SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 11 If PCB had supported Ronaldo, his Portugal me, I would have team-mates give broken many amateur clubs records: Kaneria financial boost

TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2020 Qatar to take A month into lockdown, football part in WAFF Championship forced to play waiting game in UAE next year QNA – DOHA AFP – PARIS Nobody knows when sport will be allowed The Qatar Football Association A month has now passed since to restart behind (QFA) has confirmed the the last football matches were closed doors let alone participation of Qatar’s played before packed stadiums before crowds. The national team in the 10th in Europe, and the havoc edition of the West Asia psychological impact wrought by the coronavirus Football Federation (WAFF) pandemic means that nobody of the current situation Championship to be hosted by can say with any certainty when means many people may the UAE from January 2 to 15, the sport might return. well now have second 2021. A crowd of 50,000 filled thoughts about mixing Other participating teams Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on with vast crowds at a so far include Jordan, Saudi Thursday, March 12 to see football match in future. Arabia and Oman alongside Rangers lose 3-1 to Bayer hosts UAE. Leverkusen in the Europa Qatar were crowned League. champions of eighth edition Other matches that night -President of Germany’s Bun- held in 2014 with a win over were played behind closed destag, or lower house of par- Jordan. Qatar won 2-0 in the doors, or postponed altogether, liament, told Sky Sport. A general view outside the final of the tournament hosted as Italy announced its death toll “Especially if we can London Stadium in London, by Qatar from December 25 to from the virus had passed determine, by a quick test, that Britain as the Premier January 7, 2014. 1,000. none of the players are infected League is suspended The year 2000 witnessed Fast forward 31 days and the and there is no danger of trig- due to the coronavirus the launch of the first edition figures make for grim reading gering a chain of infection.” pandemic in this file photo. in Jordan where Iran won the throughout Europe, with Italy, In any case, as Liverpool title. Spain, France and the United manager Jurgen Klopp admitted Six teams have won the Kingdom the worst hit. Coun- when the Premier League and suggested that if the situation,” Paris Saint-Ger- apologised for having applied. championship title in the tour- tries across the continent are season was suspended on March remaining matches cannot be main’s Pablo Sarabia said. However, those wealthy nament’s history with Iran now weeks into restrictive 13: “Today, football and football played “we will need to find a Leading football players and clubs cannot afford to do bagging the winner’s trophy lockdowns. matches really aren’t important way”. figures -- from Juventus and without the income they get four times - 2000, 2004, 2007 Nobody knows when sport at all.” Yet his club are among Scrapping a season that was France star Blaise Matuidi to from broadcasters. That is at the and 2008 compared to one will be allowed to restart behind those who have been worst hit close to its conclusion would Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta -- core of their desperation to time title for Iraq (2002), closed doors let alone before by the suspension, given that not make sense, but it remains have tested positive for the complete this season. Kuwait (2010), Syria (2012), crowds. The psychological they stand on the brink of to be seen if the campaign can virus. Former Real Madrid Pres- In England, the cost to Qatar (2014) and Bahrain impact of the current situation winning the English title for the resume. ident Lorenzo Sanz died. Premier League clubs of having (2019). means many people may well first time in 30 years. “No match, no competition, Euro 2020 was postponed to reimburse broadcasters for now have second thoughts In England, authorities have no league is worth risking a by a year, as was the Copa matches not played has been about mixing with vast crowds said football will not return until single human life,” FIFA Pres- America. put at £762m ($951m). at a football match in future. it is “safe and appropriate” to ident Gianni Infantino has said. Players at top sides have While idle players are Nadal, Murray German football authorities do so. “It would be more than irre- taken pay cuts, of 70 percent in stuck at home, trying to follow are set to decide this week However, UEFA has sponsible to force competitions the case of Barcelona. fitness programmes in their confirmed in whether Bundesliga matches remained optimistic about the to resume if things are not 100 There has been an unseemly front rooms or gardens, many can resume behind closed doors prospect of finishing the percent safe.” The damage dispute in England after UK wonder if football will be pro- virtual event next month, and players are European seasons and is caused by COVID-19 has been Health Secretary Matt Hancock foundly changed because of already back in training. working on the possibility of dramatic. Even players are not called for Premier League the financial impact of this AP – MADRID Just 239 people would playing in July and August if worrying about returning to players to accept wage cuts. crisis. reportedly be allowed at each need be. action. Wealthy English clubs have “The economy will be dif- Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray game, reports say, but resuming Aleksander Ceferin, the “It’s not the thing I am wor- also faced a backlash for ferent and so will football. are among 12 players games would still require a sig- UEFA president, has also said rying about. I am thinking about tapping into a government Maybe it will be better,” Everton confirmed to play in the virtual nificant testing operation. there is “no way” runaway my family first and foremost scheme allowing them to fur- manager Carlo Ancelotti told Madrid Open