The Premier League is planning to return on June 8 with all the clubs receiving a proposed new schedule list to finish the halted season despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the UK. England’s top-flight league is aiming to return in just six weeks and would allow teams to fully train from May 18. However, players will have to cover their faces as a part of new rules to allow a safe return to full training. &nbsp;

League chiefs have already sent the schedule of matches to all 20 clubs ahead of a crucial meeting on Friday. And as per The Telegraph, the plan will be discussed on an individual basis with clubs in a bid to get the proposed scheduled approved by this week.

However, the plans are based on COVID-19 lockdown measures being eased with the next Government review due to take place on May 7. It is still unclear whether the restrictions will be relaxed for the Premier League to resume on their desired date.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-crowned-champions-of-france-despite-season-ending-prematurely-295831" hreflang="en">PSG crowned champions of France despite season ending prematurely</a>

Under the proposed plan, players will be tested for coronavirus over the weekend of May 8 and May 9 before returning to training in small groups. While some clubs including London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have already resumed training minimally, others are still following social distancing rules.&nbsp;

Football players could be restricted to train under quarantine and there have been talks of players coming to the training ground in their kits in a bid to avoid dressing rooms.

Mass testing will be available for all players, staff and media at training centres and stadiums as Premier League desperately forcing all remaining fixture into a six-week period.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/braithwaite-people-see-me-as-the-emergency-signing-but-i-deserve-to-be-at-barca-295798" hreflang="en">Braithwaite: People see me as the emergency signing but I deserve to be at Barca</a>

Meanwhile, UEFA want the Champions League final to be played on August 29 and would expect all the domestic leagues to end their respective campaigns prior to that. FA Cup is also set to restart.&nbsp;

A PL spokesperson said: “It is our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops.” 
&nbsp;

The Premier League is planning to return on June 8 with all the clubs receiving a proposed new schedule list to finish the halted season despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the UK.

The Premier League is planning to return on June 8 with all the clubs receiving a proposed new schedule list to finish the halted season despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the UK. England’s top-flight league is aiming to return in just six weeks and would allow teams to fully train from May 18. However, players will have to cover their faces as a part of new rules to allow a safe return to full training. League chiefs have already sent the schedule of matches to all 20 clubs ahead of a crucial meeting on Friday. And as per The Telegraph, the plan will be discussed on an individual basis with clubs in a bid to get the proposed scheduled approved by this week. However, the plans are based on COVID-19 lockdown measures being eased with the next Government review due to take place on May 7. It is still unclear whether the restrictions will be relaxed for the Premier League to resume on their desired date. ALSO READ: PSG crowned champions of France despite season ending prematurely Under the proposed plan, players will be tested for coronavirus over the weekend of May 8 and May 9 before returning to training in small groups. While some clubs including London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have already resumed training minimally, others are still following social distancing rules. Football players could be restricted to train under quarantine and there have been talks of players coming to the training ground in their kits in a bid to avoid dressing rooms. Mass testing will be available for all players, staff and media at training centres and stadiums as Premier League desperately forcing all remaining fixture into a six-week period. ALSO READ: Braithwaite: People see me as the emergency signing but I deserve to be at Barca Meanwhile, UEFA want the Champions League final to be played on August 29 and would expect all the domestic leagues to end their respective campaigns prior to that. FA Cup is also set to restart. A PL spokesperson said: “It is our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops.”

Premier League proposes June 8 restart with clubs to resume full training from mid-May

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned champions of France despite the 2019/20 season getting called off due to COVID-19 pandemic. France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 were not given permission to resume the halted season by the French government on Tuesday and now PSG have been awarded the titles courtesy their 12-point lead at the top of the table.&nbsp;

Even though it is not yet officially confirmed, but PSG and Marseille will be taking up automatic qualification spots for the UEFA Champions League 2020/21 season with Stade Rennes going into the qualification round of the UCL. Whereas in UEFA Europa League will see LOSC Lille and Reims getting a direct entry while OGC Nice will play the qualification round of the competition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/braithwaite-people-see-me-as-the-emergency-signing-but-i-deserve-to-be-at-barca-295798" hreflang="en">Braithwaite: People see me as the emergency signing but I deserve to be at Barca</a>

Toulouse and Amiens have been reportedly relegated whereas Lorient and Lens were promoted to Ligue 1 from Ligue 2.

The 2019/20 season’s last round of fixtures were played on March 7 and 8 with PSG sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with a game in hand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-by-league-guide-to-european-footballs-coronavirus-shutdown-295772" hreflang="en">League-by-league guide to European football's coronavirus shutdown</a>

Ligue 1’s current standings will be taken as final which means Lyon will play no European football for the first time since 1997.&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, PSG have won the Ligue 1 title in 1985/86, 1993/94, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20.

Earlier, France Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that French professional sports leagues including football and rugby won’t be able to resume action before September due to COVID-19 restrictions. 
&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned champions of France despite the 2019/20 season getting called off due to COVID-19 pandemic. France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 were not given permission to resume the halted season by the French government on Tuesday and now PSG have been awarded the titles courtesy their 12-point lead at the top of the table.

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned champions of France despite the 2019/20 season getting called off due to COVID-19 pandemic. France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 were not given permission to resume the halted season by the French government on Tuesday and now PSG have been awarded the titles courtesy their 12-point lead at the top of the table. Even though it is not yet officially confirmed, but PSG and Marseille will be taking up automatic qualification spots for the UEFA Champions League 2020/21 season with Stade Rennes going into the qualification round of the UCL. Whereas in UEFA Europa League will see LOSC Lille and Reims getting a direct entry while OGC Nice will play the qualification round of the competition. ALSO READ: Braithwaite: People see me as the emergency signing but I deserve to be at Barca Toulouse and Amiens have been reportedly relegated whereas Lorient and Lens were promoted to Ligue 1 from Ligue 2. The 2019/20 season’s last round of fixtures were played on March 7 and 8 with PSG sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with a game in hand. ALSO READ: League-by-league guide to European football's coronavirus shutdown Ligue 1’s current standings will be taken as final which means Lyon will play no European football for the first time since 1997. Meanwhile, PSG have won the Ligue 1 title in 1985/86, 1993/94, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20. Earlier, France Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that French professional sports leagues including football and rugby won’t be able to resume action before September due to COVID-19 restrictions.

