The Manchester City damage due to the coronavirus crisis, Players whose contracts expire “A similar principle applies for mously by Serie A clubs, with the family are devastated to re- sources said. this summer include Manchester contracts scheduled to begin when exception of Juventus, which had port the death today of Pep’s The call from world football’s gov- City’s David Silva, Willian at Chelsea, the new season starts,” it said. already reached an agreement with mother Dolors Sala Carrio erning body comes as Premier League or Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva “Meaning the entry into force of such its own players, said Lega Serie A. in Manresa, Barcelona, after pep Guardiola. clubs are locked in talks with players and Edinson Cavani. At the moment, contracts is delayed until the season Juventus said the salary cuts ac- contracting coronavirus,” and their representatives about taking they will be free to leave on July 1 even actually does start.” cepted by its players and coach Maur- the Premier League club said part of the club’s Cityzens At pay cuts after government ministers if the season has not been completed. In Italy, where all football has been izio Sarri over the period from March in a statement. Home initiative urging fans called on players to “play their part”. Given that the European suspended since March 9, clubs in Se- to June would have “a positive impact “Everyone associated to stay at home. Italian top-flight football clubs on seasons are suspended and rie A agreed on Monday that player of 90 million euros on the 2019/ 2020 with the club sends their Spain declared Monday Monday agreed to cut the salaries of there is no fixed date to re- salaries will be reduced by a third of financial year”. most heartfelt sympathy at a fourth consecutive drop in players, coaches and staff. Clubs in oth- sume at the current time, their gross annual earnings if the sea- In Spain, where Barcelona play- this most distressing time to the number of coronavirus- er countries, including Barcelona, have the source said FIFA pro- son should be cancelled, and a sixth if ers, like their English counterparts, Pep, his family and all their related deaths, with 637 over also cut player wages. poses that contracts should it resumes. had been criticised for not agreeing friends.” the past 24 hours, the lowest FIFA is also recommending that be extended “until such time a pay cut, six-time Ballon d’Or win- Guardiola, 49, last month number in nearly two weeks. players’ contracts be extended until the that the season does ac- ner Lionel Messi from Argentina donated €1 million to buy Fatalities, which were end of the interrupted football seasons tually end”. announced last week that the squad medical supplies for the fight sharply down on the record and that the transfer window does not A statement had agreed to a 70 percent pay re- against the coronavirus pan- 950 on Thursday, brought the open until that time. FIFA has prepared duction as the club faces a loss of demic in his native Spain. total deaths in the country to The source said the health crisis and which has revenue. He also issued a video as 13,055, second only to Italy. had had “a major impact” on clubs’ rev- been seen by AFP “We clearly won’t manage to enues and that, like other sectors of the said: “With the earn what we had been expect- economy, football had to find “fair and current suspen- FIFA president ing to,” Barcelona president Josep equitable solutions” to protect jobs. sion of play in Gianni Infantino. Maria Bartomeu said. British boxing great Nigel Benn reveals COVID-19 heartbreak AFP Bayern Munich resume LoNDoN

BRITISH boxing great Nigel Benn revealed on Instagram one of his brothers Mark has training but hugs and died of coronavirus. The 56-year-old -- for- mer world champion at two weights -- said Mark had been the “Joker” of the family. It came as the number challenges are banned of UK coronavirus-related deaths climbed by 621 to 4,934 and infections rose by British boxing great Nigel Benn AFP/DPA 5,903 to 47,806. (left) has revealed one of his BeRLIN “My brother Mark passed brothers Mark has died of the Away 2day (Covid 19), as we coronavirus. (aFP) BUNDESLIGA leaders Bayern all were growing up Mark was Munich resumed training on the Joker of the Benn house wrest the WBO super-mid- Monday for the first time since hold,” he wrote. dleweight title from Irishman the German league was sus- “May he Rest In Peace Stephen Collins. pended due to coronavirus but love u Mark.’” Benn is not the first from the players were put through Benn -- whose 23-year- the sport in Britain to lose a their paces in small groups and old son Conor is a promis- relative due to the coronavi- maintained social distancing ing pugilist with an unblem- rus. measures. ished record -- was one of The grandmother and Keeping at least 1.5 metres seven boys but lost his older father of British light-heav- from each other, players includ- brother Andy when he fell out yweight Anthony Yarde died ing captain Manuel Neuer, Rob- of a window aged just eight. within a few days of each ert Lewandowski and Thomas Benn was dubbed the ‘Dark other. Mueller trained together for the Destroyer’ for his aggressive The 