With COVID-19 pandemic wiping off the sporting calendar, players have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to remain fit for the resumption of season, whenever it happens. Football is one of the sports to have taken a major hit financially with clubs struggling to cope up with the losses incurred due to the postponement of leagues and tournaments. Also, there has been a lot of talks surrounding some of the footballing bodies wanting to resume their respective leagues and cup competitions.&nbsp;

Ace Indian footballer and the recipient of Padma Shri, Sunil Chhetri, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about a lot of things ranging from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the world of football, the fall of transfer prices post coronavirus crisis, the idea of playing football leagues with domestic players only, life in lockdown and much more...

Digvijay Singh Deo: Sunil, I must begin by saying that it is heartening to note that all our top sports stars have not lost their sense of humour in these difficult times. Your coach at Bengaluru FC tried to pull a gag on you involving Andres Iniesta the other day and you sort of handled it very well.

Sunil Chhetri: I think being a sportsperson, you have to think on your feet, be quick and witty, so we're just trying to keep our spirits up. We're just trying to stay calm and I think it's important to be able to to enjoy the little things in life during these times. On a serious note, we need to engage and keep everyone motivated during the crisis.

DSD: How has this period been for you?&nbsp;Mentally how can you remain switched on with life indoors especially as leading an outdoor life is in your DNA as a footballer.

Sunil Chhetri:&nbsp;It&nbsp;is hard for all athletes across the world because we are used to being outdoors and training every day, that is in our DNA. But having said that, we are extremely fortunate that is not struggling for our essential services. There are so many people in India and across the world who do not have access to basic amenities. So we aren't struggling at all when you compare us to the daily wage earners or the migrant workers. Our pain and agony is nothing compared to their suffering. Yes, it is difficult to be indoors and not be able to train, but once life gets back to normal we will return to our daily routines. But at the moment there are bigger problems the world is facing. For me, I'm just trying to eat healthily and stay mentally and physically fit during the lockdown.

DSD: Lots of players across the world sharing videos and photos of their fitness sessions indoors, how are you managing to keep up the fitness levels?

Sunil Chhetri: My last game for Bengaluru FC in the Indian super league was on the 8th of February, that's when our season finished. Then on the international front, our World Cup qualifier against Qatar got postponed. I took 21 days off to recover from a hamstring problem. But it's been two weeks now that I have been working out. I do whatever is possible inside my house, these day's I've been concentrating on band workouts and cardio. Doing a lot of household work also helps to burn calories. The most important thing is to eat well, which I'm trying to do. Also, I'm not fiddling around with my sleep pattern. Sometimes what happens is when you're at home for an extended period of time, your eating and sleeping habits can get disturbed. I am observing my friends who are not athletes, they are following extremely irregular eating and sleeping patterns and binging on television shows, which is unhealthy. So I'm not trying to avoid that and not get into that vicious cycle.

DSD: There is a lot of concern now about the mental health of players, especially with anxiety and this uncertainty over when will you all get to play again hanging in the air. What role should clubs, national bodies and FIFA play in these times?

Sunil Chhetri: I think it is very important to stay calm in these times. My advice to players would be to do whatever they can to stay physically fit with the resources they have, that goes a long way in maintaining mental health. I know people are keeping busy at home, but if they can take out some time every day to work on their body, it will help maintain your sanity. We have never seen these times before, so people are finding it challenging to deal with the situation. There might be a verbal squabble at home or people might go through mood swings. We have to keep ourselves occupied or do activities that we like, that will help us stay calm.

Meditation is also something that can assist in your mental well being. As far as the national and international federations are concerned, even they are trying to gauge the gravity of the situation. The prime objective for the entire world night now is to overcome this virus. Sport will only return once life gets back to normal, only then will FIFA and the other sporting bodies have a concrete answer to the way forward after the crisis. As far as the pay cuts go, it is very said that people have to forego their hard-earned money, but you have to look at it on a case-to-case basis, so it would be unfair for me to comment on it.

<img alt="Exclusive | Sunil Chhetri in conversation with WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f013b3ec-2419-454c-8382-f49ca50ec43f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1LE8KI.jpg" />

DSD: As captain of India you must be in touch with players from across clubs and leagues, how tough is it for the Indian footballing ecosystem at the moment.

Sunil Chhetri: The younger players who have just started their careers in the lower divisions are obviously going to suffer. All of us who are more fortunate have tried to donate as much as we can to the prime minister's fund. I spoke to my India team-mate Sandesh Jhingan and he told me that all of the senior players are contributing to the state funds and trying to figure out a way in which they can help those in need. I think all the top athletes in the country are financially secure, but the young ones, who haven't yet made a name for themselves might suffer if this crisis continues for a while. If anything the top athletes might find it difficult to cope with the situation mentally. For athletes like me who are more than 30 years of age, even a break of a few months can have a long term effect on your career, since the lifespan of a sportsperson is short. So that's a slight concern for me. But financially, the daily wage earners are the ones who are suffering, so the whole country should unite and help them out.

DSD: Obviously Indian football does not have the big budgets of the European leagues and the ISL season was completed and the AIFF has named Mohun Bagan as I league champions as well so what will the impact be on Indian football?

Sunil Chhetri: The Indian football calendar is definitely going to be affected. We have to wait for the nod of the Indian government to start planning the season and matches. And our sport brings everyone together, so you have 30 or 40,000 people in a stadium at one point. So the decision has to deliberated&nbsp;upon at length and various factors have to be taken into consideration. I hope we reach a situation where we can at least plan the calendar, but until then we just have to play the waiting game and be patient. All the Indian football authorities have nothing to work with at the moment in terms of schedule because the government go-ahead has not been given. Whenever we do return, I think it's going to be a herculean task to accommodate all the fixtures of the new season. The season will either need to be truncated or stretched out. The AFC and FIFA are also going to have their own continental calendars, so it will be very difficult to work our way around the congestion.

DSD: Staying with Indian football this could be a good opportunity to test national coach Igor Stimac's view that the number of foreign players should be restricted in the league. The way things stand it does look like there will be reduced budgets for sure next season.

Sunil Chhetri:&nbsp;If the case is that foreigners would not be allowed to travel to India for the foreseeable future because of the travel restrictions, then we can play more Indians in our leagues. Although I still believe that training with top-class foreign players lends to your growth as a player. But if foreigners are not allowed to enter the country, then why not give the Indian players more game time?

<img alt="Exclusive | Sunil Chhetri in conversation with WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89031642-786a-4386-b3e5-5f4db43d705a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_15M0LA.jpg" />

DSD: We have seen the Olympics cancelled, the Euros cancelled as well. Has coronavirus burst the artificial bubble of football?

Sunil Chhetri:&nbsp;It&nbsp;might take a temporary hit because the entire ecosystem of the financial world has been affected, but sooner or later that bubble will return. The bubble exists because the teams with more money will always be after the best players and will be willing to splash the cash on them. For there to be a real long term change in the way that the top clubs function, all the teams have to agree not to spend more than a particular amount on a player, which is not going to happen. So I think that there will be a massive reduction in expenditure when it comes to world football, but it will only be temporary. The football market is no different from the world market, there is natural growth over the years. In 2009, Real Madrid broke the transfer record to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in an 80 million Euro deal and in 2017 PSG broke the record again with a 200 million Euro Neymar deal. That doesn't mean that Neymar is a better footballer than Ronaldo, it is just how markets function over a period of time.

DSD: An example probably is the 140 million-plus sale of Phillipe&nbsp;Coutinho and now there is talk of Barcelona taking a 66 million Pound hit and sell him to Chelsea. Now he is a full Brazilian international and the joke here is actually on Barcelona and not an indictment of Coutinho. For too long the big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City, Bayern, PSG have splashed out big sums to buy players from smaller teams and do you now see this astronomical fees falling?

Sunil Chhetri: I feel only the price of the players will go down, but the big clubs are still going to buy the top names. Everyone is going to lose money from their kitty, it's not as if only Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will suffer financially, so will the lesser clubs across the world. The clubs' spending power will decrease, but since every club is losing money, the big wigs will still retain their market power. It's just how business works. There will only be a level playing field if all clubs agree not to spend more than a particular amount regardless of revenue or sponsorship income, and that amount is the same for all teams in the league. Even in the NBA where they have salary caps and many rules to try to maintain a level playing field, the big teams find loopholes in the laws to retain their power. That way they are always able to attract the best players. So I think overall, the balance of power will remain the same in the world of football.

DSD: Most leagues in Europe are suspended, there is talk that the Champions League final could be played in August. How difficult will it be for clubs to get their players up to full fitness after what could end up as a two to three-month break?

Sunil Chhetri:&nbsp;It is going to be extremely difficult for players to regain their fitness in such a short span of time if that is the case. I know the players are working out at home with whatever equipment they can, but working out and training on the pitch, spending time with your team-mates is a completely different ball game. Even when the players are allowed to come out and train, they will require a certain amount of time to prepare for the season, both physically and mentally. Also, it is important for the footballers to avoid injuries, so you cannot jump into competitive matches after spending two or three months at home. The players shouldn't be forced into playing matches just because a particular competition needs to be finished in a certain span of time, it is unfair on the footballers and increases the risk of injuries.

So if the season will return in the first few weeks of August, that means players would need to be back in training by end June. At the moment, I don't see any country in Europe allowing players to be out on the pitch in June. The FIFA president also warned against starting leagues prematurely because that could lead to more people getting infected with COVID-19, which would be a massive disaster. As a football fan, I want to be optimistic about things, I want the premier league and champions league to be back. Also, the more you delay the resumption of this season, the more the 20-21 campaign gets pushed. So I don't know how the challenge is going to be dealt with. But I repeat, until we overcome this coronavirus crisis, there can be no concrete plan in place for the footballing calendar.

DSD: A&nbsp;British medical expert has recommended that players must wear masks during training as well as matches once football resumes. Is it even possible or comfortable and not restrictive?

Sunil Chhetri: It doesn't look impossible, but I haven't tried it so I cannot say for certain. But if the worry is that the infection will be passed on to the other player on the pitch, then we have to be cautious about other aspects of a match as well. We spend so much time with players in the dressing rooms, use the same washrooms, hotels and have meals together. So all these things have to be looked at before we resume matches. Also in a sporting environment, if any person has it, the chances of the disease spreading quickly are very high, especially because football is a contact sport.

DSD: Already it is being estimated that the financial loss to the big leagues in Europe will be close to 4 billion Euros if seasons do not resume as sponsorship money, tv rights all etc then fall off the cliff.belgium has called off, Dutch league is about to be called off. It is a tightrope isn’t it, money or health?

Sunil Chhetri:&nbsp;We have to prioritise our health, that is the simple answer. Every well-meaning individual will do that. I 'm not sure how much money the leagues will lose over the course of the time, but whatever the amount is can be recovered. But if we are irresponsible or complacent of resuming action earlier than required and people's health is affected because of that, it will be a catastrophe. I'm sure we stand to lose massive amounts of money over the course of the next few months, but if we remain healthy we still stand a chance of recovering that amount in the next few years. Health must be the priority.

<img alt="Exclusive | Sunil Chhetri in conversation with WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5eb0ef28-72eb-41d3-9fcc-4fa222fc93c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_VX0G8.jpg" />

DSD: Should football resume behind closed doors as is being predicted? We&nbsp;had the ISL final being played behind closed doors.

Sunil Chhetri: when a top-level team trains, there are about 50-60 people at the ground at a particular time. If the season resumes behind closed doors, we will still have to train every day and go about our preparation as we normally do. That would require a large number of people to come in contact every day and constant monitoring will need to take place, those 50 or 60 people will also go back their families at home and the risk of spreading the virus is still present. Just because there are 30,000 or 40,000 people in a stadium, we think we will be safer in relative terms if we have matches behind closed doors. But the fact is that even if the season resumes, there will be a constant threat to the people involved in the matches, and that is not just the players and coaches. I think it will be better if we wait for the whole crisis to subside and then make a decision because we don't want to put lives at risk. In the best-case scenario, everything will get back to normal and fans will be able to watch us play.

DSD: For you, what are the lessons that we should all take on-board from this period of great strife?

Sunil Chhetri: I think we have to be more compassionate towards other people, especially people like us who are so privileged, we must also consider the need of others. We are all so consumed in the chase for material things, that every decision we make is a selfish one. We have to give back more because there are people who are struggling for their next meal. I have realised that I am in a privileged position because of the hard work of so many people around me. So I have realised that I can easily help those around me more. I feel it is unfair that I am so comfortable and there are people who do not know where their next meal will come from. I feel it's not right. I'm not trying to preach, I'm just speaking from a personal point of view. I have realised that I could have made more of a contribution in the last ten years. I was helping people, but maybe I was doing that just give myself satisfaction. But now I will strive to make more of a contribution in making the lives of others around me better. That is one thing I hope stays with me from this COVID-19 crisis.

With COVID-19 pandemic wiping off the sporting calendar, players have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to remain fit for the resumption of season, whenever it happens.