PSG crowned champions of France despite season ending prematurely

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit. He made his mark while playing in the middle-order for India but missed the bus for the 2011 World Cup, which India won, due to inconsistent run with the bat.&nbsp;

But since, then it has been a roller-coaster ride for the ‘Hitman’, who has cemented his place as one of the greatest openers in the limited-overs circuit. He is also regarded as a fine captain after leading Mumbai Indians to a record four IPL titles while captaining India in numerous matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-marsh-awarded-australia-contract-marcus-stoinis-usman-khawaja-among-6-axed-295789" hreflang="en">Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed</a>

As Rohit is celebrating his 33rd birthday on Thursday, we take a look at a unique feat held by the Hitman in T20 cricket. Rohit is the only Indian player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the history of Indian Premier League. &nbsp;

In the inaugural edition of IPL, Rohit was bought by Deccan Chargers for $7,50,000. Rohit went on to score 404 runs at a strike-rate of 147.98 but failed to continue his performance in the next edition of the cash-rich tournament. However, the elegant batsman did pick-up a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, a team with whom he would go onto create&nbsp;history.

Rohit dismissed Abishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh and JP Duminy against Mumbai Indians and ended with figures of 2-0-6-4. Deccan Chargers further went on to win the IPL title that season whereas Rohit was named Emerging Player of the Year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-no-comparison-shoaib-akthar-says-imran-nazir-was-more-talented-than-virender-sehwag-295489" hreflang="en">'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag</a>

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Rohit, has since never looked back and went on to create a legacy of his own.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit.

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit. He made his mark while playing in the middle-order for India but missed the bus for the 2011 World Cup, which India won, due to inconsistent run with the bat. But since, then it has been a roller-coaster ride for the ‘Hitman’, who has cemented his place as one of the greatest openers in the limited-overs circuit. He is also regarded as a fine captain after leading Mumbai Indians to a record four IPL titles while captaining India in numerous matches. ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed As Rohit is celebrating his 33rd birthday on Thursday, we take a look at a unique feat held by the Hitman in T20 cricket. Rohit is the only Indian player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the history of Indian Premier League. In the inaugural edition of IPL, Rohit was bought by Deccan Chargers for $7,50,000. Rohit went on to score 404 runs at a strike-rate of 147.98 but failed to continue his performance in the next edition of the cash-rich tournament. However, the elegant batsman did pick-up a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, a team with whom he would go onto create history. Rohit dismissed Abishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh and JP Duminy against Mumbai Indians and ended with figures of 2-0-6-4. Deccan Chargers further went on to win the IPL title that season whereas Rohit was named Emerging Player of the Year. ALSO READ: 'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag × Rohit, has since never looked back and went on to create a legacy of his own.

Happy Birthday Rohit Sharma: When 'Hitman' scalped a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians in IPL

Martin Braithwaite was Barcelona's emergency signing in February, a quick-fix to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele, but for him the move goes back 10 years to a broken leg and a notebook.

In his first meeting with the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu and technical secretary Eric Abidal, Braithwaite was told one of the main reasons Barca were buying him was his mentality.

"I felt like they really knew me," Braithwaite says in an interview with AFP. "They knew how strong I am mentally and they said that was one of the things that made them go for me. They thought I was up for the test."&nbsp;

The toughness they saw owes much to when Braithwaite was 18 and playing for Esbjerg FB in Denmark. A broken leg prompted him to transform his attitude and start writing objectives down in a notebook.&nbsp;

"I was already a professional footballer but I wasn't respecting the job and I wasn't respecting the boy that had a dream to be here," Braithwaite says. "I took it for granted."&nbsp;

A year later, Braithwaite was in a hotel after joining Toulouse when he took out his notebook again.&nbsp;

"I came to a page of some objectives, maybe three or four years earlier, and I saw I had written Toulouse," Braithwaite says. "When I saw that, I thought, 'Wow, the power of the mind is really strong'.&nbsp;

"And when I was 27 or 28, I wrote I would play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Now I'm here, where I said I would be 10 years ago."

<h2>- 'Embarrassed' -</h2>

Braithwaite draws upon his childhood too, when a hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes left him in a wheelchair between the age of five and seven.&nbsp;

"I remember I felt sad. I felt embarrassed," he says. "I was just a kid who wanted to play. I remember the look people would give me, like I was different.&nbsp;

"Of course, I came through that and look where I am today but at the same time it makes me humble and grateful for the things I have."&nbsp;

For some, Barcelona buying Braithwaite was a result of opportunism, through the use of an obscure La Liga rule, and caused by bad planning, after a chaotic transfer window left the squad short.

But Braithwaite sees it as hard work paying off. Even during lockdown, he adds extra training to the club programme and watches videos of his teammates, learning where they move, run and pass, to speed up his adaptation.

"People see me as the emergency signing because that was how I got here," he says. "What people don't know is that for so many years I've put in my mind that I want to be here. It's not a coincidence.

"I'm at Barca, I signed for four years and I see my future here."

But his departure from Leganes left a bitter taste, even if few blamed Braithwaite for completing a dream move, not even Leganes, who were "fantastic, they understood".

<h2>- Maybe the rule should be changed' -</h2>

The rule that allowed Barcelona to sign a player outside the transfer window due to injuries meant Leganes, in the relegation zone, were unable to replace their top scorer, who joined the league leaders.

"Yeah, maybe the rule should be changed," Braithwaite said. "I understand because Leganes lost one of their main players, they can't get a replacement and they are in a difficult situation. I completely understand that."

Braithwaite played three games for his new team before the coronavirus caused La Liga to be suspended and he impressed, his willingness to run in behind and strike combinations with Lionel Messi quickly earning the praise of Barcelona fans.

"It's not difficult when you play with Messi. You just have to run and the ball is at your feet," he says.

But off the pitch, Barca have been consumed by political controversies, which have continued even as the games have stopped. Last month, the players' distrust of the board resurfaced around negotiations over wage cuts.

"Honestly inside the club there is a really good atmosphere," Braithwaite says. "We're not focusing on what is happening on the outside, we just want to play."&nbsp;

The season restarting is complex too, with La Liga's current plan to reintroduce training gradually before resuming games in June behind closed doors, which could last until next year.

"It's out of my control," says Braithwaite. "If the people in charge feel there is no risk in going back, I trust them. This is bigger than football right now, it's about people's health. We have to move cautiously."

Braithwaite's dedication means he has a better chance than most of hitting the ground running. But even he admits playing for Barcelona has occasionally caused his ice-cool demeanour to slip.

"When I'm playing and training, I'm doing what I always do," he says. "But sometimes at the start I would catch myself in the mirror at the training ground. I would see the badge on my shirt and I would think, 'Damn, I'm really here'."

