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SPORT SPORT | 05 SPORT | 06 Thiem,T Zverev No place for Hales to headline and Plunkett in exhibition England's 55-man matches training group

SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020 La Liga action set to return on June 11

AFP – MADRID in a new format: the travel, the organ- isation, everything," said Tebas. The Spanish league season will The German BundesLiga has resume after a three-month corona- already played three rounds fol- virus lockdown on June 11 with the lowing its restart earlier this month, Seville derby, and the 2020-2021 while the English Premier League The important season will start on September 12, and Italy's Serie A are also set to thing will be to the Spanish Sports Council confirmed return in mid-June. know the end yesterday. But the top-flight seasons in date of the 2019- The council released a statement France, Belgium and the Netherlands 20 season. The saying that the Spanish Football Fed- have all been ended. next one will start eration (RFEF) and La Liga had Barcelona led Real Madrid by two on September agreed the format for the 11 points at the top of the table when remaining rounds in the top two La Liga was halted in March. 12. More than Spanish divisions. Tebas also said that television 130 people are It said the season should be com- viewers would be able to choose currently working pleted by July 19, "depending on the whether to watch matches, which will so that everything evolution of the pandemic." all be played behind closed doors, can be done in Competition will kick off on with virtual sound effects added, an a new format: Thursday, June 11 when Betis play option that has caused debate among Sevilla. The rest of the league return fans since the BundesLiga resumed. the travel, the to action on the weekend of June 13 He said that he was taking part organisation, and 14. in a demonstration of the technology everything: La Earlier yesterday, Javier Tebas, on Friday evening and that Javier Liga President the league president told Marca: "The Guillen, the director of the Tour of Javier Tebas important thing will be to know the Spain, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, the end date of the 2019-20 season. The boss of Dorna Sports, promoter of next one will start on September 12." the MotoGP championship had also The Spanish government last been invited. Barcelona's Argentinian star Lionel week gave La Liga the green light to "We want to offer an alternative Messi (left) and team-mater Gerard resume from the week beginning for the fans - silence, or the virtual- Pique in action during a training June 8. isation of the stands. The tests I have session ahead of the resumption of "More than 130 people are currently seen are interesting, but there will the La Liga season. working so that everything can be done be both options," said Tebas. MotoGP Federer tops Forbes list races in of highest-paid athletes Britain, AFP – NEW YORK on $88.2m, $60m of that from endorse- Australia ments. NBA star Stephen Curry of the Roger Federer topped the 2020 Forbes Golden State Warriors was sixth on magazine list of highest-paid global $74.4m with former team-mate Kevin called off athletes announced yesterday, leading the Durant next on $63.9m. lineup for the first time with pre-tax Tiger Woods, the reigning Masters AP – MELBOURNE earnings of $106.3m. champion and a 15-time major winner, The Swiss tennis legend, a men’s was eighth on the list and tops among The MotoGP races in Britain and record 20-time Grand Slam singles golfers at $62.3m, all but $2.3mfrom Australia are the latest to be champion, becomes the first player from sponsor deals. canceled on the international his sport atop the annual list since its Woods topped the Forbes list a record motorcycle racing circuit 1990 debut, rising from fifth in 2019. 12 times before an infidelity scandal because of the coronavirus TCR Europe Series: Federer’s haul over the past 12 months helped end his run. pandemic. included $100m from appearances fees Two NFL quarterbacks rounded out Organisers yesterday said and endorsement deals plus $6.3 million the top 10 with Kirk Cousins ninth at COVID-19 pandemic “and in prize money. His previous best showing $60.5m and Carson Wentz 10th on $59.1m. resulting calendar changes have Al Khelaifi impresses was second in 2013. The top 100 featured athletes from 21 obliged the cancellation of both “His brand is pristine, which is why nations and 10 sports. events.” those that can afford to align with him Two women, tennis stars Naomi The British Grand Prix had in Hungaroring round clamor to do so,” University of Southern Osaka of Japan and Serena Williams of been scheduled for Aug. 28-30 California sports business professor David the United States, made the list, the most at the Silverstone Circuit and the THE PENINSULA – DOHA in the standings. It was the young Carter told the magazine. females on it since 2016. Osaka ranked Australian Grand Prix was set driver’s fourth victory out of the six The ongoing coronavirus pandemic 29th overall on $37.4m ($34m in endorse- to be staged at Phillip Island Three-time Qatar Touring Car Cham- races held so far. that shut down sports worldwide caused ments), four spots ahead of Williams with from October 23-25. pionship winner Abdullah Al Khelaifi In Race 2, Al Khelaifi showed the first decline since 2016 in the total $36m ($32m in endorsements). “I want to thank the stoic impressed among top drivers in the more courage and went on to income of the world’s 100 top-paid ath- Federer, 38, boasts the biggest spon- British fans for their patience European circuit during the fifth and improve his position by three more letes, a 9% dip from last year to $3.6bn. sorship lineup among active athletes with and support,” Silverstone man- sixth rounds of the Touring Car spots with a much faster time Another plunge is expected next year from Moet & Chandon and Barilla among those aging director Stuart Pringle Racing (TCR) Europe SIM Racing (24:38.550), the shutdown. paying from $3-30m to link him with their said