Former Iraqi football star Adnan Dirjal swapped his studs for a suit this week when he was named the country's new youth and sports minister.&nbsp;

The slender and balding 60-year-old with a quick smile and sloping nose, who was one of Iraq's most prominent national captains, was one of the only recognisable names among 15 ministers approved by parliament on Thursday, after five months of stalemate over a new government.&nbsp;

The fresh cabinet, led by Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhemi, is mostly staffed with ex-ministers and technocrats -- so an all-star name like Dirjal stands out.&nbsp;

His renown appears to have exempted him from the sectarian horse-trading that usually shapes government appointments in Iraq -- Dirjal, a Shiite Muslim, was nominated to the post by a Sunni party.&nbsp;

"Captain Dirjal is above sectarian calculations," tweeted parliament speaker Mohammad al-Halbussi, Iraq's most senior Sunni official.&nbsp;

Accompanying the tweet was a grainy video from a 1982 match against South Korea in which Dirjal scored, sparking jubilant cries from the crowd.&nbsp;

But others point to Dirjal's cozy connections with government leaders and businessmen in the Gulf, where he has been based for the past 25 years, as political capital Iraq's Sunnis would be keen to exploit.&nbsp;

<h2>- Football under fire -</h2>

Dirjal launched his career in 1979, the same year Saddam Hussein came to power in a palace coup inside the ruling Baath party.&nbsp;

The defender played three seasons at Baghdad's most popular club Al-Zawraa before jumping to Al-Rasheed, owned by Saddam's son Uday, for five seasons starting in 1984.

Uday's reputation for violence included the alleged torture of footballers whom he deemed to have underperformed.&nbsp;

As captain, Dirjal led Al-Rasheed to win several cups and Iraqi league titles. He also played on the national team, helping it win the 1979 Gulf Cup and reach three Olympics.

The games continued through the bloody Iran-Iraq war, which swallowed up most of the 1980s and saw hundreds of thousands of young Iraqi men vanish on the battlefield.

The 1990s saw Iraq struggle under an international embargo -- but football carried on, one of the few sources of respite for an exhausted population.&nbsp;

Dirjal served as manager for the national team in the first few years of the blockade but left Iraq in 1995 for Qatar, where he coached several clubs.&nbsp;

In 2014, he gave up football management for television, working as a sports commentator for several Arab channels.

He returned to Iraq for the first time in 2018 hoping to lead the country's football federation, but his CV was deemed "fraudulent" and his bid disqualified.

<h2>- 'Part of reforms' -</h2>

The new government faces a laundry list of crises, including an oil price collapse, the coronavirus pandemic and brewing tensions between the country's main allies, Iran and the United States.

Dirjal, too, will inherit some tough challenges.&nbsp;

One controversy is over Iraq's Olympic Committee, which was dissolved by US-led occupation forces in&nbsp;2003 because it was led by Uday Hussein.

The committee regrouped with new members and was active for 15 years, until the outgoing youth minister suddenly cancelled its 2018 membership elections.

The ministry claimed the committee's status was never properly re-established after 2003, adding that its finances should therefore be managed by the ministry.

It is one of a number of administrative hurdles Dirjal will have to face, but many believe the powerful symbolism around his career will play to his advantage.&nbsp;

"He'll work closely with the athletes, and that will help him resolve many problems and re-establish some stability in the world of sport," said Jazayir Sahlani, the executive director of Iraq's Olympic Committee.&nbsp;

Much hope is resting on Dirjal, but he seems up to the challenge: at a press conference&nbsp;in Baghdad in February, he was asked what the future of Iraqi football might be.&nbsp;

"We athletes want to be a part of the reforms in this country," he answered.&nbsp;

As minister, Dirjal will now finally have his shot.&nbsp;

Former Iraqi football star Adnan Dirjal swapped his studs for a suit this week when he was named the country's new youth and sports minister. The slender and balding 60-year-old with a quick smile and sloping nose, who was one of Iraq's most prominent national captains, was one of the only recognisable names among 15 ministers approved by parliament on Thursday, after five months of stalemate over a new government.

Former Iraqi football star Adnan Dirjal swapped his studs for a suit this week when he was named the country's new youth and sports minister. The slender and balding 60-year-old with a quick smile and sloping nose, who was one of Iraq's most prominent national captains, was one of the only recognisable names among 15 ministers approved by parliament on Thursday, after five months of stalemate over a new government. The fresh cabinet, led by Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhemi, is mostly staffed with ex-ministers and technocrats -- so an all-star name like Dirjal stands out. His renown appears to have exempted him from the sectarian horse-trading that usually shapes government appointments in Iraq -- Dirjal, a Shiite Muslim, was nominated to the post by a Sunni party. "Captain Dirjal is above sectarian calculations," tweeted parliament speaker Mohammad al-Halbussi, Iraq's most senior Sunni official. Accompanying the tweet was a grainy video from a 1982 match against South Korea in which Dirjal scored, sparking jubilant cries from the crowd. But others point to Dirjal's cozy connections with government leaders and businessmen in the Gulf, where he has been based for the past 25 years, as political capital Iraq's Sunnis would be keen to exploit. - Football under fire - Dirjal launched his career in 1979, the same year Saddam Hussein came to power in a palace coup inside the ruling Baath party. The defender played three seasons at Baghdad's most popular club Al-Zawraa before jumping to Al-Rasheed, owned by Saddam's son Uday, for five seasons starting in 1984. Uday's reputation for violence included the alleged torture of footballers whom he deemed to have underperformed. As captain, Dirjal led Al-Rasheed to win several cups and Iraqi league titles. He also played on the national team, helping it win the 1979 Gulf Cup and reach three Olympics. The games continued through the bloody Iran-Iraq war, which swallowed up most of the 1980s and saw hundreds of thousands of young Iraqi men vanish on the battlefield. The 1990s saw Iraq struggle under an international embargo -- but football carried on, one of the few sources of respite for an exhausted population. Dirjal served as manager for the national team in the first few years of the blockade but left Iraq in 1995 for Qatar, where he coached several clubs. In 2014, he gave up football management for television, working as a sports commentator for several Arab channels. He returned to Iraq for the first time in 2018 hoping to lead the country's football federation, but his CV was deemed "fraudulent" and his bid disqualified. - 'Part of reforms' - The new government faces a laundry list of crises, including an oil price collapse, the coronavirus pandemic and brewing tensions between the country's main allies, Iran and the United States. Dirjal, too, will inherit some tough challenges. One controversy is over Iraq's Olympic Committee, which was dissolved by US-led occupation forces in 2003 because it was led by Uday Hussein. The committee regrouped with new members and was active for 15 years, until the outgoing youth minister suddenly cancelled its 2018 membership elections. The ministry claimed the committee's status was never properly re-established after 2003, adding that its finances should therefore be managed by the ministry. It is one of a number of administrative hurdles Dirjal will have to face, but many believe the powerful symbolism around his career will play to his advantage. "He'll work closely with the athletes, and that will help him resolve many problems and re-establish some stability in the world of sport," said Jazayir Sahlani, the executive director of Iraq's Olympic Committee. Much hope is resting on Dirjal, but he seems up to the challenge: at a press conference in Baghdad in February, he was asked what the future of Iraqi football might be. "We athletes want to be a part of the reforms in this country," he answered. As minister, Dirjal will now finally have his shot.

