<p>Swashbuckling Australian opener David Warner on Tuesday showed his support towards medical and security professionals all over the world by shaving his head. A lot of footballers have already gone bald in a bid show their support towards the medical professionals putting their lives on risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Warner jumped in and joined the growing list of sportspersons who have taken up their trimmer to show support to the professionals putting themselves in the first line of defence against the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Warner took to social media platform Instagram to upload a time-lapse of him shaving his head with a tripper. He further posted his photograph with a very short crop with the message: “Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time-lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The southpaw went on to nominate the likes of Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Pat Cumins, Marcus Stoinis among others to accept the challenge and show solidarity with those fighting to save lives of others.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-YVHGwJIqU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not??</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidwarner31/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> David Warner</a> (@davidwarner31) on <time datetime="2020-03-31T01:48:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 30, 2020 at 6:48pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>It is to be seen whether the likes of Kohli and Smith will join the bandwagon but Warner’s open challenge have sent the netizens into a frenzy with his video going viral all over on social media.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Indian cricketers have come forward to support the Indian government and respective state governments by donating their bit during these crisis times. While almost everyone has been active on social media platforms in a bid to spread awareness surrounding the COVID-19, the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Sachin Tendulkar, Pathan brothers, among many others, have stepped up with donation to help the Indian government combat the dreaded COVID-19.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Swashbuckling Australian opener David Warner on Tuesday showed his support towards medical and security professionals all over the world by shaving his head. A lot of footballers have already gone bald in a bid show their support towards the medical professionals putting their lives on risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Warner jumped in and joined the growing list of sportspersons who have taken up their trimmer to show support to the professionals putting themselves in the first line of defence against the novel coronavirus.

Swashbuckling Australian opener David Warner on Tuesday showed his support towards medical and security professionals all over the world by shaving his head. A lot of footballers have already gone bald in a bid show their support towards the medical professionals putting their lives on risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Warner jumped in and joined the growing list of sportspersons who have taken up their trimmer to show support to the professionals putting themselves in the first line of defence against the novel coronavirus. Warner took to social media platform Instagram to upload a time-lapse of him shaving his head with a tripper. He further posted his photograph with a very short crop with the message: “Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time-lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not”. The southpaw went on to nominate the likes of Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Pat Cumins, Marcus Stoinis among others to accept the challenge and show solidarity with those fighting to save lives of others. View this post on Instagram Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not?? A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) on Mar 30, 2020 at 6:48pm PDT × It is to be seen whether the likes of Kohli and Smith will join the bandwagon but Warner’s open challenge have sent the netizens into a frenzy with his video going viral all over on social media. Meanwhile, Indian cricketers have come forward to support the Indian government and respective state governments by donating their bit during these crisis times. While almost everyone has been active on social media platforms in a bid to spread awareness surrounding the COVID-19, the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Sachin Tendulkar, Pathan brothers, among many others, have stepped up with donation to help the Indian government combat the dreaded COVID-19.

David Warner shaves head to show support to medical professionals; challenges Virat Kohli, Steve Smith among others

<p>No play, no pay. This could well be the fate of players, who have signed up for this year's IPL, which has been postponed and seems unlikely to go ahead unless BCCI figures an alternate window later in the year, compromising a few bilateral commitments.</p>

<p>"The system of IPL payments is that 15 per cent is paid a week before the tournament starts. 65 per cent more is paid during the tournament. The remaining 20 percent is paid within a stipulated time after the tournament ends," a senior official of an IPL franchise told PTI.</p>

<p>"The BCCI has specific guidelines. Obviously, no player will be paid as of now," he added.</p>

<p>In fact, the economic implications of a season without IPL could be huge, admitted BCCI Players' body -- the Indian Cricketers' Association -- president Ashok Malhotra.</p>

<p>He feels that even domestic players may have to accept pay cuts if losses run into thousands of crores amid the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Right now, BCCI is looking at an alternate window as chances of a curtailed IPL in May look dim but nothing concrete has come out.</p>

<p>The country is currently under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 while IPL has been postponed till April 15. The pandemic has caused mayhem worldwide, killing over 37,000 people so far.</p>

<p>The economic upheaval caused by it has led to players of England and Australia to admit that they are bracing up for pay cuts.</p>

<p>Another franchise official clarified that the salaries of the players are not insured for a pandemic.</p>

<p>"We will not get any money from insurance company as pandemic is not covered in the clause. Each franchise has salary overheads ranging between Rs 75 to 85 crore. How can we pay if there's no action," he asked.</p>

<p>"From English Premier League, La Liga to Bundesliga, players are taking pay cuts. Also there is no certainty anywhere as to when things will get normal," the official, who has been part of at least IPL 10 editions, added.</p>

<p>Both of them said in unison that BCCI needs to see what can be done even though they understand that the parent body stands to lose close to Rs 3000 crore.</p>

<p>"It's not just the Dhonis and the Kohlis who will be affected. Surely they would feel the pinch but for many first-timers, the Rs 20, 40 or 60 lakh is serious life-changing money after all the hard work. Hope the BCCI has a plan in place," he said.</p>

<p>BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal, however, said that at present, there hasn't been any discussion about pay cuts.</p>

<p>"There has been no discussion at all on pay cuts. IPL obviously is BCCI's biggest tournament. But at this point, it is very difficult to do calculations and estimate losses. The calculations are complex and till office-bearers get together, we can't say anything," Dhumal told PTI.</p>

<p>However, former India Test player Malhotra feels that one needs to be practical in understanding the situation. In case of domestic players, it might not be a pay cut but probably the much-awaited pay hike could be put on hold for some time.</p>

<p>"The BCCI earns its money from cricket. If cricket is not happening, where will the money come from? We have to be sensible here.</p>

<p>"So, it's not just international cricketers but domestic players will also be affected. It's not the board's fault. This is an unavoidable situation," Malhotra said.</p>


No play, no pay. This could well be the fate of players, who have signed up for this year's IPL, which has been postponed and seems unlikely to go ahead unless BCCI figures an alternate window later in the year, compromising a few bilateral commitments.