tennis tour- “This must be possible,” leaders Liverpool should be and then about getting this lough non-playing staff. Liv- Italy’s Corriere dello Sport. nament this month. Wolfgang Kubicki, Vice denied the Premier League title, sorted. This is a critical erpool performed a U-turn and That remains to be seen. David Goffin, John Isner, Karen Khachanov, Eugenie Bouchard, Kristina Mladenovic and Kiki Bertens will also par- ticipate from their homes in Don’t treat me like a sack of potatoes: Rakitic the April 27-30 online compe- tition that is expected to be REUTERS – BARCELONA started 10 of Barca’s 27 La he refused to move to Paris was treated. I was very sur- broadcast live on TV and social Liga matches. St Germain last year as part prised and I didn’t under- media channels. Barcelona midfielder Ivan “I understand the situ- of a deal to bring Neymar stand it. The results have Khachanov says “this initi- Rakitic has criticised his ation but I’m not a sack of back to the Camp Nou. not been the best and I ative is interesting and it will club for their recent potatoes who you can do He also spoke of his haven’t played much, that bring back some competition in treatment of him and for anything with,” the disappointment at losing is why I felt hurt,” he said. our sport. I’m looking forward trying to force his 32-year-old told Spanish his place in the team this “I had a very strange to challenge my fellow players departure last year. newspaper Mundo season but insisted he first half of the season, it and show my skills to the tennis The Croatian has Deportivo. wishes to see out his con- was very uncomfortable fans around the world.” been at Barca since “I want to be some- tract, which ends in 2021 and surprising for me. But There will be €150,000 2014 but has fallen where I feel wanted and and would mean Barca I hope I can finish this last ($164,000) distributed in prize out of contention respected. If that’s here would not be able to earn year of my contract.” money for each of the men’s this campaign due then I’ll be delighted but if a transfer fee from his Barcelona are currently and women’s events. The to the arrival of it’s somewhere else then I’ll departure. top of the standings in La winners then decide how Dutch midfielder be the one who decides “Last year was the best Liga which is suspended much they want to donate to Frenkie de Jong where, not anyone else.” of the six I’ve had here and indefinitely due to the tennis players who are having and has only Rakitic confirmed that I was annoyed with how I COVID-19 pandemic. a hard time financially without any tournaments to play. Coronavirus: The weeks that rocked sport

AFP – PARIS mechanics tested positive. Tests imme- 2021 though for a few days it insists the to reschedule their major to the autumn. APRIL 6: Open and shut for majors diately found six more cases. name will not change. French Open bosses admitted their For the golf majors, it was a day of As the coronavirus pandemic has put tournament could face losses of £230m scribbling out plans and pencilling in much of the globe in lockdown, AFP MARCH 13: F1’s chequered flag MARCH 24: Tokyo Olympics off ($284m) but their unilateral decision others. Sport picks 10 dates during the crisis The opening Grand Prix of the After an uprising from athletes and raised the hackles of the ATP and WTA The 149th British Open, which was that tell the tale of how sport has been Formula One season was called off two sports bodies, the Tokyo Olympics which have their own events to set for Royal St George’s Golf Club in hit. days before the race with teams already became the first peacetime Games to reschedule. Kent in July, was cancelled for the first in Melbourne and practising. be postponed. In contrast, the All England Club had time since World War II. FEBRUARY 19: Spreading the virus Since then, eight more races have The Games, originally scheduled for the foresight to take out insurance Less than an hour later, the three Atalanta met Valencia in Milan in the either been postponed or cancelled and July 24-August 9, will be held 12 months which will protect it from such losses. US-based major golf championships Champions League just as infection by Saturday, when Haas became the late. announced rescheduled dates. numbers began to rise in northern Italy. latest outfit to furlough employees, half There was also the knock-on impact APRIL 2: Political football Thousands of Bergamo residents the teams on the grid had put staff on on other events. World Athletics quickly As the British government struggled APRIL 8: Bundesliga leads race travelled to the game as others crowded enforced absence. announced it was rescheduling its world to cope with the spiralling crisis, Health The majority of Bundesliga clubs together at home and in bars to watch. championships, set for Eugene, Oregon, Minister Matt Hancock pointed at the returned to team non-contact training. Valencia said 35 percent of their MARCH 15: The IPL declares next summer to 2022. highly-paid Premier League players With talks continuing over the Bun- team and staff tested positive for coro- The Indian Premier League, cricket’s saying they should take a pay cut. desliga resuming on May 2, the navirus following the trip to Milan. annual money maker which generates APRIL 1: Wimbledon’s net loss Players reacted furiously, but the Germans seem to be leading the race an estimated $11 billion, was postponed Wimbledon chiefs cancelled the decision of leading clubs to use a gov- to become first major European league FEBRUARY 27: Danger in the peloton and rescheduled for April 15. grass-court Grand Slam tournament for ernment scheme to furlough less-well- to return to action, even if it is behind The first sportsmen to come down with the first time since World War II. paid staff and the failure of players to closed doors, and offer broadcasters a the virus were at cycling’s UAE Tour, MARCH 17: Euro 2020 postponed Wimbledon’s move contrasted with agree to cuts, has made them an inviting live fix for sports-starved fans round which was abandoned after two Italian UEFA postpones Euro 2020 until the earlier decision by Roland Garros, political football. the world. TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 Cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal

AFP – LONDON Indian bookmaker discussing prede- Cronje confessed to The International Cricket Council termined Proteas’ performances during several allegations responded by creating a new anti-cor- It may be two decades since the Hansie their tour of India the previous month. at the South African ruption unit led by Paul Condon, the Cronje corruption scandal rocked Such was Cronje’s standing at home government-appointed former head of London’s Metropolitan cricket, but even now the ripples are and abroad, the initial reaction was one King Commission, Police. still being felt. of “shock and disbelief” according to including attempts to But it was desperately under-staffed This month marks the 20th anni- one of South Africa’s leading cricket and 10 years ago it was Britain’s now bribe Herschelle Gibbs versary of Cronje being stripped of the writers. defunct News of the World tabloid that South Africa captaincy following an It was a sentiment shared by Dr Ali and Henry Williams to exposed the willingness of Pakistan extraordinary sequence of events Bacher, the managing director of the underperform in a one-day captain Salman Butt and bowlers earlier in 2000. United Cricket Board, the forerunner international against India. Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir In January, come the last day of a of today’s Cricket South Africa. He also admitted to to engage in spot-fixing. AFP ‘dead’ Test against England (South “When broke the story before receiving hundreds of Since then a beefed-up ACU, Africa had already won the series) a the official press conference by the thousands of dollars from respected for its work in educating draw seemed inevitable after rain had Delhi police, I remember the office players about the dangers of corruption, washed out three days’ play. receiving a call from Dr Bacher blasting bookmakers to prearrange has had a greater impact, with its inves- Yet Cronje contrived a positive the agency for ruining the reputation certain conditions. tigations leading to New Zealand result by getting England captain of one of South Africa’s most iconic batsman Lou Vincent receiving a life Nasser Hussain to agree that both sides personalities,” recalled Kuldip Lal, the ban for match-fixing in 2014. would forfeit an innings. Delhi-based cricket reporter behind He also admitted to receiving hun- Cullinan, testified Cronje, who died in But the rise of Twenty20 franchise England were left with a target of the scoop. dreds of thousands of dollars from a 2002 plane crash, had offered the leagues and the development of the 249 for victory after Cronje declared But Cronje’s partial confession a bookmakers to prearrange certain con- team $250,000 to throw a match before sport beyond top level men’s cricket and eventually won by two wickets. few days later led to a “feeling of relief” ditions - cricket’s complexity means adding he still thought of him “as a great have created new targets for fixers. Traditionalists were aghast at the in AFP’s Delhi bureau, with Lal adding: gambling coups are possible without captain and a great leader”. As has happened in tennis, they can interference with the ‘proper’ course “To his credit, Dr Bacher called the ‘fixing’ the result - with his Centurion Meanwhile, separate national now turn their attention to less high- of a Test, yet few were prepared for office to apologise for his earlier effort netting him some $6,000 and a hearings and investigations led to life profile areas of the game, where the what was to come. outburst.” leather jacket. bans for Pakistan’s Saleem Malik and financial rewards for players are far less In April, Cronje’s image as a reli- Cronje later confessed to several Cronje, who insisted he’d never India’s Mohammad Azharuddin. and the temptation to cheat potentially gious sportsman - he wore a bracelet allegations at the South African gov- thrown a game, was later given a life Yet their suspensions were among all the greater. inscribed with the words ‘What Would ernment-appointed King Commission, ban from cricket yet his reputation several punishments subsequently One constant though is that betting Jesus Do?’ - was shattered for all time. including attempts to bribe Herschelle remained high with both his former overturned, although for Malik and on cricket in India, the sport’s biggest An AFP report, later confirmed by Gibbs and Henry Williams to under- team-mates and the South African Azharuddin the initial sanctions effec- market, is illegal, meaning there is no the New Delhi police, said the force had perform in a one-day international public alike. tively ended the careers of two world- formal regulation, even though gam- phone recordings of Cronje and an against India. For example batsman Daryll class batsmen. bling on horseracing is not.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner If PCB had supported me, Danish Kaneria I would have broken many records: Kaneria