From pitch to politics: Iraq's new sports minister Adnan Dirjal

The towering stands of the 42,477-capacity Jeonju World Cup Stadium stood empty on Friday as South Korea opened football's post-coronavirus era without fans, but with an unprecedented international TV audience.

With most leagues worldwide sidelined by the pandemic, the K-League is the first competition of any standing to come back to life and a host of safety precautions have been imposed, with wild goal celebrations and even talking discouraged.

The long-delayed season-opener between defending champions Jeonbuk Motors and Cup-holders Suwon Bluewings will be watched by sport-starved fans in a swathe of foreign countries, even though spectators are not yet allowed at K-League games.

Ahead of the match only the media section of the stadium, which hosted three matches of the 2002 World Cup, was occupied, and rather than cheers of anticipation, the only sound was chatter among journalists and staff.

Paper sheets taped to stadium seats spelled out "#C_U_SOON" and "STAY STRONG", while one end was draped in a giant green banner for the Mad Green Boys, the Jeonbuk fan club.&nbsp;

The match, played under stringent safety guidelines, is the first glimpse of post-virus football and similar scenes are likely elsewhere as other leagues get underway.

All personnel entering the stadium had their temperatures checked and were required to wear facemasks, and hand sanitisers were located throughout the venue.&nbsp;

Players have been told to avoid excessive goal celebrations, handshakes, close talking and blowing their noses.

With fans around the world long deprived of live sport, the K-League has signed season-long rights deals with broadcasters who will show games live in 36 countries and territories including Britain, Germany, and Australia.&nbsp;

The K-League, whose start was delayed two months by the pandemic, will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Twitter with English graphics and commentary.

And the BBC secured a one-off deal for the opening match, which will be livestreamed on its website.&nbsp;

"Football is back!" the British broadcaster proclaimed, noting it had been 59 days since the last Premier League match.&nbsp;

<h2>- Bows, not handshakes -</h2>

Last year the K-League sold rights to only six countries, all of them in Asia.

"Because we had limited exposure to international fans, it is true that the K-League was largely unknown globally despite its competitiveness," said league spokesman Lee Jong-kwoun.&nbsp;

"2020 will be the first year the league will be recognised and assessed on a global level."

The K-League's progress will be watched closely by other leagues including the giants of Europe, where Germany's Bundesliga is the only competition so far to set a date to return, on May 16.

Players and coaching staff will have their temperatures checked before each game and anyone at 37.5 C (99.5 F) or more will be isolated and tested.

If anyone gets infected during the season, their team and those who played against them will have to take a two-week break.

And instead of the traditional pre-game handshakes, players have been asked to bow their heads from a distance.&nbsp;

South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks of COVID-19 outside China, prompting professional sports to suspend or delay their seasons, a pattern that was repeated worldwide.

But the country appears to have flattened the curve thanks to an extensive "trace, test and treat" programme, and football's return comes after baseball started this week, also without fans.&nbsp;

Life in South Korea has returned largely to normal, with workers going back to offices this week under eased social distancing rules, while a stay-on-base order on its 600,000 strong military was lifted, allowing conscripts to go on leave.

Schools will start re-opening next week.&nbsp;

Authorities reported 12 fresh coronavirus cases Friday, taking the total to 10,822.

The K-League said spectators will be allowed back into stadiums progressively as the government eases its distancing measures.

The new football season comes just three days after the return of professional baseball in South Korea, which has struck a television deal with ESPN for US fans.

The towering stands of the 42,477-capacity Jeonju World Cup Stadium stood empty on Friday as South Korea opened football's post-coronavirus era without fans, but with an unprecedented international TV audience.

The towering stands of the 42,477-capacity Jeonju World Cup Stadium stood empty on Friday as South Korea opened football's post-coronavirus era without fans, but with an unprecedented international TV audience. With most leagues worldwide sidelined by the pandemic, the K-League is the first competition of any standing to come back to life and a host of safety precautions have been imposed, with wild goal celebrations and even talking discouraged. The long-delayed season-opener between defending champions Jeonbuk Motors and Cup-holders Suwon Bluewings will be watched by sport-starved fans in a swathe of foreign countries, even though spectators are not yet allowed at K-League games. Ahead of the match only the media section of the stadium, which hosted three matches of the 2002 World Cup, was occupied, and rather than cheers of anticipation, the only sound was chatter among journalists and staff. Paper sheets taped to stadium seats spelled out "#C_U_SOON" and "STAY STRONG", while one end was draped in a giant green banner for the Mad Green Boys, the Jeonbuk fan club. The match, played under stringent safety guidelines, is the first glimpse of post-virus football and similar scenes are likely elsewhere as other leagues get underway. All personnel entering the stadium had their temperatures checked and were required to wear facemasks, and hand sanitisers were located throughout the venue. Players have been told to avoid excessive goal celebrations, handshakes, close talking and blowing their noses. With fans around the world long deprived of live sport, the K-League has signed season-long rights deals with broadcasters who will show games live in 36 countries and territories including Britain, Germany, and Australia. The K-League, whose start was delayed two months by the pandemic, will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Twitter with English graphics and commentary. And the BBC secured a one-off deal for the opening match, which will be livestreamed on its website. "Football is back!" the British broadcaster proclaimed, noting it had been 59 days since the last Premier League match. - Bows, not handshakes - Last year the K-League sold rights to only six countries, all of them in Asia. "Because we had limited exposure to international fans, it is true that the K-League was largely unknown globally despite its competitiveness," said league spokesman Lee Jong-kwoun. "2020 will be the first year the league will be recognised and assessed on a global level." The K-League's progress will be watched closely by other leagues including the giants of Europe, where Germany's Bundesliga is the only competition so far to set a date to return, on May 16. Players and coaching staff will have their temperatures checked before each game and anyone at 37.5 C (99.5 F) or more will be isolated and tested. If anyone gets infected during the season, their team and those who played against them will have to take a two-week break. And instead of the traditional pre-game handshakes, players have been asked to bow their heads from a distance. South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks of COVID-19 outside China, prompting professional sports to suspend or delay their seasons, a pattern that was repeated worldwide. But the country appears to have flattened the curve thanks to an extensive "trace, test and treat" programme, and football's return comes after baseball started this week, also without fans. Life in South Korea has returned largely to normal, with workers going back to offices this week under eased social distancing rules, while a stay-on-base order on its 600,000 strong military was lifted, allowing conscripts to go on leave. Schools will start re-opening next week. Authorities reported 12 fresh coronavirus cases Friday, taking the total to 10,822. The K-League said spectators will be allowed back into stadiums progressively as the government eases its distancing measures. The new football season comes just three days after the return of professional baseball in South Korea, which has struck a television deal with ESPN for US fans.