With COVID-19 pandemic wiping off the sporting calendar, players have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to remain fit for the resumption of season, whenever it happens. Football is one of the sports to have taken a major hit financially with clubs struggling to cope up with the losses incurred due to the postponement of leagues and tournaments. Also, there has been a lot of talks surrounding some of the footballing bodies wanting to resume their respective leagues and cup competitions. Ace Indian footballer and the recipient of Padma Shri, Sunil Chhetri, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up about a lot of things ranging from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the world of football, the fall of transfer prices post coronavirus crisis, the idea of playing football leagues with domestic players only, life in lockdown and much more... Digvijay Singh Deo: Sunil, I must begin by saying that it is heartening to note that all our top sports stars have not lost their sense of humour in these difficult times. Your coach at Bengaluru FC tried to pull a gag on you involving Andres Iniesta the other day and you sort of handled it very well. Sunil Chhetri: I think being a sportsperson, you have to think on your feet, be quick and witty, so we're just trying to keep our spirits up. We're just trying to stay calm and I think it's important to be able to to enjoy the little things in life during these times. On a serious note, we need to engage and keep everyone motivated during the crisis. DSD: How has this period been for you? Mentally how can you remain switched on with life indoors especially as leading an outdoor life is in your DNA as a footballer. Sunil Chhetri: It is hard for all athletes across the world because we are used to being outdoors and training every day, that is in our DNA. But having said that, we are extremely fortunate that is not struggling for our essential services. There are so many people in India and across the world who do not have access to basic amenities. So we aren't struggling at all when you compare us to the daily wage earners or the migrant workers. Our pain and agony is nothing compared to their suffering. Yes, it is difficult to be indoors and not be able to train, but once life gets back to normal we will return to our daily routines. But at the moment there are bigger problems the world is facing. For me, I'm just trying to eat healthily and stay mentally and physically fit during the lockdown. DSD: Lots of players across the world sharing videos and photos of their fitness sessions indoors, how are you managing to keep up the fitness levels? Sunil Chhetri: My last game for Bengaluru FC in the Indian super league was on the 8th of February, that's when our season finished. Then on the international front, our World Cup qualifier against Qatar got postponed. I took 21 days off to recover from a hamstring problem. But it's been two weeks now that I have been working out. I do whatever is possible inside my house, these day's I've been concentrating on band workouts and cardio. Doing a lot of household work also helps to burn calories. The most important thing is to eat well, which I'm trying to do. Also, I'm not fiddling around with my sleep pattern. Sometimes what happens is when you're at home for an extended period of time, your eating and sleeping habits can get disturbed. I am observing my friends who are not athletes, they are following extremely irregular eating and sleeping patterns and binging on television shows, which is unhealthy. So I'm not trying to avoid that and not get into that vicious cycle. DSD: There is a lot of concern now about the mental health of players, especially with anxiety and this uncertainty over when will you all get to play again hanging in the air. What role should clubs, national bodies and FIFA play in these times? Sunil Chhetri: I think it is very important to stay calm in these times. My advice to players would be to do whatever they can to stay physically fit with the resources they have, that goes a long way in maintaining mental health. I know people are keeping busy at home, but if they can take out some time every day to work on their body, it will help maintain your sanity. We have never seen these times before, so people are finding it challenging to deal with the situation. There might be a verbal squabble at home or people might go through mood swings. We have to keep ourselves occupied or do activities that we like, that will help us stay calm. Meditation is also something that can assist in your mental well being. As far as the national and international federations are concerned, even they are trying to gauge the gravity of the situation. The prime objective for the entire world night now is to overcome this virus. Sport will only return once life gets back to normal, only then will FIFA and the other sporting bodies have a concrete answer to the way forward after the crisis. As far as the pay cuts go, it is very said that people have to forego their hard-earned money, but you have to look at it on a case-to-case basis, so it would be unfair for me to comment on it. DSD: As captain of India you must be in touch with players from across clubs and leagues, how tough is it for the Indian footballing ecosystem at the moment. Sunil Chhetri: The younger players who have just started their careers in the lower divisions are obviously going to suffer. All of us who are more fortunate have tried to donate as much as we can to the prime minister's fund. I spoke to my India team-mate Sandesh Jhingan and he told me that all of the senior players are contributing to the state funds and trying to figure out a way in which they can help those in need. I think all the top athletes in the country are financially secure, but the young ones, who haven't yet made a name for themselves might suffer if this crisis continues for a while. If anything the top athletes might find it difficult to cope with the situation mentally. For athletes like me who are more than 30 years of age, even a break of a few months can have a long term effect on your career, since the lifespan of a sportsperson is short. So that's a slight concern for me. But financially, the daily wage earners are the ones who are suffering, so the whole country should unite and help them out. DSD: Obviously Indian football does not have the big budgets of the European leagues and the ISL season was completed and the AIFF has named Mohun Bagan as I league champions as well so what will the impact be on Indian football? Sunil Chhetri: The Indian football calendar is definitely going to be affected. We have to wait for the nod of the Indian government to start planning the season and matches. And our sport brings everyone together, so you have 30 or 40,000 people in a stadium at one point. So the decision has to deliberated upon at length and various factors have to be taken into consideration. I hope we reach a situation where we can at least plan the calendar, but until then we just have to play the waiting game and be patient. All the Indian football authorities have nothing to work with at the moment in terms of schedule because the government go-ahead has not been given. Whenever we do return, I think it's going to be a herculean task to accommodate all the fixtures of the new season. The season will either need to be truncated or stretched out. The AFC and FIFA are also going to have their own continental calendars, so it will be very difficult to work our way around the congestion. DSD: Staying with Indian football this could be a good opportunity to test national coach Igor Stimac's view that the number of foreign players should be restricted in the league. The way things stand it does look like there will be reduced budgets for sure next season. Sunil Chhetri: If the case is that foreigners would not be allowed to travel to India for the foreseeable future because of the travel restrictions, then we can play more Indians in our leagues. Although I still believe that training with top-class foreign players lends to your growth as a player. But if foreigners are not allowed to enter the country, then why not give the Indian players more game time? DSD: We have seen the Olympics cancelled, the Euros cancelled as well. Has coronavirus burst the artificial bubble of football? Sunil Chhetri: It might take a temporary hit because the entire ecosystem of the financial world has been affected, but sooner or later that bubble will return. The bubble exists because the teams with more money will always be after the best players and will be willing to splash the cash on them. For there to be a real long term change in the way that the top clubs function, all the teams have to agree not to spend more than a particular amount on a player, which is not going to happen. So I think that there will be a massive reduction in expenditure when it comes to world football, but it will only be temporary. The football market is no different from the world market, there is natural growth over the years. In 2009, Real Madrid broke the transfer record to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in an 80 million Euro deal and in 2017 PSG broke the record again with a 200 million Euro Neymar deal. That doesn't mean that Neymar is a better footballer than Ronaldo, it is just how markets function over a period of time. DSD: An example probably is the 140 million-plus sale of Phillipe Coutinho and now there is talk of Barcelona taking a 66 million Pound hit and sell him to Chelsea. Now he is a full Brazilian international and the joke here is actually on Barcelona and not an indictment of Coutinho. For too long the big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City, Bayern, PSG have splashed out big sums to buy players from smaller teams and do you now see this astronomical fees falling? Sunil Chhetri: I feel only the price of the players will go down, but the big clubs are still going to buy the top names. Everyone is going to lose money from their kitty, it's not as if only Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will suffer financially, so will the lesser clubs across the world. The clubs' spending power will decrease, but since every club is losing money, the big wigs will still retain their market power. It's just how business works. There will only be a level playing field if all clubs agree not to spend more than a particular amount regardless of revenue or sponsorship income, and that amount is the same for all teams in the league. Even in the NBA where they have salary caps and many rules to try to maintain a level playing field, the big teams find loopholes in the laws to retain their power. That way they are always able to attract the best players. So I think overall, the balance of power will remain the same in the world of football. DSD: Most leagues in Europe are suspended, there is talk that the Champions League final could be played in August. How difficult will it be for clubs to get their players up to full fitness after what could end up as a two to three-month break? Sunil Chhetri: It is going to be extremely difficult for players to regain their fitness in such a short span of time if that is the case. I know the players are working out at home with whatever equipment they can, but working out and training on the pitch, spending time with your team-mates is a completely different ball game. Even when the players are allowed to come out and train, they will require a certain amount of time to prepare for the season, both physically and mentally. Also, it is important for the footballers to avoid injuries, so you cannot jump into competitive matches after spending two or three months at home. The players shouldn't be forced into playing matches just because a particular competition needs to be finished in a certain span of time, it is unfair on the footballers and increases the risk of injuries. So if the season will return in the first few weeks of August, that means players would need to be back in training by end June. At the moment, I don't see any country in Europe allowing players to be out on the pitch in June. The FIFA president also warned against starting leagues prematurely because that could lead to more people getting infected with COVID-19, which would be a massive disaster. As a football fan, I want to be optimistic about things, I want the premier league and champions league to be back. Also, the more you delay the resumption of this season, the more the 20-21 campaign gets pushed. So I don't know how the challenge is going to be dealt with. But I repeat, until we overcome this coronavirus crisis, there can be no concrete plan in place for the footballing calendar. DSD: A British medical expert has recommended that players must wear masks during training as well as matches once football resumes. Is it even possible or comfortable and not restrictive? Sunil Chhetri: It doesn't look impossible, but I haven't tried it so I cannot say for certain. But if the worry is that the infection will be passed on to the other player on the pitch, then we have to be cautious about other aspects of a match as well. We spend so much time with players in the dressing rooms, use the same washrooms, hotels and have meals together. So all these things have to be looked at before we resume matches. Also in a sporting environment, if any person has it, the chances of the disease spreading quickly are very high, especially because football is a contact sport. DSD: Already it is being estimated that the financial loss to the big leagues in Europe will be close to 4 billion Euros if seasons do not resume as sponsorship money, tv rights all etc then fall off the cliff.belgium has called off, Dutch league is about to be called off. It is a tightrope isn’t it, money or health? Sunil Chhetri: We have to prioritise our health, that is the simple answer. Every well-meaning individual will do that. I 'm not sure how much money the leagues will lose over the course of the time, but whatever the amount is can be recovered. But if we are irresponsible or complacent of resuming action earlier than required and people's health is affected because of that, it will be a catastrophe. I'm sure we stand to lose massive amounts of money over the course of the next few months, but if we remain healthy we still stand a chance of recovering that amount in the next few years. Health must be the priority. DSD: Should football resume behind closed doors as is being predicted? We had the ISL final being played behind closed doors. Sunil Chhetri: when a top-level team trains, there are about 50-60 people at the ground at a particular time. If the season resumes behind closed doors, we will still have to train every day and go about our preparation as we normally do. That would require a large number of people to come in contact every day and constant monitoring will need to take place, those 50 or 60 people will also go back their families at home and the risk of spreading the virus is still present. Just because there are 30,000 or 40,000 people in a stadium, we think we will be safer in relative terms if we have matches behind closed doors. But the fact is that even if the season resumes, there will be a constant threat to the people involved in the matches, and that is not just the players and coaches. I think it will be better if we wait for the whole crisis to subside and then make a decision because we don't want to put lives at risk. In the best-case scenario, everything will get back to normal and fans will be able to watch us play. DSD: For you, what are the lessons that we should all take on-board from this period of great strife? Sunil Chhetri: I think we have to be more compassionate towards other people, especially people like us who are so privileged, we must also consider the need of others. We are all so consumed in the chase for material things, that every decision we make is a selfish one. We have to give back more because there are people who are struggling for their next meal. I have realised that I am in a privileged position because of the hard work of so many people around me. So I have realised that I can easily help those around me more. I feel it is unfair that I am so comfortable and there are people who do not know where their next meal will come from. I feel it's not right. I'm not trying to preach, I'm just speaking from a personal point of view. I have realised that I could have made more of a contribution in the last ten years. I was helping people, but maybe I was doing that just give myself satisfaction. But now I will strive to make more of a contribution in making the lives of others around me better. That is one thing I hope stays with me from this COVID-19 crisis.

Exclusive: 'Better to wait for whole crisis to subside' - Sunil Chhetri opens up on resumption of sports, football post COVID-19, and much more

Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has tested positive for coronavirus, his Japanese club Nagoya Grampus announced, becoming the second player infected at the J-League side.

The 31-year-old, who won the last of his eight caps for the Socceroos in 2017 but is usually back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Matt Ryan, is showing no symptoms of the virus, the club said.

Striker Mu Kanazaki tested positive for the virus last week, prompting the club to investigate everyone who had come into close contact with him.

Players and staff were screened on Saturday with only Langerak's result returning positive out of 26 tests.

"We are trying to identify people who had close contacts with Langerak" in cooperation with a local health centre, and "will continue to promptly carry out" COVID-19 tests on other top team players and staff who have not yet performed the tests, the club said.

Professional football in Japan will resume in early July without spectators after a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Langerak's last appearance for the Socceroos was as a substitute in a 5-0 friendly win over Oman in December 2018.

Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has tested positive for coronavirus, his Japanese club Nagoya Grampus announced, becoming the second player infected at the J-League side.

Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has tested positive for coronavirus, his Japanese club Nagoya Grampus announced, becoming the second player infected at the J-League side. The 31-year-old, who won the last of his eight caps for the Socceroos in 2017 but is usually back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Matt Ryan, is showing no symptoms of the virus, the club said. Striker Mu Kanazaki tested positive for the virus last week, prompting the club to investigate everyone who had come into close contact with him. Players and staff were screened on Saturday with only Langerak's result returning positive out of 26 tests. "We are trying to identify people who had close contacts with Langerak" in cooperation with a local health centre, and "will continue to promptly carry out" COVID-19 tests on other top team players and staff who have not yet performed the tests, the club said. Professional football in Japan will resume in early July without spectators after a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak. Langerak's last appearance for the Socceroos was as a substitute in a 5-0 friendly win over Oman in December 2018.

Australia keeper Langerak tests positive for COVID-19 in Japan

The Premier League has received a major boost in their planning to resume the halted 2019-20 season on June 17 as, after the latest round of coronavirus testing of players and staff, no new positive cases were reported in English football’s top-flight league. The Premier League is looking to resume the campaign, following the footsteps of German Bundesliga.

As many as 1,195 players and club staff were tested in what was the sixth edition of screening, which took place on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-werder-slip-towards-drop-union-eye-safety-as-teams-take-knee-for-floyd-304185" hreflang="en">Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd</a>

"The Premier League can confirm that on Thursday 4 June and Friday 5 June, 1,195 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, zero have tested positive," the league said in a statement.

The latest announcement by Premier League means only 13 positive cases have been reported from overall 6,274 tests carried out on players and staff. However, testing will continue on a twice-weekly basis as officials look to resume services after the league was suspended in March due to COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racism-only-disease-right-now-says-sterling-304181" hreflang="en">Racism 'only disease right now,' says Sterling</a>

Clubs have started playing inter-friendlies to get back to match-fitness before the resumption of the league on June 17. Whereas many Premier League clubs have invited Championship teams for friendly matches before the campaign restarts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Liverpool are expected to wrap up the proceedings as soon as Premier League campaign resumes as the Reds are on course to end their 30-year-long break for the coveted trophy. However, they won’t be allowed to go overboard with their celebrations inside empty stadiums but the Merseyside club is ready to wait till next season to go with their celebrations and bus parade.

The Premier League has received a major boost in their planning to resume the halted 2019-20 season on June 17 as, after the latest round of coronavirus testing of players and staff, no new positive cases were reported in English football’s top-flight league.

The Premier League has received a major boost in their planning to resume the halted 2019-20 season on June 17 as, after the latest round of coronavirus testing of players and staff, no new positive cases were reported in English football’s top-flight league. The Premier League is looking to resume the campaign, following the footsteps of German Bundesliga. As many as 1,195 players and club staff were tested in what was the sixth edition of screening, which took place on Thursday and Friday. ALSO READ: Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd "The Premier League can confirm that on Thursday 4 June and Friday 5 June, 1,195 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, zero have tested positive," the league said in a statement. The latest announcement by Premier League means only 13 positive cases have been reported from overall 6,274 tests carried out on players and staff. However, testing will continue on a twice-weekly basis as officials look to resume services after the league was suspended in March due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Racism 'only disease right now,' says Sterling Clubs have started playing inter-friendlies to get back to match-fitness before the resumption of the league on June 17. Whereas many Premier League clubs have invited Championship teams for friendly matches before the campaign restarts. Meanwhile, Liverpool are expected to wrap up the proceedings as soon as Premier League campaign resumes as the Reds are on course to end their 30-year-long break for the coveted trophy. However, they won’t be allowed to go overboard with their celebrations inside empty stadiums but the Merseyside club is ready to wait till next season to go with their celebrations and bus parade.

No positives in latest round of Premier League coronavirus tests

Former Liverpool captain and England international John Barnes, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on a variety of things ranging from COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, resumption of Premier League, Project Restart, home ground vs neutral venues, Liverpool's stunning campaign, transfer marker post-pandemic, and much more.