in a statement. (Simulated racing) Series. Meanwhile, pole sitter Nagy was Portuguese football star Cristiano brands. “We must now look forward Al Khelaifi, competing in a virtual involved in an accident early in Race Ronaldo was second on the list at $105m, Federer, who spent a record 310 to 2021 when Silverstone will Seat Leon Cupra, representing the 2 saw and that pushed him back as $60m in salary and $45m from endorse- weeks as world number one, reached 18 once again host the fastest and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Feder- he finished in the 19th place. ments, with Argentine football hero Lionel of 19 Grand Slam finals from most historic MotoGP race on ation (QMMF) at the digitised Hun- His team-mate Mat’o Homola fin- Messi third on $104 million, $32m of that 2005-2010. the calendar and work hard to garoring circuit, finished 12th in Race ished first in Race 2 but a 10-second from sponsorship deals. Only Woods has joined Federer in make it a truly exceptional 1 before advancing to 9th position in penalty saw him missing a podium Messi and Ronaldo, who have traded making $100m in sponsor deals in a single event.” the second race of the day. spot. the top spot three of the past four years, year. Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief The Qatari champion started off Homola was demoted to fourth saw their combined incomes dip $28m Federer’s newest deal is with Swiss executive of Dorna Sports, from the 18th spot in the starting grid after the penalty which involved from last year due to salary cuts when running shoe On, where he is an investor, which has the commercial and after finishing +01.807 off the fastest Bence Boldizs and the latter was European clubs halted play in March. but several sponsors have been with him TV rights for MotoGP, said the qualifier Daniel Nagy. awarded victory. Brazilian footballer Neymar was for more than a decade, including Rolex, British and Australian races Al Khelaifi managed The virtual series is a competition fourth overall on $95.5m, $25m from Credit Suisse, Mercedes-Benz and Wilson. couldn’t be rescheduled because to advance by six posi- reserved for real drivers who have endorsements, while NBA star LeBron A split with Nike in 2018 there was “no way through the tions after com- signed up for this season’s TCR JamesJames of the Los Angeles Lakers was fifthfifth openedopened Federer to Jap-Jap- logisticallog and operational issues pleting the 13-lap race Europe Series. aneseanese apparel branbrandd resultingres from the pandemic in 24:53.338. The drivers will now move onto Uniqlo’sUniqlo’s 10-ye10-yearar andan rearranged calendar.” Series leader Nagy the next stage of the series to be run dedealal worth MotoGP is aiming to start of Hungary, clinched on virtual Circuit Paul Ricard track $300m.$300m. thet series in Spain in July. the victory in the first at Le Castellet on June 10. The last The first two MotoGP race of the day and three rounds will be held eevents of the year in Qatar managed to on June 24 (Zolder), anda Thailand were canceled extend his July 8 (Monza) and on March 2 because of travel solid July 22 restrictions.res At the time, there lead (Barcelona). hadha been 34 deaths from the COVID-19CO illness in Italy and moremo than 1,100 people had testedtes positive. The numbers of deaths attributedatt to COVID-19 in Italy hasha risen to more than 33,000, whichwh is the third-highest nationalna toll behind the United StatesSta and Britain. Globally, therethe have been more than 360,00036 deaths from COVID-19 Roger Federer amongam more than 5.8 million reportedrep cases. SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020 SPORT 05 Thiem and Zverev to headline exhibition matches in Berlin

AP — BERLIN One exhibition event will number of spectators could be per- run from July 13-15 on grass mitted, perhaps with a limit of 500 Murray to make Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev at Steffi Graf Stadium. The or 1,000. and Nick Kyrgios will play exhi- other is on a hard court in a Organizers are working on return for charity bition tennis matches in Berlin in hangar in the city’s closed arrangements to allow Kyrgios to July. Tempelhof airport from July travel to Germany from Australia With professional tennis shut for the events. event in June down during the coronavirus pan- 17-19. The exhibition week replaces LONDON demic, organisers said yesterday a WTA tournament in Berlin which AFP — one exhibition event will run frfromom was set for June but called offoff.. Andy Murray will return from his July 13-15 on grass at Steffi GrafGraf havehave 80-90 peopeopleple in thethe It hhadad bbeeneen meant to marmarkk tthehe latest injury problem on June 23 in LPGA stars set to Stadium. The other is on a hhardard stadiumstadium to returnreturn of tour-level tennis to Berlin a tournament organised by his court in a hangar in the city’s closedlosed hosth ost forfor tthehe firstfirst time since 2008,2008, wwhenhen brother Jamie to raise money for a Tempelhof airport from July 17-19.7-19. games.games. thethe InternationaInternationall German UK National Health Service charity. compete at Texas Each of the Bett1 Aces tourna-urna- ThatThat ChamChampionshipspionships was last Jamie Murray has helped create ments will feature six men andnd six includesincludes playedplayed on the WTA Tour. the behind-closed-doors tour- women and there will bbee players,players, Some smallersmaller exhibi-exhibi- nament called ‘Schroders Battle of Women’s Open €200,000 ($222,000) in ttotalotal umpires,umpires, tions hhaveave bbeeneen playedplayed the Brits’. prize money. TV staffstaff in Germany alreadyalready The event, which runs from June AFP — LOS ANGELES Thiem, Zverev and Kyrgioss will andand during the pandemic, 23-28, will see the Murray brothers be joined by Jannik Sinner forr tthehe coaches. withwith otherother events in thethe and fellow British players Kyle Two-time major winner Stacy Lewis (pictured men’s events. Two more playersayers He addedadded UnitedUnited SStatestates anandd Edmund and Dan Evans go head to above) and former US