Martin Braithwaite was Barcelona's emergency signing in February, a quick-fix to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele, but for him the move goes back 10 years to a broken leg and a notebook.

Martin Braithwaite was Barcelona's emergency signing in February, a quick-fix to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele, but for him the move goes back 10 years to a broken leg and a notebook. In his first meeting with the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu and technical secretary Eric Abidal, Braithwaite was told one of the main reasons Barca were buying him was his mentality. "I felt like they really knew me," Braithwaite says in an interview with AFP. "They knew how strong I am mentally and they said that was one of the things that made them go for me. They thought I was up for the test." The toughness they saw owes much to when Braithwaite was 18 and playing for Esbjerg FB in Denmark. A broken leg prompted him to transform his attitude and start writing objectives down in a notebook. "I was already a professional footballer but I wasn't respecting the job and I wasn't respecting the boy that had a dream to be here," Braithwaite says. "I took it for granted." A year later, Braithwaite was in a hotel after joining Toulouse when he took out his notebook again. "I came to a page of some objectives, maybe three or four years earlier, and I saw I had written Toulouse," Braithwaite says. "When I saw that, I thought, 'Wow, the power of the mind is really strong'. "And when I was 27 or 28, I wrote I would play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Now I'm here, where I said I would be 10 years ago." - 'Embarrassed' - Braithwaite draws upon his childhood too, when a hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes left him in a wheelchair between the age of five and seven. "I remember I felt sad. I felt embarrassed," he says. "I was just a kid who wanted to play. I remember the look people would give me, like I was different. "Of course, I came through that and look where I am today but at the same time it makes me humble and grateful for the things I have." For some, Barcelona buying Braithwaite was a result of opportunism, through the use of an obscure La Liga rule, and caused by bad planning, after a chaotic transfer window left the squad short. But Braithwaite sees it as hard work paying off. Even during lockdown, he adds extra training to the club programme and watches videos of his teammates, learning where they move, run and pass, to speed up his adaptation. "People see me as the emergency signing because that was how I got here," he says. "What people don't know is that for so many years I've put in my mind that I want to be here. It's not a coincidence. "I'm at Barca, I signed for four years and I see my future here." But his departure from Leganes left a bitter taste, even if few blamed Braithwaite for completing a dream move, not even Leganes, who were "fantastic, they understood". - Maybe the rule should be changed' - The rule that allowed Barcelona to sign a player outside the transfer window due to injuries meant Leganes, in the relegation zone, were unable to replace their top scorer, who joined the league leaders. "Yeah, maybe the rule should be changed," Braithwaite said. "I understand because Leganes lost one of their main players, they can't get a replacement and they are in a difficult situation. I completely understand that." Braithwaite played three games for his new team before the coronavirus caused La Liga to be suspended and he impressed, his willingness to run in behind and strike combinations with Lionel Messi quickly earning the praise of Barcelona fans. "It's not difficult when you play with Messi. You just have to run and the ball is at your feet," he says. But off the pitch, Barca have been consumed by political controversies, which have continued even as the games have stopped. Last month, the players' distrust of the board resurfaced around negotiations over wage cuts. "Honestly inside the club there is a really good atmosphere," Braithwaite says. "We're not focusing on what is happening on the outside, we just want to play." The season restarting is complex too, with La Liga's current plan to reintroduce training gradually before resuming games in June behind closed doors, which could last until next year. "It's out of my control," says Braithwaite. "If the people in charge feel there is no risk in going back, I trust them. This is bigger than football right now, it's about people's health. We have to move cautiously." Braithwaite's dedication means he has a better chance than most of hitting the ground running. But even he admits playing for Barcelona has occasionally caused his ice-cool demeanour to slip. "When I'm playing and training, I'm doing what I always do," he says. "But sometimes at the start I would catch myself in the mirror at the training ground. I would see the badge on my shirt and I would think, 'Damn, I'm really here'."

Braithwaite: People see me as the emergency signing but I deserve to be at Barca

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players. While all-rounder Mitchell Marsh found his way back to the centrally contracted players’ list, his elder brother Shaun was axed from the list.&nbsp;

The Australian national selectors picked a group of players loaded with limited-overs talent in a bid to reflect on Australia’s forthcoming schedule including the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November.

"With many of the squad crossing into all three formats it gives us the benefit of being able to add in specialists depending on the opposition and the conditions," chief selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-graeme-smith-dismiss-reports-stating-mr-360-was-offered-proteas-captaincy-295572" hreflang="en">AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy</a>

"The depth of this squad and the success of the past 12 months gives us that solid base."

The likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Harris were also missing from Australia’s centrally contracted players’ list.

"As is always the case there are unlucky omissions but, however, because you are not on the list does not mean you cannot be selected to represent Australia," Hohns said.

While Mitch Marsh found his name on the list after his omission from it last year as Hohns said "he has a lot of international cricket ahead of him as a batting all-rounder".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-warner-says-england-tour-highly-unlikely-295475" hreflang="en">Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'</a>

Australia’s young maestro Marnus Labuschagne was among the new faces along with Joe Burns, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson and Matthew Wade with Hohns heaping praise on all of the latest inductees.

"Marnus's rise has been meteoric and well documented," Hohns said.

"Joe has been a good Test match player, Ashton Agar's form in T20 internationals has been exceptional, while Kane Richardson has been outstanding in the T20 and one-day games."

Australia contracted players: Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 
&nbsp;

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players.

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players. While all-rounder Mitchell Marsh found his way back to the centrally contracted players’ list, his elder brother Shaun was axed from the list. The Australian national selectors picked a group of players loaded with limited-overs talent in a bid to reflect on Australia’s forthcoming schedule including the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November. "With many of the squad crossing into all three formats it gives us the benefit of being able to add in specialists depending on the opposition and the conditions," chief selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement. ALSO READ: AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy "The depth of this squad and the success of the past 12 months gives us that solid base." The likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Harris were also missing from Australia’s centrally contracted players’ list. "As is always the case there are unlucky omissions but, however, because you are not on the list does not mean you cannot be selected to represent Australia," Hohns said. While Mitch Marsh found his name on the list after his omission from it last year as Hohns said "he has a lot of international cricket ahead of him as a batting all-rounder". ALSO READ: Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely' Australia’s young maestro Marnus Labuschagne was among the new faces along with Joe Burns, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson and Matthew Wade with Hohns heaping praise on all of the latest inductees. "Marnus's rise has been meteoric and well documented," Hohns said. "Joe has been a good Test match player, Ashton Agar's form in T20 internationals has been exceptional, while Kane Richardson has been outstanding in the T20 and one-day games." Australia contracted players: Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed

Football leagues across Europe have been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 130,000 lives throughout the continent.