IANS – LAHORE ball back towards the bowler, coming out of his crease. Danish Former Pakistan leg-spinner said ‘well played Brian’, which Danish Kaneria might be currently prompted Lara to say ‘okay sir’. serving a life ban for his The next three balls were all dis- Jos Buttler involvement in fixing, but he has patched over the boundary. once again taken the attack to the “I was the captain of the side Pakistan Cricket Board saying that so I went over to Danish and told ‘Idol’ ABD asked me he wasn't supported enough by the him to tease Lara a bit more. I felt PCB. he was angry so we might make In a YouTube video, former him throw away his wicket. I which part of NZ I am Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq placed the fielders on the had spoken about how Brian Lara boundary in anticipation of big had taken Kaneria to the cleaners shots but he still managed to from, reveals Buttler even though the Pakistan captain outfox us by hitting Danish to all had placed fielders on the parts of the ground.” IANS – LONDON like so cool getting to drink a boundary and thereby shown his Kaneria had earlier asked beer with AB de Villiers. I got true class. Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh South African batting ace AB de back to the hotel told my But taking to Twitter, Kaneria to help the hindus in Pakistan as Villiers had mistaken Jos Buttler fiance at that time (now wife) wrote: “I have taken @BrianLara’s they fight the coronavirus as a New Zealander when the we are going to go straight to wicket 5 times in my career. He outbreak. two first had a conversation the club. was a good cricketer. If PCB had “I request @YUVSTRONG12 during the Indian Premier “AB de Villiers will be supported me, I would have and @harbhajan_singh to make a League (IPL), the England wick- there, this is going to be broken many big records.” video for the minorities living in etkeeper batsman has said. awesome. Describing the episode, Pakistan as well. They need your “De Villiers has been my “We probably chatted for Inzamam had said: “Kaneria help in this moment of #coronac- idol growing up. The guy I love 20 minutes, having a great bowled a googly and Lara hit the risis,” Kaneria had said in a tweet. watching, he is just awesome,” time I am loving it and he has Buttler, who plays for Rajasthan got pretty strong Afrikaans Royals in the IPL, said during accent. About 20 minutes into The Royals Podcast Episode 3, the conversation, he asks the full show of which will be ‘which part of New Zealand BCCI Vice-President Verma resigns aired on their official social are you from?’ and that just media handles today. absolutely killed me,” said the “Got to know him a little bit 29-year old, laughing. Buttler IANS – NEW DELHI earlier the secretary of the Utta- president’s tenure is to be George was appointed Joint Sec- during the IPL actually when I was born in Taunton, Somerset rakhand Cricket Association -- counted as the tenure of an retary and Brijesh Patel was was at Mumbai (Indians). Just and has so far played 41 Tests, The Board of Control for Cricket has sent his resignation letter to office bearer and yet, he has no named IPL Chairman. at the start of the game, he said 142 ODIs and 69 T20Is for in India (BCCI) Vice-President the board. real authority than to wait for It was believed to be a close I will catch up with you for a England. Mahim Verma has resigned from An official of one of the state the president to be incapaci- call between Ganguly and Patel beer at the hotel after the Prior to this, Royals spin his post and a decision on the associations said that Verma’s tated,” the official said. with meetings and counter game,” said Buttler, a World bowling consultant and New same will be officially taken decision once again highlighted Verma was made the Vice- meetings ruling the roost as the Cup winner in 2019 with Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, once regular functioning starts issues with the Lodha panel’s Ppresident of the board on affiliated units of the BCCI, along England and also regarded as who is generally the host of the at the BCCI HQ in Mumbai. report. October 23 last year while with the bigwigs of the board one of the most destructive show, spoke to Australian Speaking to IANS, sources in “This has exposed one of the Sourav Ganguly was named had numerous meetings before batters of the game today. batting ace Steve Smith and the know of developments con- many impracticalities of the BCCI President, Jay Shah deciding on the names of the “I was like so excited. I was Shreyas Gopal. firmed that Verma -- who was Lodha report. The vice became Secretary, Jayesh office bearers. NBA has ‘25-day plan’ to end break Young stars dominate in AGENCIES – NEW YORK online MLB tournament The NBA may not know when - or if - play will resume this season, but AGENCIES – NEW YORK postseason, which culminates in a May the league reportedly has a plan to 2 World Series. The play-offs will get players into game shape and onto Baseball’s young stars dominated Day utilise a best-of-three format until the the court should that day come. 3 of the MLB The Show Players League World Series, which will be According to ESPN’s Brian Wind- on Sunday, as Bo Bichette (Toronto), best-of-five. horst on Sunday, the league has a Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego) and Jeff The Blue Jays-Padres game saw “25-day plan” that would kick in McNeil (New York Mets) each went 3-1. Bichette, Tatis and Cavan Biggio -- all after the league sets a return date Bichette started off 3-0, beating sons of former major leaguers who from the coronavirus-induced layoff Ryne Stanek and the Miami Marlins each made their MLB debut last season and would conclude with players 2-0, Tatis and the Padres 6-4, and Luke - combine to go 6-for-6 with 7 RBIs, ready to play regular-season games Jackson and Atlanta 6-0. The Chicago including Bichette’s game-winning again. White Sox’s Lucas Giolito prevented two-run double in the top of the third. “They’re spending a lot of time Bichette from sweeping the day, Tatis’ highlight came at the getting a back-to-basketball plan winning 3-1. expense of McNeil, hitting a grand ready,” Windhorst said during a TV The online tournament utilising the slam as his virtual self to cap a five- interview of what league officials “MLB The Show 20” game features one run fourth inning as the Padres have been working on in recent player from each of the 30 major handed the Mets their only loss, 10-5 days. league teams. The charity event is in extra innings. “What they’re looking at is a A fan looking to return tickets to a future game at Vivint Smart Home Arena, helping fill some time for players and Giolito went 2-2 on the day, while 25-day return-to-basketball where the Utah Jazz would have hosted the New Orleans Pelicans, following fans with the baseball season shut Jackson was 1-3 and Stanek went 