Former Liverpool captain and England international John Barnes, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on a variety of things ranging from COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, resumption of Premier League, Project Restart, home ground vs neutral venues, Liverpool's stunning campaign, transfer marker post-pandemic, and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Thank you for your time John, really appreciate you joining us from England. How has this lockdown life been for you? John Barnes: The lockdown has been great for me personally because I like a quiet life. Obviously the global circumstances are extremely unfortunate because the virus is causing so much damage. I am a homebody, I sometimes take long walks around my house and this lockdown suits me perfectly. Most people are bored because they aren't able to go out and lead a social life, but it has been absolutely no problem for me. DSD: The numbers coming out of the UK have been pretty scary. How has this pandemic and the high number of cases affected the daily lives of people... John Barnes: If you look at the two biggest hit countries, the UK and USA, citizens of both nations have a very strong sense of individual freedom and human rights. People there don't like governments telling them exactly what to do. However, in a global health crisis, there is a need for people to be extremely vigilant and curb their freedom to some degree for their health and safety. It is also a time when people must adhere to strict health protocols. Those countries which have initiated strict lockdown measures and been stronger with their citizens have dealt with the crisis better than the US & UK. So, it doesn't surprise me that the US & UK have been the worst hit coronavirus countries because of the citizens' perception of their human rights. DSD: Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand told me last month that the world was moving too fast and the virus took advantage. What for you should be the learning we take on board from this pandemic? John Barnes: Well this is not the first time in history that such a devastating crisis has taken place. Worse disasters have happened. In those times as well, people must have hoped that the world would learn to live in peace while spreading the message of love and unity. But what lessons did humanity learn? Nothing. In the past, people have vowed to learn certain lessons from various crises but have failed to act on them. People always end up becoming their normal selfish selves after a period of time. We should not need a pandemic to teach us lessons of love, unity and respect. We should show these traits all the time when the world isn't in such a crisis. So, I am hopeful that people will learn from this experience, but there aren't many reasons to be optimistic about that if you look at our history. Unfortunately, I think once we get back to our normal lives, even if it is a 'new normal', we are still going to see people being greedy and selfish. DSD: Football and footballers have had close shaves too. Your former teammate and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish too had the coronavirus and that would have been an early wake-up call for all you senior footballers. John Barnes: No one is safe, it doesn't matter how much money you make or what race you belong to, everyone is susceptible to the virus. There are certain people in the west who think they are 'untouchable' and they have been so in the past in terms of the impact that other people or things can have on their lives, but that is not the case now. There are some 'superior people', who are always immune to problems because of the socio-economic structure of the world. But when a health crisis like this happens, everyone becomes 'touchable'. I have sympathy for everyone who has been affected by the disease, not just Kenny Dalglish. I have two children who are doctors and working tirelessly for the national health service, fortunately, they are safe. It is a time for people to come together and show empathy with everyone, not just a particular group of people because they are famous or part of an elite group. DSD: More than 2 months now since the premier league was suspended. It has been tough for a lot of people associated with the sport with the layoffs and pay cuts. Is it time now for the season to resume? John Barnes: Only if it is safe to do so. Thousands of people, who are not footballers and don't work in the football industry, have lost their jobs, so why are we separating football from the rest of society. Why are we feeling more sorry for footballers as opposed to factory workers? It's not just important for footballers to get back to action, it is important for all of us to get back to our lives. Players in the lower divisions are struggling, but premier league footballers can probably financially sustain themselves for the next year without getting back to work. Whereas most people in the world, who do not have such high-paying jobs cannot afford to do that. The most important thing for us is to be relatively safe from the coronavirus. If we wait for the virus to completely disappear, then we might not return to competitive football in the next few years. At the moment, it is impossible for anyone to guarantee 100% safety of players, coaches and fans from the coronavirus. Eventually, we will have to get back to some sort of normality and that will be when the health risks involved in playing football are mitigated to a certain extent. Once we get used to the new normal, then we will adapt to the circumstances, that is how human beings have survived for hundreds and thousands of years. We aren't the strongest or biggest creatures, but we have dominated the planet because we have adapted better than any other species and that is what we will continue to do. DSD: Project Restart is on in full earnest, full training will begin soon. But players remain apprehensive and rightfully so, as we have seen with the likes of Troy Deeney and N’golo Kante, do you think they have put their family ahead of the commercial interest of the sport.? John Barnes: I believe that it's not a question about commercial interests, it is about whether an individual feels it is safe enough for him to go back to work. I support Troy Deeney and N'golo Kante with the decision they have taken, but I also support those players who have started training. There are no right or wrong decisions in this situation. It will be impossible to get the approval of every footballer to return to training because there are some who are bound to feel uncomfortable. The authorities have to come up with a detailed training plan for the clubs in a certain time frame and then let the player decide if he wants to return to training or not. We have to respect the individual's choice in the matter. Once again, this problem is not limited to footballers. Factory workers will be facing the same dilemma, but because of the current financial crisis, they will be willing to take health risks because they can't afford to forego their wages, whereas a top-level footballer probably can. DSD: We have seen the Bundesliga start and La Liga is headed for a June 11 restart as well. On paper, the Bundesliga's concept seems to be working - but should the Premier League follow? Because England appears to be behind Germany and even Spain in the fight against the coronavirus? John Barnes: Absolutely. Any authority must look at the state of affairs in their own country and then make an informed decision with proper government and medical advice, and I think that is what the Premier League is doing. It would be unwise to just blindly follow the German Bundesliga template because the situation in England is unfortunately completely different. DSD: What have you made of what we have seen in the Bundesliga - football in the COVID era - I found it rather bizarre that the players are being made to socially distance on the substitutes benches even though many of them end up on the pitch together at some point. John Barnes: These are unprecedented times and necessary compromises have to be made for football to get back. We are not going to be able to get back to the sport as we knew it before the pandemic, so we have to adapt, there is no other option. If that means having no fans in the stadium and adhering to certain protocols, then those steps have to be taken for the game to take place. We cannot wait for the time when it will be safe to resume football as it were before the crisis, because if we do then we won't get to see the game we love for years. DSD: Lots of debate in England about playing at home grounds or neutral venues when the season resumes.where do you stand on this - a big part of home advantage is the fans, so if they are not around - should it be such a big talking point? John Barnes: The advantage of playing at your home stadium is not just limited to having the fans on your side, it is also about being in a comfortable environment. If the fans are not present in the stadium, the home team will still have an advantage because the players are familiar with the dressing room, the pitch and they have a routine which they follow on a home match-day, since they are coming from their own houses and not from a team hotel. There are some who feel that if matches are held at home stadiums, then fans will congregate around those arenas during and after the matches, which will defeat the purpose of holding games behind-closed-doors. This is again a problem that you will probably only see only in the UK & us because of the sense of entitlement that people have about certain freedoms. That would have not been a danger if matches were being held in some other country. So the authorities maybe do not trust the fans to stay at home on match-days and in order to avoid those large gatherings outside stadiums, they are planning to hold the matches at distant neutral venues, which would ensure that such congregations do not take place. DSD: Another big concern around the restart is the susceptibility to injuries. We've seen in the Bundesliga that more players are getting injured every match - in the Premier League, managers are warning against rushing to action in mid-June, saying players need 4 weeks of proper training. Are you concerned that the restart plans are being rushed? John Barnes: I don't think that is an exceptional concern. The players have still continued their individual fitness training at home, they have just not been playing football, so they are still in good shape. Players will probably have a month of on-ground training before they start competing again, so the situation is very similar to what we see in pre-season. During the off-season, players usually have a six-week break when they go on holiday and there is an obvious drop in their fitness levels. However, in this case, the players have not been on holiday and they have in fact continued their fitness sessions at home. So I don't see any reason that suggests there will be an exceptional increase in the number of injuries because of this break. There are bound to be 'natural' injuries in the game, which would happen with or without this enforced break. DSD: Lots of uncertainty at the moment but one thing for certain is that Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions for the first time since your team in 1990. Will, it be the albatross off the neck? John Barnes: Hopefully the season will start soon. There are a lot of people who are pushing for the season to be scrapped and straightaway begins the next campaign, which is ridiculous. The German Bundesliga plans to finish the current campaign by the end of June, which leaves them with more than enough time to begin the next season as scheduled. So the premier league can also easily follow that precedent and finish the current season in about six weeks or two months. As for Liverpool, I think unless there is a calamity, they are going to crowned champions. I think it's not just about this season, the team cannot take their foot off the gas and rest on their laurels if they do manage to win the premier league. A true marker of success is being able to win trophies for a sustained period of time. The team will enjoy the triumph, but then the focus should shift to the next season. Jurgen Klopp will hopefully drive the players to maintain such levels of performance in the years to come. I hope this is the start of another great era in the history of the club when the Reds can challenge for the domestic league title and champions league title every season, as they did in the past. The league triumph will no doubt be fantastic for the club, but the success must not stop there. DSD: Liverpool were almost there last season, but lost by just a point to a great Manchester City team. To have the intensity to bounce back from that near-miss and go unbeaten till February has been remarkable, as of now they sit 25 points clear at the top. John Barnes: Liverpool only lost one premier league match in the 2018-19 season as well, so it is not as if they are performing considerably better than last year. In fact, I think Liverpool were playing better football last season, but Manchester City were just unstoppable. This season, there has been a dip in city's performances, largely because they have lost key defensive players to injury. Whereas Liverpool have continued to be consistent, so I think nothing has changed from last season. In the 2018-19 campaign, Liverpool missed out on the league title despite having 97 points, but still won the champions league crown. This season Liverpool have been knocked out of the champions league in the knockout stages, but are well on their way to win the league crown, so Jurgen Klopp has maximised the club's potential to be consistent. Manchester City have been inconsistent this season, whereas Liverpool have been consistent, that's the difference. Those two teams are still superior to the other teams in the league. DSD: Have Liverpool sort of set the benchmark now in the league about the way they have gone about rebuilding in the last 5-6 years. Jurgen Klopp was given time and club backed him in the players he wanted. The patience has been rewarded. John Barnes: This has always been the recipe for success. Sir Alex Ferguson was given time by Manchester United, he had the complete support and trust of the board, which is why he was able to build such a great side. Chelsea did the same with Jose Mourinho in his first spell and were richly rewarded with trophies. Clubs will be successful if they give their manager the right resources and a sufficient amount of time to build a team. The most important thing is that the players should know that the manager is the man in charge. Player power is now a big issue all over the world, where players are seen as more important than the managers. The clubs in which the players have been calling the shots have been inconsistent. A manager's role is undermined when the players are made to seem more important. It comes as no surprise to me that Liverpool and manchester city have been the two most successful clubs in England over the last two years, because the manager in both those clubs is truly the man in charge, the power doesn't lie with the owners or the players. If Liverpool lose a game, the fans aren't going to blame Jurgen Klopp. Similarly, if he drops mo salah, the club won't get on his back because the players realise that he is the man in charge and the ultimate decision lies with him. At other clubs, when the team loses, the blame is put on the manager rather than the players, which makes the footballers feel more empowered and in a way makes them less accountable. At Liverpool and manchester city, players will be criticised for poor performances and not just the managers. DSD: What will that league title mean to the fans and the city of Liverpool? John Barnes: Well, it won't mean much to half of the city, because they are Everton fans and they'll be quite disappointed. For us Liverpool fans, it'll be pure joy, but only until the next season starts. The club has to forget about the championship as soon as the first ball is kicked next season. The team has to show the same hunger for the title next season to remain champions of England. It'll be unbelievable for me and the city of Liverpool but once the next season begins, it must be forgotten. DSD: Lots of talk about Sadio Mane moving on, Timo Werner and Kylian Mbappe linked. Are Liverpool today on the same level as Real Madrid and Barcelona in terms of attracting players. John Barnes: Every club is a selling club in modern football. A club like Barcelona was forced to sell Neymar. What attracts footballers today is the salaries that they are going to get. Whoever the player may be, whether it be Sadio \Mmane or Mo Salah if anyone is offered a million pounds per week by any club, then they will join that team regardless of their quality or standing, that is the reality of modern football. We have had so many fantastic players leave the Liverpool- Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho. It is great that Liverpool have a bit of muscle now because of the on-field success, but ultimately players come and players go. I always tell the fans to support the club and not the players. A player must not be compelled to stay at a club against his own will, because that will make the player feel more powerful than the club and hence it will make him less accountable for his performances on the pitch. The good thing is that I can guarantee that such a situation will not arise under Klopp because of the control he has over the players and the club. Players know they cannot overstep their mark with him in charge. DSD: How do you see the pandemic affecting the transfer market? John Barnes: The big-money moves look unlikely in the short-term. Clubs will be worried about long-term financial stability. I'm hoping clubs learn to exercise some restraint in the future because of the coronavirus crisis, given the financially precarious situation the game is in right now. Hopefully, it will be a long-term change and not a short-term one. You never know, we just might get back to players being sold for 300 million euros in a few years. It is also the responsibility of the game as a whole to manage finances better. It should not be possible for a rich organisation to purchase a club and just buy all the best players in the world, that is not what sport and competition is about. There has to be a level-playing field and a structure in place to ensure that clubs do not misuse their finances, DSD: Ok before we let you go, Jordan Henderson said it would be strange to win the Premier League title without fans. That’s the reality of sport across the globe. How would John Barnes celebrate Henderson and the team lifting that trophy? John Barnes: I will celebrate with a small glass of wine and I'll be excited for about 20 seconds like I was last season after Liverpool won the Champions League crown. The triumph will soon be forgotten. The team must chase that title again next year. The way the players and the club treat this season's success will determine how successful the club will be next season. From a fan's perspective, it is going to be a fantastic achievement, but from a professional point of view, I would want the players to forget about the title as soon as the next season begins.

John Barnes: Liverpool on the verge of starting another great era of domination

The Premier League is gearing up for resumption of the 2019-20 season after the clubs unanimously voted in favour of contact training on Wednesday. The English top-flight league is eyeing June 19/20 as the possible dates for the return of the halted season and, in all likelihood, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be crowned champions of England after a 30-year wait.&nbsp;

Not only the United Kingdom but the entire world has witnessed unprecedented scenarios created by the dreaded COVID-19. While some countries have tackled it well and are heading towards the resumption of normal activities, the Premier League will come as a fresh breath of air for fans of the most-watched league in the world.&nbsp;

Former Liverpool captain John Barnes, in an exclusive interview&nbsp;with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo,&nbsp;spoke on a range of topics as he discussed&nbsp;Liverpool’s stellar season and what separated them from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.&nbsp;

Read the complete interview:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/john-barnes-liverpool-on-the-verge-of-starting-another-great-era-of-domination-301606" hreflang="en">John Barnes: Liverpool on the verge of starting another great era of domination</a>

Liverpool came mighty close to lifting the Premier League trophy last season only to see Manchester City topple them for the coveted title by just one point. However, Liverpool went on to lift their sixth UEFA Champions Trophy and the Club World Cup last season in what was regarded as a splendid season for the Reds.&nbsp;

While Manchester City faltered in the 2019-20 season, Liverpool maintained the consistency and took a&nbsp;25-point lead atop the Premier League table and when the most-watched league in the world resumes, the Reds will look to complete the formality and put the red bands on the Premier League trophy, ending a two-season winning run for Guardiola's Man City.

Barnes hopes that Klopp will continue to motivate the players and win more trophies in future while adding that this could be a start of another great era for the Reds.&nbsp;

"Hopefully, the season will start soon. There are a lot of people who are pushing for the season to be scrapped and straightaway begins the next campaign, which is ridiculous. The German Bundesliga plans to finish the current campaign by the end of June, which leaves them with more than enough time to begin the next season as scheduled. So the Premier League can also easily follow that precedent and finish the current season in about six weeks or two months," Barnes said.&nbsp;

"As for Liverpool, I think unless there is a calamity, they are going to crowned champions. I think it's not just about this season, the team cannot take their foot off the gas and rest on their laurels if they do manage to win the Premier League. A true marker of success is being able to win trophies for a sustained period of time. The team will enjoy the triumph, but then the focus should shift to the next season. Jurgen Klopp will hopefully drive the players to maintain such levels of performance in the years to come. I hope this is the start of another great era in the history of the club when the Reds can challenge for the domestic league title and Champions League title every season, as they did in the past. The league triumph will no doubt be fantastic for the club, but the success must not stop there," the former Liverpool skipper added.

<img alt="Liverpool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c11c4b22-dcd2-45a3-bafa-fb7cdf5b1547" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1O90DU.jpg" />

Interestingly, Liverpool have lost just one Premier League in the 2018-19 season in what has been termed as one of the greatest seasons, if not the greatest, in the history of English top-flight football. Barnes is of the view that Man City suffered a dip due to injuries to key defenders, whereas Liverpool have learned not to take that foot off the gas during crucial moments in the league. The former left-winger, who also played as an attacking midfielder, said Klopp has maximised club's potential to be consistent.

"Liverpool only lost one Premier League match in the 2018-19 season as well, so it is not as if they are performing considerably better than last year. In fact, I think Liverpool were playing better football last season, but Manchester City was just unstoppable. This season, there has been a dip in city's performances, largely because of they have lost key defensive players to injury. Whereas Liverpool have continued to be consistent, so I think nothing has changed from last season.

"In the 2018-19 campaign, Liverpool missed out on the league title despite having 97 points, but still won the Champions League crown. This season Liverpool have been knocked out of the Champions League in the knockout stages, but are well on their way to win the league crown, so Jurgen Klopp has maximised the club's potential to be consistent. Manchester City have been inconsistent this season, whereas Liverpool have been consistent, that's the difference. Those two teams are still superior to the other teams in the league. It comes as no surprise to me that Liverpool and Manchester City have been the two most successful clubs in England over the last two years, because the manager in both those clubs is truly the man in charge, the power doesn't lie with the owners or the players," Barnes said.

How Klopp and Guardiola have taken control of their respective clubs is something English football has been lacking for a while. Both the managers, highly respected, have authority over their players and that has come as a welcome step for both Liverpool and Man City as they become the two of the most dominating sides in the history of English and world football.

"If Liverpool lose a game, the fans aren't going to blame Klopp. Similarly, if he drops Mo Salah, the club won't get on his back because the players realise that he is the man in charge and the ultimate decision lies with him. At other clubs, when the team loses, the blame is put on the manager rather than the players, which makes the footballers feel more empowered and in a way makes them less accountable. At Liverpool and Manchester City, players will be criticised for poor performances and not just the managers. The most important thing is that the players should know that the manager is the man in charge. Player power is now a big issue all over the world, where players are seen as more important than the managers. The clubs in which the players have been calling the shots have been inconsistent. A manager's role is undermined when the players are made to seem more important," Barnes explained.

The Premier League is gearing up for resumption of the 2019-20 season after the clubs unanimously voted in favour of contact training on Wednesday. The English top-flight league is eyeing June 19/20 as the possible dates for the return of the halted season and, in all likelihood, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be crowned champions of England after a 30-year wait.

The Premier League is gearing up for resumption of the 2019-20 season after the clubs unanimously voted in favour of contact training on Wednesday. The English top-flight league is eyeing June 19/20 as the possible dates for the return of the halted season and, in all likelihood, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will be crowned champions of England after a 30-year wait. Not only the United Kingdom but the entire world has witnessed unprecedented scenarios created by the dreaded COVID-19. While some countries have tackled it well and are heading towards the resumption of normal activities, the Premier League will come as a fresh breath of air for fans of the most-watched league in the world. Former Liverpool captain John Barnes, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on a range of topics as he discussed Liverpool’s stellar season and what separated them from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Read the complete interview: John Barnes: Liverpool on the verge of starting another great era of domination Liverpool came mighty close to lifting the Premier League trophy last season only to see Manchester City topple them for the coveted title by just one point. However, Liverpool went on to lift their sixth UEFA Champions Trophy and the Club World Cup last season in what was regarded as a splendid season for the Reds. While Manchester City faltered in the 2019-20 season, Liverpool maintained the consistency and took a 25-point lead atop the Premier League table and when the most-watched league in the world resumes, the Reds will look to complete the formality and put the red bands on the Premier League trophy, ending a two-season winning run for Guardiola's Man City. Barnes hopes that Klopp will continue to motivate the players and win more trophies in future while adding that this could be a start of another great era for the Reds. "Hopefully, the season will start soon. There are a lot of people who are pushing for the season to be scrapped and straightaway begins the next campaign, which is ridiculous. The German Bundesliga plans to finish the current campaign by the end of June, which leaves them with more than enough time to begin the next season as scheduled. So the Premier League can also easily follow that precedent and finish the current season in about six weeks or two months," Barnes said. "As for Liverpool, I think unless there is a calamity, they are going to crowned champions. I think it's not just about this season, the team cannot take their foot off the gas and rest on their laurels if they do manage to win the Premier League. A true marker of success is being able to win trophies for a sustained period of time. The team will enjoy the triumph, but then the focus should shift to the next season. Jurgen Klopp will hopefully drive the players to maintain such levels of performance in the years to come. I hope this is the start of another great era in the history of the club when the Reds can challenge for the domestic league title and Champions League title every season, as they did in the past. The league triumph will no doubt be fantastic for the club, but the success must not stop there," the former Liverpool skipper added. Interestingly, Liverpool have lost just one Premier League in the 2018-19 season in what has been termed as one of the greatest seasons, if not the greatest, in the history of English top-flight football. Barnes is of the view that Man City suffered a dip due to injuries to key defenders, whereas Liverpool have learned not to take that foot off the gas during crucial moments in the league. The former left-winger, who also played as an attacking midfielder, said Klopp has maximised club's potential to be consistent. "Liverpool only lost one Premier League match in the 2018-19 season as well, so it is not as if they are performing considerably better than last year. In fact, I think Liverpool were playing better football last season, but Manchester City was just unstoppable. This season, there has been a dip in city's performances, largely because of they have lost key defensive players to injury. Whereas Liverpool have continued to be consistent, so I think nothing has changed from last season. "In the 2018-19 campaign, Liverpool missed out on the league title despite having 97 points, but still won the Champions League crown. This season Liverpool have been knocked out of the Champions League in the knockout stages, but are well on their way to win the league crown, so Jurgen Klopp has maximised the club's potential to be consistent. Manchester City have been inconsistent this season, whereas Liverpool have been consistent, that's the difference. Those two teams are still superior to the other teams in the league. It comes as no surprise to me that Liverpool and Manchester City have been the two most successful clubs in England over the last two years, because the manager in both those clubs is truly the man in charge, the power doesn't lie with the owners or the players," Barnes said. How Klopp and Guardiola have taken control of their respective clubs is something English football has been lacking for a while. Both the managers, highly respected, have authority over their players and that has come as a welcome step for both Liverpool and Man City as they become the two of the most dominating sides in the history of English and world football. "If Liverpool lose a game, the fans aren't going to blame Klopp. Similarly, if he drops Mo Salah, the club won't get on his back because the players realise that he is the man in charge and the ultimate decision lies with him. At other clubs, when the team loses, the blame is put on the manager rather than the players, which makes the footballers feel more empowered and in a way makes them less accountable. At Liverpool and Manchester City, players will be criticised for poor performances and not just the managers. The most important thing is that the players should know that the manager is the man in charge. Player power is now a big issue all over the world, where players are seen as more important than the managers. The clubs in which the players have been calling the shots have been inconsistent. A manager's role is undermined when the players are made to seem more important," Barnes explained.