28-year-old made first time since the Bundesliga style and enjoyed a fierce ri- an emotional appeal to the was halted on March 13. valry with compatriots Chris public to “just stay home” to “It was a very unusual feel- Eubank and Michael Watson. avoid the risk of spreading ing to hold a training session Benn was WBO middle- the virus. in small groups, but it was also weight title in 1990 and then “It’s serious!” Yarde wrote nice to see the boys in person went on to become WBC on social media. again,” said Neuer after Bayern super-middleweight cham- “People are still going out had previously held training pion holding the belt between when they don’t need to. I sessions online. (L-R) Bayern Munich’s Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, Bayern Munich’s Canadian midfielder Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich’s polish striker 1992 and 1996 -- losing his know there’s a lot of opinions After arriving at staggered Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich’s French defender Kingsley Coman attend a training session at the team’s training area in Munich, crown to South African Thu- about Covid-19 and I have times to limit contact -- with no southern Germany, on Monday. (aFP) lani Malinga. mine but I just know opinions greeting hugs or handshakes -- He retired from the ring ain’t worth risking your life the 21-man squad was split into not shower or eat on site after a still prevents training in groups. trated by their local authority’s Regular training is still pro- in 1996 after twice failing to and others. Just stay home.” five groups, each containing a session that focused on running So far, more than 1,434 peo- delay in approving their ap- hibited as authorities limit con- maximum of five players. and shooting. ple have died in Germany from plication but they too can now tact between players in accord- When they changed, the The only clubs in Germany’s coronavirus. train small groups. ance with general restrictions in players were kept four metres top flight not planning group The Bayern squad returned the country. apart in the changing rooms at training this week are Freiburg, Bremen finally given to the Saebener Strasse complex “It was a very unusual feel- Footballer Recber out of the club’s state-of-the-art train- whose players continue to permission to work in small groups, spread ing to have training today in ing complex in southern Ger- work individually, and Werder Relegation-threatened across several pitches, doing fit- small groups,” said goalkeeper many. Bremen, where the city’s senate Werder Bremen were left frus- ness and shooting exercises. captain Manuel Neuer. “But it hospital after coronavirus On the pitch, Bayern’s stars was also nice to see the boys in AFP keep praying for those fight- were careful to keep their dis- real life again. ISTaNBUL ing for survival under inten- tance from each other and there ‘Keep CalM anD STay hOMe’, SayS Kane “I also want to thank the sive care,” she commented. were no challenges or tackles. club and all helpers that we FORMER Turkish national The 46-year-old goal- Once training was over, the LoNDoN: england captain harry Kane has urged panic but I think it’s important we do everything we had the chance, in these diffi- team and ex-Barcelona goal- keeper enjoyed a brief spell at players left to shower at home, people to keep calm and stay home during can to help. Stay at home, be calm, spend cult times, to again do football- keeper Rustu Recber was Barcelona in 2003 after star- where they ate food provided by the coronavirus. some time with whoever you’re living with specific training on the pitch.” dischaged from hospital on ring in the World Cup a year the club in lunch boxes. Like many parts of the world, Brit- and enjoy these moments.” Coach Hansi Flick also spoke Monday after recovering from earlier when Turkey beat co- Bayern asked fans to stay ain has been locked down because of The Premier League have said individually to players while coronavirus, his wife said. hosts South Korea 3-2 in the away from the Saebener Strasse the pandemic and Tottenham striker there is no date for football to resume maintaining distance from Recber took on hero sta- third-place play-off. complex, where hundreds of Kane has reminded people of their at present, so Kane, who is recovering them. After training it was in- tus in Turkey as he kept goal Recber, who also played supporters usually turn up to responsibility to remain indoors as from a torn hamstring suffered on New tended that the players would at the 2002 World Cup, car- for Istanbul giants Fener- see their heroes. much as possible. In a video posted on Year’s Day at Southampton, is keeping travel directly home to change. rying his team to the semi- bahce and Besiktas teams, Other clubs also cautiously social media by the Football association, fit at home. Striker Robert Lewandows- finals and ultimately third currently works at the Turk- resumed training Monday, af- Kane said the only option was to enjoy the “I think this time away from football is ki took part after suffering a place, their greatest ever per- ish Football Federation. ter the league’s ban on doing so extra time at home with loved ones. a