'Largely unknown' South Korea league kicks off football's post-virus era

Manchester City's Kyle Walker says he is being "harassed" after admitting he breached coronavirus lockdown rules to visit his sister and parents.

The defender was forced to issue an apology last month after media reports that he had hosted a party at his home.

But Walker has hit back at the latest stories, insisting that he is being targeted and that the ongoing controversy is affecting his family's health.

In a statement on his official Twitter feed, Walker wrote: "I have recently gone through one of the toughest periods of my life, which I take full responsibility for.

"However, I now feel as though I am being harassed.

"This is no longer solely affecting me, but affecting the health of my family and my young children too."

Walker admitted contravening coronavirus regulations again by visiting Sheffield to see his sister and his parents -- for which he could be fined and cautioned by police.

"In relation to the events on Wednesday, I travelled to Sheffield to give my sister a birthday card and present, but also to speak to one of the few people I believe I can trust in my life," he said.

"She hugged me to remind me that she cares and that I am loved. What am I meant to do -- push her away?

"I then travelled to my parents' house to pick up some home-cooked meals. Again, it's been an extremely tough couple of months for them."

He criticised the media for invading the privacy of his family, saying he constantly felt he was being followed.

Aston Villa's Jack Grealish was forced to apologise in March after breaching lockdown rules, while Everton strongly criticised Moises Kean for hosting a party last month.

Walker said the response to his actions had been disproportionate, raising mental health concerns and saying his family had been "torn apart" by the continuing scrutiny.

Manchester City's Kyle Walker says he is being "harassed" after admitting he breached coronavirus lockdown rules to visit his sister and parents. The defender was forced to issue an apology last month after media reports that he had hosted a party at his home.

Manchester City's Kyle Walker says he is being "harassed" after admitting he breached coronavirus lockdown rules to visit his sister and parents. The defender was forced to issue an apology last month after media reports that he had hosted a party at his home. But Walker has hit back at the latest stories, insisting that he is being targeted and that the ongoing controversy is affecting his family's health. In a statement on his official Twitter feed, Walker wrote: "I have recently gone through one of the toughest periods of my life, which I take full responsibility for. "However, I now feel as though I am being harassed. "This is no longer solely affecting me, but affecting the health of my family and my young children too." Walker admitted contravening coronavirus regulations again by visiting Sheffield to see his sister and his parents -- for which he could be fined and cautioned by police. "In relation to the events on Wednesday, I travelled to Sheffield to give my sister a birthday card and present, but also to speak to one of the few people I believe I can trust in my life," he said. "She hugged me to remind me that she cares and that I am loved. What am I meant to do -- push her away? "I then travelled to my parents' house to pick up some home-cooked meals. Again, it's been an extremely tough couple of months for them." He criticised the media for invading the privacy of his family, saying he constantly felt he was being followed. Aston Villa's Jack Grealish was forced to apologise in March after breaching lockdown rules, while Everton strongly criticised Moises Kean for hosting a party last month. Walker said the response to his actions had been disproportionate, raising mental health concerns and saying his family had been "torn apart" by the continuing scrutiny.

Man City's Walker says he is being 'harassed' after admitting lockdown breaches

Britain's Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned on Friday that the Premier League does not yet have the "green light" to resume but restated the government's hope that the season can be completed.

Premier League clubs are due to meet on Monday to discuss the latest plans for "Project Restart" -- a day after an expected minor easing of coronavirus lockdown measures.

Clubs are understood to have been told that the use of a limited number of neutral venues is the only way to complete the campaign, to limit the strain on essential services and discourage gatherings of supporters near stadiums.

But those at risk of relegation argue that the integrity of the competition would be compromised by the neutral-venue plan.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber is opposed to the idea, with the Seagulls hovering two points above the drop zone. Brighton were scheduled to play five of their remaining nine games at home.

Despite extensive contingency planning, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden warned the Premier League was yet to get the go-ahead, with testing and player welfare major hurdles.

"They've not been given the green light," Dowden told BBC Radio on Friday.

"If we can get a plan that works then I'd like us to be able to go ahead with it because I think it would be good for the nation, it would be good for football as a whole.

"I'm really hopeful we can get this up and running but public safety must come first so it's only if we're confident of that, we'll be able to proceed."

In Germany, the Bundesliga announced this week that it would resume matches on May 16, behind closed doors and subject to extensive coronavirus testing.

Dowden's comments came as The Times newspaper reported that Football Association chiefs would block any attempt to declare the Premier League season null and void and abandon relegation.

<h2>- Relegation scrapped? -</h2>

At least one club reportedly wants relegation to be scrapped if neutral grounds are used.

But The Times said it was understood that the FA board supported the Premier League board's position that the league table should be decided on sporting merit even if it were cut short.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said there was no viable resolution that would satisfy all 20 clubs.

"People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don't think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 percent win on this no matter what decision they make, which is unfortunate," he told the Press Association.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Brighton's Glenn Murray have raised objections from a safety point of view but Ferdinand said they should put their faith in the authorities.

"The Premier League, the FA and the government, if all of those three bodies give it the green light then I'm sure the players' protection, health and well-being will be at the top of their agenda to make sure they remain healthy and not at risk," he said.

Britain's Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned on Friday that the Premier League does not yet have the "green light" to resume but restated the government's hope that the season can be completed.

Britain's Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned on Friday that the Premier League does not yet have the "green light" to resume but restated the government's hope that the season can be completed. Premier League clubs are due to meet on Monday to discuss the latest plans for "Project Restart" -- a day after an expected minor easing of coronavirus lockdown measures. Clubs are understood to have been told that the use of a limited number of neutral venues is the only way to complete the campaign, to limit the strain on essential services and discourage gatherings of supporters near stadiums. But those at risk of relegation argue that the integrity of the competition would be compromised by the neutral-venue plan. Brighton chief executive Paul Barber is opposed to the idea, with the Seagulls hovering two points above the drop zone. Brighton were scheduled to play five of their remaining nine games at home. Despite extensive contingency planning, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden warned the Premier League was yet to get the go-ahead, with testing and player welfare major hurdles. "They've not been given the green light," Dowden told BBC Radio on Friday. "If we can get a plan that works then I'd like us to be able to go ahead with it because I think it would be good for the nation, it would be good for football as a whole. "I'm really hopeful we can get this up and running but public safety must come first so it's only if we're confident of that, we'll be able to proceed." In Germany, the Bundesliga announced this week that it would resume matches on May 16, behind closed doors and subject to extensive coronavirus testing. Dowden's comments came as The Times newspaper reported that Football Association chiefs would block any attempt to declare the Premier League season null and void and abandon relegation. - Relegation scrapped? - At least one club reportedly wants relegation to be scrapped if neutral grounds are used. But The Times said it was understood that the FA board supported the Premier League board's position that the league table should be decided on sporting merit even if it were cut short. Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said there was no viable resolution that would satisfy all 20 clubs. "People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don't think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 percent win on this no matter what decision they make, which is unfortunate," he told the Press Association. Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Brighton's Glenn Murray have raised objections from a safety point of view but Ferdinand said they should put their faith in the authorities. "The Premier League, the FA and the government, if all of those three bodies give it the green light then I'm sure the players' protection, health and well-being will be at the top of their agenda to make sure they remain healthy and not at risk," he said.