Lockdown restrictions are in effect worldwide although some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders.

AFP Sport looks at what we know about the plans for Europe's top leagues:

<h2>ENGLAND</h2>

Premier League chiefs are targeting a return in June and several clubs have reopened their training grounds this week as they work on "Project Restart".

The English top flight is understood to be aiming to run a huge testing operation to keep footballers safe, with reports of 26,000 tests being lined up for players and staff.

Teams could reportedly return to full training mid-May and resume matches on June 8, with the plans to be discussed at a meeting of stakeholders on Friday.

The clubs remain committed to ending the 2019-20 campaign and there are compelling financial and legal reasons to play the remaining 92 games. A failure to finish the season is forecast to cost Premier League clubs an estimated £1 billion ($1.2 billion).

Matches would almost certainly be played behind closed doors and clubs have reportedly been told that only approved stadiums could be used, with higher health certification than normal.

However, the Professional Footballers' Association have raised the issue of players not wanting to be put at risk by returning too soon.

<h2>SPAIN</h2>

La Liga players will be able to restart basic training from May 4, based on the Spanish government's plans announced Tuesday to transition out of a strict virus lockdown.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the decision was the first move in lifting lockdown measures which will be done in four stages across two months.

Only in later stages of the process will full training sessions be able to take place.&nbsp;

League president Javier Tebas is hopeful the league can begin again in mid-June. He has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros.

"I do not understand why there would more danger in playing football behind closed doors, with all precautionary measures" than any other line of work, Tebas said.

"In Spain, football is an important economic driver that we need to reactivate like many others. We continue to focus on this reactivation, in a responsible manner and adhering to health recommendations, as soon as possible."

<h2>ITALY</h2>

Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora has warned Serie A could be called off, with the league facing "an increasingly narrow path" for its resumption.

The government has allowed individual athletes to resume training next week but team sports, including football, must wait until at least May 18. The move was slammed by Italy's footballers' union "as discriminatory and even illogical".

All 20 top-flight clubs have voted unanimously to complete the league season, but the final decision rests with the government.

An emergency meeting of the clubs will be held on Friday. Spadafora suggested "the majority could ask us to suspend this season and prepare for the next championship as best possible".

Italian football chiefs have already pushed back the end of the Serie A season from June 30 to August 2. The goal of a return to competition in early June has become impracticable, shifting the date towards June 10-14.

Another solution being touted would be a play-off to allocate the Scudetto and qualifying places for European competition and determine relegation.

<h2>GERMANY</h2>

The Bundesliga could resume by "the middle or end of May" according to the country's sports ministers, although it still requires the green light from Angela Merkel's government.

Chancellor Merkel will meet state leaders in Berlin on Thursday, when it is hoped the league will be granted permission to resume play from May 16.

Clubs returned to training at the start of the month while adhering to social distancing guidelines and games would be played behind closed doors, with large-scale public events banned in Germany until August 31.

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke warned last weekend that "the entire Bundesliga will go down" unless the league restarts.

Germany's top clubs are desperate for the league season to be completed by June 30 in order to claim an instalment of television money worth 300 million euros ($325 million).

A primary sticking point is the testing of players, which critics claim will be an extra burden on Germany's health system.

<h2>FRANCE</h2>

The Ligue 1 season appears to be over after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said professional football cannot resume until September.

The French league will meet on Thursday "to analyse the sporting and economic consequences" of the government announcement.&nbsp;

Assuming no more matches take place, the league must decide how to end the season. It is understood that France will not follow the lead of the Netherlands, who decided to void their season with no champion, relegation or promotion.

Final placings could be attributed based on the standings as they are, or using an average of points per game.

Sports daily L'Equipe calculates that the top two divisions could now miss out on 243 million euros ($264 million) from broadcasters Canal Plus and beIN Sports, plus 35 million euros for international rights. That is on top of lost gate receipts and sponsorship.

<h2>ELSEWHERE</h2>

The Dutch FA put an end to the season last week, as the Eredivisie became the first top European league called off due to the health crisis. No title will be awarded and there will be no relegation or promotion.

The Belgian Pro League is expected to take a similar decision next week, confirming the season over with Club Brugge in line to be declared champions with 11 games unplayed.&nbsp;

The fate of the Scottish Premiership is up in the air. A controversial vote ended the seasons in the lower three divisions but there are hopes the top flight could restart behind closed doors if given government approval.

Football leagues across Europe have been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 130,000 lives throughout the continent. Lockdown restrictions are in effect worldwide although some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders.

