A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return.

A crowd of 50,000 filled Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on Thursday, March 12 to see Rangers lose 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.

Other matches that night were played behind closed doors, or postponed altogether, as Italy announced its death toll from the virus had passed 1,000.

Fast forward 31 days and the figures make for grim reading throughout Europe, with Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom the worst hit. Countries across the continent are now weeks into restrictive lockdowns.

Nobody knows when sport will be allowed to restart behind closed doors let alone before crowds. The psychological impact of the current situation means many people may well now have second thoughts about mixing with vast crowds at a football match in future.

In any case, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted when the Premier League season was suspended on March 13: "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all."

Yet his club are among those who have been worst hit by the suspension, given that they stand on the brink of winning the English title for the first time in 30 years.

In England, football will not return until it is "safe and appropriate"to do so, authorities have said.

However, UEFA, the governing body for the game in Europe, has remained optimistic about the prospect of finishing the season and is working on the possibility of playing in July and August if need be.

Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, has also said that there is "no way" Liverpool should be denied the Premier League title, and suggested that "in case the matches cannot be played, we will need to find a way".

Scrapping a season that was close to its conclusion would not make sense, but it remains to be seen if the campaign can resume.

<h2>- 'Critical situation' -</h2>

"No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life," FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said.&nbsp;"It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100 percent safe."

The damage caused by COVID-19 has been dramatic. Even players are not worrying about returning to action.

"It's not the thing I am worrying about. I am thinking about my family first and foremost and then about getting this sorted. This is a critical situation," Paris Saint-Germain's Pablo Sarabia told AFP.

Leading football players and figures -- from Juventus and France star Blaise Matuidi to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta -- have tested positive for the virus. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died.

Euro 2020 was postponed by a year, as was the Copa America.

Players at top sides have taken pay cuts, of 70 percent in the case of Barcelona.

There has been an unseemly dispute in England after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for Premier League players to accept wage cuts.

Wealthy English clubs have also faced a backlash for tapping into a government scheme allowing them to furlough non-playing staff. Liverpool performed a U-turn and apologised for having applied.

<h2>- Profound changes? -</h2>

However, those wealthy clubs cannot afford to do without the income they get from broadcasters. That is at the core of their desperation to complete this season.

In England, the cost to Premier League clubs of having to reimburse broadcasters for matches not played has been put at 762 million pounds ($951m).

While idle players are stuck at home, trying to follow fitness programmes in their front rooms or gardens, many wonder if football will be profoundly changed because of the financial impact of this crisis.

"The economy will be different and so will football. Maybe it will be better," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti told Italy's Corriere dello Sport. That remains to be seen.

A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return.

A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return. A crowd of 50,000 filled Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on Thursday, March 12 to see Rangers lose 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League. Other matches that night were played behind closed doors, or postponed altogether, as Italy announced its death toll from the virus had passed 1,000. Fast forward 31 days and the figures make for grim reading throughout Europe, with Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom the worst hit. Countries across the continent are now weeks into restrictive lockdowns. Nobody knows when sport will be allowed to restart behind closed doors let alone before crowds. The psychological impact of the current situation means many people may well now have second thoughts about mixing with vast crowds at a football match in future. In any case, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted when the Premier League season was suspended on March 13: "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all." Yet his club are among those who have been worst hit by the suspension, given that they stand on the brink of winning the English title for the first time in 30 years. In England, football will not return until it is "safe and appropriate"to do so, authorities have said. However, UEFA, the governing body for the game in Europe, has remained optimistic about the prospect of finishing the season and is working on the possibility of playing in July and August if need be. Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, has also said that there is "no way" Liverpool should be denied the Premier League title, and suggested that "in case the matches cannot be played, we will need to find a way". Scrapping a season that was close to its conclusion would not make sense, but it remains to be seen if the campaign can resume. - 'Critical situation' - "No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life," FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said. "It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100 percent safe." The damage caused by COVID-19 has been dramatic. Even players are not worrying about returning to action. "It's not the thing I am worrying about. I am thinking about my family first and foremost and then about getting this sorted. This is a critical situation," Paris Saint-Germain's Pablo Sarabia told AFP. Leading football players and figures -- from Juventus and France star Blaise Matuidi to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta -- have tested positive for the virus. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died. Euro 2020 was postponed by a year, as was the Copa America. Players at top sides have taken pay cuts, of 70 percent in the case of Barcelona. There has been an unseemly dispute in England after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for Premier League players to accept wage cuts. Wealthy English clubs have also faced a backlash for tapping into a government scheme allowing them to furlough non-playing staff. Liverpool performed a U-turn and apologised for having applied. - Profound changes? - However, those wealthy clubs cannot afford to do without the income they get from broadcasters. That is at the core of their desperation to complete this season. In England, the cost to Premier League clubs of having to reimburse broadcasters for matches not played has been put at 762 million pounds ($951m). While idle players are stuck at home, trying to follow fitness programmes in their front rooms or gardens, many wonder if football will be profoundly changed because of the financial impact of this crisis. "The economy will be different and so will football. Maybe it will be better," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti told Italy's Corriere dello Sport. That remains to be seen.

A month into lockdown, football forced to play waiting game

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks.&nbsp;

The Football Association (FA) has reportedly handed over the iconic Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park to the Premier League in a bid to finish the paused 2019/20 season. The general consensus is that the Wembley can host as many as four matches per day and the move will keep travelling at minimum for players, officials, staffs and media.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-looking-at-several-hundred-million-dollars-of-additional-costs-after-postponement-of-tokyo-olympics-thomas-bach-292259" hreflang="en">IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach</a>

A report in Reuters stated that the National Football Centre at the St George’ Park is also set to be available. The venue has 228 hotel rooms and 13 football pitches. The clubs will be able to use it as a quarantined training area to keep their players and support staff together. The rollout of coronavirus testing will also be available, as per reports.&nbsp;

Clubs in Germany and Spain have started to return to training with a view to complete the halted season. Premier League club Crystal Palace’s manager Roy Hodgson said the English league has to be finished.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-boss-frank-lampard-proud-of-clubs-response-to-covid-19-292252" hreflang="en">Chelsea boss Frank Lampard 'proud' of club's response to COVID-19</a>

"Everyone is in total agreement we need an end to this season," the 72-year old told the Palace website.