Premier League does not yet have 'green light', minister warns

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting on an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While speculations are rife that the Indian cricket board is looking for an alternate window to conduct the cash-rich tournament, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has claimed the reports to be “media speculation” while adding that the board is not thinking about IPL and once things surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures get clear they will get back to the drawing board and think of resuming cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/magical-moments-will-be-difficult-to-come-by-virat-kohli-gives-his-take-on-playing-ipl-behind-closed-doors-297418" hreflang="en">'Magical moments will be difficult to come by': Virat Kohli gives his take on playing IPL behind closed doors</a>

Dhumal said that the board still doesn’t know whether overseas players would be willing to come to India for the IPL or whether they would be required to go under quarantine for two weeks before playing the tournament.&nbsp;

“We haven’t planned anything as of now. We can’t think of IPL getting back yet. Players coming in from other countries, whether they’ll be willing to come here and be quarantined for two weeks and play IPL is not known. How can we think of IPL? This is all media speculation. There is nothing as of now. Once things get clear, then only will we be able to go back to the drawing board and think about re-starting cricket,” Dhumal told an Australian daily.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-jofra-archer-to-james-maddison-epremier-league-2-kicks-off-with-enthralling-action-on-fifa-20-297400" hreflang="en">From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20</a>

There are reports stating that the ICC T20 World Cup could be pushed back and instead IPL could be played in that window. However, that would require a lot of re-shuffling of the cricket calendar. India is also scheduled to play a four-match Test series against Australia later in the year. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting on an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While speculations are rife that the Indian cricket board is looking for an alternate window to conduct the cash-rich tournament, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has claimed the reports to be “media speculation” while adding that the board is not thinking about IPL and once things surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures get clear they will get back to the drawing board and think of resuming cricket.

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting on an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While speculations are rife that the Indian cricket board is looking for an alternate window to conduct the cash-rich tournament, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has claimed the reports to be “media speculation” while adding that the board is not thinking about IPL and once things surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures get clear they will get back to the drawing board and think of resuming cricket. ALSO READ: 'Magical moments will be difficult to come by': Virat Kohli gives his take on playing IPL behind closed doors Dhumal said that the board still doesn’t know whether overseas players would be willing to come to India for the IPL or whether they would be required to go under quarantine for two weeks before playing the tournament. “We haven’t planned anything as of now. We can’t think of IPL getting back yet. Players coming in from other countries, whether they’ll be willing to come here and be quarantined for two weeks and play IPL is not known. How can we think of IPL? This is all media speculation. There is nothing as of now. Once things get clear, then only will we be able to go back to the drawing board and think about re-starting cricket,” Dhumal told an Australian daily. ALSO READ: From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20 There are reports stating that the ICC T20 World Cup could be pushed back and instead IPL could be played in that window. However, that would require a lot of re-shuffling of the cricket calendar. India is also scheduled to play a four-match Test series against Australia later in the year.

'We can’t think of IPL getting back yet': BCCI official on resumption of cricket

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Bundesliga will be kicking off with one of the best derbies in the world – The Ruhr Valley Derby – played between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Dortmund (51) are currently placed second in the points table four points behind leaders Bayern Munich (55) and would be hoping to defeat their arch-rivals and sixth-placed Schalke (37) in the opening clash of the matchday 26.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-jofra-archer-to-james-maddison-epremier-league-2-kicks-off-with-enthralling-action-on-fifa-20-297400" hreflang="en">From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20</a>

Red Bull Leipzig will take on Freiburg whereas Hoffenheim will lock horns with Hertha Berlin. Dusseldorf will face Paderborn and Augsburg will meet Wolfsburg whereas Frankfurt will take on Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be another exciting match-up.

On May 17, FC Koln will face Mainz whereas 11th placed Union Berlin will meet defending champions and current leaders Bayern Munich. Matchday 26 will end with Bremen locking horns with Bayern Leverkusen on May 18.

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<h2>Bundesliga – Matchday 26 - Complete Fixture</h2>

May 16

Dortmund vs Schalke

RB Leipzig vs Freiburg

Hoffenheim vs Hertha Berlin

Dusseldorf vs Paderborn

Augsburg vs Wolfsburg

Frankfurt vs Monchengladbach

May 17

FC Koln vs Mainz

Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich

May 18

Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen 
&nbsp;

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Bundesliga will be kicking off with one of the best derbies in the world – The Ruhr Valley Derby – played between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Dortmund (51) are currently placed second in the points table four points behind leaders Bayern Munich (55) and would be hoping to defeat their arch-rivals and sixth-placed Schalke (37) in the opening clash of the matchday 26. ALSO READ: From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20 Red Bull Leipzig will take on Freiburg whereas Hoffenheim will lock horns with Hertha Berlin. Dusseldorf will face Paderborn and Augsburg will meet Wolfsburg whereas Frankfurt will take on Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be another exciting match-up. On May 17, FC Koln will face Mainz whereas 11th placed Union Berlin will meet defending champions and current leaders Bayern Munich. Matchday 26 will end with Bremen locking horns with Bayern Leverkusen on May 18. ALSO READ: Spurs hotshot Son Heung-min earns military accolade Bundesliga – Matchday 26 - Complete Fixture May 16 Dortmund vs Schalke RB Leipzig vs Freiburg Hoffenheim vs Hertha Berlin Dusseldorf vs Paderborn Augsburg vs Wolfsburg Frankfurt vs Monchengladbach May 17 FC Koln vs Mainz Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich May 18 Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen

Ruhr Derby to kick-start Bundesliga resumption - Here's complete matchday 26 fixture list

There has been plenty of talks surrounding the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures. Even if IPL 2020 takes place later in the year, the matches will be played behind closed doors in all likelihood. Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli has given his take on the prospect of playing matches in empty stadiums as the swashbuckling right-handed batsman said that players are habituated of playing in front of so many and he doesn’t know how they will react to stands being completely empty.&nbsp;

Kohli further said that while matches will be played with good intensity, the emotions and passion that fans bring to the stadium will be hard to recreate. The Indian skipper added that the feeling of crowd connecting with players during tensed matches will be missed by everyone. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-ready-for-two-week-quarantine-phase-before-australia-test-series-bcci-official-297391" hreflang="en">Team India ready for two-week quarantine phase before Australia Test series: BCCI official</a>

<h2>"Emotions are very difficult to recreate"</h2>

"It’s quite a possible situation, it might happen, I honestly don’t know how everyone is going to take that because we all are used to playing in front of so many passionate fans, I know it will be played at a very good intensity but that feeling of the crowd connecting with the players and the tension of the game where everyone goes through it in the stadium, those emotions are very difficult to recreate,” Kohli said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-jofra-archer-to-james-maddison-epremier-league-2-kicks-off-with-enthralling-action-on-fifa-20-297400" hreflang="en">From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20</a>

“Things will still go on, but I doubt that one will feel that magic happening inside because of the atmosphere that was created. We will play sports how it is supposed to be played, but those magical moments will be difficult to come by,” he said.