John Barnes: League title will be fantastic for Liverpool but success must not stop here

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was approved to receive a $120 welfare payment meant for low-paid Brazilian workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, in an apparent case of identity theft, a report said Thursday.

The Paris Saint-Germain star's name, date of birth and Brazilian ID number were used to register for the 600-real stimulus payment from the federal government, news site UOL reported.

The emergency payments are meant to help Brazilians employed in the informal sector -- such as cleaners or cooks -- whose jobs and incomes have evaporated with stay-at-home measures to contain the virus.

With a contract at PSG, estimated earnings of $95.5 million this year and the record for most expensive football transfer in history, at 222 million euros, Neymar does not qualify.

Yet according to UOL, the application in his name "was initially approved and scheduled for payment... before being frozen and placed 'under evaluation' due to indications it failed to meet the requirements."

The striker's communications staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

UOL reported his staff said Neymar "obviously never applied for this benefit, and does not know who would have done so."

Brazil is one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. It has the third-highest death toll globally, at more than 34,000, behind only the US and Britain.

Neymar, 28, is riding out the pandemic at his luxury villa in Mangaratiba, a resort town outside Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was approved to receive a $120 welfare payment meant for low-paid Brazilian workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, in an apparent case of identity theft, a report said Thursday.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was approved to receive a $120 welfare payment meant for low-paid Brazilian workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, in an apparent case of identity theft, a report said Thursday. The Paris Saint-Germain star's name, date of birth and Brazilian ID number were used to register for the 600-real stimulus payment from the federal government, news site UOL reported. The emergency payments are meant to help Brazilians employed in the informal sector -- such as cleaners or cooks -- whose jobs and incomes have evaporated with stay-at-home measures to contain the virus. With a contract at PSG, estimated earnings of $95.5 million this year and the record for most expensive football transfer in history, at 222 million euros, Neymar does not qualify. Yet according to UOL, the application in his name "was initially approved and scheduled for payment... before being frozen and placed 'under evaluation' due to indications it failed to meet the requirements." The striker's communications staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP. UOL reported his staff said Neymar "obviously never applied for this benefit, and does not know who would have done so." Brazil is one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. It has the third-highest death toll globally, at more than 34,000, behind only the US and Britain. Neymar, 28, is riding out the pandemic at his luxury villa in Mangaratiba, a resort town outside Rio de Janeiro.

Neymar mistakenly approved for $120 virus welfare payment: report

The Asian Football Confederation has awarded the hosting rights of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup to India for the first time since 1979.

The decision was taken at the AFC Women's Football Committee meeting. In February, the AFC Women's Football Committee had recommended India to be hosts.

In a letter to the All India Football Federation, Dato Windsor John, General Secretary, AFC wrote: "The Committee awarded the hosting rights of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 Finals to the All India Football Federation."

The tournament will likely be held in the second half of the year. In the 1979 edition, India had finished as runners-up.

"I need to thank the Asian Football Confederation for finding us suitable to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2022," AIFF President, Praful Patel said.

"The tournament will galvanise the aspiring women players and bring in a holistic social revolution as far as women's football in the country is concerned," he added.

The tournament will feature 12 teams, expanded from the previous slot of eight teams.

India qualify directly as hosts. The event will also serve as the final qualification tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The tournament comes as the latest boost to AIFF as India are slated to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup next year.

India had also hosted the AFC U-16 Championships in 2016 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.

"The tournament will play a huge role in further popularising women's football in India. The Women's Asian Cup 2022 comes on the back of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020, and will help us sustain, and build on the momentum gained," AIFF General Secretary, Kushal Das said.

The Asian Football Confederation has awarded the hosting rights of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup to India for the first time since 1979. The decision was taken at the AFC Women's Football Committee meeting.

The Asian Football Confederation has awarded the hosting rights of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup to India for the first time since 1979. The decision was taken at the AFC Women's Football Committee meeting. In February, the AFC Women's Football Committee had recommended India to be hosts. In a letter to the All India Football Federation, Dato Windsor John, General Secretary, AFC wrote: "The Committee awarded the hosting rights of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 Finals to the All India Football Federation." The tournament will likely be held in the second half of the year. In the 1979 edition, India had finished as runners-up. "I need to thank the Asian Football Confederation for finding us suitable to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2022," AIFF President, Praful Patel said. "The tournament will galvanise the aspiring women players and bring in a holistic social revolution as far as women's football in the country is concerned," he added. The tournament will feature 12 teams, expanded from the previous slot of eight teams. India qualify directly as hosts. The event will also serve as the final qualification tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The tournament comes as the latest boost to AIFF as India are slated to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup next year. India had also hosted the AFC U-16 Championships in 2016 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. "The tournament will play a huge role in further popularising women's football in India. The Women's Asian Cup 2022 comes on the back of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020, and will help us sustain, and build on the momentum gained," AIFF General Secretary, Kushal Das said.

India to host 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup

In what comes as one of the sweetest scoops, Chelsea have agreed to pay Red Bull Leipzig forward Timo Werner’s £54 million release clause. Werner, who is regarded as one of the most promising strikers in Europe, will head to the London club with fans excited to see the German striker take the Premier League by storm.&nbsp;

Werner has been enjoying a prolific season for Leipzig in Bundesliga 2019-20 season, scoring 25 goals in 25 appearances while helping the club battle for the top four spots in the league.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a number of big European clubs including Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid but as per reports, Chelsea have&nbsp;toppled everyone by agreeing to pay the release clause.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-declared-english-womens-champions-on-points-per-game-303640" hreflang="en">Chelsea declared English women's champions on points-per-game</a>

The exact amount of the release clause will depend on Leipzig’s Champions League qualification fate, however, Chelsea has agreed to pay the amount regardless of their achievement. The Frank Lampard-managed outfit has offered Werner contract worth £9m per year at Stamford Bridge and is now expected to go ahead and sign the German forward.

While Lampard did admit that he wants to make a “few additions” to his squad before the next season as Chelsea have unable to sign players in the last two transfer windows due to a ban.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-announces-fixtures-for-2019-20-season-restart-303624" hreflang="en">Premier League announces fixtures for 2019-20 season restart</a>

Meanwhile, Werner will be back in action with his current club Leipzig on Saturday as he will look to find the net against Paderborn. In the golden boot race, Werner is just four goals behind Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski after scoring in 4-2 win against Cologne.

In what comes as one of the sweetest scoops, Chelsea have agreed to pay Red Bull Leipzig forward Timo Werner’s £54 million release clause. Werner, who is regarded as one of the most promising strikers in Europe, will head to the London club with fans excited to see the German striker take the Premier League by storm.

In what comes as one of the sweetest scoops, Chelsea have agreed to pay Red Bull Leipzig forward Timo Werner’s £54 million release clause. Werner, who is regarded as one of the most promising strikers in Europe, will head to the London club with fans excited to see the German striker take the Premier League by storm. Werner has been enjoying a prolific season for Leipzig in Bundesliga 2019-20 season, scoring 25 goals in 25 appearances while helping the club battle for the top four spots in the league. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a number of big European clubs including Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid but as per reports, Chelsea have toppled everyone by agreeing to pay the release clause. ALSO READ: Chelsea declared English women's champions on points-per-game The exact amount of the release clause will depend on Leipzig’s Champions League qualification fate, however, Chelsea has agreed to pay the amount regardless of their achievement. The Frank Lampard-managed outfit has offered Werner contract worth £9m per year at Stamford Bridge and is now expected to go ahead and sign the German forward. While Lampard did admit that he wants to make a “few additions” to his squad before the next season as Chelsea have unable to sign players in the last two transfer windows due to a ban. ALSO READ: Premier League announces fixtures for 2019-20 season restart Meanwhile, Werner will be back in action with his current club Leipzig on Saturday as he will look to find the net against Paderborn. In the golden boot race, Werner is just four goals behind Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski after scoring in 4-2 win against Cologne.

Chelsea agree to pay Timo Werner's release clause as Liverpool lose out on Leipzig forward

Chelsea were awarded the Women's Super League title on Friday as the Football Association applied a points-per-game formula to decide standings from the curtailed season.

The Blues were a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table when the campaign was stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic in March, but had played one game fewer.

At the other end of the table, Liverpool are relegated to the Championship, with Aston Villa promoted to the 12-team top-flight.

Chelsea and City will represent England in the 2020/21 women's Champions League.

"Football pales into insignificance at a time like this, but it also has the capacity to bring joy and happiness to fans and communities everywhere," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

"For my players and staff, winning the league is something to be proud of and I will tell them that when I speak to them.

"A lot of blood, sweat and tears from every player, at every club, has gone into this season and it is important we recognise that and celebrate the fact we have ended a highly competitive season as champions."

The cost involved in providing testing kits to complete the season was a major hurdle for even the top level of the women's game to overcome.

Liverpool expressed their disappointment that the WSL would not follow the example of the top two leagues in the men's game in England by returning to complete the campaign.

"Liverpool FC is disappointed by today's decision on how the 2019/20 Women's Super League season has been concluded, which will see the Reds relegated to the Championship," the club said in a statement.

"The focus of our women’s team and staff since the beginning of the crisis was to be ready to return to WSL play when it was safe and proper to do so.

"We believe we would have been able to meet all operational requirements but a return to play was deemed impractical."

However, City accepted the decision that sees them miss out on the title by the finest of margins.

Chelsea were awarded the Women's Super League title on Friday as the Football Association applied a points-per-game formula to decide standings from the curtailed season.

Chelsea were awarded the Women's Super League title on Friday as the Football Association applied a points-per-game formula to decide standings from the curtailed season. The Blues were a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table when the campaign was stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic in March, but had played one game fewer. At the other end of the table, Liverpool are relegated to the Championship, with Aston Villa promoted to the 12-team top-flight. Chelsea and City will represent England in the 2020/21 women's Champions League. "Football pales into insignificance at a time like this, but it also has the capacity to bring joy and happiness to fans and communities everywhere," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. "For my players and staff, winning the league is something to be proud of and I will tell them that when I speak to them. "A lot of blood, sweat and tears from every player, at every club, has gone into this season and it is important we recognise that and celebrate the fact we have ended a highly competitive season as champions." The cost involved in providing testing kits to complete the season was a major hurdle for even the top level of the women's game to overcome. Liverpool expressed their disappointment that the WSL would not follow the example of the top two leagues in the men's game in England by returning to complete the campaign. "Liverpool FC is disappointed by today's decision on how the 2019/20 Women's Super League season has been concluded, which will see the Reds relegated to the Championship," the club said in a statement. "The focus of our women’s team and staff since the beginning of the crisis was to be ready to return to WSL play when it was safe and proper to do so. "We believe we would have been able to meet all operational requirements but a return to play was deemed impractical." However, City accepted the decision that sees them miss out on the title by the finest of margins.

Chelsea declared English women's champions on points-per-game

The Premier League on Friday announced the fixture schedule for the 2019-20 season until July 2 as the most-watched football league in the world gears up for resumption. The first three-match rounds of the halted 2019-20 season have been confirmed and the players have less than two weeks to complete their final preparations before the resumption of services.&nbsp;

The Premier League will restart on June 17 if all safety requirements are in place. All matches will be played behind closed doors.

Aston Villa and Sheffield United will resume the league on June 17 before Manchester City take on Arsenal later on June 17. The full match round will begin on June 19.&nbsp; Liverpool, in all likelihood, are expected to wrap up the formalities and lift the Premier League trophy after 30 long years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-confident-lionel-messi-will-be-ready-for-mallorca-despite-minor-thigh-injury-303609" hreflang="en">Barcelona confident Lionel Messi will be ready for Mallorca, despite 'minor' thigh injury</a>

"We are extremely happy that more than a third of our remaining fixtures will be televised free-to-air here in the UK," Richard Masters, Premier League CEO, said.

&nbsp;"We are pleased to provide fans with further updates on the provisional restart of the Premier League season.

"We know it won't be the same without our loyal supporters in stadiums but, together with our broadcast partners, we are able to ensure fans can watch or listen to each match live from home.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jesus-corona-scores-for-porto-on-premeira-liga-return-netizens-say-you-cant-write-a-better-script-303578" hreflang="en">Jesus Corona scores for Porto on Premeira Liga return, netizens say "you can't write a better script"</a>

"It is important that as many people as possible can access our games so we are extremely happy that more than a third of our remaining fixtures will be televised free-to-air here in the UK.

"I am delighted we are able to take another positive step towards the season returning in just under two weeks' time."

<h2>Premier League 2019-20: Revised fixtures</h2>

Wednesday 17 June

Aston Villa v Sheff Utd

Man City v Arsenal&nbsp;

Friday 19 June

Norwich City v Southampton

Spurs v Man Utd&nbsp;

Saturday 20 June

Watford v Leicester City&nbsp;

Brighton v Arsenal

West Ham v Wolves &nbsp;

AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace&nbsp;

Sunday 21 June

Newcastle United v Sheff Utd&nbsp;

Aston Villa v Chelsea&nbsp;

Everton v Liverpool*

Monday 22 June

Man City v Burnley&nbsp;

Tuesday 23 June

Leicester City v Brighton&nbsp;

Spurs v West Ham&nbsp;

Wednesday 24 June

Man Utd v Sheff Utd

Newcastle United v Aston Villa&nbsp;

Norwich City v Everton&nbsp;

Wolves v AFC Bournemouth&nbsp;

Liverpool v Crystal Palace&nbsp;

Thursday 25 June

Burnley v Watford

Southampton v Arsenal&nbsp;

Chelsea v Man City&nbsp;

Saturday 27 June

12:30 Aston Villa v Wolves&nbsp;

Sunday 28 June

16:30 Watford v Southampton

Monday 29 June

Crystal Palace v Burnley&nbsp;

Tuesday 30 June

Brighton v Man Utd&nbsp;

Wednesday 1 July

Arsenal v Norwich City&nbsp;

AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United

Everton v Leicester City&nbsp;

West Ham v Chelsea&nbsp;

Thursday 2 July

Sheff Utd v Spurs&nbsp;

Man City v Liverpool&nbsp;

*Venue TBC 
&nbsp;

The Premier League on Friday announced the fixture schedule for the 2019-20 season until July 2 as the most-watched football league in the world gears up for resumption.

The Premier League on Friday announced the fixture schedule for the 2019-20 season until July 2 as the most-watched football league in the world gears up for resumption. The first three-match rounds of the halted 2019-20 season have been confirmed and the players have less than two weeks to complete their final preparations before the resumption of services. The Premier League will restart on June 17 if all safety requirements are in place. All matches will be played behind closed doors. Aston Villa and Sheffield United will resume the league on June 17 before Manchester City take on Arsenal later on June 17. The full match round will begin on June 19. Liverpool, in all likelihood, are expected to wrap up the formalities and lift the Premier League trophy after 30 long years. ALSO READ: Barcelona confident Lionel Messi will be ready for Mallorca, despite 'minor' thigh injury "We are extremely happy that more than a third of our remaining fixtures will be televised free-to-air here in the UK," Richard Masters, Premier League CEO, said. "We are pleased to provide fans with further updates on the provisional restart of the Premier League season. "We know it won't be the same without our loyal supporters in stadiums but, together with our broadcast partners, we are able to ensure fans can watch or listen to each match live from home. ALSO READ: Jesus Corona scores for Porto on Premeira Liga return, netizens say "you can't write a better script" "It is important that as many people as possible can access our games so we are extremely happy that more than a third of our remaining fixtures will be televised free-to-air here in the UK. "I am delighted we are able to take another positive step towards the season returning in just under two weeks' time." Premier League 2019-20: Revised fixtures Wednesday 17 June Aston Villa v Sheff Utd Man City v Arsenal Friday 19 June Norwich City v Southampton Spurs v Man Utd Saturday 20 June Watford v Leicester City Brighton v Arsenal West Ham v Wolves AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace Sunday 21 June Newcastle United v Sheff Utd Aston Villa v Chelsea Everton v Liverpool* Monday 22 June Man City v Burnley Tuesday 23 June Leicester City v Brighton Spurs v West Ham Wednesday 24 June Man Utd v Sheff Utd Newcastle United v Aston Villa Norwich City v Everton Wolves v AFC Bournemouth Liverpool v Crystal Palace Thursday 25 June Burnley v Watford Southampton v Arsenal Chelsea v Man City Saturday 27 June 12:30 Aston Villa v Wolves Sunday 28 June 16:30 Watford v Southampton Monday 29 June Crystal Palace v Burnley Tuesday 30 June Brighton v Man Utd Wednesday 1 July Arsenal v Norwich City AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United Everton v Leicester City West Ham v Chelsea Thursday 2 July Sheff Utd v Spurs Man City v Liverpool *Venue TBC

Premier League announces fixtures for 2019-20 season restart

Qatar announced the completion of its third stadium for the 2022 World Cup, state media reported late Thursday, as the emirate prepared to mark three years of a regional feud.

Education City stadium had been due to host the semi-final of the Club World Cup on December 18, but its opening was postponed because of delays to certification.