Women’s Open winner will be announced later. thatthat iiff tthere’shere’s a elsewhere.elsewhere. head at the Lawn Tennis Associa- Brittany Lang will tee it up at the Texas Women’s Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens,tens, change in the tion’s Roehampton base in London. Open next week in Dallas. Julia Goerges and Andrea Petkovickovic lawlaw by July, a It will be screened live on American’s Lewis and Lang will be joined by will be in the women’s events. Two limitedlimited Amazon Prime and aims to raise at several other US LPGA players, including places are still to be confirmed.ed. least £100,000 ($122,000) for the Cheyenne Knight, France’s Celine Boutier, Maria Matches will have a superr tietie-- state-run NHS. Fassi, of Mexico, and Gerina Piller for the June 2-4 breaker replacing the third setet to With the ATP and WTA seasons event. avoid fatigue for players facinging a postponed due to the coronavirus, The Texas Women’s Open used to be an LPGA potential six matches in seven ddays.ays. Murray’s first appearance since Tour event in the 1950s, but is now sanctioned by There will be electronic line cacallslls November’s Davis Cup Finals will the North Dallas chapter of the PGA of America. with no line judges to reducee tthehe be a welcome tonic for tennis fans. It was first played in 1933 and previous Alexander Zverev number of people involvedd on The 33-year-old was unable to winners include Babe Zaharias and Betsy Rawls. court. hit for three months because of what The three-day, $50,000 tournament begins Edwin Weindorfer, the CEOCEO was initially diagnosed as a mild next Tuesday at the Old American Golf Club of the company organizing thethe bone bruise. outside of Dallas, Texas. Both Lang and Lewis were exhibitions, said the plan wass ttoo raised in Texas. The LPGA remains on hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It shut down in February after just four events, two in Florida and two in Alonso comeback Australia, and isn’t scheduled to return until July. Williams considers full Many of the same players had expected to be in Texas next week for the US Women’s Open in would be good for Houston before officials moved that event to December. sale of struggling team The Texas Open will not allow fans, but golf F1: Domenicali matches in the state with spectators may not be far away. REUTERS — LONDON AP — OXFORD Republican Governor Greg Abbott plans to allow professional leagues to host fans again for Formula One would be the winner if double world After previously enjoying outdoor sporting events at up to 25 percent champion Fernando Alonso makes a comeback sustained success, Williams is capacity. next year at the age of 39, according to the Span- now considering selling its Leagues, like the LPGA, will have to apply to iard’s former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali. storied Formula One team state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Alonso left McLaren at the end of 2018 but because of financial problems. Indoor events will still be without spectators. has been linked, in media speculation at least, to The Williams Grand Prix what will be a vacant seat at Renault in 2021 after Holdings group posted a loss of the departure of Australian Daniel Ricciardo. £13m ($16m) for the year ending PGA Tour’s John “We have already fantastic young drivers... in 2019, according to its latest but Fernando would give another level,” Domen- financial results released yes- Deere Classic icali, now chief executive of Italian luxury terday, after making a profit of supercar brand Lamborghini, said. £12.9m ($15.9m) in 2018. “He would be for sure very strong. Of course “As part of this new stra- cancelled he can be stronger with a good car, with a very tegic direction, the WGPH fast car, but Fernando would be an asset for board is undertaking a review REUTERS — NEW YORK Formula One if he would come back.” of all the various strategic Alonso, who drove for Ferrari between options available ... including a The John Deere Classic scheduled for July in 2010-14 and three times finished championship potential sale of the whole Williams’ George Russell in action with aero rakes attached to the Illinois, which was supposed to be the fifth runner-up, could be up against Ferrari’s Sebastian company,” Williams said in a car during testing, in this file photo. event of the circuit’s revamped schedule, has Vettel for the Renault seat. statement. been cancelled due to state-related challenges The German’s future is uncertain after Ferrari “(The company) confirms in 1966, Williams is the third declined this century. Although regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the PGA announced he would be leaving at the end of the that it is in preliminary discus- most successful team in the Williams went through a brief Tour said. year with Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who grew up sions with a small number of sport with nine constructors’ renaissance from 2014-17, The tournament, which was also the first with Alonso as his hero, moving from McLaren. parties regarding a potential titles and seven drivers’ titles. when it finished third twice and of the PGA Tour’s revised schedule that could Domenicali was speaking as Lamborghini investment.” But it has struggled in recent then fifth twice, the team has have potentially included fans, was due to be announced its first foray into the world of esports Founded by Frank Williams years, finishing in last place in fallen off the pace. played July 9-12 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. with a one-make ‘The Real Race’ virtual series the constructors’ standings in Williams struggled badly “Because of the ongoing health and safety in partnership with Assetto Corsa 2018 and ’19. In those two last year, scoring only one point concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, Competizione. seasons combined, Williams from Robert Kubica’s 10th- the difficult decision was made to cancel the The tournament will have five qualifier scored only eight points despite place finish at the German 2020 John