While nothing has been confirmed on the fate of IPL 2020, the speculations are rife that the BCCI is looking at an alternate window to conduct the cash-rich tournament later in the year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There has been plenty of talks surrounding the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures.

There has been plenty of talks surrounding the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures. Even if IPL 2020 takes place later in the year, the matches will be played behind closed doors in all likelihood. Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli has given his take on the prospect of playing matches in empty stadiums as the swashbuckling right-handed batsman said that players are habituated of playing in front of so many and he doesn’t know how they will react to stands being completely empty. Kohli further said that while matches will be played with good intensity, the emotions and passion that fans bring to the stadium will be hard to recreate. The Indian skipper added that the feeling of crowd connecting with players during tensed matches will be missed by everyone. ALSO READ: Team India ready for two-week quarantine phase before Australia Test series: BCCI official "Emotions are very difficult to recreate" "It’s quite a possible situation, it might happen, I honestly don’t know how everyone is going to take that because we all are used to playing in front of so many passionate fans, I know it will be played at a very good intensity but that feeling of the crowd connecting with the players and the tension of the game where everyone goes through it in the stadium, those emotions are very difficult to recreate,” Kohli said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected. ALSO READ: From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20 “Things will still go on, but I doubt that one will feel that magic happening inside because of the atmosphere that was created. We will play sports how it is supposed to be played, but those magical moments will be difficult to come by,” he said. While nothing has been confirmed on the fate of IPL 2020, the speculations are rife that the BCCI is looking at an alternate window to conduct the cash-rich tournament later in the year.

'Magical moments will be difficult to come by': Virat Kohli gives his take on playing IPL behind closed doors

The first edition of the ePremier League was won by Wolves forward Diogo Jota after defeating Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in extra-time. But the second edition of ePremier League, which kicked off on May 5 has lot more surprises for the lovers of football and highly-popular video game FIFA 20. 
While the first edition of ePremier League featured only players from different Premier League clubs, the second edition of the E-Sports league is featuring some of the biggest celebrities in England from both football and cricket fraternity.&nbsp;

The second edition of ePremier League features Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham Hostpur, Phil Foden from Manchester City and James Maddison from Leicester City while boasting a high-profile list of gamer Spencer Owen, representing West Ham, Top Boy actor Michael Ward, representing Arsenal, and English cricketer and World Cup winner Jofra Archer, representing Manchester United.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spurs-hotshot-son-heung-min-earns-military-accolade-297377" hreflang="en">Spurs hotshot Son Heung-min earns military accolade</a>

Archer failed to defeat Newcastle United’s Rolando Aarons after suffering a 4-1 defeat whereas Arsenal’s Ward was hammered by Burnley defender Charlie Taylor 1-2.

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique was knocked out of the tournament after being defeated by Aston Villa’s Keinan Davis &nbsp;6-1 whereas Michael Obafemi from Southampton thrashed professional boxer Tony Bellew, representing Everton, 7-0.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-bundesliga-to-resume-on-may-16-final-game-week-to-be-played-on-june-2728-297234" hreflang="en">Official: Bundesliga to resume on May 16; final game-week to be played on June 27/28</a>

Archer, who showed some great skills with his joystick, had to bow out of the tournament after a brilliant encounter against Sheffield United defender Josh Eagan with the match ending 4-3 in favour of the latter.&nbsp;

With the second edition of ePremier League entering its penultimate stage, more exciting action and nail-biting encounters await the football lovers.&nbsp;

The first edition of the ePremier League was won by Wolves forward Diogo Jota after defeating Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in extra-time. But the second edition of ePremier League, which kicked off on May 5 has lot more surprises for the lovers of football and highly-popular video game FIFA 20.

The first edition of the ePremier League was won by Wolves forward Diogo Jota after defeating Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in extra-time. But the second edition of ePremier League, which kicked off on May 5 has lot more surprises for the lovers of football and highly-popular video game FIFA 20. While the first edition of ePremier League featured only players from different Premier League clubs, the second edition of the E-Sports league is featuring some of the biggest celebrities in England from both football and cricket fraternity. The second edition of ePremier League features Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham Hostpur, Phil Foden from Manchester City and James Maddison from Leicester City while boasting a high-profile list of gamer Spencer Owen, representing West Ham, Top Boy actor Michael Ward, representing Arsenal, and English cricketer and World Cup winner Jofra Archer, representing Manchester United. ALSO READ: Spurs hotshot Son Heung-min earns military accolade Archer failed to defeat Newcastle United’s Rolando Aarons after suffering a 4-1 defeat whereas Arsenal’s Ward was hammered by Burnley defender Charlie Taylor 1-2. Liverpool defender Jose Enrique was knocked out of the tournament after being defeated by Aston Villa’s Keinan Davis 6-1 whereas Michael Obafemi from Southampton thrashed professional boxer Tony Bellew, representing Everton, 7-0. ALSO READ: Official: Bundesliga to resume on May 16; final game-week to be played on June 27/28 Archer, who showed some great skills with his joystick, had to bow out of the tournament after a brilliant encounter against Sheffield United defender Josh Eagan with the match ending 4-3 in favour of the latter. With the second edition of ePremier League entering its penultimate stage, more exciting action and nail-biting encounters await the football lovers.

From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date to AFP subsidiary SID on Wednesday night.

"After weighing up all the arguments, the DFL Executive Committee decided today... to resume play in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga from 15 May 2020," the DFL said in a statement to magazine Kicker.

Germany's top-flight will become the first of Europe's major leagues to return to the field.

"Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin.

Germany's top politicians approved a plan for the Bundesliga to resume in stadiums without spectators and with players regularly tested.

Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus.

Bayern Munich and Germany captain Manuel Neuer said the players now had an "enormous responsibility" to be role models and follow the hygiene guidelines.

Representatives from the 36 clubs in the country's top two divisions will finalise details in a videoconference on Thursday.

<h2>- 'Wonderful signal' -</h2>

"Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga," said the league's CEO Christian Seifert.