Football leagues across Europe have been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 130,000 lives throughout the continent. Lockdown restrictions are in effect worldwide although some countries are cautiously beginning to ease stay-at-home orders. AFP Sport looks at what we know about the plans for Europe's top leagues: ENGLAND Premier League chiefs are targeting a return in June and several clubs have reopened their training grounds this week as they work on "Project Restart". The English top flight is understood to be aiming to run a huge testing operation to keep footballers safe, with reports of 26,000 tests being lined up for players and staff. Teams could reportedly return to full training mid-May and resume matches on June 8, with the plans to be discussed at a meeting of stakeholders on Friday. The clubs remain committed to ending the 2019-20 campaign and there are compelling financial and legal reasons to play the remaining 92 games. A failure to finish the season is forecast to cost Premier League clubs an estimated £1 billion ($1.2 billion). Matches would almost certainly be played behind closed doors and clubs have reportedly been told that only approved stadiums could be used, with higher health certification than normal. However, the Professional Footballers' Association have raised the issue of players not wanting to be put at risk by returning too soon. SPAIN La Liga players will be able to restart basic training from May 4, based on the Spanish government's plans announced Tuesday to transition out of a strict virus lockdown. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the decision was the first move in lifting lockdown measures which will be done in four stages across two months. Only in later stages of the process will full training sessions be able to take place. League president Javier Tebas is hopeful the league can begin again in mid-June. He has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros. "I do not understand why there would more danger in playing football behind closed doors, with all precautionary measures" than any other line of work, Tebas said. "In Spain, football is an important economic driver that we need to reactivate like many others. We continue to focus on this reactivation, in a responsible manner and adhering to health recommendations, as soon as possible." ITALY Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora has warned Serie A could be called off, with the league facing "an increasingly narrow path" for its resumption. The government has allowed individual athletes to resume training next week but team sports, including football, must wait until at least May 18. The move was slammed by Italy's footballers' union "as discriminatory and even illogical". All 20 top-flight clubs have voted unanimously to complete the league season, but the final decision rests with the government. An emergency meeting of the clubs will be held on Friday. Spadafora suggested "the majority could ask us to suspend this season and prepare for the next championship as best possible". Italian football chiefs have already pushed back the end of the Serie A season from June 30 to August 2. The goal of a return to competition in early June has become impracticable, shifting the date towards June 10-14. Another solution being touted would be a play-off to allocate the Scudetto and qualifying places for European competition and determine relegation. GERMANY The Bundesliga could resume by "the middle or end of May" according to the country's sports ministers, although it still requires the green light from Angela Merkel's government. Chancellor Merkel will meet state leaders in Berlin on Thursday, when it is hoped the league will be granted permission to resume play from May 16. Clubs returned to training at the start of the month while adhering to social distancing guidelines and games would be played behind closed doors, with large-scale public events banned in Germany until August 31. Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke warned last weekend that "the entire Bundesliga will go down" unless the league restarts. Germany's top clubs are desperate for the league season to be completed by June 30 in order to claim an instalment of television money worth 300 million euros ($325 million). A primary sticking point is the testing of players, which critics claim will be an extra burden on Germany's health system. FRANCE The Ligue 1 season appears to be over after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said professional football cannot resume until September. The French league will meet on Thursday "to analyse the sporting and economic consequences" of the government announcement. Assuming no more matches take place, the league must decide how to end the season. It is understood that France will not follow the lead of the Netherlands, who decided to void their season with no champion, relegation or promotion. Final placings could be attributed based on the standings as they are, or using an average of points per game. Sports daily L'Equipe calculates that the top two divisions could now miss out on 243 million euros ($264 million) from broadcasters Canal Plus and beIN Sports, plus 35 million euros for international rights. That is on top of lost gate receipts and sponsorship. ELSEWHERE The Dutch FA put an end to the season last week, as the Eredivisie became the first top European league called off due to the health crisis. No title will be awarded and there will be no relegation or promotion. The Belgian Pro League is expected to take a similar decision next week, confirming the season over with Club Brugge in line to be declared champions with 11 games unplayed. The fate of the Scottish Premiership is up in the air. A controversial vote ended the seasons in the lower three divisions but there are hopes the top flight could restart behind closed doors if given government approval.

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

The year 2020 couldn’t get worse as entire India on Thursday mourned the death of Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor, who breathed his last the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai with his wife, Neetu Kapoor by his side after a two-year battle with leukaemia. While the social media platforms were bombarded with tribute messages while expressing heartfelt condolences after the news of the veteran actor’s demise shocked everyone. Sporting fraternity paid their rich tributes to Rishi, who has acted in some of the all-time classics such 'Mera Naam Joker' 'Prem Rog', 'Sagar’, 'Amar Akbar Anthony' among many others.&nbsp;

“This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It’s hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace,” Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-actor-rishi-kapoor-passes-away-295707" hreflang="en">Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passes away</a>

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This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1255722255411228677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Kohli, India head coach Ravi Shastri and flamboyant opener Shikhar Dhawan also took to Twitter to express their condolences. “Shocking to say the least. Never a dull moment with #RishiKapoor around. A laugh a minute. My prayers and thoughts are with Neetu ji, Ranbir and Riddhima. God bless his soul,” Shastri wrote on Twitter.

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Shocking to say the least. Never a dull moment with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiKapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiKapoor</a> around. A laugh a minute. 
 
My prayers and thoughts are with Neetu ji, Ranbir and Riddhima. God bless his soul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPLegend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPLegend</a> <a href="https://t.co/e6jVOW5Pez">pic.twitter.com/e6jVOW5Pez</a>
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1255730709521670150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It's shocking to hear about the sudden demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiKapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiKapoor</a> ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace <a href="https://t.co/pAfOGhdzm0">pic.twitter.com/pAfOGhdzm0</a>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1255719103878365185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Such was Rishi’s calibre that tributes from all over the world poured in with Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis also expressing his shock over the actor’s death.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/respect-the-laws-that-are-in-force-rishi-kapoors-family-appeal-to-fans-to-not-gather-in-large-numbers-amid-lockdown-295737" hreflang="en">'Respect the laws that are in force': Rishi Kapoor's family appeal to fans to not gather in large numbers amid lockdown</a>

“Heart Broken. Terrible week for the World cinema. An era ends with your demise but you will stay in our Hearts forever. My deepest condolences to the Kapoor family,” Younis wrote.&nbsp;

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Heart Broken . Terrible week for the World cinema. An era ends with your demise but you will stay in our Hearts forever. My deepest condolences to the Kapoor family.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Legend</a> <a href="https://t.co/wVLxqD5INW">pic.twitter.com/wVLxqD5INW</a>
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1255727024997412864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“#RishiKapoor childhood hero...gone..heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” Kumble added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiKapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiKapoor</a> childhood hero...gone..heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1255714132541599744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Shocking to hear the news of sudden demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rishi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rishi</a> Kapoor ji. One of my all-time favourite while growing up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/riprishikapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#riprishikapoor</a> Sir. <a href="https://t.co/iR1dTV5PCq">pic.twitter.com/iR1dTV5PCq</a>
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rpsingh/status/1255731728603246592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After breaking into the Bollywood with ‘Mera Naam Joker’, Rishi took the cinema world by storm with his iconic movie ‘Bobby’ also starring Dimple Kapadia. He received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1974 for the film.&nbsp;

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सिनेमा जगत के वरिष्ठ अभिनेता ऋषि कपूर जी का जाना बहुत आहत कर रहा हैं। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे और उनके परिवार को संभल प्रदान करे। 
ॐ शांति <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiKapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiKapoor</a> <a href="https://t.co/3QglerzwzQ">pic.twitter.com/3QglerzwzQ</a>
— Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuttYogi/status/1255715117632761856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Two legends of their art gone too soon. Deepest condolences to their families, friends and followers! RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiKapoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiKapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IrrfanKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IrrfanKhan</a> <a href="https://t.co/FaiCC4legW">pic.twitter.com/FaiCC4legW</a>
— Shiva Keshavan, OLY (@100thofasec) <a href="https://twitter.com/100thofasec/status/1255720144979943425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Rishi was Bollywood’s first chocolate boy and went on to play romantic leads in movies between 1973 and 2000. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. &nbsp;Rishi is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor and children--daughter Riddhima and son Ranbir, who is also a popular actor. 
&nbsp;

The year 2020 couldn’t get worse as entire India on Thursday mourned the death of Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor, who breathed his last the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai with his wife, Neetu Kapoor by his side after a two-year battle with leukaemia.