Deere Classic,” tournament director weekends, starting today, before a live final at using engines provided by Grand Prix in July. Clair Peterson said in a PGA Tour news release. the Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters with the As part of this new world champion Mercedes. “The financial results for “While we considered several alternatives top three getting to drive a real Lamborghini F1 is facing tough times 2019 reflect the recent decline for the Classic, this was the choice that made racecar on track. strategic direction, financially because of the coro- in competitiveness of the F1 the most sense for our guests, the players and The game will also be used by official Lam- the WGPH board is navirus outbreak. The 2020 operation and the consequent the Quad City community at large.” borghini race drivers, as well as customers and undertaking a review season has yet to start with four reduction in commercial rights The PGA Tour said it will fill the July week professional gamers, with strict rules of races cancelled and six income” Williams CEO Mike with a new tournament that will be deter- engagement to ensure races are taken of all the various postponed. O’Driscoll said. mined in the near future. seriously. strategic options Williams dominated large “After four years of very Following a three-month hiatus because “We have a lot of young followers that are in swathes of the 1980s and 1990s, solid performance in the FIA F1 of the coronavirus, the PGA Tour is scheduled love with Lamborghini. So I would say that is a available ... including winning multiple champion- Constructors’ Championship to resume with the June 11-14 Charles Schwab perfect match of which we can see a really good a potential sale of ships with the likes of Alan during which we claimed two Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. potential for our brand into the future,” said the whole company: Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson third and two fifth place fin- The event is the first of four straight weeks Domenicali. Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain ishes, we endured a couple of of tournaments which will have no fans in The Italian, who grew up near the Imola circuit, Team Williams Prost and Damon Hill. very difficult seasons,” he attendance. was principal of Ferrari from 2008 to 2014. But its competitiveness has added. Coe urges kids to take up sport to battle virus AFP — PRAGUE that has come to fruition from thehe linkage between what we’ve OOlympics,lympi or cancelled alto- it tells me that we have the most a member federation. We can allll been throuthroughgh in the last few gether,gether, llike the 2020 European creative, ingenious, resilient, World Athletics chief Sebastian work with governments to re- monthsmonths and healthy commu-commu- Championships.Champi thoughtful, funny people in our Coe (pictured) called on establish school sport, which is nities,”ities,” he said. “I hhopeo we can start having sport,” he said. children to take up sports to the bedrock of everything that InternationalInternational athleticsathletics areare fullfull stadiastad again with our fans “It may just be the nature of combat “shocks” like the coro- we know, particularly as we dueue to rresumeesume withwith tthehe becausebecause it’s part of the process athletics, I don’t know, maybe navirus as his sport was bracing come into a post-pandemic DDiamondiamond League meeting, ooff comingcomin out of the pandemic I’m biased but I am happy to say for a restart at a Czech event world,” the 63-year-old former transformedransformed by social dis-dis- world,”world,” said Coe. that.” next week. runner said. tancingancing rules into an event the “Sport“Spo will be the great Coe also said he was “sad- On Monday, “Back on “Those communities that organisersrganisers are marketing as the driverdriver,, athleticsa I want to see dened” by the cancellation of Track” will bring together pro- are fitter and healthier and “ImpossibleImpossible Game”, absolutelyabsolu at the forefront of the Boston Marathon over the fessional athletes, including stronger and have good inn Oslo on JuneJune 11. that.”tha Coe hailed an virus, announced on Thursday. two-time Olympic javelin immune systems are those ManyMany other increaseinc in sports activ- “It’s one of the oldest mar- champion and world record communities that are going to eventsvents have itiesitie during the pandemic athons in the world and I know holder Barbora Spotakova, be better positioned in future to beeneen postpost-- andan singled out those that it doesn’t just engage elite alongside kids at 173 venues deal with these shocks.” Coe, a poned,oned, such imimprovisingp under the level runners, it’s very much across the Czech Republic, “I former British Member of Par- thehe TokyoTokyo lockdown,loc including part of the fabric of that great absolutely support this,” Coe liament, said “political will” was balconyba runners or American city,” he said. told Czech reporters in a video necessary. backyardba athletes. “I’m hoping that we can press conference. “We need to really have pol- “It makes me feel maintain the road programme “This is the first big initiative iticians properly understanding veryve reassured because and the marathon majors.” 