0-4. window,” he continued. the suspension of the NBA season due to coronavirus in this file photo. down indefinitely due to the corona- Sony Interactive Entertainment and “... An 11-day series of individual virus pandemic. Major League Baseball, in cooperation workouts, where there’d be social Silver has previously said the league was suspended, and the play-offs All players will square off once in with the players association, will distancing for a period of time, and doesn’t plan to make any decisions typically take about two months to a 29-game round robin over the next donate $5,000 on behalf of each player then hopefully ... a 14-day training regarding the calendar until at least complete. The 2020-21 regular three weeks. Each regular-season to a Boys and Girls Club in his com- camp.” May 1. season typically would begin in game lasts three innings, and there are munity. A total of $175,000 will be The NBA halted its regular season The regular season had about a October, although Silver acknowl- extra innings when needed. donated, including the World Series on March 11. Commissioner Adam month remaining when it edged that could be affected as well. The top eight players will reach the prize of $25,000. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2020

40 years later, vote to skip I’d walked away from my career to get ready for the 1980 Olympics, and all was moot. So, it was horrible. For Moscow Games still ‘horrible’ me, and for everyone: Edwin Moses, who AP - DENVER Union pressing a military cam- missed out on the The Grand Kremlin Palace and the Moscow River are seen empty due to the preventive measures paign into Afghanistan. Moscow Games in 1980 By the time the news filtered to In his 2010 memoir, Carter against the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Moscow, Russia, in this April 5, 2020, file photo. him, Edwin Moses had already called it “one of my most dif- left a promising engineering job ficult decisions.” to focus on a full-time career Maybe more telling, as Points To Know on the track. former USOC spokesman Mike  There will be a handful He was lucky. He already Moran wrote in a recap of the of could’ve-been 2020 had an Olympic gold medal events leading to the boycott, Olympians who will not hanging on his wall. was an exchange the late 1984 make it to 2021, because of Hundreds of other American Olympic champion wrestler Jeff age, injury or a changed athletes would never get their Blatnick had with Carter on a qualifying procedure. chance. plane many years later. They were part of the 1980 “I go, ‘President Carter, I  Of the 466 US athletes US Olympic team - the team have met you before, I am an who had qualified for that never made it to the Olympian,’” Moran said in his Moscow in 1980, 219 would Moscow Games after President retelling of Blatnick’s story. never get to another Jimmy Carter spearheaded a “He looks at me and says, Olympics. now-infamous first-of-its-kind ‘Were you on the 1980 hockey decision to boycott the team?’ I say, ‘No sir, I’m a  The Soviets and a Olympics. wrestler, on the summer team.’ number of Eastern Bloc The full board of the US He says, ‘Oh, that was a bad countries boycotted the Los Olympic Committee rubber- decision, I’m sorry.’” Angeles Games in a tit-for- stamped Carter’s decision 40 Forty years later, there is tat retribution to the US years ago Sunday - April 12, virtually no debate about that move four years earlier. 1980. conclusion. And the lingering “I’d walked away from my irony of this year’s Games post- career to get ready for the 1980 poned by a year because of the Not All Are Olympics, and all was moot,” coronavirus pandemic isn’t lost Moses said by phone. “So, it was on Moses. Soviets and a number of Eastern of the Olympic model. During put many Americans at a dis- Unlucky horrible. For me, and for “As an athlete, you lose one Bloc countries boycotted the the years of the Moscow and Los tinct disadvantage. All good for Athletes who have everyone.” of your cat’s nine lives,” he said. Los Angeles Games in a tit-for- Angeles boycotts and massive those who were able to take already qualified for Tokyo Moses said by the time the There will be a handful of tat retribution to the US move red ink from Montreal in 1976, advantage of it. Many from that have been assured that USOC’s unwieldy delegation of could’ve-been 2020 Olympians four years earlier. the forces that had compelled 1980 team, however, saw their they’ll keep their spots as nearly 2,400 people met at the who will not make it to 2021, Moses romped to a victory Moses to quit his job - a pro- Olympic careers shuttered future qualification deci- Antlers Hotel in Colorado because of age, injury or a at the LA Coliseum in 1984, and fession unrelated to track and without ever competing on the sions unfold. Springs, Colorado, on a Sat- changed qualifying he almost certainly would’ve field - to retain his amateur biggest stage. Among notable athletes urday morning in April, with procedure. won had the Soviets been there, status as an Olympian were “Nothing was ever done to due to come off doping Vice President Walter Mondale Of the 466 US athletes who too. He was the world-record exposed as unfair and celebrate the team, and a lot of bans are Polish weightlifter in attendance, it was all but a had qualified for Moscow in holder and in the middle of a unrealistic. those members aren’t around Tomasz Zielinski and Irish done deal that the US team 1980, 219 would never get to string of 107 straight victories The 1984 Games marked the anymore,” Moses said. “We boxer Michael O’Reilly. would not be travelling to another Olympics, Moran in finals at 400 meters. beginning of the Olympics as a made the ultimate sacrifice in Neither returned messages Moscow. wrote. Most of those who did If there was any silver lining money-making venture and the a sports world that no one was seeking comment. Carter had begun the push would compete in 1984 against to the 1980 boycott, Moses beginning of the end of the strict asked to do - and it was com- in late 1979, with the Soviet a less-than-full field. The believes it was the recalibration rules regarding amateurism that pletely involuntary.” Athletes completing Delay costs IOC ‘several hundred bans get unexpected million’; Japan set to pay the rest

