Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ gathers pace PAGE 12 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 Next year’s Olympics will be cancelled if pandemic not over: Games chief AFP still unclear. TOKYO In the interview, Mori said organisers were consid- THE postponed Tokyo 2020 ering holding joint opening Olympics will have to be and closing ceremonies for cancelled if the coronavi- the Olympics and the Para- rus pandemic isn’t brought lympics in an effort to cut under control by next year, costs. the organising committee’s Under the plan, the president warned, ruling out Paralympics would join the further delays. Olympic opening ceremony The comments, in an on July 23, and the Olympic interview with a Japanese closing ceremony would be sports daily published on integrated into the Paralym- Tuesday, come as medical pics closing event in Septem- experts doubted whether the ber. pandemic can be sufficiently But Mori admitted that contained by next year to Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori said there was no prospect of delaying Tokyo organisers had not yet hold an event drawing par- the Olympics to 2022. obtained the consent of the ticipants and spectators IOC and their Paralympic from around the world. Mori noted the Games remarks were based on “the “I would not say that don’t think the Olympics is even medical experts said counterparts. The pandemic has al- had been cancelled previous- chairman’s own thoughts”. they should not be held, but likely to be held next year,” it was too early to make a “It’s going to be a consid- ready forced a year-long de- ly only during wartime, and But the comments will it would be exceedingly dif- said Kentaro Iwata, a profes- judgement on such a possi- erable cut in costs and a big lay of the Games, which are compared the battle against add to growing questions ficult,” Yoshitake Yokokura sor of infectious diseases at bility. message of victory against now scheduled to open on coronavirus to “fighting an about the postponement, de- told reporters. Kobe University. Japanese officials and the global crisis, but it’s not July 23, 2021. invisible enemy”. cided last month after heavy “Japan might be able to the IOC have said the Games easy,” Mori said. But Tokyo 2020 presi- If the virus is successfully pressure on the organisers ‘Very pessimistic’ control this disease by next will be a chance to celebrate Organisers have said the dent Yoshiro Mori was cat- contained, “we’ll hold the and the International Olym- And last week a Japa- summer, I wish we could, but victory over the virus, with question of who will shoul- egorical when asked by the Olympics in peace next sum- pic Committee from athletes nese medical expert who I don’t think that would hap- some suggestions that the der the additional costs is yet Nikkan Sports daily whether mer”, he added. “Mankind is and sports federations. has criticised the country’s pen everywhere on Earth, so pandemic fight could even be to be resolved, though Mori the Games could be delayed betting on it.” On Tuesday, the head of response to the coronavirus in this regard I’m very pes- incorporated into the open- said the IOC should pay a until 2022 if the pandemic Masa Takaya, a Tokyo Japan Medical Association warned that he was “very simistic about holding the ing ceremony. share. remains a threat next year, 2020 spokesman, declined to warned it would be “exceed- pessimistic” that the post- Olympic Games next sum- Postponing the Games is “We should make a deci- replying: “No.” comment on a possible can- ingly difficult” to hold the poned Olympics can be held mer,” he said. an enormous logistical and sion after both sides examine “In that case, it’s can- cellation of the Games and Games next year if a vaccine in 2021. But Tokyo 2020 spokes- financial challenge, with the and fully understand them,” celled,” Mori said. told reporters that Mori’s has not been found. “To be honest with you I man Takaya countered that final pricetag for the delay he added. Former Liverpool World Athletics creates coronavirus support fund DPA Coe was “hopeful that we will be ‘legend’ Michael BERLIN able to stage at least some competi- tion later this year” in a season which WORLD Athletics and the Interna- needs rearranged due to several Robinson dies at 61 tional Athletics Foundation charity cancellations in the elite Diamond will make $500,000 available to sup- League series. AFP are with Michael’s family and port athletes financially hit by the The fund was the idea of Moroc- MADRID friends at this sad time. Rest in coronavirus pandemic, the sport’s can great Hicham El Guerrouj, Olym- peace, Michael.” governing body said on Tuesday. pic champion in 2004 and still world LIVERPOOL’s