No play, no pay. This could well be the fate of players, who have signed up for this year's IPL, which has been postponed and seems unlikely to go ahead unless BCCI figures an alternate window later in the year, compromising a few bilateral commitments. "The system of IPL payments is that 15 per cent is paid a week before the tournament starts. 65 per cent more is paid during the tournament. The remaining 20 percent is paid within a stipulated time after the tournament ends," a senior official of an IPL franchise told PTI. "The BCCI has specific guidelines. Obviously, no player will be paid as of now," he added. In fact, the economic implications of a season without IPL could be huge, admitted BCCI Players' body -- the Indian Cricketers' Association -- president Ashok Malhotra. He feels that even domestic players may have to accept pay cuts if losses run into thousands of crores amid the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, BCCI is looking at an alternate window as chances of a curtailed IPL in May look dim but nothing concrete has come out. The country is currently under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 while IPL has been postponed till April 15. The pandemic has caused mayhem worldwide, killing over 37,000 people so far. The economic upheaval caused by it has led to players of England and Australia to admit that they are bracing up for pay cuts. Another franchise official clarified that the salaries of the players are not insured for a pandemic. "We will not get any money from insurance company as pandemic is not covered in the clause. Each franchise has salary overheads ranging between Rs 75 to 85 crore. How can we pay if there's no action," he asked. "From English Premier League, La Liga to Bundesliga, players are taking pay cuts. Also there is no certainty anywhere as to when things will get normal," the official, who has been part of at least IPL 10 editions, added. Both of them said in unison that BCCI needs to see what can be done even though they understand that the parent body stands to lose close to Rs 3000 crore. "It's not just the Dhonis and the Kohlis who will be affected. Surely they would feel the pinch but for many first-timers, the Rs 20, 40 or 60 lakh is serious life-changing money after all the hard work. Hope the BCCI has a plan in place," he said. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal, however, said that at present, there hasn't been any discussion about pay cuts. "There has been no discussion at all on pay cuts. IPL obviously is BCCI's biggest tournament. But at this point, it is very difficult to do calculations and estimate losses. The calculations are complex and till office-bearers get together, we can't say anything," Dhumal told PTI. However, former India Test player Malhotra feels that one needs to be practical in understanding the situation. In case of domestic players, it might not be a pay cut but probably the much-awaited pay hike could be put on hold for some time. "The BCCI earns its money from cricket. If cricket is not happening, where will the money come from? We have to be sensible here. "So, it's not just international cricketers but domestic players will also be affected. It's not the board's fault. This is an unavoidable situation," Malhotra said.

No IPL, no salary concerns for franchises; domestic players will also be affected, says ICA chief

<p>While entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period in a bid to fight back against the dreaded COVID-19, the sporting fraternity has come forward and donated their bit for the noble cause. Indian opener Rohit Sharma was the latest to join the growing list of sportspersons to donate their part to combat the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Rohit on Tuesday took to social media platform Twitter to confirm that he has donated Rs 80 lakh. The stylish Indian opener donated Rs 45 lakh to PM CARES Fund, Rs 25 Lakh to CM Relief Fun (Maharashtra), Rs 5 lakh to Feeding India and Rs 5 lakh to Welfare of Stray Dogs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We need our country back on feet &amp; the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra,” Rohit tweeted on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-i-saw-it-coming-apurvi-chandela-opens-up-on-tokyo-olympics-postponement-and-life-in-lockdown-289643" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'I saw it coming' - Apurvi Chandela opens up on Tokyo Olympics postponement and life in lockdown</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We need our country back on feet &amp; the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMCaresFunds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMCaresFunds</a>, 25lakhs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMReliefFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMReliefFund</a> Maharashtra, 5lakhs to <a href="https://twitter.com/FeedingIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FeedingIndia</a> and 5lakhs to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelfareOfStrayDogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelfareOfStrayDogs</a>.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOMaharashtra</a></p>
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1244848509951459328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rohit has been pretty vocal about the health advisory by the Indian government as he has, several times, urged his fans and followers to remain indoors and adhere to the directives by the government. Even during the Instagram Live sessions with Kevin Pietersen and Yuzvendra Chahal, Rohit had stated that everyone wants to contribute something to their country and it is the right time to do that by simply staying indoors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2020-to-be-postponed-bcci-looking-to-free-august-september-window-for-ipl-2020-289617" hreflang="en">Asia Cup 2020 to be postponed? BCCI looking to free August-September window for IPL 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit is the not the first cricketer to step forward and donate his bit with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Pathan brothers, among many others, already contributed their part.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the sporting calendar remains shattered due to COVID-19 pandemic, sportspersons have been restricted to train at their residence with a countrywide lockdown in place as per the orders by the Indian government.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


While entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period in a bid to fight back against the dreaded COVID-19, the sporting fraternity has come forward and donated their bit for the noble cause.

While entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period in a bid to fight back against the dreaded COVID-19, the sporting fraternity has come forward and donated their bit for the noble cause. Indian opener Rohit Sharma was the latest to join the growing list of sportspersons to donate their part to combat the novel coronavirus. Rohit on Tuesday took to social media platform Twitter to confirm that he has donated Rs 80 lakh. The stylish Indian opener donated Rs 45 lakh to PM CARES Fund, Rs 25 Lakh to CM Relief Fun (Maharashtra), Rs 5 lakh to Feeding India and Rs 5 lakh to Welfare of Stray Dogs. “We need our country back on feet & the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra,” Rohit tweeted on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'I saw it coming' - Apurvi Chandela opens up on Tokyo Olympics postponement and life in lockdown We need our country back on feet & the onus is on us. I’ve done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs.Let’s get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 31, 2020 × Rohit has been pretty vocal about the health advisory by the Indian government as he has, several times, urged his fans and followers to remain indoors and adhere to the directives by the government. Even during the Instagram Live sessions with Kevin Pietersen and Yuzvendra Chahal, Rohit had stated that everyone wants to contribute something to their country and it is the right time to do that by simply staying indoors. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2020 to be postponed? BCCI looking to free August-September window for IPL 2020 Rohit is the not the first cricketer to step forward and donate his bit with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Pathan brothers, among many others, already contributed their part. While the sporting calendar remains shattered due to COVID-19 pandemic, sportspersons have been restricted to train at their residence with a countrywide lockdown in place as per the orders by the Indian government.