chance at Olympics AP - TOKYO

AP - BRUSSELS The International Olympic Committee will face “several hundred million dollars” of Athletes completing doping bans over the next year will be eligible added costs because of the post- to compete in the postponed Tokyo Olympics, an unintended ponement of the Tokyo Games, effect of the coronavirus pandemic that has some crying foul. the body’s president said. Turkish runner Gamze Bulut, for example, will now have Thomas Bach spoke in an plenty of time to qualify for a games she likely would have interview with German news- missed had they gone ahead as scheduled. paper Die Welt on Sunday. “It doesn’t seem like a fair punishment,” Irish race walker Estimates in Japan put the Brendan Boyce said in a phone interview. “They haven’t really overall cost of the postponement missed the events they were supposed to miss.” at $2bn-6bn. The 2020 Olympics were officially postponed last month Except for the IOC portion, for one year, with the opening ceremony now set for July 23, all added costs will be borne by 2021. the Japanese side according to Bulut originally won silver in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 an agreement signed in 2013 London Olympics but was stripped off her medal because of when Tokyo was awarded the irregularities in her biological passport, which monitors an Olympics. athlete’s blood profile. She was given a four-year ban that began Bach said it was “impossible in 2016 and expires on May 29 - giving her an unexpected full to say for now” the extent of the year to qualify for Tokyo. added costs for the IOC caused “I’m trying my best to (attend) the Olympics,” the 27-year- by the coronavirus pandemic. old runner said. “I hope I can join.” “We agreed with the prime The Athletics Integrity Unit estimates that about 40 of the minister that Japan will continue 200 or so banned track and field athletes who stand to gain to cover the costs it would have Almost empty street is seen after the government announced the state of emergency following from the Olympic postponement are international-level com- done under the terms of the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak at Kabukicho shopping and entertainment district in petitors. The AIU maintains a global list of track athletes banned existing agreement for 2020, for doping violations. and the IOC will continue to be Tokyo, Japan. More than 11,000 athletes are expected to compete in 33 responsible for its share of the sports in Tokyo, with about 2,000 of them in track and field. costs,” Bach said. On Friday, the CEO of the directly, but said later in the before the Olympics would be Boyce, a two-time Olympian who has qualified for Tokyo, “For us, the IOC, it is already Tokyo organizing committee interview that Japanese organ- saved for 10 years for retesting. said restrictions on the number of competitors could make it clear that we shall be faced with said the pandemic left some izers and Prime Minister Shinzo “No one should feel con- harder for clean athletes to earn places. several hundred million dollars doubts about the Games going Abe “made it very clear to me fident that they don’t get “I wouldn’t be too happy now if I lost an Olympic spot of additional costs.” ahead next year. that Japan could not manage a caught,” he said. because of an anomaly like what’s going on at the minute,” Before the postponement, “I don’t think anyone would postponement beyond next Bach was asked about Rus- Boyce said. Japanese organizers put the be able to say if it is going to be summer at the latest.” sia’s status for the Olympics in The Irishman protested on social media but stopped short official cost of the Games at possible to get it under control Bach was also asked if the 2021. Last year, of filing any formal complaints. British long-distance runner $12.6bn. However, a government by next July or not,” Toshiro pandemic provided an oppor- Russia was hit with a four- and Tokyo hopeful Lily Partridge agreed. audit report in 2019 said the Muto said, speaking through an tunity for some athletes to year ban from international “I don’t believe in second chances with regards to serious costs were at least twice that. All interpreter. “We certainly are violate the doping rules with no sports - including the Olympics doping offenses unless you provide serious assistance to anti- but $5.6bn of it is in taxpayer not in a position to give you a threat of testing. Bach coun- - because of a doping scandal. doping authorities and even then I don’t believe you should money. clear answer.” tered that the delay could allow However, many Russian ath- have the privilege of being able to compete and earn money Tokyo said the 2020 Games Bach was asked about the new testing methods to be letes were expected to be from the sport,” Partridge said. would cost about $7.3bn when possibility of another post- developed. allowed to compete if they However, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold it won the bid seven years ago. ponement. He did not answer He also said tests made could show they were clean. Banka said the unforeseen health crisis doesn’t “The Russia question is cur- mean authorities can “cherry-pick” when ath- rently under consideration by letes have completed their bans. the CAS, the independent inter- “While an athlete cannot choose when he or national Court of Arbitration for she would like to be ineligible, an (anti-doping Sport, so it wouldn’t be right for organization) cannot either,” Banka said. “This me to comment on it,” Bach said. is entirely consistent with principles of natural Bach said he had not justice and other areas of the law as it relates to decided if he will run for re- sports or even criminal activity. When an election next year. He also offender has done the