"It's a great responsibility for the clubs to implement the medical and organisational guidelines in a disciplined manner."

Bayern Munich, seeking their eighth consecutive Geman title, were four points clear at the top of the table when play was halted in mid-March.

"It's a good feeling. We are now looking forward to being able to resume playing," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, adding the decision was "an important and wonderful signal for the Bundesliga".

His opposite number at Borussia Dortmund -- the club second in the table behind Bayern -- also welcomed the news.

"We are very pleased that people in Germany have behaved so magnificently that the spread of the pandemic has at least been contained," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

"Only because the population has been incredibly disciplined can we now gradually move on to another form of normality."

Germany has about 165,000 coronavirus cases and 7,000 deaths, meaning it has so far prevented its hospitals becoming as overburdened as other European countries.

Economic reasons are also driving the decision to allow football to resume.

With 13 of the 36 teams in Germany's top two divisions reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, the league desperately needs to claim around 300 million euros ($325 million) from TV contracts if the season is completed.

The league has long urged restarting play, which it says is vital for a sector that employs 56,000 people in Germany.

Teams returned to training on April 6 although sessions have followed stringent social distancing rules.

<h2>- 10 cases of coronavirus -</h2>

The league says its intensive testing plan allows matches to be relaunched with low risk to health.

So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three are from the Cologne club and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Health Minister Jens Spahn has argued that the testing regime "makes sense and can serve as an example for other forms of professional sport," although he warned "it has to be lived up to".

The league and politicians reacted with consternation when Hertha Berlin player Salomon Kalou filmed himself shaking hands with teammates this week, flaunting the social distancing rules that clubs have put in place.

"The video has done the German league and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, who chairs Germany's regional sports ministers, told RBB radio on Wednesday.

Hertha have suspended Kalou, and the 34-year-old former Chelsea player has apologised.

<h2>- Different approaches -</h2>

Leagues across Europe are taking different approaches to the unprecedented crisis.

The French league announced last week it will not resume the season, with Paris Saint-Germain awarded the top-flight title.

The Netherlands abandoned its season a week earlier.

The English Premier League, Europe's richest league, aims to restart in June, but differences have emerged over plans to use neutral stadiums.

Players in Italy's Serie A returned to training this week and in Spain, Barcelona say players underwent coronavirus tests on Wednesday as La Liga clubs began restricted training ahead of a proposed resumption of the season next month.

The Serbian, Croatian and Turkish leagues have also announced plans for matches to restart.

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date to AFP subsidiary SID on Wednesday night. "After weighing up all the arguments, the DFL Executive Committee decided today... to resume play in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga from 15 May 2020," the DFL said in a statement to magazine Kicker. Germany's top-flight will become the first of Europe's major leagues to return to the field. "Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin. Germany's top politicians approved a plan for the Bundesliga to resume in stadiums without spectators and with players regularly tested. Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus. Bayern Munich and Germany captain Manuel Neuer said the players now had an "enormous responsibility" to be role models and follow the hygiene guidelines. Representatives from the 36 clubs in the country's top two divisions will finalise details in a videoconference on Thursday. - 'Wonderful signal' - "Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga," said the league's CEO Christian Seifert. "It's a great responsibility for the clubs to implement the medical and organisational guidelines in a disciplined manner." Bayern Munich, seeking their eighth consecutive Geman title, were four points clear at the top of the table when play was halted in mid-March. "It's a good feeling. We are now looking forward to being able to resume playing," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, adding the decision was "an important and wonderful signal for the Bundesliga". His opposite number at Borussia Dortmund -- the club second in the table behind Bayern -- also welcomed the news. "We are very pleased that people in Germany have behaved so magnificently that the spread of the pandemic has at least been contained," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. "Only because the population has been incredibly disciplined can we now gradually move on to another form of normality." Germany has about 165,000 coronavirus cases and 7,000 deaths, meaning it has so far prevented its hospitals becoming as overburdened as other European countries. Economic reasons are also driving the decision to allow football to resume. With 13 of the 36 teams in Germany's top two divisions reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, the league desperately needs to claim around 300 million euros ($325 million) from TV contracts if the season is completed. The league has long urged restarting play, which it says is vital for a sector that employs 56,000 people in Germany. Teams returned to training on April 6 although sessions have followed stringent social distancing rules. - 10 cases of coronavirus - The league says its intensive testing plan allows matches to be relaunched with low risk to health. So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed. Three are from the Cologne club and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach. Health Minister Jens Spahn has argued that the testing regime "makes sense and can serve as an example for other forms of professional sport," although he warned "it has to be lived up to". The league and politicians reacted with consternation when Hertha Berlin player Salomon Kalou filmed himself shaking hands with teammates this week, flaunting the social distancing rules that clubs have put in place. "The video has done the German league and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, who chairs Germany's regional sports ministers, told RBB radio on Wednesday. Hertha have suspended Kalou, and the 34-year-old former Chelsea player has apologised. - Different approaches - Leagues across Europe are taking different approaches to the unprecedented crisis. The French league announced last week it will not resume the season, with Paris Saint-Germain awarded the top-flight title. The Netherlands abandoned its season a week earlier. The English Premier League, Europe's richest league, aims to restart in June, but differences have emerged over plans to use neutral stadiums. Players in Italy's Serie A returned to training this week and in Spain, Barcelona say players underwent coronavirus tests on Wednesday as La Liga clubs began restricted training ahead of a proposed resumption of the season next month. The Serbian, Croatian and Turkish leagues have also announced plans for matches to restart.

Bundesliga to restart on May 15 after Merkel gives go-ahead

The Premier League is adamant that it can overcome huge logistical challenges to get players back on the pitch during the coronavirus crisis but has long since accepted there will be no fans in the stadiums.

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke became the latest senior figure to admit this week that social-distancing guidelines make it impossible for supporters to congregate in stadiums "any time soon".

The drive behind the Premier League's "Project Restart" is the attempt to avoid having to pay back millions in TV revenue. Clubs could reportedly miss out on £762 million ($946 million) for failing to complete this season alone.

According to UEFA's latest European Club Footballing Landscape report, just 13 percent of the Premier League's revenue comes from gate receipts.

England's top tier therefore has the luxury many other leagues cannot afford of trying to ride out the economic storm without paying fans coming to watch in the stadium.

"We might not like it, it might not be the perfect solution, but it is the only solution that we've got to move forward," David Webber, a senior lecturer in football studies at Solent University, told AFP.

However, the billions in television revenues the Premier League has been able to tap into is not only thanks to the quality of the players on the field but the atmosphere provided by thousands of passionate fans.

"The whole economic model only works when the grounds are pretty full," said Richard Scudamore, who oversaw the Premier League's growth into a vast commercial giant from 1999 to 2018.

"No actor likes playing in front of an empty hall," he told the Telegraph.