06 SPORT SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020 Sangakkara lifts lid Australia: ICC T20 World Cup on two tosses at 'high risk' of being postponed 2011 World Cup final IANS — NEW DELHI AP — MELBOURNE Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7). Former Sri Lanka skipper Australia is bracing for The Australians regained (pictured) the “very high risk” of the top spot from India in the last revealed what actually men’s ICC World International Cricket Council happened during the 2011 Cup being postponed and the rankings released before sport World Cup final against India resulting financial hit during was shuttered globally in the at Wankhede that led to two the coronavirus pandemic. pandemic. tosses and ‘The Islanders’ Australia is scheduled to India is scheduled to stay first. host the tournament in for a three-game ODI serie on Sangakkara jogged down October and November but ICC Twenty20 World January 12, 15 an 17 before the memory lane and spoke about with global travel restrictions Cup trophy. Australians take on New that titanic contest between the in place it’s very doubtful the PIC: COURTESY ICC Zealand in three one-day two Asian rivals during a live actually said I had won the toss event will go ahead. And if it games and a T20 from January video session with India and Mahi said no no no he does, it’s unlikely crowds will 26-February 2. spinner didn’t. So there was a little bit be allowed in stadiums The schedule depends on on Instagram. of confusion there. because of social distancing state borders being open and “Tell me what happened at “Then Mahi said let’s have requirements. the provision for visiting the toss in 2011 World Cup another toss. And that’s when “We have been hopeful all foreign teams to fulfill (final). I saw two tosses. I was the second one went up and it along that it could be staged in whatever isolation or quar- standing near the dressing came down heads again. I am October-November but you antine requirements are in room, I went inside and I had not sure if luckily I had won would have to say there’s a very place at the time. no idea what just happened,” because if I had lost the toss, it high risk about the prospect of “It may be that circum- Ashwin asked Sangakkara on may have been that India might that happening,” Cricket Aus- stances dictate that when the his show ‘ReminisceWithAsh’. have batted,” he added. tralia chief executive Kevin time comes maybe we can “I think it was the crowd.. Sangakkara also revealed Roberts said yesterday. only use one or two venues, the crowd was huge (at how an injury to their all- Roberts is more confident we really don’t know any of Wankhede). It never happens rounder about a four-Test series millions for extra “biosecurity against the West Indies and that yet,” Roberts said. in Sri Lanka and it only happens changed Sri Lanka’s strategy. against India going ahead, measures that we need to put India in October, a test match “There’s endless scenarios in India, at least to me,” San- “If Angelo was fit I am starting at the Gabba in in place to deliver the season.” against Afghanistan at Perth and possibilities (but) we’re gakkara said. hundred percent sure that we Brisbane on December 3. But Cricket Australia released from November 21-25, and very optimistic that we will be “I remember calling on the would have chased. I am not while that would deliver much a draft schedule for the four Tests against India in able to stage the Indian men’s toss and then Mahi wasn’t sure sure if would have needed broadcast revenue, it southern summer that involves Brisbane (December 3-7), tour and the other inbound what I had called. He said did changed but we would have would also come at a cost of back-to-back T20 series Adelaide (December 11-15), tours for the season.” you call tails I said no I called definitely chased in the match,” heads. And then match referee Sangakkara said. Cricket Australia No place for Hales and Plunkett in faces further cost-cutting England's 55-man training group despite improved outlook AFP — LONDON ENGLAND TRAINING GROUP down the line, as we move emerged he had tested positive closer to our aim of playing for drugs. and World Cup- , James Anderson, , , Tom Banton, Dom Bess, , international cricket this There had been specu- REUTERS — MELBOURNE winner were James Bracey, , , Pat Brown, , , Brydon Carse, summer.” lation that, with England likely both left out of a mammoth Mason Crane, , , , , , Ben Duckett, Nottinghamshire opener to need separate red and Australian cricket faces another 55-man England training , , , , , Tom Helm, , Hales was dropped shortly white-ball squads, Hales might round of cost-cutting to shore up group announced yesterday. , , Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Danan Lawrence,Lawrence, ,Leach, Liam Living-Living- before last be recalledrecalled.. finances hit by the coronavirus But 14 uncapped players stone, , , , Craigg Overton,Overton, ,Overton, Matt Parkin-Parkin- yyear’sear’ s But EnEnglandgland oone-day shutdown and no part of the game

were selected as England look son, O. Pope, , Ollie Robinson, , Jasonn RoRoy,y, Phil SSalt,alt, Dom SSibley,ibley, Ben SStokes,tokes, WoWorldrld ccaptainaptain Eoin MorganMorgan dashed will be immune, board chief Kevin to stage a full Test and limited- , , , , ,Willey, ,Woakes, Mark WoodWood CCupu p HHales’ales’ hhopesopes on WWednesdaye Roberts said yesterday. overs programme against West afteafterr itit whwhenen hhee saisaidd “it wiwillll ttakea more Cricket Australia (CA) has Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and home season until at least July. returningurning to trainingtraining and a ttime”ime” fforor hhimim to rregaine the already furloughed about 80% of its Australia, despite the corona- Among those recalled was hugege amount of work has been ttrustrust of the ssquad.quad. workforce, while state associations virus delaying the start of their David Willey, who lost his donene bbyy many to get us tthishis Meanwhile,Meanwhile, 35-35-year-oldy have also made deep staff cuts in Nottinghamshire opener place in the one-day squad to far,”” saisaidd EnglandEngland andand WalesWales ffastast bowlerbowler PlunkettPlunkett has not recent weeks. CA’s financial outlook Jofra Archer shortly before Cricketcket BoardBoard perperformanceformance plaplayedyed for EnEnglandglan since has improved with India’s four-Test Alex Hales was dropped England won the World Cup directorector Mo Bobat, who helped ttakingaking three iinn the dra- tour, worth an estimated A$300m shortly before last for the first time last year. Englandgland coachcoach ChrisChris Sil-Sil- matic WorWorldld CuCupp ffinalina victory ($200m) in revenue to CA, set to go year’s World Cup after it Official squads will be verwoodwood aandnd the selectorsselectors over New ZealandZea at ahead in the home summer. emerged he had tested named at a later date, with compilempile