time to relax, to reflect. We have pretty hectic knee injury in February while formance in the tournament. Galatasaray’s manager until April 5 passed, amid hopes “During this time I think it’s important to just schedules, especially at this time of year when defender Niklas Suele, after a “What a beautiful day, Fatih Terim, who had tested the league will resume in early stay calm,” Kane said. we’re playing non-stop football,” he said. cruciate ligament tear, did lim- thank God ... My husband was positive, was discharged from May. “on a match day that’s how I like to be so I’m “I can keep fit with the gym, I’m fortunate ited ball work. dischaged following a tough 11- hospital on March 30. Bayern are four points clear using that same energy whilst I’m at home. We can enough to have these things in the house, Werder applied to the days,” she posted on Instagram. Turkey has officially re- in the Bundesliga table. only look after ourselves, we can only stay at home but in general the most important thing is to Bremen council to have training “I am not fully happy be- corded some 27,000 cases At the training ground of and help the healthcare services and everyone rest up and be ready for when we start playing restrictions lifted from Monday cause there are so many pa- while 574 people have died, their closest rivals Borussia saving lives at the moment. There’s no need to football again.” (AFP) but a decision in their favour tients waiting in hospitals according to the official fig- Dortmund, the players also did was made only late in the day. right now for recovery ... I will ures published on Sunday. 12 Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Sports Barcelona slashes staggering wage bill to survive corona lockdown

AFP this week reported Barcelona out last week after it was re- BaRCeLoNa coud lose 48 million euros in vealed the players had initially gate receipts and a further 84 baulked at the idea. SPANISH superclub Barce- million in television rights. “We hadn’t come to an lona’s colossal cash turnover “There has been a huge agreement because we were is under the spotlight after the drop in income and we are try- waiting to find the best solution soccer lockdown slashed the ing to compensate this with the for the club, and to our benefit earnings that enabled them reduction of player salaries and and trying to help the employ- to pay over 600 million euros all other employees including ees,” Suarez told a radio station ($647M) per year to staff. all our executives,” Bartomeu in his native Uruguay. Barcelona’s motto is ‘More told Catalan sports daily El Bartomeu says the cuts than a club’, and fans around Mundo Deportivo. look drastic on paper but that the globe tune in to thrill at the A project to refurbish the once observed closely are less hugely succesful side spear- club’s spectacular Nou Camp severe. headed by Argentine genius home has also been put on ice. “From the word go, we Lionel Messi. wanted an agreement, not But as broadcasting rights Rumblings of discontent something that was imposed,” for the lucrative Spanish do- Six-time Ballon d’Or win- Bartomeu says. mestic La Liga and the Euro- ner Messi announced a week “We came to a flexible pean Champions League have ago that Barca’s players had agreement conditioned to the become compromised, the club agreed to a 70 percent pay cut. number of days the crisis lasts. has had some delicate econom- The players also proposed “In total the wage cuts will ic manoeuvering to do. to make contributions to en- make 16 million euros savings Not least of these was per- sure the club’s non-playing per month. If the lockdown suading sensitive star players staff could be paid in full dur- lasts one month, it will be a re- on huge contracts to take vol- ing the state emergency in duction of 5.75 per cent of the untary wage cuts. Spain caused by the coronavi- annual salary bill. If it lasts 45 European football adminis- rus pandemic. days, it will be 8.6 per cent and trators do not allow for wages Announcing the agree- if it lasts two months, which we above 70 per cent of a club’s ment, the usually silent Messi believe not, 11.5 per cent.” earnings, with the Catalan out- directed a thinly veiled swipe at The rest of Barcelona’s staff fit sitting was officially around the Barca board, whom he ac- have been put on partial unem- 68 percent. cused of undermining the play- ployment. The wage budget for the Lionel Messi and the Barcelona football team have taken a short term pay cut. (aFP) ers during recent negotiations. “Because we are a huge current season was 642 million His lengthy Instagram post earner we look like we have euros with expected earnings presented by the club last July. pecting to,” Barcelona presi- The club are not ony de- all the merchandising that goes was shared by a slew of team- been hit harder, but once this is estimated at just over 1 billion “We clearly won’t manage dent Josep María Bartomeu prived of match-day revenue with it. mates, including Uruguayan over we will be up and running euros in the pre-season budget to earn what we had been ex- admitted this week. from 11 domestic games, but The Spanish sports press striker Luis Suarez who lashed faster too,” Bartomeu says.