Rohit Sharma donates Rs 80 lakh to combat COVID-19 pandemic

<p>The All India Football Federation (AIFF) remains hopeful of organising the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in November despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing cancellation and postponement of top sporting events, throwing international schedules haywire.</p>

<p>The optimism stems from the seven months' time that the organising committee has at its disposal to prepare for the top age-group tournament.</p>

<p>Everything, though, depends on world football governing body, FIFA, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.</p>

<p>"FIFA will take a call on this, they are keeping a track of all the developments and we will see how it goes," Das told PTI.</p>

<p>He agreed that there is quite a bit of time left for the tournament.</p>

<p>"Yes, there is still a lot of time left and we will wait and watch the developments in the coming time," he said.</p>

<p>The World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21 with matches to be played in Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati.</p>

<p>Das is aware that the European and African qualifiers for the tournament are yet to take place.</p>

<p>FIFA is also working with representatives of all confederations regarding dates for their respective qualifying tournaments.</p>

<p>The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 football tournament.</p>

<p>Last week, FIFA said it is monitoring the developments arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, while also exploring "alternative solutions".</p>

<p>"FIFA is currently monitoring developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak in India to decide the future of the U-17 Women's World Cup which is slated to be held in the country in November," the apex body had said.</p>

<p>"...FIFA is also working with the Local Organising Committee to identify any potential impact on preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women''s World Cup</p>

<p>India 2020, as well as finding alternative solutions to upcoming events that were planned in India in the lead up to the tournament," it added.</p>

<p>Sixteen teams will take part in the World Cup, of which only three have sealed their berths so far.</p>

<p>India has qualified as the host nation, while North Korea (winner) and Japan (runner-up) progressed from the Asian qualifiers.</p>

<p>The pandemic has so far claimed nearly 38,000 lives across the world while infecting over 7,84,000 people.<br />
In India, more than 1400 people have tested positive for the deadly virus while over 40 have died so far.</p>


The All India Football Federation (AIFF) remains hopeful of organising the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in November despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing cancellation and postponement of top sporting events, throwing international schedules haywire.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) remains hopeful of organising the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in November despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing cancellation and postponement of top sporting events, throwing international schedules haywire. The optimism stems from the seven months' time that the organising committee has at its disposal to prepare for the top age-group tournament. Everything, though, depends on world football governing body, FIFA, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said. "FIFA will take a call on this, they are keeping a track of all the developments and we will see how it goes," Das told PTI. He agreed that there is quite a bit of time left for the tournament. "Yes, there is still a lot of time left and we will wait and watch the developments in the coming time," he said. The World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21 with matches to be played in Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati. Das is aware that the European and African qualifiers for the tournament are yet to take place. FIFA is also working with representatives of all confederations regarding dates for their respective qualifying tournaments. The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 football tournament. Last week, FIFA said it is monitoring the developments arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, while also exploring "alternative solutions". "FIFA is currently monitoring developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak in India to decide the future of the U-17 Women's World Cup which is slated to be held in the country in November," the apex body had said. "...FIFA is also working with the Local Organising Committee to identify any potential impact on preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women''s World Cup India 2020, as well as finding alternative solutions to upcoming events that were planned in India in the lead up to the tournament," it added. Sixteen teams will take part in the World Cup, of which only three have sealed their berths so far. India has qualified as the host nation, while North Korea (winner) and Japan (runner-up) progressed from the Asian qualifiers. The pandemic has so far claimed nearly 38,000 lives across the world while infecting over 7,84,000 people. In India, more than 1400 people have tested positive for the deadly virus while over 40 have died so far.

AIFF hopeful of organising FIFA women's U-17 WC in Nov despite virus worries

<p>English football's major stakeholders will meet on Friday to discuss their options to rescue a season derailed by the coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>The Premier League campaign has been postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic, but the chances of a return in May look bleak.</p>

<p>AFP Sport takes a closer look at the various scenarios that are likely to be considered in the talks over if and how to finish the season:</p>

<h2>Go behind closed doors</h2>

<p>One option is for clubs to converge on a neutral location in which all remaining games are played behind closed doors, with only essential personnel and broadcasters allowed to attend.</p>

<p>There is believed to be growing support among clubs for this plan, with nine rounds of matches potentially in line to be staged in June and July.</p>

<p>Fixtures would reportedly be played in one or two locations in the Midlands and London.</p>

<p>That could mean players and coaches being quarantined away from their families in World Cup-style camps to avoid infection, with stadiums, hotels and training facilities undergoing a deep clean.</p>

<p>A radical upturn in testing for the virus in the United Kingdom over the next two months is the key to this plan for a number of reasons.</p>

<p>Firstly, to ease players' concerns of contracting COVID-19 while playing, but also to avoid criticism of privileged professional players being tested with mild or no symptoms if that is not available to the general public and in particular frontline workers.</p>

<p>If the curve of cases is not significantly flattened come the summer the optics for the Premier League to have medical officials at non-essential events would also not be good.</p>

<h2>Play the waiting game</h2>

<p>Given the massive impact of the virus on society in general, it is seen in some quarters as morally inappropriate for football to return too soon.</p>

<p>Instead of rushing back to action, waiting until the virus is completely under control before play resumes is the preferred strategy in this scenario.</p>

<p>With the virus reportedly set to peak in the UK in June, that could mean remaining in sporting lockdown until August or September.</p>