"The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the Qatar Foundation announce the completion of the preparations for the third FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, located in Education City," the state-run Qatar News Agency reported.

The Education City ground, named for the surrounding university and research campuses, will host fixtures through to the quarter-finals.

After the tournament, half of its 40,000 seats will be donated to build stadiums in developing countries.

Two and a half years before the World Cup kicks off, Qatar has already launched the brand new 40,000-capacity Al-Janoub stadium and the refurbished Khalifa International ground.

Five new stadiums remain under construction.

Friday marked the third anniversary of a Saudi-led effort to isolate Qatar over claims it supports radical Islamist movements and is too close to Iran. Doha denies the claims.

On June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia along with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties, closed their airspace and borders to Qatar and severed economic links.

Despite several signs of reconciliation, including Saudi, the UAE and Bahrain participating in a regional football tournament in Doha last year, the dispute remains deadlocked.

Qatar announced the completion of its third stadium for the 2022 World Cup, state media reported late Thursday, as the emirate prepared to mark three years of a regional feud.

Qatar announced the completion of its third stadium for the 2022 World Cup, state media reported late Thursday, as the emirate prepared to mark three years of a regional feud. Education City stadium had been due to host the semi-final of the Club World Cup on December 18, but its opening was postponed because of delays to certification. "The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the Qatar Foundation announce the completion of the preparations for the third FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, located in Education City," the state-run Qatar News Agency reported. The Education City ground, named for the surrounding university and research campuses, will host fixtures through to the quarter-finals. After the tournament, half of its 40,000 seats will be donated to build stadiums in developing countries. Two and a half years before the World Cup kicks off, Qatar has already launched the brand new 40,000-capacity Al-Janoub stadium and the refurbished Khalifa International ground. Five new stadiums remain under construction. Friday marked the third anniversary of a Saudi-led effort to isolate Qatar over claims it supports radical Islamist movements and is too close to Iran. Doha denies the claims. On June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia along with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties, closed their airspace and borders to Qatar and severed economic links. Despite several signs of reconciliation, including Saudi, the UAE and Bahrain participating in a regional football tournament in Doha last year, the dispute remains deadlocked.

Qatar completes third World Cup stadium

A bus carrying the Benfica soccer team was stoned on Thursday, breaking the glass and injuring two players, after they had played their first game since the novel coronavirus halted the season, Benfica football club said in a statement.

German midfielder Julian Weigl, 24, and Serbian winger Andrija Zivkovic, 23, were hit with shrapnel and taken to the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon to be treated as a precaution, Benfica said.

The attack on a major motorway between the club’s Estadio da Luz and training ground followed Benfica’s first game in three months after the season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sport Lisboa and Benfica denounce and lament the criminal stoning the bus of its players was victim to,” the statement read.

“We guarantee total collaboration with authorities to whom we appeal for the greatest effort to be made in identifying the delinquents responsible for these criminal acts.”

Portuguese champions Benfica missed the chance to move clear of title rivals Porto at the top of the table after being held to a 0-0 draw by lowly Tondela. The top two are now level on 60 points with nine rounds of matches remaining.

Fans had gathered outside the gates of Benfica’s stadium in Lisbon to support the team because restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak prevented them entering the ground.

A bus carrying the Benfica soccer team was stoned on Thursday, breaking the glass and injuring two players, after they had played their first game since the novel coronavirus halted the season, Benfica football club said in a statement.

A bus carrying the Benfica soccer team was stoned on Thursday, breaking the glass and injuring two players, after they had played their first game since the novel coronavirus halted the season, Benfica football club said in a statement. German midfielder Julian Weigl, 24, and Serbian winger Andrija Zivkovic, 23, were hit with shrapnel and taken to the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon to be treated as a precaution, Benfica said. The attack on a major motorway between the club’s Estadio da Luz and training ground followed Benfica’s first game in three months after the season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Sport Lisboa and Benfica denounce and lament the criminal stoning the bus of its players was victim to,” the statement read. “We guarantee total collaboration with authorities to whom we appeal for the greatest effort to be made in identifying the delinquents responsible for these criminal acts.” Portuguese champions Benfica missed the chance to move clear of title rivals Porto at the top of the table after being held to a 0-0 draw by lowly Tondela. The top two are now level on 60 points with nine rounds of matches remaining. Fans had gathered outside the gates of Benfica’s stadium in Lisbon to support the team because restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak prevented them entering the ground.

Benfica bus stoned after first game back, two players injured

The Portuguese top-flight football league – Primeira Liga – resumed services on June 3 as clubs returned back to action after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. FC Porto, one of the most decorated teams in Portugal, resumed their hunt for the title against Famalicao but failed to bag the three points as the hosts won the match 2-1.&nbsp;

Famalicao took the lead right after the second half kicked off, in the 48th minute, as Martins found the back of the net. However, football fans watching over, went crazy after FC Porto’s Mexican forward Jesus Corona equalized for the visitors in the 74th minute.

Netizens were quick to spot the name and to social media platform Twitter to express their surprise and amazement. One fan wrote: “You can’t make this up”.

Reactions soon flooded in and the name of the Porto forward started trending on Twitter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forbes-highest-paid-athletes-roger-federer-edges-out-cristiano-ronaldo-for-top-spot-virat-kohli-only-cricketer-in-the-list-303568" hreflang="en">Forbes highest-paid athletes: Roger Federer edges out Cristiano Ronaldo for top spot; Virat Kohli only cricketer in the list</a>

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That is incredible. 
 
Porto’s first goal back since lockdown was scored by... 
 
Jesus Corona. <a href="https://t.co/ffKpTy9QwK">pic.twitter.com/ffKpTy9QwK</a>
— Pete Evans (@PeteEvans87) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteEvans87/status/1268300271555358721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tonight was FC Porto’s first game since the Coronavirus outbreak. Guess name of their goalscorer? 
 
Jesus Corona... 2020 is a script! <a href="https://t.co/ebaJoK5kqO">pic.twitter.com/ebaJoK5kqO</a>
— Series Abíọ́dún (@Engr_Series) <a href="https://twitter.com/Engr_Series/status/1268311124061106176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Who scored FC Porto’s first goal in their first game after the enforced break due to Coronavirus? 
 
Me: Jesus Corona. <a href="https://t.co/4wWFjn5c9x">pic.twitter.com/4wWFjn5c9x</a>
— MR KEMS (@mr_kems4) <a href="https://twitter.com/mr_kems4/status/1268589065911369728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Jesus Corona” scored Porto's first goal after the lockdown. You cannot write a better script.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JKLive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JKLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3uGQ2JTta">pic.twitter.com/s3uGQ2JTta</a>
— MuthuiMkenya 🇰🇪 (@MuthuiMkenya) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuthuiMkenya/status/1268307736980316160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jesus Corona scores for Porto. Unbelievable. <a href="https://t.co/W0KRZu74mD">pic.twitter.com/W0KRZu74mD</a>
— Derek (@MyBets2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyBets2020/status/1268300936272896001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tonight was FC Porto’s first game since the Coronavirus outbreak. 
Guess the goal scorer? Jesús Corona. 
 
And great gesture from their sponsor Super Bock. They replaced their name with “Super Doc” to pay tribute to all the doctors &amp; nurses on the frontline. <a href="https://t.co/dbeLFS2P7v">pic.twitter.com/dbeLFS2P7v</a>
— Mbuotidem - Digital Marketing (@MB_ofLife) <a href="https://twitter.com/MB_ofLife/status/1268337099545227271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The footballing world re-aligns 🙌🏽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JesusCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JesusCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/S1ZzMl7gYk">pic.twitter.com/S1ZzMl7gYk</a>
— Taranjit S Badh (@DentistWhoRuns) <a href="https://twitter.com/DentistWhoRuns/status/1268647578851332097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When you see that Porto’s first goalscorer post-lockdown is called ‘Jesus Corona’... <a href="https://t.co/dIQVClZCJA">pic.twitter.com/dIQVClZCJA</a>
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) <a href="https://twitter.com/ODDSbible/status/1268635327826202629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Jesus Corona’s effort went in vain as Pote scored the winner for Famalicao in the 78th minute to bag all three points for his club to take them to the fifth spot in the league standings. With the win, Famalicao moved to fifth in the table whereas FC Porto were joint-second with Benfica with 60 points each after 25 matches.&nbsp;

The Portuguese top-flight football league – Primeira Liga – resumed services on June 3 as clubs returned back to action after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. FC Porto, one of the most decorated teams in Portugal, resumed their hunt for the title against Famalicao but failed to bag the three points as the hosts won the match 2-1.

The Portuguese top-flight football league – Primeira Liga – resumed services on June 3 as clubs returned back to action after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. FC Porto, one of the most decorated teams in Portugal, resumed their hunt for the title against Famalicao but failed to bag the three points as the hosts won the match 2-1. Famalicao took the lead right after the second half kicked off, in the 48th minute, as Martins found the back of the net. However, football fans watching over, went crazy after FC Porto’s Mexican forward Jesus Corona equalized for the visitors in the 74th minute. Netizens were quick to spot the name and to social media platform Twitter to express their surprise and amazement. One fan wrote: “You can’t make this up”. Reactions soon flooded in and the name of the Porto forward started trending on Twitter. ALSO READ: Forbes highest-paid athletes: Roger Federer edges out Cristiano Ronaldo for top spot; Virat Kohli only cricketer in the list That is incredible. Porto’s first goal back since lockdown was scored by... Jesus Corona. pic.twitter.com/ffKpTy9QwK — Pete Evans (@PeteEvans87) June 3, 2020 × Tonight was FC Porto’s first game since the Coronavirus outbreak. Guess name of their goalscorer? Jesus Corona... 2020 is a script! pic.twitter.com/ebaJoK5kqO — Series Abíọ́dún (@Engr_Series) June 3, 2020 × Who scored FC Porto’s first goal in their first game after the enforced break due to Coronavirus? Me: Jesus Corona. pic.twitter.com/4wWFjn5c9x — MR KEMS (@mr_kems4) June 4, 2020 × “Jesus Corona” scored Porto's first goal after the lockdown. You cannot write a better script.#JKLive pic.twitter.com/s3uGQ2JTta — MuthuiMkenya 🇰🇪 (@MuthuiMkenya) June 3, 2020 × Jesus Corona scores for Porto. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/W0KRZu74mD — Derek (@MyBets2020) June 3, 2020 × Tonight was FC Porto’s first game since the Coronavirus outbreak. Guess the goal scorer? Jesús Corona. And great gesture from their sponsor Super Bock. They replaced their name with “Super Doc” to pay tribute to all the doctors & nurses on the frontline. pic.twitter.com/dbeLFS2P7v — Mbuotidem - Digital Marketing (@MB_ofLife) June 4, 2020 × The footballing world re-aligns 🙌🏽 #JesusCorona pic.twitter.com/S1ZzMl7gYk — Taranjit S Badh (@DentistWhoRuns) June 4, 2020 × When you see that Porto’s first goalscorer post-lockdown is called ‘Jesus Corona’... pic.twitter.com/dIQVClZCJA — ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) June 4, 2020 × However, Jesus Corona’s effort went in vain as Pote scored the winner for Famalicao in the 78th minute to bag all three points for his club to take them to the fifth spot in the league standings. With the win, Famalicao moved to fifth in the table whereas FC Porto were joint-second with Benfica with 60 points each after 25 matches.

Jesus Corona scores for Porto on Premeira Liga return, netizens say "you can't write a better script"

As Premier League 2019-20 season gears up for resumption, managers will be able to make up to five substitutions for the remained of the campaign after the clubs agreed to make the temporary rule change at a meeting on Thursday.

With medical experts expecting more injuries upon the resumption of Premier League, FIFA proposed the solution of increasing the number of substitutes to five in a bid to “protect player welfare” with the fixture list being cramped up into a few weeks.&nbsp;

Premier League clubs also gave a green signal to increase the number of substitutes available for selection from seven to nine for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bale-unlikely-to-make-premier-league-return-agent-303320" hreflang="en">Bale unlikely to make Premier League return: agent</a>

"For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players," the Premier League said in a statement.

"Shareholders also approved for clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-confirm-one-positive-covid-19-case-in-premier-leagues-latest-round-of-testing-303213" hreflang="en">Tottenham Hotspur confirm one positive COVID-19 case in Premier League's latest round of testing</a>

Another rule which comes into play is each team will only have three opportunities, excluding half-time, to make the changes.

The league campaign will resume on June 17 with Manchester City facing Arsenal and Sheffield United locking horns against Aston Villa. The remaining nine round of matches in Premier League 2019-20 campaign is then expected to be completed in five weeks.

As Premier League 2019-20 season gears up for resumption, managers will be able to make up to five substitutions for the remained of the campaign after the clubs agreed to make the temporary rule change at a meeting on Thursday.

As Premier League 2019-20 season gears up for resumption, managers will be able to make up to five substitutions for the remained of the campaign after the clubs agreed to make the temporary rule change at a meeting on Thursday. With medical experts expecting more injuries upon the resumption of Premier League, FIFA proposed the solution of increasing the number of substitutes to five in a bid to “protect player welfare” with the fixture list being cramped up into a few weeks. Premier League clubs also gave a green signal to increase the number of substitutes available for selection from seven to nine for the remainder of the 2019-20 season. ALSO READ: Bale unlikely to make Premier League return: agent "For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players," the Premier League said in a statement. "Shareholders also approved for clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season." ALSO READ: Tottenham Hotspur confirm one positive COVID-19 case in Premier League's latest round of testing Another rule which comes into play is each team will only have three opportunities, excluding half-time, to make the changes. The league campaign will resume on June 17 with Manchester City facing Arsenal and Sheffield United locking horns against Aston Villa. The remaining nine round of matches in Premier League 2019-20 campaign is then expected to be completed in five weeks.

Premier League clubs agree to 5 substitutions rule change for 2019-20 season

Gareth Bale's agent says the Real Madrid forward is unlikely to return to the Premier League because he wants to finish his career at the Bernabeu.

Bale is believed to have a difficult relationship with Real manager Zinedine Zidane and was almost sold to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning last year.

The former Tottenham star has been linked with a move back to the Premier League on several occasions, with Newcastle the latest club to be mentioned as suitors for the Wales international.

But Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett said the 30-year-old would happily remain in Spain.

"He has a very nice lifestyle. I don't see why he doesn't see his career out at Madrid, probably," Barnett told the BBC on Thursday.

"As I've always said, he's quite happy in Madrid. It's his life that he wants to lead.&nbsp;Financially, he will want for nothing the rest of his life, and his children and grandchildren."

Bale has won a host of medals, including four Champions League titles, since joining Real for a then-world record £85 million ($107 million) in 2013.

But he has rarely been a regular under Zidane and has been criticised by fans and media in Spain for putting more passion into his golf hobby than his Real career.

Despite that discord, Bale has no plans to demand a move, according to Barnett.

"I have no idea what his value is," he said. "His salary is quite high and also where he wants to go is very important in his life. I can't put a figure on it.

"He's won nearly everything in the world, except the World Cup, but unfortunately he plays for Wales so some things are beyond him.

"So he's won everything else, to come back and play (in the Premier League) would be unbelievable, a big thing. I don't think he wants to do that at the moment. He's quite happy to play at Real Madrid."

Gareth Bale's agent says the Real Madrid forward is unlikely to return to the Premier League because he wants to finish his career at the Bernabeu. Bale is believed to have a difficult relationship with Real manager Zinedine Zidane and was almost sold to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning last year.

Gareth Bale's agent says the Real Madrid forward is unlikely to return to the Premier League because he wants to finish his career at the Bernabeu. Bale is believed to have a difficult relationship with Real manager Zinedine Zidane and was almost sold to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning last year. The former Tottenham star has been linked with a move back to the Premier League on several occasions, with Newcastle the latest club to be mentioned as suitors for the Wales international. But Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett said the 30-year-old would happily remain in Spain. "He has a very nice lifestyle. I don't see why he doesn't see his career out at Madrid, probably," Barnett told the BBC on Thursday. "As I've always said, he's quite happy in Madrid. It's his life that he wants to lead. Financially, he will want for nothing the rest of his life, and his children and grandchildren." Bale has won a host of medals, including four Champions League titles, since joining Real for a then-world record £85 million ($107 million) in 2013. But he has rarely been a regular under Zidane and has been criticised by fans and media in Spain for putting more passion into his golf hobby than his Real career. Despite that discord, Bale has no plans to demand a move, according to Barnett. "I have no idea what his value is," he said. "His salary is quite high and also where he wants to go is very important in his life. I can't put a figure on it. "He's won nearly everything in the world, except the World Cup, but unfortunately he plays for Wales so some things are beyond him. "So he's won everything else, to come back and play (in the Premier League) would be unbelievable, a big thing. I don't think he wants to do that at the moment. He's quite happy to play at Real Madrid."

Bale unlikely to make Premier League return: agent

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that a person at the club has tested positive for COVID-19. It was the only positive case after the Premier League tested a further 1,197 players and club staff in line with league’s protocol.

Tottenham Hotspur didn’t name the person due to medical confidentiality. As per the statement from the club, the person is currently asymptomatic and will self-isolate for seven days before undergoing further testing.&nbsp;

A statement from Tottenham read: "We have been informed by the Premier League that we have received one positive test for COVID-19 following the latest round of testing at our Training Centre.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golden-years-five-great-sporting-comebacks-303183" hreflang="en">Golden years: Five great sporting comebacks</a>

"Due to medical confidentiality, the individual's name will not be disclosed.

"They are currently asymptomatic and will now self-isolate for seven days, in line with Premier League protocol, before undergoing further testing.