TennIS TaKeS Cycling ace Cavendish opens Virus scrapped your nick Kyrgios pledges food delivery for up about battle with depression marathon? In Japan, virus victims AFP STUTTGaRT: australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios on Monday LoNDoN pledged to help those in need during the coronavirus crisis by there’s an app for that delivering free food to their doorstep. BRITISH cycling superstar “If aNYoNe is not working/not getting an income and runs out Mark Cavendish says he has AFP over several days. of food, or times are just tough ... please don’t go to sleep with successfully come through a ToKYo Runners can complete an empty stomach,” the 24-year-old Kyrgios said on Instagram. two-year battle with clinical the marathons between “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private mes- depression revealing on Mon- WHEN the coronavirus out- March 8 and May 31, the of- sage. I will be more than happy to share whatever I have. even day he was “dark” but is now break forced organisers to ficial race website says. just for a box of noodles, a loaf of bread or milk. I will drop it off on the “other side”. cancel marathons in the The organisers said on at your doorstep, no questions asked!” It is the second time The 34-year-old is just four Japanese city of Nagoya, they their website that they want- this year that Kyrgios has shed his on-court bad-boy image and stage wins shy of equalling Bel- turned to tech to ease the dis- ed to respond to the spirit showed plenty of compassion of it. gian legend Eddie Mercx’s re- appointment, offering run- shown by those who trained In January, his pledge to donate for each ace he served kick- cord of 34 stage victories in the ners the chance to race alone. for the now-cancelled races. started a massive fund-raising effort from the tennis community Tour de France. The Nagoya Women’s But they “don’t rec- for victims of the bushfires in australia. However, with the corona- Marathon and Nagoya City ommend running in a big Tennis is tennis is suspended until at least mid-July virus pandemic playing havoc British cycling superstar Mark Cavendish. marathon were scheduled group,” the official warned. because of the coronavirus outbreak, and Kyrgios is in his with the sporting calendar -- for March 8 and expected to Those who are registered hometown of Canberra. (DPA) both Euro 2020 and the Olym- place -- we’ll do a thing on it stepson. attract some 20,000 runners for the women’s event and pics have been postponed for at some point -- but I received “So to be able to absorb -- a potential health hazard complete the marathon via a year -- there is no guarantee help. this... to be able to do what during a global pandemic. the app will receive a T-shirt Top stars to do battle online in virtual the Isle of Man-born rider will “I was dark. And I’m on the mums and dads do, it keeps So instead of having rac- and a necklace as originally Madrid Open get a chance to have a go at the other side, thank you. me happy, it keeps me super ers run together, organisers promised for finishers. record this year. “Well, as much as I can be. motivated, and it keeps me have offered up two apps to The coronavirus has MaDRID: The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal could be The Tour is due to start on I think I’ve come out of that. sane I guess.” allow participants to com- wreaked havoc on the inter- set to face each other online after the cancelled Madrid open June 27. And it’s nice to have come out His old mentor Rod Elling- plete the marathons alone, national sporting calendar, tennis tournament announced it will run a virtual competition later Cavendish, though, is just of that. worth believes Cavendish was tracked online. with the Tokyo marathon this month. happy that should the Tour go “And to look for the posi- not far off the form of his peak “It’s the first time the an- among the early fixtures to Professional players will compete on the Tennis World Tour ahead he will be in a healthy tives.” year in 2016 when he won four nual marathon events were be affected. videogame to raise money for those struggling in the sport and state of mind for the challenge Not many positives can be stages on the Tour de France. cancelled, and it’s the first Organisers cancelled the people affected by coronavirus. facing him. taken from the coronavirus Ellingworth should know time we launched apps to re- amateur portion of the race La Liga also organised a FIFa football tournament online last “It’s not just been my physi- pandemic but Cavendish has as the two have been reunited place the real ones,” one of scheduled for March 1, af- month, which raised more than a million euros and was won by cal health which has been dealt found one. with Cavendish at the Bahrain the organisers of the Nagoya fecting around 38,000 run- Real Madrid’s Marco asensio, after every