tthehe llist.ist. Lord’s.Lord’s. But Roberts said the board was positive for drugs. There three Tests against the West “The“The pool of players ECBECB pushedpus the still facing an A$80m shortfall due had been speculation Indies, set to be played behind willl give start ofof tthehe domesticd to COVID-19 and the high likelihood that, with England likely closed doors at bio-secure selectorsectors seasonseason baback until Australia will not be able to host the venues such as Old Trafford in strongr ong AugustAugust 1 atat the ear- Twenty20 World Cup in to need separate red and Manchester and Southamp- liestliest bubutt officials October-November. white-ball squads, Hales ton’s Ageas Bowl, first up for are ddeterminedeterm to “So we’re focused on delivering might be recalled. England this season. press aaheadhe with a the best season as possible noting The group will not train in full,full, lucrativelu that the likelihood of significant England one-day one place, but with individual internationalinternatio pro- crowds is very slim,” he told Eoin Morgan dashed sessions across several county grammegramm amid reporters on a video call venues, that started with optionstions ffearsears a can- yesterday. Hales’ hopes when he bowlers back in the nets last whenen itit cecelledlled cam- “Ordinarily that would deliver said “it will take more week, the only form of training comesmes to paignpaign could well over A$50m in revenue to time” for him to regain allowed at present. selectingl ecting Eoin Morgan coscost the Cricket Australia. the trust of the squad. “It’s really pleasing to be in squadsuads across boardboar £380m "The T20 World Cup is a big a position to have players formatsmats furtherfurther ($463m).($46($46 question and that’s a factor of perhaps A$20m and... it’s likely that our biosecurity measures we need to put in place to deliver the season Relieved Afghanistan will cost in the order of A$10m,” he A big family effort: Warner said. looking forward to Most CA staff remain furloughed on 20% pay until the end of June, remembers 2016 IPL win Perth Test, says CEO while the board’s executive team have taken a 20% pay-cut. However, Roberts said further IANS — NEW DELHI REUTERS — PERTH cuts were necessary to maintain investment in community cricket took Sunrisers David Warner had Relief and excitement are the overwhelming as much as possible. Hyderabad (SRH) fans on a trip led SRH to the title in emotions for Afghanistan after Australia confirmed “We’ve made a commitment to down memory lane by sharing a they would host them for a one-off Test in Perth significantly reduce the cost base of picture of their first Indian Premier 2016, beating Royal from November 21, the chief executive of the coun- Cricket Australia, unfortunately that League (IPL) win. Warner had led Challengers Bangalore try’s cricket board has said. means no area of the organisation SRH to the title in 2016, beating by eight runs in a Uncertainty loomed over Afghanistan’s first ever will be untouched,” he said. Royal Challengers Bangalore by run-feast of a final. Test against Australia due to travel and other restric- “It’s unfortunate that there will eight runs in a run-feast of a final. tions imposed to curb the spread of the novel be an impact on our people.” “So proud of all the people who coronavirus. were involved. Was a big family However, Cricket Australia gave the day-night effort,” Warner said in his caption match the green light on Thursday when it to the image. announced its summer schedule headlined by a Both captains were in extraor- marquee series against India. dinary form with the bat throughout “There were rumours that this Test match might We’ve made a the tournament. While Warner had not go ahead but it is a relief for us and our cricket commitment to scored 848 runs in 17 matches, RCB fans that we have been given a confirmation,” Chief skipper Virat Kohli scored a mind Executive Officer Lutfullah Stanikzai said in an significantly reduce the numbing 973 runs at an average of interview yesterday. cost base of Cricket 81.03. “The world in general - and the cricketing world The match was played at RCB’s in particular - may not be the same after the coro- Australia, unfortunately home in Bengaluru and SRH batted navirus but we have to move on and cricket has to that means no area first. Warner led the way with 69 return.” of the organisation off 38 balls as SRH posted a target with ease. Kohli and put The very next over, the dan- Having had to postpone a tour of Zimbabwe of 209 for RCB to chase. It was a up an opening partnership of 114 gerous AB de Villiers fell for just 5 next month due to travel restrictions, the impor- will be untouched. It’s mammoth total but not one that was runs that came in just 11 overs. runs to Bipul Sharma. tance of the match against the world’s top ranked unfortunate that there out of reach for RCB thanks to their SRH’S comeback started when KL Rahul, Shane Watson and test team was not lost on the Afghan board. star-studded batting line-up. Gayle fell to in the 11th Sachin Baby all came in and made “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for our will be an impact on our For a while, it did look like RCB over and Kohli fell to runs but eventually, RCB folded on players’ development and in general for the devel- people: Kevin Roberts would actually chase down the total in the 13th. 200/7. opment of Afghanistan cricket,” Stanikzai said. SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020 SPORT 07 Fans could return for 20-21 season, says top PL official