The year 2020 couldn’t get worse as entire India on Thursday mourned the death of Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor, who breathed his last the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai with his wife, Neetu Kapoor by his side after a two-year battle with leukaemia. While the social media platforms were bombarded with tribute messages while expressing heartfelt condolences after the news of the veteran actor’s demise shocked everyone. Sporting fraternity paid their rich tributes to Rishi, who has acted in some of the all-time classics such 'Mera Naam Joker' 'Prem Rog', 'Sagar’, 'Amar Akbar Anthony' among many others. “This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It’s hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace,” Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passes away This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 30, 2020 × Apart from Kohli, India head coach Ravi Shastri and flamboyant opener Shikhar Dhawan also took to Twitter to express their condolences. “Shocking to say the least. Never a dull moment with #RishiKapoor around. A laugh a minute. My prayers and thoughts are with Neetu ji, Ranbir and Riddhima. God bless his soul,” Shastri wrote on Twitter. Shocking to say the least. Never a dull moment with #RishiKapoor around. A laugh a minute. My prayers and thoughts are with Neetu ji, Ranbir and Riddhima. God bless his soul #RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/e6jVOW5Pez — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 30, 2020 × It's shocking to hear about the sudden demise of #RishiKapoor ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/pAfOGhdzm0 — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 30, 2020 × Such was Rishi’s calibre that tributes from all over the world poured in with Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis also expressing his shock over the actor’s death. ALSO READ: 'Respect the laws that are in force': Rishi Kapoor's family appeal to fans to not gather in large numbers amid lockdown “Heart Broken. Terrible week for the World cinema. An era ends with your demise but you will stay in our Hearts forever. My deepest condolences to the Kapoor family,” Younis wrote. Heart Broken . Terrible week for the World cinema. An era ends with your demise but you will stay in our Hearts forever. My deepest condolences to the Kapoor family.#RIP #Legend pic.twitter.com/wVLxqD5INW — Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) April 30, 2020 × “#RishiKapoor childhood hero...gone..heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” Kumble added. #RishiKapoor childhood hero...gone..heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 30, 2020 × Shocking to hear the news of sudden demise of #Rishi Kapoor ji. One of my all-time favourite while growing up. #riprishikapoor Sir. pic.twitter.com/iR1dTV5PCq — R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) April 30, 2020 × After breaking into the Bollywood with ‘Mera Naam Joker’, Rishi took the cinema world by storm with his iconic movie ‘Bobby’ also starring Dimple Kapadia. He received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1974 for the film. सिनेमा जगत के वरिष्ठ अभिनेता ऋषि कपूर जी का जाना बहुत आहत कर रहा हैं। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे और उनके परिवार को संभल प्रदान करे। ॐ शांति #RishiKapoor pic.twitter.com/3QglerzwzQ — Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) April 30, 2020 × Two legends of their art gone too soon. Deepest condolences to their families, friends and followers! RIP #RishiKapoor #IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/FaiCC4legW — Shiva Keshavan, OLY (@100thofasec) April 30, 2020 × Rishi was Bollywood’s first chocolate boy and went on to play romantic leads in movies between 1973 and 2000. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Rishi is survived by his wife Neetu Kapoor and children--daughter Riddhima and son Ranbir, who is also a popular actor.

'End of an era' - From Virat Kohli to Waqar Younis, sports fraternity pay rich tribute to Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor

A Swiss court on Tuesday scheduled a September trial date for Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and FIFA's former secretary general Jerome Valcke, in an alleged corruption case.

The case, involving the pair and a third, unnamed man, relates to alleged criminal mismanagement, incitement to criminal mismanagement, falsifying documents and corruption, the Federal Criminal Court said on its website.

The court is based in the southeastern Swiss city of Bellinzona.

When filing the indictment in February, the office of Switzerland's attorney general&nbsp;(OAG) said the men faced charges linked "with the award of media rights to various World Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments."

After the date was set on Tuesday, Al-Khelaifi's lawyers issued a statement insisting the case was "completely unfounded", and said the allegation against their client was "manifestly artificial."

They also indicated that they had requested the recusal of the prosecutors in the case and had filed a criminal complaint related to leaks, "making it uncertain whether the case will proceed at all."

Al-Khelaifi, who is also the boss of Qatari television channel BeIN Sports, had been suspected of giving inappropriate gifts to Valcke, formerly ex-FIFA boss Sepp Blatter's right-hand man, in order to secure broadcast rights to prestigious events, including the World Cup.

But in February, the OAG said it dropped "a criminal complaint of bribery" against Al-Khelaifi linked to the award of media rights for World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030 and other events, after FIFA withdrew the complaint it was based on, following an "amicable agreement" with Al-Khelaifi.

Prosecutors however accused him of inciting the non-reporting of a gift.

The indictment in February also accused the third man, described as "a businessman in the sports rights sector", of bribery over a 1.25-million-euro ($1.35 million) payment to Valcke's company Sportunited LLC.

Valcke meanwhile stands accused of exploiting his position at FIFA between 2013 and 2015 to influence the award of media rights for Italy and Greece for various World Cup and other tournaments scheduled between 2018 and 2030 "in order to favour media partners that he preferred," in exchange for the payments from the unnamed businessman, according to that indictment.

He has also been charged with falsifying documents, after Sportsunited's balance sheet listed those payments as loans.

Switzerland's judiciary last week rejected a request from Al-Khelaifi for three federal prosecutors in the case to be recused, over claims that during a hearing on December 6, 2019, he had not been given enough time to address all of the aspects of the case he deemed were necessary.

Valcke, who worked with Blatter from 2003 to 2015, has already been banned from football for 10 years for failing to cooperate with investigators over the resale of World Cup tickets and inflated expenses.

A Swiss court on Tuesday scheduled a September trial date for Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and FIFA's former secretary general Jerome Valcke, in an alleged corruption case.