"We shall continue to strictly adhere to the Premier League's Return to Training protocol, which ensures our Training Centre remains a safe and virus-free working environment."

Testing will continue to take place as per Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ protocol ahead of the resumption of the league on June 17.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-star-curry-marches-chants-with-us-anti-racism-protesters-303194" hreflang="en">NBA star Curry marches, chants with US anti-racism protesters</a>

The Premier League released the following statement on Wednesday: "The Premier League can today confirm that on Monday 1 June and Tuesday 2 June, 1197 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, one has tested positive from one club.

"Players or club staff who test positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.

"The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing." 
&nbsp;

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that a person at the club has tested positive for COVID-19. It was the only positive case after the Premier League tested a further 1,197 players and club staff in line with league’s protocol.

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that a person at the club has tested positive for COVID-19. It was the only positive case after the Premier League tested a further 1,197 players and club staff in line with league’s protocol. Tottenham Hotspur didn’t name the person due to medical confidentiality. As per the statement from the club, the person is currently asymptomatic and will self-isolate for seven days before undergoing further testing. A statement from Tottenham read: "We have been informed by the Premier League that we have received one positive test for COVID-19 following the latest round of testing at our Training Centre. ALSO READ: Golden years: Five great sporting comebacks "Due to medical confidentiality, the individual's name will not be disclosed. "They are currently asymptomatic and will now self-isolate for seven days, in line with Premier League protocol, before undergoing further testing. "We shall continue to strictly adhere to the Premier League's Return to Training protocol, which ensures our Training Centre remains a safe and virus-free working environment." Testing will continue to take place as per Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ protocol ahead of the resumption of the league on June 17. ALSO READ: NBA star Curry marches, chants with US anti-racism protesters The Premier League released the following statement on Wednesday: "The Premier League can today confirm that on Monday 1 June and Tuesday 2 June, 1197 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, one has tested positive from one club. "Players or club staff who test positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days. "The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing."

Tottenham Hotspur confirm one positive COVID-19 case in Premier League's latest round of testing

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp cannot wait for English football's return after a three-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic and promised to celebrate the Premier League title in style when it is safe to do so.

Liverpool are just two wins away from securing their first league title in 30 years.

The Reds held a commanding 25-point lead over Manchester City when play was halted in March.

Klopp's men could even clinch the title with victory in their first game back if City lose to Arsenal in one of two games scheduled to take place on June 17, before the first full round of matches the following weekend.

"I have missed it so much it's unbelievable," Klopp told the BBC.

"I know it's not the most important thing in life but it is my passion. I hope the people are looking forward to it because we are."

After such a long wait to win the Premier League, Liverpool face the anti-climax of doing so in front of empty stands with all remaining 92 league games to be played behind closed doors.

A year ago to the day, tens of thousands of fans poured onto the streets around Liverpool to celebrate a sixth European Cup win.

And Klopp insisted there will be a parade to celebrate the title, even if it is many months after the league is won.

"If we become champions, whatever celebrations are possible we will do as a team internally and with all our supporters in the moment we are allowed to do so again," he added.

"I can promise that if it happens, there will be a parade as well. Whenever. Who cares! We only need one day when everybody is able to come and then we will do that."

Klopp's men are also well on course to smash the record points tally in the Premier League, set by Manchester City who registered 100 two seasons ago.

Liverpool have already racked up 82 points with 27 still to play for and Klopp does not want to see any easing up towards the end of the campaign.

"It's nice to think about it but we are not champions yet and we know that," he said. "We know we are close but close is not there. There are 27 points left for us and we will try everything to take them all.

"We are still not champions. We have to play football games and we have to win them.

"We don't want to stop winning after two games or whatever it is. I don't see results written in the stars; we have to work really hard."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp cannot wait for English football's return after a three-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic and promised to celebrate the Premier League title in style when it is safe to do so.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp cannot wait for English football's return after a three-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic and promised to celebrate the Premier League title in style when it is safe to do so. Liverpool are just two wins away from securing their first league title in 30 years. The Reds held a commanding 25-point lead over Manchester City when play was halted in March. Klopp's men could even clinch the title with victory in their first game back if City lose to Arsenal in one of two games scheduled to take place on June 17, before the first full round of matches the following weekend. "I have missed it so much it's unbelievable," Klopp told the BBC. "I know it's not the most important thing in life but it is my passion. I hope the people are looking forward to it because we are." After such a long wait to win the Premier League, Liverpool face the anti-climax of doing so in front of empty stands with all remaining 92 league games to be played behind closed doors. A year ago to the day, tens of thousands of fans poured onto the streets around Liverpool to celebrate a sixth European Cup win. And Klopp insisted there will be a parade to celebrate the title, even if it is many months after the league is won. "If we become champions, whatever celebrations are possible we will do as a team internally and with all our supporters in the moment we are allowed to do so again," he added. "I can promise that if it happens, there will be a parade as well. Whenever. Who cares! We only need one day when everybody is able to come and then we will do that." Klopp's men are also well on course to smash the record points tally in the Premier League, set by Manchester City who registered 100 two seasons ago. Liverpool have already racked up 82 points with 27 still to play for and Klopp does not want to see any easing up towards the end of the campaign. "It's nice to think about it but we are not champions yet and we know that," he said. "We know we are close but close is not there. There are 27 points left for us and we will try everything to take them all. "We are still not champions. We have to play football games and we have to win them. "We don't want to stop winning after two games or whatever it is. I don't see results written in the stars; we have to work really hard."

Klopp's 'passion' restored as English football nears return

The Premier League's return is just two weeks away but there are plenty of details for the 20 clubs in the English top-flight to work out before competitive action resumes on June 17.

AFP Sport looks at what is on the agenda at the latest in a series of meetings between the clubs on Thursday.

<h2>What happens if season is stopped again?</h2>

There have been squabbles over how final league standings should be decided if the season cannot be completed but clubs need a contingency arrangement if a spike in coronavirus cases wrecks their plans.

Most of the teams in the bottom half of the table are reportedly pushing for relegation to be scrapped if the season is not completed on the field.

That still seems highly unlikely, with the English Football Association and English Football League both insisting on promotion and relegation throughout the pyramid.

A points-per-game formula is the most likely option and is part of the reason why the restart will begin with two matches on June 17, to ensure every side has played the same number of games.

<h2>Fixture list</h2>

Once the two outstanding games -- Manchester City v Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United -- have been played, all 20 sides will have nine games remaining.

No dates for other matches have yet been released, but fixtures are expected to continue from where they left off in March and be crammed into just five weeks ahead of the FA Cup final on August 1.

<h2>Substitutes and squad sizes</h2>

A long lay-off, little time together in contact training and a gruelling schedule mean players' bodies will be pushed to the limits.

In an attempt to minimise injuries and fatigue, world governing body FIFA has allowed leagues to temporarily change their rules to allow five substitutes.

Chelsea have also reportedly proposed increasing the number of substitutes available from seven to nine.

However, critics have suggested those changes will simply play into the hands of the bigger clubs with deeper squads.

<h2>Neutral venues</h2>

Premier League clubs appear to have won their battle to have games played in their own grounds rather than on neutral sites.

However, the UK's national lead for football policing confirmed last week that a "small number" of fixtures will take place at neutral venues.

That is likely to include any match that could see Liverpool crowned champions for the first time in 30 years, to try and avoid crowds gathering at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is unconcerned by playing at neutral venues, with results from four rounds of Germany's Bundesliga showing no advantage for home sides in a closed-doors environment.

"We will not have the help from the crowd but no team will have that, so where is the advantage?" Klopp told the BBC.

"Whoever we play it is the same situation, which is why I'm not too worried about it."

<h2>VAR</h2>

The use of VAR could also be dispensed with for the rest of the season should the clubs wish to further cut the number of people required for games to go ahead.

However, the Premier League's CEO Richard Masters is keen for it to remain.

"VAR has its own social-distancing issues, but we think there is a way of completing the season with VAR," Masters told Sky Sports.

The Premier League's return is just two weeks away but there are plenty of details for the 20 clubs in the English top-flight to work out before competitive action resumes on June 17.

The Premier League's return is just two weeks away but there are plenty of details for the 20 clubs in the English top-flight to work out before competitive action resumes on June 17. AFP Sport looks at what is on the agenda at the latest in a series of meetings between the clubs on Thursday. What happens if season is stopped again? There have been squabbles over how final league standings should be decided if the season cannot be completed but clubs need a contingency arrangement if a spike in coronavirus cases wrecks their plans. Most of the teams in the bottom half of the table are reportedly pushing for relegation to be scrapped if the season is not completed on the field. That still seems highly unlikely, with the English Football Association and English Football League both insisting on promotion and relegation throughout the pyramid. A points-per-game formula is the most likely option and is part of the reason why the restart will begin with two matches on June 17, to ensure every side has played the same number of games. Fixture list Once the two outstanding games -- Manchester City v Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United -- have been played, all 20 sides will have nine games remaining. No dates for other matches have yet been released, but fixtures are expected to continue from where they left off in March and be crammed into just five weeks ahead of the FA Cup final on August 1. Substitutes and squad sizes A long lay-off, little time together in contact training and a gruelling schedule mean players' bodies will be pushed to the limits. In an attempt to minimise injuries and fatigue, world governing body FIFA has allowed leagues to temporarily change their rules to allow five substitutes. Chelsea have also reportedly proposed increasing the number of substitutes available from seven to nine. However, critics have suggested those changes will simply play into the hands of the bigger clubs with deeper squads. Neutral venues Premier League clubs appear to have won their battle to have games played in their own grounds rather than on neutral sites. However, the UK's national lead for football policing confirmed last week that a "small number" of fixtures will take place at neutral venues. That is likely to include any match that could see Liverpool crowned champions for the first time in 30 years, to try and avoid crowds gathering at Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is unconcerned by playing at neutral venues, with results from four rounds of Germany's Bundesliga showing no advantage for home sides in a closed-doors environment. "We will not have the help from the crowd but no team will have that, so where is the advantage?" Klopp told the BBC. "Whoever we play it is the same situation, which is why I'm not too worried about it." VAR The use of VAR could also be dispensed with for the rest of the season should the clubs wish to further cut the number of people required for games to go ahead. However, the Premier League's CEO Richard Masters is keen for it to remain. "VAR has its own social-distancing issues, but we think there is a way of completing the season with VAR," Masters told Sky Sports.

What next for Premier League's 'Project Restart'

Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China.

But the virus then spread to Europe and brought the Premier League season to a halt in mid-March.

It looked then as if the 30-year-old's career with United might amount to just eight games given his original deal was due to expire on May 31.

But ahead of the Premier League season resuming on June 17, United said Monday they had agreed with Shenhua to extend Ighalo's loan move until January.

"I'm really happy. It's a dream for me to be here. I'm buzzing and ready to go," Ighalo told MUTV.

"The last few days have been difficult as there have been different talks about it but now I'm really happy, so I need to concentrate fully. I'm here until the end of January, so it's good for me."

The most recent of Ighalo's four goals for United came in a Europa League match away to LASK, a fixture played behind closed doors as a result of coronavirus measures in Austria.

Fixtures without spectators will become the norm when the Premier League resumes and Ighalo, recalling his experience, said: "It was strange, you know, but it's OK.

"We know there is nothing we can do now but play behind closed doors and we're happy to do it.

"In the game against LASK, it was strange because you could hear everything when your team-mates shouted. In a normal game, you can't hear, but it was clear and loud.

"It's a bit strange without fans, and difficult, but we have to be safe so we have to do it."

Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China.

Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China. But the virus then spread to Europe and brought the Premier League season to a halt in mid-March. It looked then as if the 30-year-old's career with United might amount to just eight games given his original deal was due to expire on May 31. But ahead of the Premier League season resuming on June 17, United said Monday they had agreed with Shenhua to extend Ighalo's loan move until January. "I'm really happy. It's a dream for me to be here. I'm buzzing and ready to go," Ighalo told MUTV. "The last few days have been difficult as there have been different talks about it but now I'm really happy, so I need to concentrate fully. I'm here until the end of January, so it's good for me." The most recent of Ighalo's four goals for United came in a Europa League match away to LASK, a fixture played behind closed doors as a result of coronavirus measures in Austria. Fixtures without spectators will become the norm when the Premier League resumes and Ighalo, recalling his experience, said: "It was strange, you know, but it's OK. "We know there is nothing we can do now but play behind closed doors and we're happy to do it. "In the game against LASK, it was strange because you could hear everything when your team-mates shouted. In a normal game, you can't hear, but it was clear and loud. "It's a bit strange without fans, and difficult, but we have to be safe so we have to do it."

Ighalo elated by 'dream' Man Utd extension

The English Premier League 2019-20 is all set to resume services on June 17 and the fans of the beautiful game are already excited about the return of the most-watched football league in the world. While contact training has already resumed as clubs gear up for the resumption of the Premier League, teams have been given permission to organise friendly matches to regain full fitness ahead of the resumption of the league.

Doctors and medical experts have already warned the Premier League clubs of potential injuries due to a prolonged break and clubs are planning to organise friendly matches before the league kicks back to life.&nbsp;

As per a report, rules have been handed over to clubs for conducting friendly matches.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-says-players-calls-for-george-floyd-justice-should-be-applauded-302875" hreflang="en">FIFA president Gianni Infantino says players calls for George Floyd justice should be 'applauded'</a>

-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Players must not travel more than 90 minutes from their home grounds 
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Players have to arrive at the stadium in their own cars 
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Coaching staff to officiate matches instead of referees- 
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Pre-assessment of venues before friendlies are to be held 
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Players should've had the recent COVID test report as negative 
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Social distancing should be maintained at all times and 'all unnecessary congestion or congregation needs to be eliminated'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopps-passion-restored-as-english-football-nears-return-302841" hreflang="en">Klopp's 'passion' restored as English football nears return</a>

Reportedly, Premier League clubs have contacted Championship teams in a bid to play friendly matches. Clubs like Norwich City and Newcastle United have been given the nod to travel further due to their remote distance.

Meanwhile, many Premier League clubs have expressed their concerns about injuries to players and once the league comes to life, more injury issues are expected.

The English Premier League 2019-20 is all set to resume services on June 17 and the fans of the beautiful game are already excited about the return of the most-watched football league in the world.

The English Premier League 2019-20 is all set to resume services on June 17 and the fans of the beautiful game are already excited about the return of the most-watched football league in the world. While contact training has already resumed as clubs gear up for the resumption of the Premier League, teams have been given permission to organise friendly matches to regain full fitness ahead of the resumption of the league. Doctors and medical experts have already warned the Premier League clubs of potential injuries due to a prolonged break and clubs are planning to organise friendly matches before the league kicks back to life. As per a report, rules have been handed over to clubs for conducting friendly matches. ALSO READ: FIFA president Gianni Infantino says players calls for George Floyd justice should be 'applauded' - Players must not travel more than 90 minutes from their home grounds - Players have to arrive at the stadium in their own cars - Coaching staff to officiate matches instead of referees- - Pre-assessment of venues before friendlies are to be held - Players should've had the recent COVID test report as negative - Social distancing should be maintained at all times and 'all unnecessary congestion or congregation needs to be eliminated'. ALSO READ: Klopp's 'passion' restored as English football nears return Reportedly, Premier League clubs have contacted Championship teams in a bid to play friendly matches. Clubs like Norwich City and Newcastle United have been given the nod to travel further due to their remote distance. Meanwhile, many Premier League clubs have expressed their concerns about injuries to players and once the league comes to life, more injury issues are expected.

Premier League clubs given nod to play friendlies before resumption of 2019-20 campaign - Report

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions. Not only Bundesliga players but athletes across sports including biggest names in Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff and English Premier League clubs and players have joined the protest in different forms. While some have put out a statement, others have simply changed their social media display pictures to black in support of #BlackLivesMatter.

The German Football Association (DFB) is currently investigating Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram and FC Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie.&nbsp;

Floyd died last week after a white policeman in Minneapolis kneeled on the handcuffed American-African’s neck for around nine minutes and the incident sparked violent protests across the United States.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blacklivesmatter-tiger-woods-darren-sammy-join-growing-list-sportspersons-to-raise-voice-against-george-floyds-death-302653" hreflang="en">#BlackLivesMatter: Tiger Woods, Darren Sammy join growing list sportspersons to raise voice against George Floyd's death</a>

"For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment," Infantino said in a FIFA statement.

"We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence."

Earlier, FIFA called on football leagues to use “common sense” when deciding on sanctions for footballers for displaying political messages.&nbsp;

"FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case," world football's governing body said in a statement.

The German football association is investigating the players, as per IFAB’s laws even though president Fritz Keller said he understood the situation.&nbsp;

"If people are discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, it is unbearable," said Keller.

"If they die as a result of the colour of their skin, then I am deeply disturbed. The victims of racism need all of our solidarity."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions. Not only Bundesliga players but athletes across sports including biggest names in Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff and English Premier League clubs and players have joined the protest in different forms. While some have put out a statement, others have simply changed their social media display pictures to black in support of #BlackLivesMatter. The German Football Association (DFB) is currently investigating Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram and FC Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie. Floyd died last week after a white policeman in Minneapolis kneeled on the handcuffed American-African’s neck for around nine minutes and the incident sparked violent protests across the United States. ALSO READ: #BlackLivesMatter: Tiger Woods, Darren Sammy join growing list sportspersons to raise voice against George Floyd's death "For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment," Infantino said in a FIFA statement. "We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence." Earlier, FIFA called on football leagues to use “common sense” when deciding on sanctions for footballers for displaying political messages. "FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case," world football's governing body said in a statement. The German football association is investigating the players, as per IFAB’s laws even though president Fritz Keller said he understood the situation. "If people are discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, it is unbearable," said Keller. "If they die as a result of the colour of their skin, then I am deeply disturbed. The victims of racism need all of our solidarity."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says players calls for George Floyd justice should be 'applauded'

Former Brazil international Fred took off on a five-day, 600-kilometer cycle ride on Monday to come to the help of poor families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 36-year-old announced on Twitter his "Tour de Fred" from the south eastern city of Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro, where he plays for Fluminense.