AFP – LONDON phased basis,” Masters told Sky to complete the season with VAR in Sports News. place,” he said. Premier League Chief Executive “Hopefully it will be a huge “The hub itself could be a Richard Masters said yesterday that morale boost and that is what we’ve problem, so if you can’t do the hub fans could be allowed to attend top- been working towards. No one knows when matches you have to do it remotely, and that’s flight matches in the 2020-21 season “We’ve got some incredible fans will move away from the what we’re looking at.” Liverpool are on a “phased basis”. in this country and we all know the behind-closed-doors model and two wins away from clinching their The Premier League plans to Premier League as we know and it is right to have contingency first English title for 30 years, but resume the 2019-20 campaign on love it won’t be fully back until we plans in place, but there is they could be forced to play at a June 17 following the coronavirus have fans back through the optimism at the Premier League neutral venue when the trophy is lockdown. turnstiles.” and at clubs that we will see within reach on police advice. But the remaining 92 fixtures The biggest concern for ‘Project fans back in the stadiums next Police chiefs are concerned will be played behind closed doors Restart’ is another wave of the virus, season and it may happen on a about the safety risks of Liverpool to minimise the health risks of foot- which could lead to the competition phased basis: Richard Masters fans gathering outside Anfield or ball’s return in a country badly hit being suspended again. any other stadium their team are by the pandemic. With that in mind, Masters said playing at. The prospect of playing the next it was crucial clubs agreed on a plan “(But) I’m not going to give away Masters said talks with the season with no fans is unappetising for what would happen if the season any of the details of the private dis- police about neutral venues for for the Premier League and Masters had to end early before games cussions we are having with our some games are on-going, but he suggested it could be possible to resume. clubs.” hopes Liverpool can at least have a being back supporters at some But he would not be drawn on The video assistant referee trophy presentation. stage. whether an unweighted points-per- (VAR) system is set to be used in the “They (the police) have legit- “No one knows when matches game model would be used in remaining matches, but Masters said imate concerns but we think we can will move away from the behind- decide the final table in the event of it would be done remotely rather mitigate some of the issues they’re closed-doors model and it is right the season being abandoned. than from the officials’ usual base trying to deal with,” he said. to have contingency plans in place, “We need to have plans in place at Stockley Park. “We’ll do everything we possibly A Liverpool fan is held up as he looks over a fence but there is optimism at the Premier so that we go into the start of the “VAR has its own social dis- can to deliver a trophy presentation. to watch the team-members training at Melwood League and at clubs that we will see season knowing that if it can’t be tancing issues but we think there is It’s really important to mark that in Liverpool, Britain. fans back in the stadiums next completed, what then happens,” a way of completing the season with moment and to give the fans that season and it may happen on a Masters said. VAR, so absolutely our intention is memory to mark it.” Brazil Judge UEFA mulls CL final host suspends away from Istanbul Neymar’s AP – NYON UEFA is planning to move the Champions League final away fine payment from Istanbul and is considering other locations as planning and scheduling is shaken up by the coronavirus pandemic. AFP – BRASÍLIA The UEFA executive committee will meet on June 17 to examine the findings of a working group that has been assessing A Brazilian judge has how to complete competitions that were suspended in March suspended Neymar’s payment and are likely to finish without any fans in stadiums. of a fine of 88 million reais UEFA is aiming to complete its elite club competition in ($16.28m) to tax authorities for August after the delayed domestic leagues of the remaining irregularities, notably in sides have managed to conclude. The Champions League round connection with his transfer to of 16 has yet to be fully completed. The final was due to be Barcelona in 2013. staged today at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. The judge, Decio Gabriel One person with knowledge of the planning said UEFA had Gimenez, at a court in Sao already concluded using Istanbul was no longer practical this Paulo, suspended the payment year and that one option was to stage the remaining matches of the fine “until further notice”, in one city. The person spoke to The Associated Press on con- on the grounds that the exact dition of anonymity to discuss ongoing planning. amount due to be paid by There are ongoing restrictions for travel across Europe, Neymar was not clarified. with international flight arrivals currently banned by Turkey. According to Brazilian The priority for the location of matches is the accessibility press reports, the state has Players vie for the ball as fans and players are streamed live on to the screens on the sidelines during the 3F to players and officials as there are unlikely to be any fans already appealed the decision. Super League football match between AGF and Randers FC at Ceres Park in Aarhus, Denmark, on Thursday, allowed into the remaining Champions League games. In September 2015, the as the season resumed following a two-month absence due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilian Treasury froze 188.8 million reais of the player’s assets, due to unpaid taxes League-by-league guide to linked to his image rights from FA Cup final to be held on August 1 return of European football 2011 to 2013. REUTERS – MANCHESTER Neymar had left Brazilian The FA said that the dates for scheduling the remaining side Santos for Barcelona in the games, which will be played matches during this unprece- AFP – PARIS 2013. The fine was reduced in The FA Cup final will be held on behind closed doors, were “pro- dented time.” 2017 after a tax appeals council August 1, the Football Associ- visional” and dependent on all Bullingham emphasised the With Switzerland following Italy’s Serie A yesterday in setting quashed two of the five con- ation announced yesterday, safety elements being in place provisional nature of the pro- a date for its return from the coronavirus