club picked a player to a blow over the last couple of He is presently back at McLaren team. city marathon told AFP. ners, who were not offered a represent them. years,” he told The Times. home in the Isle of Man having “His form is not like 2016 Instead of running the refund. The Madrid open said on Monday it would run an online com- “I’ve battled quite hard agreed like his Bahrain McLar- but he’s getting there,” said original route, registered They will, however, be petition over four days, from april 27 to 30, and the “organisation with depression during this en team-mates to take a wage Ellingworth, who is the team participants can run wher- eligible for a spot in 2021’s will soon announce the list of participants”. time. I was diagnosed with deferral for three months the general manager. ever they like -- keeping an marathon. each male and female winner will decide how much of a clinical depression in August size of which is dependent on “If that was 10 out of 10, appropriate social distance The pandemic has also 150,000-euro purse to donate to “tennis players currently suffer- 2018.” income and individual circum- he’s somewhere like seven at -- and the apps measure and forced the postponement of ing economically”. an additional 50,000 euros “will all go towards Cavendish said he refused stances. the minute. verify their performance. the Tokyo 2020 Olympics reducing the social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic”. to take anti-depressants but “It could have been easy for “He came to us one or two There are two apps -- one and Paralympics to next There will be 16 singles players in both the men and women’s did seek expert counselling. me to go through my whole ca- out of 10, that’s physical, men- for those who want to finish year. draws, divided into four groups. a series of ‘exhibition matches’ “I didn’t take any medica- reer and only see the kids once tal and the passion for it. the marathon in one go and Japan has so far recorded will also be arranged between players and “content creators”, to tion,” he said. they’re teenagers,” said the “So he’s progressing really another for those who want over 3,600 coronavirus in- raise additional funds. (AFP) “Like, this isn’t the time or father of three and who has a well.” to complete it by running fections and 73 deaths.

Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change AFP “If it’s at that stage and we’re that a trial basis, but not everyone was urged players to opt for the fist bump PaRIS worried about the spread, I’m not overjoyed. rather than the long-standing high- sure we’d be playing sport.” “I think having the towel when- five. AS the coronavirus brings the inter- ever you need it, it’s very helpful. It’s “I ain’t high-fiving nobody for the national sports calendar to a grinding Towels in tennis - no touching one thing less that you have to think rest of my life after this,” NBA super- halt, AFP Sport looks at three long- Tennis players throwing towels, about,” said Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsi- star LeBron James told the “Road standing habits which could change dripping with sweat and blood and pas when he was playing at the Next- Trippin’ Podcast”. forever once competition resumes. probably a tear or two, at ball boys Gen Finals in Milan. “No more high-fiving. After this and girls, has often left fans sympa- “I think it’s the job of the ball kids corona? Wait ‘til you see me and my Saliva to take shine off swing thising for the youngsters. to provide towels and balls for the teammates’ handshakes.” bowling Moves by officials to tackle the is- players.” Basketball stars were also told not It’s been a tried and trusted friend sue took on greater urgency in March to take items such as balls or teams to fast bowlers throughout the history when the coronavirus was taking a Let’s not shake on it shirts to autograph. of cricket. global grip. Behind closed doors in Pre-match handshakes were US women’s football star Megan But the days of applying saliva Miki, ball boys and girls on duty at abandoned in top football leagues Rapinoe says edicts to ban hand- to one side of the ball to encourage the Davis Cup tie between Japan and just before the sports shutdown. shakes or even high-fives may be swing could be over in the aftermath Ecuador wore gloves. Premier League leaders Liver- counter-productive anyway. of COVID-19. Baskets, meanwhile, were made pool also banned the used of mascots “We’re going to be sweating all “As a bowler I think it would be available for players to deposit while Southampton warned against over each other all game, so it sort pretty tough going if we couldn’t their towels. players signing autographs and of defeats the purpose of not doing a shine the ball in a Test match,” said Back in 2018, the ATP intro- stopped them posing for selfies. handshake,” she told the New York Rafael Nadal throws a towel to a ballboy at this year’s Australian open. Australia quick Pat Cummins. duced towel racks at some events on Away from football, the NBA Times in March. Sports Tuesday, April 7, 2020 13 british Open golf cancelled Revised dates announced for Masters, PGA and US Open