time, the sentence is con- pointed out that the IOC had sidered to be served.” insurance that covered a can- Sebastian Coe, the Olympic great who is now cellation, but not a president of World Athletics, was less definitive postponement. in comments shortly after the games were The election will take place postponed. in 2021, and Bach is required to “This is something we will need to look at,” notify of his intentions six Coe said. “I know it’s something the Athletics months before the vote. He was Integrity Unit, and I’m sure all the other agencies first elected in 2013 and is out there in concert with our sports, will need widely expected to seek another to think about, and that will just be another issue In this picture taken on April 3, 2020 South Sudan 1500m runner Abraham Majok Matet Guem takes part in a term. in an overflowing inbox at the moment.” training session in Maebashi. The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was a heavy blow for many athletes, “There’s still plenty of time,” but a team of South Sudanese sprinters training in a Japanese town is hoping to turn the delay to their advantage. he said. TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11 Ronaldo, his Portugal team-mates Italian football body give amateur clubs financial boost hopes for virus testing, return to training in May AFP — LISBON The Portuguese ssortort of normality to be to defend their REUTERS — ROME football federation says rerestoredstored aandnd wwee couldcould titletitle as EEurouro 20202020 Gravina told Sky Sport Cristiano Ronaldo and his the money would go prepare for next season has been postpost-- Italy’s football federation hopes Italia that he was still deter- Portugal team-mates have towards a fund that it knowingknowing who has ququalifiedalified ponedponed by 12 that players can be tested for mined for the season to be donated half of their bonus for forfor international competi-competi- monthsmonths because the new coronavirus at the start completed no matter how long qualifying for the Euro 2020 hopes will reach €4.7m tions, who the champions are ofof the coroncorona-a- of May to prepare for the it took. finals to help amateur football ($5.1m) to help amateur and who is relegated,” Pedro virus pandemic.pandemic. season to restart, its president “As soon as the conditions in the country that has been clubs survive the crisis. PProencaroenca said. Gabriele Gravina has said. are right, we’ll finish the cham- hit by the coronavirus PortugalPortugal shocked host Serie A has been suspended pionship,” he said. shutdown. nation FFrancerance to win EEurouro since March 9 because of the “Soon, there will be a The Portuguese football promotionpromotion or relegation.relegation. 20162016 but Ronaldo and his Cristiano Ronaldo coronavirus outbreak and it is meeting, we will establish the federation said yesterday the NoNo decision has been taken team-matesteam-mates will still not clear when, or if, the procedure which we will then money would go towards a onon resuming proprofessionalfessional havehave to wait season can resume. communicate. We will start, I fund that it hopes will reach footballfootball but the presidentpresident of another Italy has been one of the hope, at the beginning of the €4.7m ($5.1m) to help amateur thethe Portuguese leagueleague saisaidd in yearyear countries hardest hit by the month (May) with tests to clubs survive the crisis. latelate MarcMarchh hehe was ddeterminedetermined COVID-19 pandemic, with ensure that players are neg- The federation last week thethe seasonseason shouldshould be 19,899 deaths and 156,363 offi- ative and the training can decided to end the already- completed.completed. cially confirmed cases. Players follow. Several clubs have suspended amateur season “It is fundamentalfundamental at a number of clubs have been opposed the idea of carrying on with immediate effect, that the chachampion-mpion- infected. with the championship declaring the season null and shipsships endend bbecauseecause it There are still 12 rounds of including Brescia, who have void without champions, wouldwould aallowllow some matches to be played, plus threatened not to take the several outstanding fixtures. field." Spurs reverse decision to FA offers Wembley to help Premier furlough non-playing League complete season: Report staff REUTERS — LONDON shorter period when play resumed. “Everyone is in total REUTERS — LONDON England’s Football Association agreement we need an end to (FA) has offered Wembley this season,” the 72-year old Tottenham Hotspur have Stadium and St George’s Park, told the club’s website. reversed their decision to the National Football Centre, as “We don’t want artificial furlough staff during the venues to help the Premier means of deciding who wins the coronavirus pandemic League complete the season, league, who gets into the Cham- amid criticism from the Times has reported citing a pions League, who gets rele- supporters, the Premier source familiar with the matter. gated and promoted. League club said in a Wembley could host mul- “Ideally our players would statement on club's tiple matches on the same day have three or four weeks website yesterday. while limiting travel between minimum to prepare for the Spurs had imposed a venues once restrictions are first match back, but I accept 20% pay cut on 550 non- eased, the report said, adding there may have to be a squeeze playing staff in April and that fans were unlikely to be on that timeframe. May to protect jobs. allowed to attend. “It might mean extra restric- But the club said yes- Football in England has tions at our place of work... It terday that only board been suspended since March 13 may also mean that we have to members would see salary and its return has been made play our... remaining matches reductions and all other contingent on medical advice in a shorter period of time than employees - whether full- and government support. we normally would have done, time, casual, or furloughed “When we know about the and subsequently receive a - would