He said he wants to "help 4,000 poor families" and vowed to donate a food basket for every kilometer he rides, while he has also launched an online campaign to collect donations.

Fred left at dawn on Monday and is due to take dirt tracks and small roads to avoid main highways and the potential of crowds breaking social distancing rules in coming out to cheer him on.

His final destination is Fluminense's training center close to the 2016 Rio Olympic Park.

Fred scored 18 goals in 39 appearances for Brazil and played at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups.&nbsp;

He helped Brazil to victory in the 2007 Copa America and 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Fred made his name in Europe for Lyon, helping the French side win Ligue 1 three years in a row from 2006-08.

He returned home in 2009 and won two Brazilian titles with Fluminense.

Fred was born in Teofilo Otini, close to Belo Horizonte, and began his career with local side America Mineiro.

He has also played for Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro, the two biggest clubs from Belo Horizonte.

Former Brazil international Fred took off on a five-day, 600-kilometer cycle ride on Monday to come to the help of poor families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Brazil international Fred took off on a five-day, 600-kilometer cycle ride on Monday to come to the help of poor families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The 36-year-old announced on Twitter his "Tour de Fred" from the south eastern city of Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro, where he plays for Fluminense. He said he wants to "help 4,000 poor families" and vowed to donate a food basket for every kilometer he rides, while he has also launched an online campaign to collect donations. Fred left at dawn on Monday and is due to take dirt tracks and small roads to avoid main highways and the potential of crowds breaking social distancing rules in coming out to cheer him on. His final destination is Fluminense's training center close to the 2016 Rio Olympic Park. Fred scored 18 goals in 39 appearances for Brazil and played at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups. He helped Brazil to victory in the 2007 Copa America and 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Fred made his name in Europe for Lyon, helping the French side win Ligue 1 three years in a row from 2006-08. He returned home in 2009 and won two Brazilian titles with Fluminense. Fred was born in Teofilo Otini, close to Belo Horizonte, and began his career with local side America Mineiro. He has also played for Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro, the two biggest clubs from Belo Horizonte.

Fred to cycle 600km to training to raise money for poor

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday.

Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place.

"We wanted the three points, we succeeded. But it is annoying that we fell behind early and wasted a few chances," Leipzig's managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told broadcaster DAZN.

"We are back on course for the Champions League which is our goal, but the pressure is great. Everyone has to go all in, be totally focused and focused," he added.

The hosts' boss Markus Gisdol made four changes from Wednesday's loss at Hoffenheim, starting Rafael Czichos in place of suspended Sebastian Bournaauw, red carded in the defeat.

Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann switched both his wing-backs from Wednesday's draw to Hertha Berlin as Angelino, on loan from Manchester City, and French youth international Nordi Mukiele started.

The home side took the early lead as Cordoba poached for his 10th home goal of the campaign.

Midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj's effort deflected onto the far post and the Colombian finished from the rebound after seven minutes.

The sides were level 13 minutes later as Schick headed home Angelino's cross to start the flutter of goals.

Things went from bad to worse for Gisdol's men four minutes later as Cordoba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Anthony Modeste.

Leipzig's took the lead eight minutes from the break as Christopher Nkunku claimed his first goal since January.

Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer played a clever ball into the box and former Paris Saint-Germain attacker Nkunku dinked his finish over the onrushing Timo Horn.

<h2>- Werner after the break -</h2>

Leipzig went further ahead three minutes into the second-half as Werner, who has been linked with a move to Premier League leaders Liverpool, raced clear in a rapid counter-attack and beat Horn with a side-footed finish.

Cologne hit back four minutes later as Leipzig failed to clear outside their area and Modeste curled home a shot.

Leipzig's two-goal lead was re-established less than two minutes later as Spain midfielder Dani Olmo scored his first goal since joining Leipzig in January with a curling shot of his own from the edge of the box.

Substitute Modeste seemed to have won the chance to reduce the advantage with 18 minutes left but was denied a penalty by VAR after Lucas Klostermann's tackle.

With two minutes remaining Modeste then wasted a one-on-one with Peter Gulasci and Nagelsmann's Leipzig held on for three points.

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday. Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place.

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday. Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place. "We wanted the three points, we succeeded. But it is annoying that we fell behind early and wasted a few chances," Leipzig's managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told broadcaster DAZN. "We are back on course for the Champions League which is our goal, but the pressure is great. Everyone has to go all in, be totally focused and focused," he added. The hosts' boss Markus Gisdol made four changes from Wednesday's loss at Hoffenheim, starting Rafael Czichos in place of suspended Sebastian Bournaauw, red carded in the defeat. Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann switched both his wing-backs from Wednesday's draw to Hertha Berlin as Angelino, on loan from Manchester City, and French youth international Nordi Mukiele started. The home side took the early lead as Cordoba poached for his 10th home goal of the campaign. Midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj's effort deflected onto the far post and the Colombian finished from the rebound after seven minutes. The sides were level 13 minutes later as Schick headed home Angelino's cross to start the flutter of goals. Things went from bad to worse for Gisdol's men four minutes later as Cordoba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Anthony Modeste. Leipzig's took the lead eight minutes from the break as Christopher Nkunku claimed his first goal since January. Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer played a clever ball into the box and former Paris Saint-Germain attacker Nkunku dinked his finish over the onrushing Timo Horn. - Werner after the break - Leipzig went further ahead three minutes into the second-half as Werner, who has been linked with a move to Premier League leaders Liverpool, raced clear in a rapid counter-attack and beat Horn with a side-footed finish. Cologne hit back four minutes later as Leipzig failed to clear outside their area and Modeste curled home a shot. Leipzig's two-goal lead was re-established less than two minutes later as Spain midfielder Dani Olmo scored his first goal since joining Leipzig in January with a curling shot of his own from the edge of the box. Substitute Modeste seemed to have won the chance to reduce the advantage with 18 minutes left but was denied a penalty by VAR after Lucas Klostermann's tackle. With two minutes remaining Modeste then wasted a one-on-one with Peter Gulasci and Nagelsmann's Leipzig held on for three points.

Werner's Leipzig 'back on course' for Champions League with Cologne win

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality.&nbsp;

Spain's top division is set to restart on June 11 and to be completed on July 19, yet the expectation is players will be subjected to safety protocol for several months and stadiums will not be full again until next year.&nbsp;

In the short-term at least, its reemergence could offer some comfort. "There is no doubt the resumption of football will contribute to a general sense of relief among certain groups of people, who have been struggling with the pandemic," David Moscoso, a specialist in sports sociology, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The return of football is a sign that society is progressing to the new normal," agreed Tebas earlier this month, adding "it will restore a part of life that people in Spain know and love."&nbsp;

Spain has managed to bring the number of infections under control in recent weeks, with the government reporting no deaths from coronavirus on Monday for the first time since the beginning of March.&nbsp;

But with more than 27,000 confirmed fatalities, the country has been one of the worst-hit in the world and it is no surprise the approach to football's return has been cautious and the attitude of some fearful.&nbsp;

"It is possible that by losing the passion and intensity, which is really the essence of football, it will also lose that emotional centre that is the hook for so many people," said psychologist Adelaida Navaridas.&nbsp;

Many are adamant that, without fans, the campaign should not resume at all.&nbsp;

"We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most significant supporters' club at Eibar, whose squad members have expressed reservations about playing too soon.&nbsp;

"But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Social heart' -</h2>

It is not only the atmosphere inside stadiums that will be lost.&nbsp;

"The social heart of football comes from people getting ready for the game with friends, with family, and then staying together afterwards. All that is broken," adds Guillermo Fouce, a professor of psychology at Madrid's Complutense University.&nbsp;

"But between having it back at 100 per cent or nothing at all is something in between that helps us to adapt. I think it's still better to move closer to what was normal before."

La Liga have been eager to point to the economic benefits too, for people's jobs and livelihoods.&nbsp;

"Football's return means the revival of a very relevant economic sector," said Tebas.&nbsp;

"It contributes 1.37 per cent of GDP and generates 185,000 jobs at a time when the economic situation is already the main concern."&nbsp;

"It is the primary service export industry in our country," adds Moscoso. "It's economic role is self-evident."&nbsp;

Television companies like Movistar, the biggest broadcaster of games in Spain, have also been promoting the idea that football's revival amounts to progress.&nbsp;

Every Sunday night this month, Movistar has hosted a programme called "Volver Es Ganar", "To Return is To Win", a slogan that has also been carried by players and clubs alike.&nbsp;

First and foremost, the game is coming back because of its own financial needs, with Tebas admitting clubs stood to lose around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season was cancelled.

Fans will have football again but, for a while at least, in a very different way to before.

"Perhaps we have to consider that our new normal is going to be different," Fouce said. "That nothing is going to be exactly the same as before."

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality. Spain's top division is set to restart on June 11 and to be completed on July 19, yet the expectation is players will be subjected to safety protocol for several months and stadiums will not be full again until next year. In the short-term at least, its reemergence could offer some comfort. "There is no doubt the resumption of football will contribute to a general sense of relief among certain groups of people, who have been struggling with the pandemic," David Moscoso, a specialist in sports sociology, told AFP. "The return of football is a sign that society is progressing to the new normal," agreed Tebas earlier this month, adding "it will restore a part of life that people in Spain know and love." Spain has managed to bring the number of infections under control in recent weeks, with the government reporting no deaths from coronavirus on Monday for the first time since the beginning of March. But with more than 27,000 confirmed fatalities, the country has been one of the worst-hit in the world and it is no surprise the approach to football's return has been cautious and the attitude of some fearful. "It is possible that by losing the passion and intensity, which is really the essence of football, it will also lose that emotional centre that is the hook for so many people," said psychologist Adelaida Navaridas. Many are adamant that, without fans, the campaign should not resume at all. "We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most significant supporters' club at Eibar, whose squad members have expressed reservations about playing too soon. "But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended." - 'Social heart' - It is not only the atmosphere inside stadiums that will be lost. "The social heart of football comes from people getting ready for the game with friends, with family, and then staying together afterwards. All that is broken," adds Guillermo Fouce, a professor of psychology at Madrid's Complutense University. "But between having it back at 100 per cent or nothing at all is something in between that helps us to adapt. I think it's still better to move closer to what was normal before." La Liga have been eager to point to the economic benefits too, for people's jobs and livelihoods. "Football's return means the revival of a very relevant economic sector," said Tebas. "It contributes 1.37 per cent of GDP and generates 185,000 jobs at a time when the economic situation is already the main concern." "It is the primary service export industry in our country," adds Moscoso. "It's economic role is self-evident." Television companies like Movistar, the biggest broadcaster of games in Spain, have also been promoting the idea that football's revival amounts to progress. Every Sunday night this month, Movistar has hosted a programme called "Volver Es Ganar", "To Return is To Win", a slogan that has also been carried by players and clubs alike. First and foremost, the game is coming back because of its own financial needs, with Tebas admitting clubs stood to lose around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season was cancelled. Fans will have football again but, for a while at least, in a very different way to before. "Perhaps we have to consider that our new normal is going to be different," Fouce said. "That nothing is going to be exactly the same as before."

La Liga's new reality to bring optimism, discomfort

West Indies opener and one of the legends of cricket Chris Gayle has joined the worldwide-force and raised his voice against racism as protests continue to intensify in the United States, six days since the death of George Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis. African-American man George Floyd died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for several minutes even after Floyd stopped moving and pleaded for air.&nbsp;

The veteran Windies batsman said: “Black lives matter just like any other life. Black people matter, p***k all racist people, stop taking black people for fools, even our own black people wise the p***k up and stop bringing down your own!”

“I have travelled the globe and experience racial remarks towards me because I am black, believe me, the list goes on,” Gayle wrote in his Instagram story.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-impact-sports-fans-and-the-new-norm-302430" hreflang="en">Coronavirus impact: Sports, fans and the 'new norm'</a>

“Racism is not only in football, it’s in cricket too. Even within teams as a black man, I get the end of the stick. Black and powerful. Black and proud,” he added.

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— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) <a href="https://twitter.com/henrygayle/status/1267441396866260992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Many sportspersons have voiced their concerns against racism. The likes of Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, NBA star LeBron James, Michael Jordan, cricketer Darren Sammy, and Bundesliga footballer Jadon Sancho, Marcus Thuram, among many others joined the protest against the issue of racism.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-lebron-james-to-hamilton-sporting-icons-condemn-us-police-for-the-death-of-george-floyd-302310">From LeBron James to Hamilton: Sporting icons condemn US police for the death of George Floyd</a>

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For too long black people have suffered. I’m all the way in St Lucia and I’m frustrated If you see me as a teammate then you see <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFloyd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFloyd</a> Can you be part of the change by showing your support. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a>
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) <a href="https://twitter.com/darensammy88/status/1267609153385705473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Since Floyd’s death, Chauvin has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

West Indies opener and one of the legends of cricket Chris Gayle has joined the worldwide-force and raised his voice against racism as protests continue to intensify in the United States, six days since the death of George Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis.

West Indies opener and one of the legends of cricket Chris Gayle has joined the worldwide-force and raised his voice against racism as protests continue to intensify in the United States, six days since the death of George Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis. African-American man George Floyd died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for several minutes even after Floyd stopped moving and pleaded for air. The veteran Windies batsman said: “Black lives matter just like any other life. Black people matter, p***k all racist people, stop taking black people for fools, even our own black people wise the p***k up and stop bringing down your own!” “I have travelled the globe and experience racial remarks towards me because I am black, believe me, the list goes on,” Gayle wrote in his Instagram story. ALSO READ: Coronavirus impact: Sports, fans and the 'new norm' “Racism is not only in football, it’s in cricket too. Even within teams as a black man, I get the end of the stick. Black and powerful. Black and proud,” he added. pic.twitter.com/kyJP7GxnlK — Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) June 1, 2020 × Many sportspersons have voiced their concerns against racism. The likes of Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, NBA star LeBron James, Michael Jordan, cricketer Darren Sammy, and Bundesliga footballer Jadon Sancho, Marcus Thuram, among many others joined the protest against the issue of racism. IN PICS | From LeBron James to Hamilton: Sporting icons condemn US police for the death of George Floyd For too long black people have suffered. I’m all the way in St Lucia and I’m frustrated If you see me as a teammate then you see #GeorgeFloyd Can you be part of the change by showing your support. #BlackLivesMatter — Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 2, 2020 × Since Floyd’s death, Chauvin has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Cricket not free of racism, I too was a victim: Chris Gayle stands with 'Black Lives Matter'

FIFA has urged football competition organisers to use “common sense” when considering whether to punish players for protesting against the death of George Floyd during matches. Some players in Jadon Sancho, Achraf Hakimi, Marcus Thuram and Weston McKennie stood for #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd while celebrating a goal as a strong message against racism.

The German FA (DFB) said that it was considering sanctions against players for their demonstration this weekend. Floyd, an African-America, died in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck, despite calls from Floyd that he could not breathe. Since Floyd’s death, Chauvin has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. But protest all over the US and parts of the world have grown over the matter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/plain-angry-jordan-joins-sports-worlds-call-for-change-after-floyd-death-302368" hreflang="en">'Plain angry' Jordan joins sports world's call for change after Floyd death</a>

FIFA told the Associated Press: "FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case.

"The application of the laws of the game... is left for the competitions' organisers, which should use common sense and have in consideration the context surrounding the events."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-lebron-james-to-hamilton-sporting-icons-condemn-us-police-for-the-death-of-george-floyd-302310">From LeBron James to Hamilton: Sporting icons condemn US police for the death of George Floyd</a>

Earlier, DFB vice-president Rainer Koch said: "As is the case internationally, the game itself should remain free of political statements or messages of any kind."

Sancho was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt to reveal “Justice for George Floyd” written in the under-shirt after scoring for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Sancho’s team-mate Hakimi joined with a similar message whereas Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram took a knee while Schalke’s McKennie wore an armband with “Justice for George” written on it.&nbsp;

FIFA has urged football competition organisers to use “common sense” when considering whether to punish players for protesting against the death of George Floyd during matches.

FIFA has urged football competition organisers to use “common sense” when considering whether to punish players for protesting against the death of George Floyd during matches. Some players in Jadon Sancho, Achraf Hakimi, Marcus Thuram and Weston McKennie stood for #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd while celebrating a goal as a strong message against racism. The German FA (DFB) said that it was considering sanctions against players for their demonstration this weekend. Floyd, an African-America, died in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck, despite calls from Floyd that he could not breathe. Since Floyd’s death, Chauvin has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. But protest all over the US and parts of the world have grown over the matter. ALSO READ: 'Plain angry' Jordan joins sports world's call for change after Floyd death FIFA told the Associated Press: "FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case. "The application of the laws of the game... is left for the competitions' organisers, which should use common sense and have in consideration the context surrounding the events." IN PICS | From LeBron James to Hamilton: Sporting icons condemn US police for the death of George Floyd Earlier, DFB vice-president Rainer Koch said: "As is the case internationally, the game itself should remain free of political statements or messages of any kind." Sancho was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt to reveal “Justice for George Floyd” written in the under-shirt after scoring for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Sancho’s team-mate Hakimi joined with a similar message whereas Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram took a knee while Schalke’s McKennie wore an armband with “Justice for George” written on it.