DPA BeRLIN

THREE of the four golf majors announced new dates for 2020 amid the coronavirus crisis on Monday while the oldest of the lot, the Open Championship, said it would instead cancel its Al Duhail players event for the year. Tiger Woods will defend his green jacket at the Masters raise awareness Tournament in November at the conclusion of a radically altered schedule in light of the against coronavirus global pandemic. The PGA Championship, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Mehdi Benatia, Moez Ali, Ali postponed from May, will kick- Doha Afif, Mohamed Moussa, Is- off the new-look major season mail Mohamed and Mohamed August 6-9 at Harding Park, A number of players from Montari. San Francisco, filling a date the first football team of Al Meanwhile, Al Duhail made available by the post- Duhail Sports Club par- players continued their ponement of the Tokyo Olym- ticipated in an daily training pic Games. awareness cam- maintaining And the US Open, the last paign against social distance. major to announce a change coronavirus by The players are amid the coronavirus crisis, highlighting its either doing solo moves from June to September dangers and the excercises at 17-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club ways to prevent home or in open in New York. its spread. As a space according That will also act as the part of the club’s to their choice tune-up event for the biennial social responsi- and contributing Ryder Cup where team Europe bility, the players to the efforts to will defend the trophy against In this file photo taken on July 20, 2019, winner Shane Lowry of Ireland tees off from the 1st hole during the third round of the British open urged the Qatari limit the outbreak the US at Whistling Straits, golf Championships at Royal portrush golf club in Northern Ireland. The British open has been cancelled for the first time since World War II residents to implement of the COVID-19. Wisconsin, on unchanged dates due to the coronavirus, tournament organisers announced on Monday. (AFP) the measures the ministry Six-time Qatar Stars September 25-28. has laid out to contain the League champions Al Duhail The Masters will then be fall brings a moment of joy to July next year, the governing safety,” title-holder Shane historic Championship and global pandemic. are leading the standings in the last, rather than first, major the Augusta community and all R&A said. Lowry tweeted. have made this decision with Among the most promi- the current season, which had of the year November 12-15 at those who love the sport. The decision was made on There has been an immedi- a heavy heart. We appreciate nent participants in the cam- to be stopped with five rounds Augusta National Golf Club. “We want to emphasise that guidance from the UK Govern- ate knock-on effect to the Open that this will be disappointing paign are Moroccan star to go due to the coronavirus. “While more details will our future plans are incumbent ment, the health authorities, rota with the 150th Champion- for a great many people around be shared in the weeks and upon favourable counsel and public services and advisors. It ship now being held at the St the world but we have to act re- months to come, we, like all of direction from health officials.” is the first time since World War Andrews Old Course in 2022 sponsibly during this pandemic you, will continue to focus on The revised dates for the three II that the Open, first played in rather than 2021. and it is the right thing to do. all mandated precautions and US-based majors were an- 1860, has been cancelled. “Our absolute priority is to “I can assure everyone that Lanka curfew forces cricket guidelines to fight against the nounced shortly after the 2020 “Obviously I’m disap- protect the health and safety of we have explored every option Coronavirus,” Fred Ridley, Au- Open Championship was can- pointed that I won’t get to de- the fans, players, officials, vol- for playing The Open this year gusta National Chairman said. celled completely. fend the Open Championship unteers and staff involved in but it is not going to be possi- team to improve fitness “Along the way, we hope Instead the 149th edition this year but I feel the R and A The Open,” said R&A Chief Ex- ble.” Tickets purchased for the the anticipation of staging the of golf’s oldest major will be have made the right decisions ecutive Martin Slumbers. 