be paid 100% of length of lockdown and exit Wembley could host multiple matches on the same shorter break between the their wages for the months mechanisms we can see which day while limiting travel between venues once seasons.” of April and May. options are viable,” the source restrictions are eased, the report says, adding The season was originally “The criticism the club told the Times. that fans were unlikely to be allowed to attend. suspended until April 30 but has received over the last St George’s Park, which has that has since been extended week has been felt all the a hotel with 228 guest rooms on indefinitely, with the more keenly because of site as well as 13 pitches, five of resumption of play now con- our track record of good which are floodlit, could be manager Roy Hodgson has said instead of using “artificial Hodgson said teams might tingent on medical advice and works and our huge sense used as a quarantined training the Premier League season means” to decide the cham- have to accept increased government support. of responsibility to care centre, the report added. must be played to a finish after pions as well as relegation and safety restrictions and having Palace are 11th in the league for those that rely on us, Meanwhile, Crystal Palace the COVID-19 shutdown is over Champions League spots, . to play more games in a and have nine left to play. particularly locally,” club chairman Daniel Levy said. Tottenham Hotspur Lampard proud of Supporters’ Trust had said the club’s decision to use the government scheme, Chelsea response where employers can claim for 80% of fur- loughed staff’s monthly to virus crisis wages up to 2,500 pounds ($3,000) per month - was AFP — LONDON respond with the help of the harming its reputation. hotel and there’s a lot more “It was never our Chelsea manager Frank work going on with the foun- intent, as custodians, to do Lampard believes the Blues can dation, with link-ups and with anything other than put be proud of their response to getting in touch with fans. measures in place to the coronavirus crisis. “There are a lot of people protect jobs whilst the The London club quickly at Chelsea who have really club sought to continue to offered the use of a hotel at stood up.” AC Milan’s Zlatan operate in a self-sufficient their Stamford Bridge stadium Premier League players had Ibrahimovic (right) manner during uncertain to health workers once Premier been in the firing from prom- during a training times,” Levy added. League matches were sus- inent politicians, including UK session with Swedish “We regret any pended last month and have health secretary Matt Hancock, club Hammarby in concern caused during an promised to match all dona- for not agreeing pay cuts. anxious time and hope the Stockholm, Sweden tions made to domestic abuse A fund has since been set work our supporters will yesterday. charity Refuge during a six- up by Premier League stars see us doing in the coming week fundraising campaign. where they will donate to help weeks, as our stadium Unlike a number of other frontline workers in the health takes on a whole new Premier League clubs who service and talks over deferring purpose, will make them have attracted criticism for wages are ongoing at a number proud of their club,” the Ibrahimovic shrugs off coughing fit, using the UK government’s fur- of clubs. chairman said. lough scheme to pay non- “Football players will try Spurs said that playing staff, Chelsea have so and do the right thing,” added medical equipment had trains with Swedish side Hammarby far decided against using public Lampard. been installed in their money. “I think they needed some stadium to operate drive- REUTERS — STOCKHOLM As the Easter session and gatherings of up to 50 “I’m very proud to be the time and the politicians jumped through COVID-19 testing drew to a close, the people are still allowed, with manager of this club with the the gun while things were being and swabbing for NHS AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahi- 38-year-old had a brief many of the country’s elite way Chelsea have handled it,” prepared. It was unfortunate staff, families and their movic trained with Swedish soccer clubs back in the Lampard told Sky Sports. that picture got painted,” said dependents. club Hammarby as the global bout of coughing as he training. “They were very quick to the manager. “Our Tottenham soccer shutdown caused by the prepared to take part in “He asked if he could keep Hotspur Stadium becomes coronavirus pandemic a final shooting exercise, himself going with us and we the first Premier League continues, and a brief bout of but he recovered quickly obviously said yes. I don’t know ground to be used for coughing didn’t appear to and began smashing how long he is going to train testing, following on from trouble him as he practiced his powerful shots and with us and that obviously other sporting venues shooting. depends on what happens in Frank Lampard around the world,” the Former Sweden forward volleys into the top the world,” Hammarby club added. Ibrahimovic, who is his coun- corner. chairman Richard von Yxkull The stadium has also try’s record goal-scorer and told SVT last week. been fitted out to house owns a stake in the top-flight leagues closed for the fore- As the Easter session drew the North Middlesex Hos- Stockholm club, took a full part seeable future due to the to a close, the 38-year-old had pital’s Women’s Outpa- in the training session that had COVID-19 pandemic, Ibrahi- a brief bout of coughing as he tient Services, freeing up a mixture of bright sunshine movic returned to Stockholm, prepared to take part in a final capacity at the hospital to and brief showers of snow and where authorities are taking a shooting exercise, but he treat patients with hail. somewhat more lax approach. recovered quickly and began COVID-19 symptoms. With Italy in lockdown and Plenty of businesses have smashing powerful shots and Serie A and other major soccer been allowed to remain open volleys into the top corner.