FIFA tells FAs to use 'common sense' over George Floyd death protest by players during matches

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target.

With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title.

However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn.

Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time.

Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018.

They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot.

Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller.

Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work.

Davies then scored the game's best goal.

After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes.

<h2>- US death protest -</h2>

Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet.

Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner.

"This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt.

"We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind."

Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom.

However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left.

They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season.

Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home.

Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes.

Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner.&nbsp;

In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States.

"To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie.

"We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard."

George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck.&nbsp;

<h2>- Hertha on the rise -</h2>

Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek.

Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg&nbsp;crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt.

Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card.

Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes.

Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes.

On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice. Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target. With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title. However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn. Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time. Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018. They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot. Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller. Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work. Davies then scored the game's best goal. After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes. - US death protest - Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet. Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner. "This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt. "We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind." Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom. However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left. They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season. Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home. Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes. Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner. In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States. "To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie. "We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard." George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck. - Hertha on the rise - Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek. Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt. Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card. Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes. Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes. On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Lewandowski hits brace as Bayern Munich go 10 points clear

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification.

AFP Sport takes a look at some key issues ahead of the run-in.

<h2>Turbulent title race</h2>

When Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, it seemed they had halted a dip in form and seized control of the title race.&nbsp;

But a week later, they handed the initiative back as Barca regained first place by beating Real Sociedad and Madrid lost away at Real Betis.&nbsp;

A three-month break means a fresh start but Barcelona's two-point lead reflects badly on their challengers, given Barca's own problems off the pitch, including the switch to Quique Setien as coach in January.&nbsp;

Both sides' imperfections mean there will be more slip-ups to come but if this Barca make it five league titles in six years, Madrid will only have themselves to blame.

<h2>Unfamiliar homes</h2>

Real Madrid have been given permission by La Liga to play their remaining home games at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium at their training ground to allow planned construction work to go ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.&nbsp;

With games being held behind closed doors there would have been little advantage to playing at their usual home and the players might even be better off avoiding an empty 81,000-seater stadium that they are used to being almost full.&nbsp;

<h2>Unexpected returns</h2>

Neither Eden Hazard nor Luis Suarez expected to play much, or perhaps any, part in the run-in after Hazard underwent surgery on a broken foot in March and Suarez had an operation on his right knee in January.&nbsp;

The break has allowed both players to recover and the question now is whether either can find peak form and fitness in time to make an impact in the remaining 11 games.&nbsp;

Suarez's return could be particularly helpful for Barcelona but Setien has said the Uruguayan, who has often taken time to regain sharpness, is not yet ready.&nbsp;

Real Madrid's Hazard, plagued by injuries in recent months, has had a nightmare first year in Spain but has an unexpected chance to turn things around.&nbsp;

<h2>Fight for Atletico</h2>

Atletico Madrid's momentous win over Liverpool in the Champions League offered Diego Simeone some relief after what has been a disappointing season in La Liga.&nbsp;

His team sit sixth in the table, having long fallen out of the reckoning for the title and facing a fight even to make the top four.&nbsp;

Ahead of them between fifth and third are Getafe, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, and with only two points between the four, Atletico could &nbsp;still scrape in.&nbsp;

But the resilient Getafe and free-flowing Real will both be eager to finish off brilliant campaigns while Sevilla appeared to be hitting their stride before games were suspended.&nbsp;

Atletico cannot afford to be complacent.&nbsp;

<h2>Pressure at the bottom</h2>

At the other end of the table, Espanyol look doomed, sitting in last place, six points adrift of safety. Leganes, who still have to play away at Barcelona before hosting Real Madrid on the final day, are only three points better off.&nbsp;

One point then separates Mallorca, Celta Vigo and Eibar, whose players have expressed concerns about the safety of football returning too quickly. Real Valladolid in 15th have a four-point cushion over the bottom three but two wins in their last 10 games suggests they could easily be pulled in too.

The economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic means the stakes are even higher for these clubs, as they battle to avoid the considerable financial blow of relegation. For all of them, the pressure is on.

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification.

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification. AFP Sport takes a look at some key issues ahead of the run-in. Turbulent title race When Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, it seemed they had halted a dip in form and seized control of the title race. But a week later, they handed the initiative back as Barca regained first place by beating Real Sociedad and Madrid lost away at Real Betis. A three-month break means a fresh start but Barcelona's two-point lead reflects badly on their challengers, given Barca's own problems off the pitch, including the switch to Quique Setien as coach in January. Both sides' imperfections mean there will be more slip-ups to come but if this Barca make it five league titles in six years, Madrid will only have themselves to blame. Unfamiliar homes Real Madrid have been given permission by La Liga to play their remaining home games at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium at their training ground to allow planned construction work to go ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. With games being held behind closed doors there would have been little advantage to playing at their usual home and the players might even be better off avoiding an empty 81,000-seater stadium that they are used to being almost full. Unexpected returns Neither Eden Hazard nor Luis Suarez expected to play much, or perhaps any, part in the run-in after Hazard underwent surgery on a broken foot in March and Suarez had an operation on his right knee in January. The break has allowed both players to recover and the question now is whether either can find peak form and fitness in time to make an impact in the remaining 11 games. Suarez's return could be particularly helpful for Barcelona but Setien has said the Uruguayan, who has often taken time to regain sharpness, is not yet ready. Real Madrid's Hazard, plagued by injuries in recent months, has had a nightmare first year in Spain but has an unexpected chance to turn things around. Fight for Atletico Atletico Madrid's momentous win over Liverpool in the Champions League offered Diego Simeone some relief after what has been a disappointing season in La Liga. His team sit sixth in the table, having long fallen out of the reckoning for the title and facing a fight even to make the top four. Ahead of them between fifth and third are Getafe, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, and with only two points between the four, Atletico could still scrape in. But the resilient Getafe and free-flowing Real will both be eager to finish off brilliant campaigns while Sevilla appeared to be hitting their stride before games were suspended. Atletico cannot afford to be complacent. Pressure at the bottom At the other end of the table, Espanyol look doomed, sitting in last place, six points adrift of safety. Leganes, who still have to play away at Barcelona before hosting Real Madrid on the final day, are only three points better off. One point then separates Mallorca, Celta Vigo and Eibar, whose players have expressed concerns about the safety of football returning too quickly. Real Valladolid in 15th have a four-point cushion over the bottom three but two wins in their last 10 games suggests they could easily be pulled in too. The economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic means the stakes are even higher for these clubs, as they battle to avoid the considerable financial blow of relegation. For all of them, the pressure is on.

The return of La Liga: What's at stake?

There have been no positive findings from the latest round of coronavirus testing carried out in the Premier League, the English top-flight announced on Saturday.

The fourth round of screening saw a total of 1,130 players and club staff tested, with the lack of any new cases bolstering the Premier League's plan to resume the season on June 17.

"The Premier League can today confirm that on Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May, 1,130 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19," said a statement.

"Of these, zero have tested positive."

That means there have been just 12 positive cases from a combined total of 3,882 tests since Premier League players and club staff started being examined earlier this month.

There have been no positive findings from the latest round of coronavirus testing carried out in the Premier League, the English top-flight announced on Saturday.

There have been no positive findings from the latest round of coronavirus testing carried out in the Premier League, the English top-flight announced on Saturday. The fourth round of screening saw a total of 1,130 players and club staff tested, with the lack of any new cases bolstering the Premier League's plan to resume the season on June 17. "The Premier League can today confirm that on Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May, 1,130 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19," said a statement. "Of these, zero have tested positive." That means there have been just 12 positive cases from a combined total of 3,882 tests since Premier League players and club staff started being examined earlier this month.

No positives from latest Premier League virus tests

Following German Bundesliga, Spanish top-flight football league La Liga is set to resume services from June 11 with some mouth-watering fixtures ready to enthral the fans of the beautiful game. La Liga 2019-20 season was halted mid-March due to COVID-19 outbreak but now it is ready to get back to life.&nbsp;

In the table, Barcelona were leading arch-rivals Real Madrid by two points after 27 matches when the league was suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

The 2019-20 La Liga season will kickstart with the local derby between Sevilla and Real Betis on June 11. Barcelona will host Leganes on June 16 with Valencia locking horns with Real Madrid on June 18. La Liga has released schedules for the first two rounds of fixtures. Meanwhile, La Liga boss Javier Tebas has confirmed that there will be matches every day of the week until the season is finished on July 19.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-positives-from-latest-premier-league-virus-tests-302281" hreflang="en">No positives from latest Premier League virus tests</a>

There are reports stating that Real Madrid will play their home matches at 6.000-capacity training ground while the renovation work continues at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Fans make football so special and as they cannot be in the stadiums we have created this initiative so they can play a part in the return of the competition and show their support for the heroes of COVID-19," Tebas told television network Movistar.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewandowski-hits-brace-as-bayern-munich-go-10-points-clear-302278" hreflang="en">Lewandowski hits brace as Bayern Munich go 10 points clear</a>

Meanwhile, Premier League is set to resume on June 17 and Serie A will be kicking off on June 20.

<h2>Barcelona's remaining fixtures:</h2>

June 13: Real Mallorca (A) 
June 16: Leganes (H) 
June 21: Sevilla (A) 
June 24: Athletic Bilbao (H) 
June 28: Celta Vigo (A) 
July 1: Atletico Madrid (H) 
July 5: Villarreal (A) 
July 8: Espanyol (H) 
July 12: Real Valladolid (A) 
July 15: Osasuna (H) 
July 19: Deportivo Alaves (A)

<h2>Real Madrid's remaining fixtures</h2>

June 14: Eibar (H) 
June 18: Valencia (H) 
June 21: Real Sociedad (A) 
June 24: Real Mallorca (H) 
June 28: Espanyol (A) 
July 1: Getafe (H) 
July 5: Athletic Bilbao (A) 
July 8: Deportivo Alaves (H) 
July 12: Granada (A) 
July 15: Villarreal (H) 
July 19: Leganes (A)

Following German Bundesliga, Spanish top-flight football league La Liga is set to resume services from June 11 with some mouth-watering fixtures ready to enthral the fans of the beautiful game.

Following German Bundesliga, Spanish top-flight football league La Liga is set to resume services from June 11 with some mouth-watering fixtures ready to enthral the fans of the beautiful game. La Liga 2019-20 season was halted mid-March due to COVID-19 outbreak but now it is ready to get back to life. In the table, Barcelona were leading arch-rivals Real Madrid by two points after 27 matches when the league was suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak. The 2019-20 La Liga season will kickstart with the local derby between Sevilla and Real Betis on June 11. Barcelona will host Leganes on June 16 with Valencia locking horns with Real Madrid on June 18. La Liga has released schedules for the first two rounds of fixtures. Meanwhile, La Liga boss Javier Tebas has confirmed that there will be matches every day of the week until the season is finished on July 19. ALSO READ: No positives from latest Premier League virus tests There are reports stating that Real Madrid will play their home matches at 6.000-capacity training ground while the renovation work continues at the Santiago Bernabeu. "Fans make football so special and as they cannot be in the stadiums we have created this initiative so they can play a part in the return of the competition and show their support for the heroes of COVID-19," Tebas told television network Movistar. ALSO READ: Lewandowski hits brace as Bayern Munich go 10 points clear Meanwhile, Premier League is set to resume on June 17 and Serie A will be kicking off on June 20. Barcelona's remaining fixtures: June 13: Real Mallorca (A) June 16: Leganes (H) June 21: Sevilla (A) June 24: Athletic Bilbao (H) June 28: Celta Vigo (A) July 1: Atletico Madrid (H) July 5: Villarreal (A) July 8: Espanyol (H) July 12: Real Valladolid (A) July 15: Osasuna (H) July 19: Deportivo Alaves (A) Real Madrid's remaining fixtures June 14: Eibar (H) June 18: Valencia (H) June 21: Real Sociedad (A) June 24: Real Mallorca (H) June 28: Espanyol (A) July 1: Getafe (H) July 5: Athletic Bilbao (A) July 8: Deportivo Alaves (H) July 12: Granada (A) July 15: Villarreal (H) July 19: Leganes (A)

La Liga announces fixtures for 2019-20 season restart; Barca to host Mallorca, Real Madrid to face Eibar

Premier League football is set to return on June 17 after a three-month coronavirus-enforced absence. Nothing realistically will stop Liverpool from being crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years.

But there are a whole host of other issues to sort out, including relegation and next year's European places, with the drama set to take place in empty, echoing stadiums.

AFP Sport takes a look at what still needs to be resolved.

<h2>When will Liverpool be champions?</h2>

Liverpool were 25 points clear of Manchester City and just two wins away from becoming English champions for the first time since 1990 when the league was suspended in March.

But while COVID-19 may have delayed their title party, nobody seriously believes it is not going to happen.&nbsp;

Two more wins would make it mathematically impossible for City to catch Liverpool but the Reds could triumph by winning their first game if City lose at home to Arsenal on June 17.

Jurgen Klopp's men can also break two of City's most cherished records -- they need 19 points from the remaining 27 to beat the Manchester club's&nbsp;total of 100 points from the 2017/18 season and they could also better City's record title-winning margin of 19 points from the same campaign.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League trophy in a packed stadium in Madrid last June but is preparing for a different experience this year.

"Of course it would feel different because if you win any trophy and receive it without any fans there, it would be pretty strange," he told the BBC.

<h2>Champions League battle</h2>

Intriguingly, the battle for the top four might instead be a battle for the top five.

Liverpool are assured of their place in the Champions League and the other top-four places are currently occupied by Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea.

But as things stand, City cannot compete in Europe's top club competition for the next two seasons after being banned for financial fair play breaches.

Pep Guardiola's side have appealed, however, and could still compete if the suspension is overturned.

If it is upheld, whoever finishes fifth will take their place in next season's Champions League. Manchester United currently occupy that position but Wolves and Sheffield United are both just two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.

Eighth-placed Tottenham and Arsenal, one spot lower, will also fancy their chances of finishing fifth with a late charge.

<h2>Battle to avoid the drop</h2>

Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth occupy the bottom three places in the Premier League but all will harbour hopes they can escape the drop.

Norwich are rock-bottom and six points from safety but a win at home to Leicester in late February gave them hope.

Villa had lost four straight games before the shutdown so the break could end up helping the Birmingham team, who have a game in hand over their rivals, while Eddie Howe will be desperate for Bournemouth to find some form after a run of seven defeats in 10 games.

Above the current bottom three, Watford are still in trouble despite their impressive initial revival under Nigel Pearson, while West Ham and Brighton are far from safe.

<h2>Fit to play</h2>

A clutch of top players will be raring to go after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

England striker Harry Kane is hungry for a return and Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min will also be able to feature after recovering from a broken arm.

Manchester United pair Paul Pogba, with just eight appearances this season, and Marcus Rashford, out of action since January with a back injury, should also feature.

Premier League football is set to return on June 17 after a three-month coronavirus-enforced absence. Nothing realistically will stop Liverpool from being crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years.

Premier League football is set to return on June 17 after a three-month coronavirus-enforced absence. Nothing realistically will stop Liverpool from being crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years. But there are a whole host of other issues to sort out, including relegation and next year's European places, with the drama set to take place in empty, echoing stadiums. AFP Sport takes a look at what still needs to be resolved. When will Liverpool be champions? Liverpool were 25 points clear of Manchester City and just two wins away from becoming English champions for the first time since 1990 when the league was suspended in March. But while COVID-19 may have delayed their title party, nobody seriously believes it is not going to happen. Two more wins would make it mathematically impossible for City to catch Liverpool but the Reds could triumph by winning their first game if City lose at home to Arsenal on June 17. Jurgen Klopp's men can also break two of City's most cherished records -- they need 19 points from the remaining 27 to beat the Manchester club's total of 100 points from the 2017/18 season and they could also better City's record title-winning margin of 19 points from the same campaign. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League trophy in a packed stadium in Madrid last June but is preparing for a different experience this year. "Of course it would feel different because if you win any trophy and receive it without any fans there, it would be pretty strange," he told the BBC. Champions League battle Intriguingly, the battle for the top four might instead be a battle for the top five. Liverpool are assured of their place in the Champions League and the other top-four places are currently occupied by Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea. But as things stand, City cannot compete in Europe's top club competition for the next two seasons after being banned for financial fair play breaches. Pep Guardiola's side have appealed, however, and could still compete if the suspension is overturned. If it is upheld, whoever finishes fifth will take their place in next season's Champions League. Manchester United currently occupy that position but Wolves and Sheffield United are both just two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team. Eighth-placed Tottenham and Arsenal, one spot lower, will also fancy their chances of finishing fifth with a late charge. Battle to avoid the drop Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth occupy the bottom three places in the Premier League but all will harbour hopes they can escape the drop. Norwich are rock-bottom and six points from safety but a win at home to Leicester in late February gave them hope. Villa had lost four straight games before the shutdown so the break could end up helping the Birmingham team, who have a game in hand over their rivals, while Eddie Howe will be desperate for Bournemouth to find some form after a run of seven defeats in 10 games. Above the current bottom three, Watford are still in trouble despite their impressive initial revival under Nigel Pearson, while West Ham and Brighton are far from safe. Fit to play A clutch of top players will be raring to go after lengthy spells on the sidelines. England striker Harry Kane is hungry for a return and Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min will also be able to feature after recovering from a broken arm. Manchester United pair Paul Pogba, with just eight appearances this season, and Marcus Rashford, out of action since January with a back injury, should also feature.

Premier League return: the issues to resolve

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