<h2>- June restart? -</h2>

The last time a ball was kicked in the Premier League was on March 9 and it will not return until June at the earliest, with Liverpool's title coronation on hold for now.

After such a long and unexpected lay-off, league bosses are hoping there will be an insatiable demand for their product.

Allowing fans to buy "virtual season tickets" to watch every match live has even been mooted as an idea to help mitigate the loss of matchday income.

But the University of Brighton's Mark Doidge agrees with Scudamore that the essence of what makes the Premier League special might be lost.

"Short-term there might be people who want to watch games on television," said Doidge, a senior research fellow at the School of Sport and Service Management.

"But I think the novelty will wear off very quickly when you realise that actually a large part of what drives the game is not just the people on the pitch, but the people in the stands."

Doidge said players and fans feed off the collective, emotional energy in English stadiums.

"That collective atmosphere is part and parcel of what the game is," he said. "If they haven't got that to feed off, is the quality of football going to be there and ultimately will the televisual experience be there?"

Premier League clubs are reportedly already making contingency plans to play out the whole of the 2020/21 season behind closed doors.

Yet, it remains to be seen if there will be any demand for such a deluge of sanitised matches from armchair supporters, TV companies and even players.

"It's a strange situation not having the fans there. That's what makes football, that's what makes the atmosphere," Tottenham and England midfielder Harry Winks told the BBC.

"It's not something that I like and I know a lot of players feel the same way. It's not something that anybody really wants to do."

The Premier League is adamant that it can overcome huge logistical challenges to get players back on the pitch during the coronavirus crisis but has long since accepted there will be no fans in the stadiums.

The Premier League is adamant that it can overcome huge logistical challenges to get players back on the pitch during the coronavirus crisis but has long since accepted there will be no fans in the stadiums. English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke became the latest senior figure to admit this week that social-distancing guidelines make it impossible for supporters to congregate in stadiums "any time soon". The drive behind the Premier League's "Project Restart" is the attempt to avoid having to pay back millions in TV revenue. Clubs could reportedly miss out on £762 million ($946 million) for failing to complete this season alone. According to UEFA's latest European Club Footballing Landscape report, just 13 percent of the Premier League's revenue comes from gate receipts. England's top tier therefore has the luxury many other leagues cannot afford of trying to ride out the economic storm without paying fans coming to watch in the stadium. "We might not like it, it might not be the perfect solution, but it is the only solution that we've got to move forward," David Webber, a senior lecturer in football studies at Solent University, told AFP. However, the billions in television revenues the Premier League has been able to tap into is not only thanks to the quality of the players on the field but the atmosphere provided by thousands of passionate fans. "The whole economic model only works when the grounds are pretty full," said Richard Scudamore, who oversaw the Premier League's growth into a vast commercial giant from 1999 to 2018. "No actor likes playing in front of an empty hall," he told the Telegraph. - June restart? - The last time a ball was kicked in the Premier League was on March 9 and it will not return until June at the earliest, with Liverpool's title coronation on hold for now. After such a long and unexpected lay-off, league bosses are hoping there will be an insatiable demand for their product. Allowing fans to buy "virtual season tickets" to watch every match live has even been mooted as an idea to help mitigate the loss of matchday income. But the University of Brighton's Mark Doidge agrees with Scudamore that the essence of what makes the Premier League special might be lost. "Short-term there might be people who want to watch games on television," said Doidge, a senior research fellow at the School of Sport and Service Management. "But I think the novelty will wear off very quickly when you realise that actually a large part of what drives the game is not just the people on the pitch, but the people in the stands." Doidge said players and fans feed off the collective, emotional energy in English stadiums. "That collective atmosphere is part and parcel of what the game is," he said. "If they haven't got that to feed off, is the quality of football going to be there and ultimately will the televisual experience be there?" Premier League clubs are reportedly already making contingency plans to play out the whole of the 2020/21 season behind closed doors. Yet, it remains to be seen if there will be any demand for such a deluge of sanitised matches from armchair supporters, TV companies and even players. "It's a strange situation not having the fans there. That's what makes football, that's what makes the atmosphere," Tottenham and England midfielder Harry Winks told the BBC. "It's not something that I like and I know a lot of players feel the same way. It's not something that anybody really wants to do."

Will Premier League with no fans be worth the wait?

Germany's Bundesliga will be the first major football league in Europe to return to action next week after being suspended in March as the coronavirus spread across the continent.

The pandemic has claimed almost 150,000 lives in Europe but some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders.

AFP Sport looks at the state of play in Europe's top leagues:

<h2>GERMANY</h2>

The German league on Wednesday announced that the Bundesliga will restart on May 15.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders earlier gave the Bundesliga the green light to restart behind closed doors under a plan that includes regular testing of players.

Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus.

So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed. Three of the cases were from Cologne and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

<h2>ENGLAND</h2>

Premier League clubs reaffirmed their commitment last week to finish the season subject to restrictions being lifted in Britain, although players including Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have expressed reservations about the plan.

The English top flight faces an estimated loss of around £1 billion ($1.25 billion) if the season cannot be completed. Plans to stage the 92 remaining games behind closed doors, reportedly at up to 10 neutral venues, would mitigate the financial damage.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline details of how Britain will exit lockdown on Sunday before the next Premier League meeting to discuss the restart plan takes place a day later.

Premier League chiefs have targeted a return to action in June and several clubs have reopened their training grounds for players to use on an individual basis.

A large supply of privately sourced tests would be needed for players, coaches and backroom staff.

However, relegation-threatened clubs are reported to be against the neutral venue plan, with some said to be willing to vote against the Premier League's "Project Restart".

<h2>SPAIN</h2>

La Liga players have started returning to their clubs to undergo coronavirus tests as teams plan to return to restricted training ahead of the proposed resumption of the season next month.

The first of a four-phase de-escalation programme announced by the Spanish government last week will allow players to initially train alone, with a maximum of six players permitted on the pitch.

La Liga's programme will then permit training in small groups before a return to larger team sessions.

In the fourth and final phase, in early June, the government has said outside events can go ahead when attended by fewer than 400 people.&nbsp;

La Liga is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors, with games re-starting in mid-June.&nbsp;

League president Javier Tebas has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros.

<h2>ITALY</h2>

Players at a number of Italian clubs, including defending champions Juventus, are back training individually after receiving the green light from the country's interior ministry.

Despite players being allowed to return to club facilities two weeks ahead of schedule and undergoing health checks, sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned training in groups must wait until May 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to observe a 14-day quarantine period after returning to Italy following two months of confinement in Portugal.

It remains uncertain whether matches can restart, with Spadafora saying "it is impossible to set a certain date".&nbsp;

Officially, all 20 Serie A teams have unanimously backed a return to competition, despite reservations from clubs such as Brescia and Torino, in the north of Italy, which was particularly hard-hit by the pandemic.

A meeting is scheduled Thursday between the Italian Football Federation and members of the government's Technical Scientific Committee to discuss the medical protocol for the resumption of group training.