A Swiss court on Tuesday scheduled a September trial date for Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and FIFA's former secretary general Jerome Valcke, in an alleged corruption case. The case, involving the pair and a third, unnamed man, relates to alleged criminal mismanagement, incitement to criminal mismanagement, falsifying documents and corruption, the Federal Criminal Court said on its website. The court is based in the southeastern Swiss city of Bellinzona. When filing the indictment in February, the office of Switzerland's attorney general (OAG) said the men faced charges linked "with the award of media rights to various World Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments." After the date was set on Tuesday, Al-Khelaifi's lawyers issued a statement insisting the case was "completely unfounded", and said the allegation against their client was "manifestly artificial." They also indicated that they had requested the recusal of the prosecutors in the case and had filed a criminal complaint related to leaks, "making it uncertain whether the case will proceed at all." Al-Khelaifi, who is also the boss of Qatari television channel BeIN Sports, had been suspected of giving inappropriate gifts to Valcke, formerly ex-FIFA boss Sepp Blatter's right-hand man, in order to secure broadcast rights to prestigious events, including the World Cup. But in February, the OAG said it dropped "a criminal complaint of bribery" against Al-Khelaifi linked to the award of media rights for World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030 and other events, after FIFA withdrew the complaint it was based on, following an "amicable agreement" with Al-Khelaifi. Prosecutors however accused him of inciting the non-reporting of a gift. The indictment in February also accused the third man, described as "a businessman in the sports rights sector", of bribery over a 1.25-million-euro ($1.35 million) payment to Valcke's company Sportunited LLC. Valcke meanwhile stands accused of exploiting his position at FIFA between 2013 and 2015 to influence the award of media rights for Italy and Greece for various World Cup and other tournaments scheduled between 2018 and 2030 "in order to favour media partners that he preferred," in exchange for the payments from the unnamed businessman, according to that indictment. He has also been charged with falsifying documents, after Sportsunited's balance sheet listed those payments as loans. Switzerland's judiciary last week rejected a request from Al-Khelaifi for three federal prosecutors in the case to be recused, over claims that during a hearing on December 6, 2019, he had not been given enough time to address all of the aspects of the case he deemed were necessary. Valcke, who worked with Blatter from 2003 to 2015, has already been banned from football for 10 years for failing to cooperate with investigators over the resale of World Cup tickets and inflated expenses.

Swiss set trial date for PSG chief, ex-FIFA no.2

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible.

There was speculation the tour could be delayed until September but Warner was doubtful it would go ahead.

"At the moment it's highly unlikely we're going to go over there given what's happened in England," Warner told cricket.com.au.

He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's infection with COVID-19 showed the gravity of the problem in the host nation.

"He's back up on his feet now and that's fantastic news, but there's a lot more to this than just sport being played," Warner added.

Australia have already cancelled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh in June, and a limited-overs home series against Zimbabwe is also in doubt.

Australia are due to host the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November, for which the International Cricket Council has said it is "exploring all options".

Cricket Australia is particularly keen to go ahead with a Test series against India due to be played after the T20 tournament, warning this month it could lose hundreds of millions of dollars if it was scrapped.

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible.

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible. There was speculation the tour could be delayed until September but Warner was doubtful it would go ahead. "At the moment it's highly unlikely we're going to go over there given what's happened in England," Warner told cricket.com.au. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's infection with COVID-19 showed the gravity of the problem in the host nation. "He's back up on his feet now and that's fantastic news, but there's a lot more to this than just sport being played," Warner added. Australia have already cancelled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh in June, and a limited-overs home series against Zimbabwe is also in doubt. Australia are due to host the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November, for which the International Cricket Council has said it is "exploring all options". Cricket Australia is particularly keen to go ahead with a Test series against India due to be played after the T20 tournament, warning this month it could lose hundreds of millions of dollars if it was scrapped.

Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic. On March 9, Italy had suspended Serie A as a part of strict lockdown phase to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has seen over 200,000 confirmed cases with more than 27,000 deaths in the country, the second-highest tally in the entire world after the United States.&nbsp;

Spadafora said that if he was one of the presidents of Serie A clubs then he would be focusing on the next season rather than spending time thinking about the halted campaign.

"I see an increasingly narrow path for the resumption of the Serie A... If I were one of the presidents (of the clubs) I would focus on the next season," Spadafora told an Italian broadcaster.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-many-have-to-die-gary-neville-voices-fears-over-premier-league-plans-295599" hreflang="en">'How many have to die?': Gary Neville voices fears over Premier League plans</a>

The Netherlands and France are two European countries to have ended their football campaigns due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas, the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Serie A are among those who want to finish the 2019/20 season.&nbsp;

"These decisions (in France and in the Netherlands) could push Italy to follow this line, which would become a European line," Spadafora said while adding that he thought a majority of Serie A clubs may soon ask to cancel the league.&nbsp;

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had earlier announced that lockdown will be eased from May 4 with sports team given the allowance to train from May 18.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-newcastle-uniteds-top-target-to-take-over-managerial-duties-295589" hreflang="en">Mauricio Pochettino Newcastle United's top target to take over managerial duties</a>

While the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has chalked out a medical protocol for training, Spadafora has clarified that government’s scientific experts didn't deem it sufficient.&nbsp;

"If the championship should ever resume, it will certainly be behind closed doors," Spadafora said.

As of now, there are 12 more rounds of matches to be played in Serie A with a number of games from incompleted rounds. As things stand, Juventus are one point clear of Lazio at the top of the table.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic. On March 9, Italy had suspended Serie A as a part of strict lockdown phase to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has seen over 200,000 confirmed cases with more than 27,000 deaths in the country, the second-highest tally in the entire world after the United States. Spadafora said that if he was one of the presidents of Serie A clubs then he would be focusing on the next season rather than spending time thinking about the halted campaign. "I see an increasingly narrow path for the resumption of the Serie A... If I were one of the presidents (of the clubs) I would focus on the next season," Spadafora told an Italian broadcaster. ALSO READ: 'How many have to die?': Gary Neville voices fears over Premier League plans The Netherlands and France are two European countries to have ended their football campaigns due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas, the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Serie A are among those who want to finish the 2019/20 season. "These decisions (in France and in the Netherlands) could push Italy to follow this line, which would become a European line," Spadafora said while adding that he thought a majority of Serie A clubs may soon ask to cancel the league. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had earlier announced that lockdown will be eased from May 4 with sports team given the allowance to train from May 18. ALSO READ: Mauricio Pochettino Newcastle United's top target to take over managerial duties While the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has chalked out a medical protocol for training, Spadafora has clarified that government’s scientific experts didn't deem it sufficient. "If the championship should ever resume, it will certainly be behind closed doors," Spadafora said. As of now, there are 12 more rounds of matches to be played in Serie A with a number of games from incompleted rounds. As things stand, Juventus are one point clear of Lazio at the top of the table.