2020 event can be transferred AFP Arthur said he was speaking Masters Tournament in the held at Royal St George’s in based on people’s health and “We care deeply about this or refunded. CoLoMBo with each player to monitor progress before international SRI Lanka’s cricket team have competition resumes. been ordered onto customised “We are using this time to home training regimes during reflect on the first three months the coronavirus lockdown by of our tenure and recalibrate #BeActive campaign marks UN International coach Mickey Arthur following our individual and team plans frequent accusations of poor fit- going forward to the very im- Day of Sport for Development and Peace ness. portant series that we have Arthur said the players coming up later in the year,” he TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ing this difficult time,” said António football lovers worldwide to promote have been given tailor-made said in remarks published by Doha Guterres, Secretary-General of the the importance of being active for programmes while they wait to the country’s cricket board. United Nations. “FIFA has asked the both physical and mental health,” said see if key tournaments such as “The players all have in- FIFA has joined forces with the United football community, from member as- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Indian Premier League and dividual fitness plans to keep Nations (UN) and the World Health sociations and clubs, to players and Director-General of the World Health Twenty20 World Cup will go them up to speed with their lev- Organisation (WHO) in supporting fans, to show their support, to put Organisation. “The #BeActive cam- ahead this year. els of fitness. the #BeActive campaign launched on their rivalries aside and to show a new paign supports WHO’s drive to help “I have been sending out “These plans are tailored to the UN International Day of Sport for solidarity so we can overcome the cor- people be healthy at home.” exercises to each player,” the the facilities that each player Development and Peace to encour- onavirus. This is an important lesson The campaign kicks off with Real South African coach said, add- has at his disposal at home to age people to be #HealthyAtHome as not only for today, but for every day.” Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Liverpool ing that the strengths and weak- maintain the expected fitness the world comes together in the fight “More than ever, especially now, FC and Manchester United FC asking to stick together. We have to keep our nesses of each man were being levels.” against COVID-19, on Monday and one thing must be clear to everyone, football fans to set aside their rivalries distance, but we do not lose our focus. discussed. Sri Lanka’s nationwide every day. health comes first,” said FIFA Presi- and to come together to #BeActive in We can show solidarity by being ac- A Sri Lankan sports minis- lockdown, which has now been WHO recommends all healthy dent Gianni Infantino. “FIFA is delight- order to defeat the coronavirus. Other tive, and active means following the ter slammed the team’s fitness extended to four weeks, started adults do at least 30 minutes a day of ed to support both the United Nations clubs, including Club América, CD guidelines from the WHO.” after they suffered a humiliating just as the national team were physical activity and children at least and the World Health Organization in Guadalajara, Beijing Guoan FC, Shang- The video campaign will be pub- one-day series defeat against due to begin a two-match Test 60 minutes per day. As part of this, amplifying the #BeActive campaign hai Shenhua FC, Mohun Bagan AC, lished on various FIFA digital chan- bottom-ranked Zimbabwe in series against England at home. #BeActive and remain #HealthyAtH- today, and we are encouraged that the East Bengal FC, Melbourne City FC, nels, with regular subsequent up- 2017 and early exit from the But the tourists pulled out ome include the following suggestions football community is also playing an Sydney FC, Auckland City FC, Team dates from clubs and players across Champions Trophy. on the second day of a four-day along with any other form of recrea- active role in ensuring the message Wellington FC, CA River Plate, Olym- the world during subsequent days. Dayasiri Jayasekara said Sri practice match in Colombo as tion to stay healthy at home: understood globally. For the first time pique de Marseille, TP Mazembe, CR #BeActive is also being supported Lankan players were “too fat the coronavirus pandemic in- “We are delighted that football is ever, we are all on the same team and Flamengo and SE Palmeiras will also with graphics toolkits for the 211 and unfit to field five-day Test tensified. strongly supporting the International together, with team spirit and positive join the initiative in the coming days. FIFA member associations and vari- matches”. The virus has claimed five Day of Sport for Development and energy, we will win.” As part of the campaign, world-fa- ous media agencies to facilitate ad- Sri Lanka has since over- lives and infected at least 176 Peace by asking everyone to #BeActive “WHO is proud to collaborate as mous players share the following mes- ditional localisation and to further hauled the coaching team and people in Sri Lanka. and to remain healthy at home dur- part of the UN family with FIFA and sage: “At this time, even rivals need amplify the message. Aspetar launches unique COVID-19 Evidence for Athletes Service