former Repub- Anfield hero Kenny Dal- “I am in constant contact with record holder in the 1,500 metres lic of Ireland striker Michael glish told the club’s website: athletes around the world and I know since 1998. Robinson, who became a well- “First and foremost, Michael that many are experiencing finan- “I am delighted that Seb and known commentator in Spain, was a good teammate to every cial hardship as a consequence of World Athletics reacted so positively has died aged 61, prompting an one of us and he made an im- the shutdown of most international to my suggestion that we create a fund outpouring of tributes. portant contribution on and sports competition in the last two for athletes, and have made it happen Robinson, who settled in off the pitch, none more so months,” World Athletics president with the support of the International Spain after his playing career than during the 1983-84 sea- Sebastian Coe said. Athletics Foundation,” he said. and developed an award-win- son when we were fortunate “Our professional athletes rely on “The suspension of competi- ning media career, succumbed enough to win three trophies. prize money as part of their income tion has had a huge impact on many to cancer that was first diag- “He will be remembered and we’re mindful that our competi- professional athletes because they nosed in 2018. He passed away with fondness and affection.” tion season, on both the track and can’t earn prize money so I’m really at his home in Marbella. After Liverpool, Robinson road, is being severely impacted by pleased that we have found a way to The fund was the idea of Moroccan great Hicham El Guerrouj, Olympic champion “With tremendous sadness joined Queens Park Rangers, the pandemic.” assist them.” in 2004 and still world record holder in the 1,500 metres since 1998. we inform you of Michael’s before ending his career with death,” his family said in a Spanish side Osasuna. Twitter message on Tuesday. He retired in 1989 but re- “It leaves us with a great mained in Spain, mastering the emptiness, but also countless language and becoming one French football mourns Robert Herbin, UEFA releases memories, full of the same love of the country’s most distin- that you have shown him. guished football pundits. ‘who made the impossible possible’ “We will be eternally grate- According to Spanish daily €236mn to aid ful to you for making this man El Pais, Robinson “revolution- AFP SO HAPPY, he never walked ised the way football was ana- SAINT-ÉTIENNE alone. Thank you.” lysed”. member federations After spells with Preston Barcelona said he was “a FRENCH football is mourning North End and Manchester person who loved football Robert Herbin, the inspira- AFP “As a result, we have City Robinson featured in the and who knew how to ex- tional coach of the flamboyant LAUSANNE agreed that up to 4.3 million 1983 FA Cup final for Brighton, plain it with knowledge and Saint-Etienne team that was euros per association, paid for before moving to Anfield. ingenuity”. narrowly defeated in the 1976 UEFA said on Monday it had the remainder of this season He was part of the Liver- Real Madrid described him European Cup final. allocated €236.5 million ($256 and next, as well as part of the pool squad that captured the as “a legend”. Herbin died on Monday million) to its 55 member as- investment funding, can be league, League Cup and Euro- “After his retirement from aged 81 after being taken to sociations to help overcome used as our members see fit to pean Cup treble in 1984. soccer, he dedicated his profes- hospital last week with heart the financial impact caused by rebuild the football commu- “We’re deeply saddened by sional life to sports journalism, and lung problems unrelated the coronavirus pandemic. nity.” the passing of former player where his work on television, to coronavirus. Each national federation Last week European foot- Michael Robinson, aged 61,” radio and in the written press He played more than 400 will receive 4.3 million euros ball’s governing body released Liverpool tweeted. stood out, earning the affection matches for Saint-Etienne and Saint-Etienne’s French captain Robert Herbin. (AFP) which can be used towards “its almost 70 million euros in “The thoughts of everybody of all soccer and sports fans in later brought a cerebral ap- Robert Herbin (left) holds the cup own priorities in light of the benefit payments to clubs at Liverpool Football Club general,” the club added. proach to coaching, earning the next to French Prime Minister a great international player negative impact of the corona- struggling financially during nickname the “The Sphinx” as Jacques Chaban-Delmas after but also an exceptional coach virus on football at all levels,” the health crisis.