<h2>FRANCE</h2>

Paris Saint-Germain were named Ligue 1 champions after France's football league declared the coronavirus-hit season over on April 30.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that "professional sports leagues, notably football, cannot restart" because of the pandemic.

"There is no ambiguity about this declaration. We needed to make a final decision about this season. We acknowledge that the 2019-20 season is over," said LFP president Nathalie Boy de la Tour.

The LFP arranged a final table on the basis of average points per game. Ten rounds of matches remained when the campaign was halted.

Toulouse and Amiens, the bottom two, were condemned to relegation, with Lorient, as champions, and Lens coming up from Ligue 2. The usual promotion and relegation play-offs, meanwhile, have been ditched.

Germany's Bundesliga will be the first major football league in Europe to return to action next week after being suspended in March as the coronavirus spread across the continent.

Germany's Bundesliga will be the first major football league in Europe to return to action next week after being suspended in March as the coronavirus spread across the continent. The pandemic has claimed almost 150,000 lives in Europe but some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders. AFP Sport looks at the state of play in Europe's top leagues: GERMANY The German league on Wednesday announced that the Bundesliga will restart on May 15. Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders earlier gave the Bundesliga the green light to restart behind closed doors under a plan that includes regular testing of players. Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus. So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed. Three of the cases were from Cologne and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach. ENGLAND Premier League clubs reaffirmed their commitment last week to finish the season subject to restrictions being lifted in Britain, although players including Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have expressed reservations about the plan. The English top flight faces an estimated loss of around £1 billion ($1.25 billion) if the season cannot be completed. Plans to stage the 92 remaining games behind closed doors, reportedly at up to 10 neutral venues, would mitigate the financial damage. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline details of how Britain will exit lockdown on Sunday before the next Premier League meeting to discuss the restart plan takes place a day later. Premier League chiefs have targeted a return to action in June and several clubs have reopened their training grounds for players to use on an individual basis. A large supply of privately sourced tests would be needed for players, coaches and backroom staff. However, relegation-threatened clubs are reported to be against the neutral venue plan, with some said to be willing to vote against the Premier League's "Project Restart". SPAIN La Liga players have started returning to their clubs to undergo coronavirus tests as teams plan to return to restricted training ahead of the proposed resumption of the season next month. The first of a four-phase de-escalation programme announced by the Spanish government last week will allow players to initially train alone, with a maximum of six players permitted on the pitch. La Liga's programme will then permit training in small groups before a return to larger team sessions. In the fourth and final phase, in early June, the government has said outside events can go ahead when attended by fewer than 400 people. La Liga is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors, with games re-starting in mid-June. League president Javier Tebas has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros. ITALY Players at a number of Italian clubs, including defending champions Juventus, are back training individually after receiving the green light from the country's interior ministry. Despite players being allowed to return to club facilities two weeks ahead of schedule and undergoing health checks, sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned training in groups must wait until May 18. Cristiano Ronaldo will have to observe a 14-day quarantine period after returning to Italy following two months of confinement in Portugal. It remains uncertain whether matches can restart, with Spadafora saying "it is impossible to set a certain date". Officially, all 20 Serie A teams have unanimously backed a return to competition, despite reservations from clubs such as Brescia and Torino, in the north of Italy, which was particularly hard-hit by the pandemic. A meeting is scheduled Thursday between the Italian Football Federation and members of the government's Technical Scientific Committee to discuss the medical protocol for the resumption of group training. FRANCE Paris Saint-Germain were named Ligue 1 champions after France's football league declared the coronavirus-hit season over on April 30. The announcement came after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that "professional sports leagues, notably football, cannot restart" because of the pandemic. "There is no ambiguity about this declaration. We needed to make a final decision about this season. We acknowledge that the 2019-20 season is over," said LFP president Nathalie Boy de la Tour. The LFP arranged a final table on the basis of average points per game. Ten rounds of matches remained when the campaign was halted. Toulouse and Amiens, the bottom two, were condemned to relegation, with Lorient, as champions, and Lens coming up from Ligue 2. The usual promotion and relegation play-offs, meanwhile, have been ditched.

League-by-league guide to European football's coronavirus shutdown

Tennis Australia conceded Thursday that January's Australian Open faces cancellation under a worst-case scenario, but said it was looking at a range of options in hope the COVID-19 crisis eases.

This year's tennis calendar has been suspended until at least July 13 and, with global borders closed, there is uncertainty about when the international circuit can resume.

The season-opening Grand Slam is scheduled to take place in Melbourne from January 18-31, more than eight months away, and Tennis Australia said it would abide by whatever restrictions were in place at that time.

"We've certainly made no secret about the number of scenarios that we're looking at," a spokeswoman told AFP.

"We're hoping for the best but planning for everything."

Possibilities range from cancellation to imposing quarantine on overseas players and allowing only Australian fans into the event.

"We have to look at all the angles because a lot of the decisions will be beyond our control and related to government guidelines and restrictions," she said.&nbsp;

"We do need to have all the protocols in place to ensure everyone's safety."

This year's Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II and the French Open postponed until the end of September.

The United States Tennis Association will decide in mid-June whether or not the US Open will be able to begin on schedule in New York in August.

Australia has banned all travel into the island nation for non-residents.

While talks have begun on opening up borders to neighbouring New Zealand, which like Australia has successfully controlled the epidemic, officials have said it could be many months before other international arrivals will be allowed.&nbsp;

Tennis Australia conceded Thursday that January's Australian Open faces cancellation under a worst-case scenario, but said it was looking at a range of options in hope the COVID-19 crisis eases.

Tennis Australia conceded Thursday that January's Australian Open faces cancellation under a worst-case scenario, but said it was looking at a range of options in hope the COVID-19 crisis eases. This year's tennis calendar has been suspended until at least July 13 and, with global borders closed, there is uncertainty about when the international circuit can resume. The season-opening Grand Slam is scheduled to take place in Melbourne from January 18-31, more than eight months away, and Tennis Australia said it would abide by whatever restrictions were in place at that time. "We've certainly made no secret about the number of scenarios that we're looking at," a spokeswoman told AFP. "We're hoping for the best but planning for everything." Possibilities range from cancellation to imposing quarantine on overseas players and allowing only Australian fans into the event. "We have to look at all the angles because a lot of the decisions will be beyond our control and related to government guidelines and restrictions," she said. "We do need to have all the protocols in place to ensure everyone's safety." This year's Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II and the French Open postponed until the end of September. The United States Tennis Association will decide in mid-June whether or not the US Open will be able to begin on schedule in New York in August. Australia has banned all travel into the island nation for non-residents. While talks have begun on opening up borders to neighbouring New Zealand, which like Australia has successfully controlled the epidemic, officials have said it could be many months before other international arrivals will be allowed.

Australian Open organisers admit cancellation possible

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