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK with the advice of the World is irrelevant. And, sadly, much Doha Health Organisation and re- is also fake news, causing fear liable international medical and anxiety.” ASPETAR, Qatar’s Orthope- organisations.” He added “We are privi- dic and sports medicine hos- The online Aspetar COV- leged to have Professor Mike pital, is proud to announce ID-19 Evidence for Athletes Clarke involved. He is the Re- the launch of its COVID-19 Service provides a wealth of search Director for Evidence Evidence for Athletes Ser- information about exercise Aid and one of its founders. vice — a unique platform and fitness, as well as on Evidence Aid is dedicated to under its official website dealing with the psychologi- making evidence available to www.aspetar.com available cal stress of staying at home, people dealing with disasters in full in English and soon and maintaining the physical and emergencies. We hope in Arabic that provides ath- Aspetar Director General Aspetar Medical Education Director distancing required to curb to extend this collaboration letes and those involved in Mohammed Khalifa al Suwaidi Dr paul Dijkstra the spread of the coronavi- to other national and inter- athlete healthcare with evi- rus. Messages stress the im- national organisations and dence-based information on functionality. This easy ac- Aspetar is working close- letes and sports medicine and and with our partners in the portant role of healthy sleep sports medicine federations.” the novel coronavirus 2019 cess to essential and up-to- ly with many international science experts from all over sports and health sector. We and nutrition to protect the In responding to the (COVID-19) pandemic. date information will help sports medicine associa- the world together in a unique are addressing the issues of immune system. pandemic, Aspetar has pro- The Aspetar COVID-19 athletes and their healthcare tions to share the translated and innovative way to help interest to athletes around Dr. Paul Dijkstra, Direc- duced a variety of education Evidence for Athletes Service practitioners to make wiser answers with their athletes. tackle the COVID-19 pandem- the world, as well as shar- tor of Medical Education at materials through its official is the first of its kind aimed and more informed deci- The other sections include ic and its consequences. ing their stories and experi- Aspetar: “Athletes — like all of online channels and social specifically at athletes, their sions. A key feature is an educational material, rel- Mohammed Khalifa al Su- ences during the coronavirus us — are dealing with a unique media platforms, playing a healthcare teams, coaches athletes’ questions section evant scientific papers, other waidi, Aspetar Director Gen- outbreak. At Aspetar, we are situation, their training and pivotal role in educating ath- and the broader sports com- with short answers provided relevant resources, as well as eral, said: “We are thrilled doing all we can to ensure competition schedules are letes on how to deal with this munity It provides them with by the evidence team, which an interactive section that al- to launch our new web plat- that precautionary measures disrupted, and it is unclear pandemic. A consistent mes- easy access to relevant and will be soon available in lows athletes to share their form to our partners: ath- are taken to limit the spread how long this might last. An- sage to athletes is the im- reliable information based more than 15 different lan- questions and stories with letes and experts. This shows of the new coronavirus. other challenge is the huge portance of taking adequate on the latest scientific evi- guages. Each question and the multidisciplinary evi- Aspetar’s commitment to These measures are being amount of information that is preventive measures to pro- dence. This is done through answer are supported by an dence team. provide reliable informa- introduced by the Supreme available. Although much of tect and maintain their own a new streamlined and mod- infographic featuring the This new and comprehen- tion to athletes through our Committee for Crisis Man- this information is reliable, it health and that of the broad- ern webpage with improved ‘bottom-line’ answer. sive Aspetar service bring ath- channels of communication, agement in Qatar, in line can be hard to understand or er society.