<p>Waiting would allow the current season to be completed in full, ensuring the Premier League does not have to repay an estimated £750 million ($930 million, 842 million euros) to television companies for breach of contract.</p>

<p>But it would have a huge knock-on effect for next season, potentially leading to a shortened schedule in 2020-21 in a bid to be ready for the delayed European Championship.</p>

<p>Tottenham striker Harry Kane believes the campaign should be cancelled if it cannot be finished by the end of June.</p>

<p>"Playing into July or August and pushing next season back, I don't see too much benefit in that," Kane said.</p>

<p>"Probably the limit for me is the end of June. If the season's not completed by the end of June we need to look at the options and just look forward to next season."</p>

<h2>Cancel the season</h2>

<p>In what would be the worst-case scenario for the Premier League, some clubs reportedly want to abandon the current season immediately.</p>

<p>Senior figures in English club football believe there is "no place for sport at the moment", according to a recent report in the Athletic.</p>

<p>FA chairman Greg Clarke reportedly told the Premier League earlier this month he does not believe the season will be completed.</p>

<p>Declaring the season over could trigger legal action from a host of clubs, regardless of whether or not the standings are allowed to count.</p>

<p>Liverpool need only two more wins to confirm their first league title since 1990 and hold a 25-point lead over Manchester City.</p>

<p>Cancelling the season would scupper their hopes of ending a 30-year title drought, unless it was agreed to declare them champions anyway.</p>

<p>Manchester United, Wolves, Sheffield United and Tottenham, all currently outside the top four, would surely claim they had been unfairly been denied a chance of Champions League qualification.</p>

<p>Aston Villa would be relegated along with Norwich and Bournemouth, but Dean Smith's team would point to the game in hand that would lift them above Watford to safety if they won it.</p>

<p>In the Championship, the current top two are Leeds and West Bromwich Albion and they would be furious if a 'null and void' ruling robbed them of a lucrative promotion.</p>


English football's major stakeholders will meet on Friday to discuss their options to rescue a season derailed by the coronavirus outbreak. The Premier League campaign has been postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic, but the chances of a return in May look bleak.

English football's major stakeholders will meet on Friday to discuss their options to rescue a season derailed by the coronavirus outbreak. The Premier League campaign has been postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic, but the chances of a return in May look bleak. AFP Sport takes a closer look at the various scenarios that are likely to be considered in the talks over if and how to finish the season: Go behind closed doors One option is for clubs to converge on a neutral location in which all remaining games are played behind closed doors, with only essential personnel and broadcasters allowed to attend. There is believed to be growing support among clubs for this plan, with nine rounds of matches potentially in line to be staged in June and July. Fixtures would reportedly be played in one or two locations in the Midlands and London. That could mean players and coaches being quarantined away from their families in World Cup-style camps to avoid infection, with stadiums, hotels and training facilities undergoing a deep clean. A radical upturn in testing for the virus in the United Kingdom over the next two months is the key to this plan for a number of reasons. Firstly, to ease players' concerns of contracting COVID-19 while playing, but also to avoid criticism of privileged professional players being tested with mild or no symptoms if that is not available to the general public and in particular frontline workers. If the curve of cases is not significantly flattened come the summer the optics for the Premier League to have medical officials at non-essential events would also not be good. Play the waiting game Given the massive impact of the virus on society in general, it is seen in some quarters as morally inappropriate for football to return too soon. Instead of rushing back to action, waiting until the virus is completely under control before play resumes is the preferred strategy in this scenario. With the virus reportedly set to peak in the UK in June, that could mean remaining in sporting lockdown until August or September. Waiting would allow the current season to be completed in full, ensuring the Premier League does not have to repay an estimated £750 million ($930 million, 842 million euros) to television companies for breach of contract. But it would have a huge knock-on effect for next season, potentially leading to a shortened schedule in 2020-21 in a bid to be ready for the delayed European Championship. Tottenham striker Harry Kane believes the campaign should be cancelled if it cannot be finished by the end of June. "Playing into July or August and pushing next season back, I don't see too much benefit in that," Kane said. "Probably the limit for me is the end of June. If the season's not completed by the end of June we need to look at the options and just look forward to next season." Cancel the season In what would be the worst-case scenario for the Premier League, some clubs reportedly want to abandon the current season immediately. Senior figures in English club football believe there is "no place for sport at the moment", according to a recent report in the Athletic. FA chairman Greg Clarke reportedly told the Premier League earlier this month he does not believe the season will be completed. Declaring the season over could trigger legal action from a host of clubs, regardless of whether or not the standings are allowed to count. Liverpool need only two more wins to confirm their first league title since 1990 and hold a 25-point lead over Manchester City. Cancelling the season would scupper their hopes of ending a 30-year title drought, unless it was agreed to declare them champions anyway. Manchester United, Wolves, Sheffield United and Tottenham, all currently outside the top four, would surely claim they had been unfairly been denied a chance of Champions League qualification. Aston Villa would be relegated along with Norwich and Bournemouth, but Dean Smith's team would point to the game in hand that would lift them above Watford to safety if they won it. In the Championship, the current top two are Leeds and West Bromwich Albion and they would be furious if a 'null and void' ruling robbed them of a lucrative promotion.