Serie A could follow Ligue 1, Eredivisie by cancelling 2019-20 season: Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday.&nbsp;However, the former South African skipper&nbsp;has rubbished such reports. De Villiers, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, called it a day from international cricket in May 2018 but there has been a lot of talks surrounding his return to the national team.

"Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone," he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1255480361766846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Whereas, Graeme Smith wrote: "Sorry this is absolute <a data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FakeNews?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#FakeNews"</a>

De Villiers was rumoured to return to South African team before the ICC T20 World Cup but the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered all the plans. ABD is of the view that he wants to be better than other players waiting for a chance in the playing XI while adding that he wants to show that he is still good enough to be in the team rather than taking up a spot based on his reputation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-warner-says-england-tour-highly-unlikely-295475" hreflang="en">Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'</a>

“The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again,” the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s,was quoted as saying in several reports.&nbsp;

“The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI,” he said.

“I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” he added as per reports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-no-comparison-shoaib-akthar-says-imran-nazir-was-more-talented-than-virender-sehwag-295489" hreflang="en">'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag</a>

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered for the national team only if he proves he is “best man for the job”.

“However, with the virus going around, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the schedule,” he signed off.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday. However, the former South African skipper has rubbished such reports. De Villiers, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, called it a day from international cricket in May 2018 but there has been a lot of talks surrounding his return to the national team. "Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone," he tweeted. Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone. — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 29, 2020 × Whereas, Graeme Smith wrote: "Sorry this is absolute #FakeNews" De Villiers was rumoured to return to South African team before the ICC T20 World Cup but the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered all the plans. ABD is of the view that he wants to be better than other players waiting for a chance in the playing XI while adding that he wants to show that he is still good enough to be in the team rather than taking up a spot based on his reputation. ALSO READ: Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely' “The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again,” the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s,was quoted as saying in several reports. “The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI,” he said. “I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” he added as per reports. ALSO READ: 'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered for the national team only if he proves he is “best man for the job”. “However, with the virus going around, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the schedule,” he signed off.

AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy

Gary Neville fears Premier League players' lives will be put at risk if football is rushed back too soon after the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Britain.

Premier League chiefs are aiming for a return to action in June and several clubs opened their training grounds to players this week as they work on "Project Restart".

The English top flight is understood to be aiming to run a huge testing operation to keep footballers safe, with reports of 26,000 tests being lined up for players and staff.

But FIFA's medical chief Michel D'Hooghe said on Tuesday that football should not be played until September and former Manchester United defender Neville is worried that Premier League stars will be put in danger by the rush to return.

"The FIFA medical officer said that football should not take place before September. I think if it was a non-economic decision there would be no football for months," Neville told the Sky Sports Football Show on Wednesday.

"People are now assessing risk. How many people have to die playing football in the Premier League before it becomes unpalatable? One? One player? One member of staff goes into intensive care? What risk do we have to take? The discussion is purely economic."

Neville voiced his particular concerns over the risk to players with existing medical conditions.

"If health comes first, there is only one outcome at this moment in time. How many players have got asthma? How many players have diabetes?

"Have they assessed all of these things and are they willing to put those people at risk?"

The UK is among the worst-hit countries in the global COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 21,000 deaths so far.

The country is on lockdown until at least May 7, but government officials have spoken in positive terms about a potential return for football if the virus is under control.

<h2>- 'No football for months' -</h2>

Germany's sports ministers have said the Bundesliga could return next month but Dutch football chiefs have called an end to the Eredivisie season and the Belgian campaign is in the balance.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said football would not return in his country until at least September.

In the Premier League, full training is reportedly slated for mid-May, with the plan to be discussed at a meeting of stakeholders on Friday.

However, Neville is concerned that the Premier League's desire to conclude the campaign is being driven by financial motives, with the English top flight facing a huge hit if the 92 remaining fixtures are not played.

The former England international said if it were a non-economic decision there would be no football for months but he acknowledged that players at lower levels would want to play because the alternative was "bad".

"(A total of) 1,400 players are out of contract in three months so they'll need football to resume so their livelihoods can continue," he said.

"There's huge economic loss. It clouds people's minds in terms of the risk that they're willing to take."&nbsp;

Gary Neville fears Premier League players' lives will be put at risk if football is rushed back too soon after the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Britain. Premier League chiefs are aiming for a return to action in June and several clubs opened their training grounds to players this week as they work on "Project Restart".

Gary Neville fears Premier League players' lives will be put at risk if football is rushed back too soon after the coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Britain. Premier League chiefs are aiming for a return to action in June and several clubs opened their training grounds to players this week as they work on "Project Restart". The English top flight is understood to be aiming to run a huge testing operation to keep footballers safe, with reports of 26,000 tests being lined up for players and staff. But FIFA's medical chief Michel D'Hooghe said on Tuesday that football should not be played until September and former Manchester United defender Neville is worried that Premier League stars will be put in danger by the rush to return. "The FIFA medical officer said that football should not take place before September. I think if it was a non-economic decision there would be no football for months," Neville told the Sky Sports Football Show on Wednesday. "People are now assessing risk. How many people have to die playing football in the Premier League before it becomes unpalatable? One? One player? One member of staff goes into intensive care? What risk do we have to take? The discussion is purely economic." Neville voiced his particular concerns over the risk to players with existing medical conditions. "If health comes first, there is only one outcome at this moment in time. How many players have got asthma? How many players have diabetes? "Have they assessed all of these things and are they willing to put those people at risk?" The UK is among the worst-hit countries in the global COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 21,000 deaths so far. The country is on lockdown until at least May 7, but government officials have spoken in positive terms about a potential return for football if the virus is under control. - 'No football for months' - Germany's sports ministers have said the Bundesliga could return next month but Dutch football chiefs have called an end to the Eredivisie season and the Belgian campaign is in the balance. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said football would not return in his country until at least September. In the Premier League, full training is reportedly slated for mid-May, with the plan to be discussed at a meeting of stakeholders on Friday. However, Neville is concerned that the Premier League's desire to conclude the campaign is being driven by financial motives, with the English top flight facing a huge hit if the 92 remaining fixtures are not played. The former England international said if it were a non-economic decision there would be no football for months but he acknowledged that players at lower levels would want to play because the alternative was "bad". "(A total of) 1,400 players are out of contract in three months so they'll need football to resume so their livelihoods can continue," he said. "There's huge economic loss. It clouds people's minds in terms of the risk that they're willing to take."

'How many have to die?': Gary Neville voices fears over Premier League plans

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