shutdown, and the victions. The Paris Saint- after the Premier League said for the games. posed dates, adding that “the English Premier League also now agreed on when to resume, Germain star, the world’s most on Thursday that its season will “We are pleased to agree the health and wellbeing of players, AFP Sport casts a glance at the situation for football leagues expensive footballer, agreed to restart on June 17. provisional restart date for the staff and supporters remains our across Europe: pay a much smaller fine, before The quarter-finals of the FA 2019/20 Emirates FA Cup,” said priority”. the treasury announced in 2018 Cup will be held over the FA Chief Executive Mark The schedule for the FA LEAGUES RESTARTING that he still owed 88 million weekend of June 27-28, with the Bullingham. Cup quarter-finals (originally The German Bundesliga was the first major European reais. Barcelona officially said semi-finals earmarked for the “The competition has been drawn on March 4): league to return on May 16, but the Faroe Islands came back the transfer cost €57.1m weekend of July 18-19. an integral part of the English Leicester City vs Chelsea, before that. Football is also being played again in Estonia, the ($63.6m), with €40m going to The knockout competition, football calendar for nearly 150 Newcastle United vs Manchester Czech Republic and Hungary, while Belarus was the one Neymar’s family and 17.1 like the rest of English football, years and we’d like to thank the City, Sheffield United vs Arsenal, country on the continent where it never went away during million to Santos, but Spanish had been put on hold due to the Premier League executive and Norwich City vs Manchester the coronavirus crisis. prosecutors later said it actually coronavirus pandemic. clubs for their support in United On Thursday, Italy’s sports minister confirmed that Serie cost at least €83.3m. A will return on June 20, while La Liga in Spain will resume its season in the week beginning June 8. Italy’s announcement was followed on Friday by neigh- bours Switzerland, whose league will resume on June 19. The Swiss season was the first in Europe to be suspended Police want Liverpool title decider due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last matches played on February 23. Clubs will play two games a week in order to complete the remaining third of the season by August 2. to be played at neutral stadium CONFIRMED RESTART DATES IN EUROPE Denmark: May 28, Poland: May 29, Serbia, Ukraine: May AP – MANCHESTER A general view outside Wembley Stadium in London. 30, Austria: June 2, Portugal: June 3, Slovenia: June 5, Croatia, The Wembley is one obvious neutral venue which is not Greece: June 6, Spain: week beginning June 8, Turkey: June Liverpool is unlikely to win the Premier the home of any club side, for Liverpool's title decider. 12, Norway: June 16, Switzerland: June 19, Italy: June 20, League at Anfield after police included the Russia: June 21, Finland: July 1 leader’s key games among six it wants to be played at neutral venues in a bid to prevent ENGLAND AWAITS GREEN LIGHT fans from gathering outside when the compe- The Premier League on Thursday announced the date of tition resumes. June 17 for its return, although that remains “provisional” for Police originally wanted neutral venues now, according to chief executive Richard Masters. for all 92 remaining games but the plan was He admitted the date “cannot be confirmed until we have opposed by the clubs - particularly those trying met all the safety requirements needed, as the health and to avoid relegation. welfare of all participants and supporters is our priority.” The league plans to resume on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown to contain the corona- SEASON OVER virus pandemic, pending final approval from The Netherlands was the first European country to bring government, which is trying to prevent a an early end to the season on April 24 as the Eredivisie was second spike in cases. cancelled without a champion being crowned. Police don’t object to the games on that France then followed suit on April 30, ending the season Wednesday night being played at Manchester against Crystal Palace, to be played away from Police in Newcastle also don’t want the with 10 rounds of matches unplayed. The season was not City and Aston Villa. Anfield. Greater Manchester Police have home game against Liverpool to be played at voided, though, with Paris Saint-Germain confirmed as cham- But police want the derby between Everton already determined Liverpool’s third game St. James’ Park on the final day of the season, pions, European places dished out and relegation and pro- and Liverpool to be played away from Mer- back against Manchester City should be staged which could be July 26. motion between the top two divisions maintained on a two-up, seyside a few days later. The game was orig- away from the Etihad Stadium. One obvious neutral venue is Wembley two-down basis. Belgium also ended its season, with Club inally scheduled at Goodison Park. Liverpool, Liverpool’s fourth game back is against Stadium in north London which is not the Brugge champions, after the Belgian government announced which leads by 25 points with nine games Aston Villa, currently scheduled at Anfield. home of any club side. Only 200 of the 380 it was suspending all sporting competitions until July 31. remaining, could clinch the title by beating The same Manchester force wants City’s Premier League games each season are con- In Scotland the season had already been called early in Everton if second-placed City loses to Arsenal. game against Newcastle and Manchester tracted to be broadcast live in Britain, but all the three divisions below the top flight and the Premiership If the 30-year title drought doesn’t end United’s home game against Sheffield United remaining fixtures will be aired live because followed suit on May 18, with Celtic being crowned cham- that day, police want Liverpool’s next game, played outside of the northwest location. fans will not be allowed in stadiums. pions for the ninth year running.