Scenarios for a potential return of the Premier League

<p>With an unprecedented captive audience of three billion people in coronavirus lockdown virtual sports events are wooing fans after traditional live sports were shut down and public gatherings banned in many countries.</p>

<p>Horse-racing, boxing, cycling, football and motor-racing chiefs are desperate to maintain their fanbase and are scrambling to provide a fix and maintain revenues.</p>

<p>With stadiums closed and events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 postponed, organisers are generating advertising revenue by streaming virtual sports on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch or even broadcasting them on traditional television platforms.</p>

<p>Sports is where the numbers are and fans denied real games are turning to live streaming, watching people play games, and taking part in those video games themselves.</p>

<p>Italy's Mugello motorcycling circuit, which would have attracted 200,000 people for its MotoGP weekend on Sunday, may just have pulverised that figure with a live-streamed virtual race promoted as "The stay at home GP".</p>

<p>Honda's world champion Marc Marquez came fifth as the globe's top riders sat uncomfortably on their sofas livestreaming from their living rooms.</p>

<p>Alex Rins looked bored playing with his pet dog on his knee.</p>

<p>Alex Marquez, younger brother of the world champion, won the race and asked jokingly "will the points count to the championship?".</p>

<p>Millions of fans, credit cards at the ready, are expected to copy them after downloading the app.</p>

<p>Old-school purists will be heartened by veteran Valentino Rossi's refusal to take part.</p>

<p>The seven-time world champion said this week he was "cheering on the people of Brescia and Bergamo, those who usually cheer me on. It looks like a war zone," he said of his coronavirus-stricken region.</p>

<p>"I have seen very bad images, we must hold on," he told Sky Italia, who will also broadcast the virtual race.</p>

<h2>- 'And he's back from the dead here' -</h2>

<p>Formula One chiefs have also galvanised some of their drivers to grab their gaming controllers, racing a Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix which was abbreviated because of technical difficulties.</p>

<p>Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, was even back in action, beating Sonny Liston again on Friday in a virtual bout with 35,000 YouTube viewers.</p>

<p>Ali will now meet the long retired Mike Tyson after he beat up George Foreman on Saturday.</p>

<p>Racing-mad Britain comes to a standstill each year for the Grand National and with the courses all closed, broadcaster ITV will show a virtual race on April 4.</p>

<p>The real race can be a&nbsp;dangerous lottery with horses and riders potentially suffering serious injuries in the many falls, but it makes millions for the bookies, who this time will run online betting for the field of 40 runners.</p>

<p>"We use the latest CGI technology and algorithms and were ready to go ahead as a forerunner to the big race," said executive producer Rob McLoughlin.</p>

<p>As with the boxing, there will also be a race of champions pitting the late Red Rum, who won the National three times in the 1970s, against defending champion Tiger Roll.</p>

<p>Baseball staged a four-player video-game tournament called&nbsp;"MLB The Show" on Friday. It also suffered some technical problems before it was won&nbsp;by Amir Garrett, a Cincinnati Reds pitcher, who played at home wearing his team uniform.</p>

<p>"A win's a win," said Garrett but he also said: "You've got to realise it's a video game."</p>


With an unprecedented captive audience of three billion people in coronavirus lockdown virtual sports events are wooing fans after traditional live sports were shut down and public gatherings banned in many countries.

With an unprecedented captive audience of three billion people in coronavirus lockdown virtual sports events are wooing fans after traditional live sports were shut down and public gatherings banned in many countries. Horse-racing, boxing, cycling, football and motor-racing chiefs are desperate to maintain their fanbase and are scrambling to provide a fix and maintain revenues. With stadiums closed and events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 postponed, organisers are generating advertising revenue by streaming virtual sports on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch or even broadcasting them on traditional television platforms. Sports is where the numbers are and fans denied real games are turning to live streaming, watching people play games, and taking part in those video games themselves. Italy's Mugello motorcycling circuit, which would have attracted 200,000 people for its MotoGP weekend on Sunday, may just have pulverised that figure with a live-streamed virtual race promoted as "The stay at home GP". Honda's world champion Marc Marquez came fifth as the globe's top riders sat uncomfortably on their sofas livestreaming from their living rooms. Alex Rins looked bored playing with his pet dog on his knee. Alex Marquez, younger brother of the world champion, won the race and asked jokingly "will the points count to the championship?". Millions of fans, credit cards at the ready, are expected to copy them after downloading the app. Old-school purists will be heartened by veteran Valentino Rossi's refusal to take part. The seven-time world champion said this week he was "cheering on the people of Brescia and Bergamo, those who usually cheer me on. It looks like a war zone," he said of his coronavirus-stricken region. "I have seen very bad images, we must hold on," he told Sky Italia, who will also broadcast the virtual race. - 'And he's back from the dead here' - Formula One chiefs have also galvanised some of their drivers to grab their gaming controllers, racing a Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix which was abbreviated because of technical difficulties. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, was even back in action, beating Sonny Liston again on Friday in a virtual bout with 35,000 YouTube viewers. Ali will now meet the long retired Mike Tyson after he beat up George Foreman on Saturday. Racing-mad Britain comes to a standstill each year for the Grand National and with the courses all closed, broadcaster ITV will show a virtual race on April 4. The real race can be a dangerous lottery with horses and riders potentially suffering serious injuries in the many falls, but it makes millions for the bookies, who this time will run online betting for the field of 40 runners. "We use the latest CGI technology and algorithms and were ready to go ahead as a forerunner to the big race," said executive producer Rob McLoughlin. As with the boxing, there will also be a race of champions pitting the late Red Rum, who won the National three times in the 1970s, against defending champion Tiger Roll. Baseball staged a four-player video-game tournament called "MLB The Show" on Friday. It also suffered some technical problems before it was won by Amir Garrett, a Cincinnati Reds pitcher, who played at home wearing his team uniform. "A win's a win," said Garrett but he also said: "You've got to realise it's a video game."

Coronavirus may prove virtual sports game changer

<p>Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi.</p>

<p>The PCB said Umar violated its code on two counts. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PCB has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of the anti-corruption code which relates to not reporting a fixing offer," said a PCB press release.</p>

<p>Under the PCB anti-corruption code a player is required to immediately report to a team manager or officials of the anti-corruption unit when he receives an offer to fix a match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the code if a player is found guilty the penalty ranges from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban.</p>

<p>Umar has 14 days to respond to the charges in writing.</p>

<p>Umar has a history of disciplinary problems, having been arrested and detained for a day after a brawl with a traffic warden in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also banned for three months after a spat with then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur in 2017.</p>

<p>Last month he escaped punishment after making rude remarks to a fitness trainer in Lahore.</p>

<p>Often described as a talented yet undisciplined cricketer, Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 one-day internationals and 84 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2009.</p>

<p>He last played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka four months ago, failing to score in either match.</p>

<p>Umar's anti-corruption case is the latest of many that has hit Pakistan cricket in the last 20 years, resulting in life bans and fines for several players.</p>

<p>The PSL was hit by a spot-fixing case in 2017 when openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were banned for five years.&nbsp;</p>


Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities. The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi.

Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities. The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi. The PCB said Umar violated its code on two counts. "The PCB has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of the anti-corruption code which relates to not reporting a fixing offer," said a PCB press release. Under the PCB anti-corruption code a player is required to immediately report to a team manager or officials of the anti-corruption unit when he receives an offer to fix a match. Under the code if a player is found guilty the penalty ranges from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban. Umar has 14 days to respond to the charges in writing. Umar has a history of disciplinary problems, having been arrested and detained for a day after a brawl with a traffic warden in 2014. He was also banned for three months after a spat with then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur in 2017. Last month he escaped punishment after making rude remarks to a fitness trainer in Lahore. Often described as a talented yet undisciplined cricketer, Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 one-day internationals and 84 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2009. He last played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka four months ago, failing to score in either match. Umar's anti-corruption case is the latest of many that has hit Pakistan cricket in the last 20 years, resulting in life bans and fines for several players. The PSL was hit by a spot-fixing case in 2017 when openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were banned for five years.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal could face lifetime ban over corruption charges

<p>Pandya brothers – Hardik and Krunal – on Sunday posted a video of them playing indoor cricket as entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period. The Pandya brothers were supposed to be seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Mumbai Indians, however, amid the COVID-19 pandemic the cash-rich tournament was postponed until April 15 from its scheduled date of March 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Krunal Pandya took to social media platform Twitter to post the video in which the duo is seen giving a heartfelt message at the end of the video. “We can have fun indoors too Please stay home and be safe everyone @hardikpandya7,” Krunal captioned the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stay safe everyone. Avoid going out, you can have fun indoors as well just like me and my family had. We urge everyone to observe lockdown and stop the spread of the coronavirus,” Pandya brothers said at the end of the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-to-be-held-from-july-23-august-8-in-2021-as-organisers-announce-new-dates-289490">Tokyo Olympics to be held from July 23-August 8 in 2021 as organisers announce new dates</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We can have fun indoors too Please stay home and be safe everyone <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://t.co/bje9m5n99j">pic.twitter.com/bje9m5n99j</a></p>
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) <a href="https://twitter.com/krunalpandya24/status/1244284776653053953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hardik, who was in red-hot form before his international comeback, was named in the Indian team before the first ODI was abandoned due to rain. The series was eventually aborted due to novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-confirms-barcelona-players-will-take-70-wage-cut-and-contribute-to-club-employees-salary-amid-covid-19-pandemic-289485" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona players will take 70% wage cut and contribute to club employees' salary amid COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>The South African team was sent back to their country on an immediate basis with Indian players returning to their respective residences.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it is highly likely that IPL 2020 will also be scrapped this season amid COVID-19 pandemic. While there has no official update regarding the cancellation of IPL 2020, it is likely that the season will be scrapped with no mega auction next season.</p>

<p>All the major sporting events and leagues have been cancelled or postponed amid COVID-19 pandemic. Even the Tokyo Olympics have been moved to 2021 with the organisers picking July 23 to August 8, 2021 being the revised dates for the Games.</p>


Pandya brothers – Hardik and Krunal – on Sunday posted a video of them playing indoor cricket as entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period. The Pandya brothers were supposed to be seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Mumbai Indians, however, amid the COVID-19 pandemic the cash-rich tournament was postponed until April 15 from its scheduled date of March 29.

Pandya brothers – Hardik and Krunal – on Sunday posted a video of them playing indoor cricket as entire India continues to be in a 21-day lockdown period. The Pandya brothers were supposed to be seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Mumbai Indians, however, amid the COVID-19 pandemic the cash-rich tournament was postponed until April 15 from its scheduled date of March 29. Krunal Pandya took to social media platform Twitter to post the video in which the duo is seen giving a heartfelt message at the end of the video. “We can have fun indoors too Please stay home and be safe everyone @hardikpandya7,” Krunal captioned the video. “Stay safe everyone. Avoid going out, you can have fun indoors as well just like me and my family had. We urge everyone to observe lockdown and stop the spread of the coronavirus,” Pandya brothers said at the end of the video. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics to be held from July 23-August 8 in 2021 as organisers announce new dates We can have fun indoors too Please stay home and be safe everyone @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/bje9m5n99j — Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) March 29, 2020 × Hardik, who was in red-hot form before his international comeback, was named in the Indian team before the first ODI was abandoned due to rain. The series was eventually aborted due to novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona players will take 70% wage cut and contribute to club employees' salary amid COVID-19 pandemic The South African team was sent back to their country on an immediate basis with Indian players returning to their respective residences. Meanwhile, it is highly likely that IPL 2020 will also be scrapped this season amid COVID-19 pandemic. While there has no official update regarding the cancellation of IPL 2020, it is likely that the season will be scrapped with no mega auction next season. All the major sporting events and leagues have been cancelled or postponed amid COVID-19 pandemic. Even the Tokyo Olympics have been moved to 2021 with the organisers picking July 23 to August 8, 2021 being the revised dates for the Games.

WATCH: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya play indoor cricket amid 21-day lock down due to COVID-19 pandemic

<p>The Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to kickstart from July 24 and close on August 9 but the near-exact one-year delay will now see the closing ceremony take place on August 8, 2021.</p>

<p>After being optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, local organisers and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) had last week postponed the events citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics became the first postponement in Olympic history, even though there have been quite a few cancellations during wartime.</p>

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<p>Both Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto have confirmed that the cost of rescheduling the Games will be ‘massive’ with local reports estimating around one billion dollars. Moreover, the local reports state that most of the expenses of rescheduling of the Games will have to be borne by Japanese taxpayers.</p>

<p>“Since it (the Olympics) were scheduled for this summer, all the venues had given up hosting any other events during this time, so how do we approach that?” Muto asked.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-will-be-cancelled-says-german-tennis-official-report-289482" hreflang="en">Wimbledon will be cancelled, says German tennis official - report</a></strong></p>

<p>"In addition, there will need to be a guarantee&nbsp;when we book the new dates, and there is a possibility this will incur rent payments. So there will be costs incurred and we will need to consider them one by one. I think that will be the tougher process.” Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an emeritus professor of sports economics at Kansai University, puts the costs as high as $4 billion wherein he states that it will be cover the maintenance of stadiums, rentals, penalties and other logistical expenses.</p>

<p>Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics with IOC president Thomas Bach repeatedly terming the Tokyo Olympics as the best prepared in history.</p>


The Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, will open on July 23, 2021, organisers of the Games said on Monday. The decision to conduct the Tokyo Olympics in the same slot scheduled for this year’s Games comes less than a week after the organisers were forced to postpone the quadrennial event because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to kickstart from July 24 and close on August 9 but the near-exact one-year delay will now see the closing ceremony take place on August 8, 2021. After being optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, local organisers and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) had last week postponed the events citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics became the first postponement in Olympic history, even though there have been quite a few cancellations during wartime. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona players will take 70% wage cut and contribute to club employees' salary amid COVID-19 pandemic Both Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto have confirmed that the cost of rescheduling the Games will be ‘massive’ with local reports estimating around one billion dollars. Moreover, the local reports state that most of the expenses of rescheduling of the Games will have to be borne by Japanese taxpayers. “Since it (the Olympics) were scheduled for this summer, all the venues had given up hosting any other events during this time, so how do we approach that?” Muto asked. ALSO READ: Wimbledon will be cancelled, says German tennis official - report "In addition, there will need to be a guarantee when we book the new dates, and there is a possibility this will incur rent payments. So there will be costs incurred and we will need to consider them one by one. I think that will be the tougher process.” Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an emeritus professor of sports economics at Kansai University, puts the costs as high as $4 billion wherein he states that it will be cover the maintenance of stadiums, rentals, penalties and other logistical expenses. Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics with IOC president Thomas Bach repeatedly terming the Tokyo Olympics as the best prepared in history.

Tokyo Olympics to be held from July 23-August 8 in 2021 as organisers announce new dates

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionel Messi on Monday confirmed that the entire Barcelona squad has agreed to take a pay cut by 70 per cent while football is on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was plenty of speculation going around whether Barcelona players will agree to take the wage-reduction amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, however, with Messi coming out in public and announcing the news, all the rumours have been shelved. &nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Messi took to social media platform Instagram to confirm that all Blaugrana players will be taking a pay cut while adding that they will also&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;all club employees continue to receive 100 per cent of their salary during the crisis situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Argentine maestro, in his statement, said that there were members of the club who tried to put unnecessary pressure on the players but the playing staff did what they had intended.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/marcus-rashford-helps-feed-children-during-virus-shutdown-289479">Marcus Rashford helps feed children during virus shutdown</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Messi further said that the reason the players didn’t make it public because they wanted to find real solutions rather than just contribute a part of their salaries. The left-footed wizard added that they all knew there were going to salary drops due to the unprecedented situations but further said that players are always the first to help the club when asked.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WwreSiaL7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)</a> on <time datetime="2020-03-30T11:11:20+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 30, 2020 at 4:11am PDT</time></p>
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<h2><strong>Lionel Messi’s statement in full (English):</strong></h2>

<p><b>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scrap-season-if-it-cant-be-finished-by-end-of-june-says-harry-kane-289407">Scrap season if it can't be finished by end of June says, Harry Kane</a></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“It doesn’t cease to surprise us that within the club there were those who tried to put us under the limelight and add pressure for us to do exactly what we intended,” read Messi’s statement.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“On our behalf, it’s time to announce that, besides reducing our wage by 70% during the State of Emergency we’ll also contribute so that club employees can count on 100% of their salary as long as the current situation doesn’t change.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“The reason we hadn’t made this public was our need to find real solutions in order to help the club, but also those most affected by this situation. There was always going to be a drop in the salary we receive, because we understand that this is an exceptional situation and we are the first ones who have ALWAYS helped the club when it has asked us,” read the statement.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Many times we have even done it on our own initiative.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


Lionel Messi on Monday confirmed that the entire Barcelona squad has agreed to take a pay cut by 70 per cent while football is on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was plenty of speculation going around whether Barcelona players will agree to take the wage-reduction amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, however, with Messi coming out in public and announcing the news, all the rumours have been shelved.

Lionel Messi on Monday confirmed that the entire Barcelona squad has agreed to take a pay cut by 70 per cent while football is on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was plenty of speculation going around whether Barcelona players will agree to take the wage-reduction amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, however, with Messi coming out in public and announcing the news, all the rumours have been shelved. Messi took to social media platform Instagram to confirm that all Blaugrana players will be taking a pay cut while adding that they will also ensure all club employees continue to receive 100 per cent of their salary during the crisis situation. The Argentine maestro, in his statement, said that there were members of the club who tried to put unnecessary pressure on the players but the playing staff did what they had intended. ALSO READ: Marcus Rashford helps feed children during virus shutdown Messi further said that the reason the players didn’t make it public because they wanted to find real solutions rather than just contribute a part of their salaries. The left-footed wizard added that they all knew there were going to salary drops due to the unprecedented situations but further said that players are always the first to help the club when asked. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Mar 30, 2020 at 4:11am PDT × Lionel Messi’s statement in full (English): ALSO READ: Scrap season if it can't be finished by end of June says, Harry Kane “It doesn’t cease to surprise us that within the club there were those who tried to put us under the limelight and add pressure for us to do exactly what we intended,” read Messi’s statement. “On our behalf, it’s time to announce that, besides reducing our wage by 70% during the State of Emergency we’ll also contribute so that club employees can count on 100% of their salary as long as the current situation doesn’t change. “The reason we hadn’t made this public was our need to find real solutions in order to help the club, but also those most affected by this situation. There was always going to be a drop in the salary we receive, because we understand that this is an exceptional situation and we are the first ones who have ALWAYS helped the club when it has asked us,” read the statement. “Many times we have even done it on our own initiative.”

Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona players will take 70% wage cut and contribute to club employees' salary amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p>Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials earlier said the June 29-July 12 event would not be played behind closed doors and postponement was not without significant risk and difficulty.</p>

<p>“Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board meeting next Wednesday and will make the final decision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany.</p>

<p>“I am also involved in the bodies of the ATP and WTA. The necessary decisions have already been made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is necessary in the current situation.</p>

<p>“It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with the travel restrictions that we currently have an international tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel. That is unthinkable.”</p>

<p>The AELTC did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasible for Wimbledon, which has only two covered courts and cannot be held past late summer.</p>

<p>French Open organisers stunned the tennis world by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros from May until late September because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the lack of communication as the new dates clashed with several other events already featuring on the calendar.</p>

<p>The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs women’s tournaments, require their players to participate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of either association.</p>

<p>“The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict that the French Open will not be relocated as it was intended,” Hordorff said.</p>

<p>He said either the FFT would go ahead with the new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis world or they have the option to start working with others to draw up a plan that makes sense for everyone.</p>

<p>“They will be deprived of the points and they will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said.</p>

<p>“Even those there have understood that and they are slowly crawling back. Solidarity is the order of the day, it is a matter of being together and not going it alone, as the president of the French Tennis Association did.”</p>


Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports.

Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports. All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials earlier said the June 29-July 12 event would not be played behind closed doors and postponement was not without significant risk and difficulty. “Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board meeting next Wednesday and will make the final decision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany. “I am also involved in the bodies of the ATP and WTA. The necessary decisions have already been made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is necessary in the current situation. “It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with the travel restrictions that we currently have an international tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel. That is unthinkable.” The AELTC did not respond to a request for comment. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasible for Wimbledon, which has only two covered courts and cannot be held past late summer. French Open organisers stunned the tennis world by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros from May until late September because of the pandemic. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the lack of communication as the new dates clashed with several other events already featuring on the calendar. The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs women’s tournaments, require their players to participate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of either association. “The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict that the French Open will not be relocated as it was intended,” Hordorff said. He said either the FFT would go ahead with the new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis world or they have the option to start working with others to draw up a plan that makes sense for everyone. “They will be deprived of the points and they will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said. “Even those there have understood that and they are slowly crawling back. Solidarity is the order of the day, it is a matter of being together and not going it alone, as the president of the French Tennis Association did.”

Wimbledon will be cancelled, says German tennis official - report

<p>Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is working to get food to children who rely on free school meals after the coronavirus shutdown.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old England international has teamed up with charity FareShare to help children in the Manchester area after schools were closed.</p>

<p>And he revealed that his own childhood had inspired him to want to make a difference to the next generation.</p>

<p>"In the past I have done a lot of work in regards to children and when I heard about the schools shutting down, I knew that meant free meals for some kids that they are not getting at school," Rashford told the BBC.</p>

<p>"I remember when I was at school I was on free meals and my mum wouldn't get home until around six o'clock so my next meal would have been about 8 o'clock. I was fortunate, and there are kids in much more difficult situations that don't get their meals at homes."</p>

<p>Rashford said fundraising had gone well.</p>

<p>"We have got to the £100,000 ($124,000) mark, which means we get to feed 400,000 children so it's been very positive."</p>

<p>Manchester United and Manchester City have joined forces to donate to food banks in the area.</p>

<p>"I think when times are tough it is important that two clubs who have a huge social following that we do come together and make a difference when things which are bigger than football happen. So credit to both clubs," Rashford said.</p>

<p>Rashford was sidelined with a back injury when the Premier League season was suspended earlier this month.</p>

<p>The forward said he was making good progress but admitted he was missing football.</p>

<p>"It's just about patience," he said. "I have been working hard on the bikes and following the programme that I have been given from the club.</p>

<p>"I have been playing FIFA, reading different types of books. It is important to keep time passing, with positive vibes and just keep smiling."</p>


Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is working to get food to children who rely on free school meals after the coronavirus shutdown. The 22-year-old England international has teamed up with charity FareShare to help children in the Manchester area after schools were closed.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is working to get food to children who rely on free school meals after the coronavirus shutdown. The 22-year-old England international has teamed up with charity FareShare to help children in the Manchester area after schools were closed. And he revealed that his own childhood had inspired him to want to make a difference to the next generation. "In the past I have done a lot of work in regards to children and when I heard about the schools shutting down, I knew that meant free meals for some kids that they are not getting at school," Rashford told the BBC. "I remember when I was at school I was on free meals and my mum wouldn't get home until around six o'clock so my next meal would have been about 8 o'clock. I was fortunate, and there are kids in much more difficult situations that don't get their meals at homes." Rashford said fundraising had gone well. "We have got to the £100,000 ($124,000) mark, which means we get to feed 400,000 children so it's been very positive." Manchester United and Manchester City have joined forces to donate to food banks in the area. "I think when times are tough it is important that two clubs who have a huge social following that we do come together and make a difference when things which are bigger than football happen. So credit to both clubs," Rashford said. Rashford was sidelined with a back injury when the Premier League season was suspended earlier this month. The forward said he was making good progress but admitted he was missing football. "It's just about patience," he said. "I have been working hard on the bikes and following the programme that I have been given from the club. "I have been playing FIFA, reading different types of books. It is important to keep time passing, with positive vibes and just keep smiling."

Marcus Rashford helps feed children during virus shutdown

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