"We don't want artificial means of deciding who wins the league, who gets into the Champions League, who gets relegated and promoted. Ideally, our players would have three or four weeks minimum to prepare for the first match back, but I accept there may have to be a squeeze on that timeframe.

"It might mean extra restrictions at our place of work ... It may also mean that we have to play our ... remaining matches in a shorter period of time than we normally would have done, and subsequently receive a shorter break between the seasons." 
&nbsp;

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks.

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks. The Football Association (FA) has reportedly handed over the iconic Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park to the Premier League in a bid to finish the paused 2019/20 season. The general consensus is that the Wembley can host as many as four matches per day and the move will keep travelling at minimum for players, officials, staffs and media. ALSO READ: IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach A report in Reuters stated that the National Football Centre at the St George’ Park is also set to be available. The venue has 228 hotel rooms and 13 football pitches. The clubs will be able to use it as a quarantined training area to keep their players and support staff together. The rollout of coronavirus testing will also be available, as per reports. Clubs in Germany and Spain have started to return to training with a view to complete the halted season. Premier League club Crystal Palace’s manager Roy Hodgson said the English league has to be finished. ALSO READ: Chelsea boss Frank Lampard 'proud' of club's response to COVID-19 "Everyone is in total agreement we need an end to this season," the 72-year old told the Palace website. "We don't want artificial means of deciding who wins the league, who gets into the Champions League, who gets relegated and promoted. Ideally, our players would have three or four weeks minimum to prepare for the first match back, but I accept there may have to be a squeeze on that timeframe. "It might mean extra restrictions at our place of work ... It may also mean that we have to play our ... remaining matches in a shorter period of time than we normally would have done, and subsequently receive a shorter break between the seasons."

FA offer Wembley Stadium to Premier League to help complete halted 2019/20 season

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown.

Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.

"I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday.

"There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly.

"My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling."

England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic.

He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him.

"Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said.

"My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come.

"I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden!

"It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area. "I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday. "There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly. "My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling." England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic. He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis. The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him. "Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said. "My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come. "I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden! "It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."

Man Utd's Harry Maguire offers food packages to elderly

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, Real said players and coaches from the side's football and basketball teams, as well as key directors, had voluntarily agreed to the reduction, of either 10 or 20 percent, "depending on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season".

Real didn't say what circumstances would affect the rate of salary cut, but Spanish media reported players will receive 10 percent less if the season is completed and 20 percent less if the current campaign is terminated.

The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros ($30.4 million and $60.8 million) off Real's salary bill.&nbsp;

It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70 percent.

La Liga has recommended clubs take advantage of the scheme, and both Sevilla and Espanyol have also put in a request to be included on the ERTE scheme.

Over 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Spain, the second worst hit country from the virus after Italy, with 146,690 registered cases.

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, Real said players and coaches from the side's football and basketball teams, as well as key directors, had voluntarily agreed to the reduction, of either 10 or 20 percent, "depending on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season". Real didn't say what circumstances would affect the rate of salary cut, but Spanish media reported players will receive 10 percent less if the season is completed and 20 percent less if the current campaign is terminated. The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros ($30.4 million and $60.8 million) off Real's salary bill. It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70 percent. La Liga has recommended clubs take advantage of the scheme, and both Sevilla and Espanyol have also put in a request to be included on the ERTE scheme. Over 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Spain, the second worst hit country from the virus after Italy, with 146,690 registered cases.

Real Madrid players accept up to 20 percent pay cut

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has accepted he was in the wrong for holding a one-on-one training session with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele in a public park in London.

Mourinho was pictured on social media flaunting government rules by meeting up with the midfielder Tuesday, even though they kept to social distancing guidelines.

Fellow Spurs players Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were spotted running side by side in a separate session, while Serge Aurier filmed himself on Instagram running alongside a friend.

"I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household," said the Portuguese manager.

"It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC the players and Mourinho should be leading by example.

"My concern is people, particularly children, who might support Spurs or follow football may see these images, pick up a paper, watch the internet and think, well if it's OK for them, why isn't it OK for me?" he said.

The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19.

The British government has introduced a strict series of measures to prevent the spread of the virus and Tottenham have reminded players of their responsibilities.

The club said last week they would be using the government's furlough financial assistance programme for non-playing staff, a move that was seen as controversial and attracted a lot of criticism.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has accepted he was in the wrong for holding a one-on-one training session with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele in a public park in London.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has accepted he was in the wrong for holding a one-on-one training session with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele in a public park in London. Mourinho was pictured on social media flaunting government rules by meeting up with the midfielder Tuesday, even though they kept to social distancing guidelines. Fellow Spurs players Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were spotted running side by side in a separate session, while Serge Aurier filmed himself on Instagram running alongside a friend. "I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household," said the Portuguese manager. "It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives." London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC the players and Mourinho should be leading by example. "My concern is people, particularly children, who might support Spurs or follow football may see these images, pick up a paper, watch the internet and think, well if it's OK for them, why isn't it OK for me?" he said. The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19. The British government has introduced a strict series of measures to prevent the spread of the virus and Tottenham have reminded players of their responsibilities. The club said last week they would be using the government's furlough financial assistance programme for non-playing staff, a move that was seen as controversial and attracted a lot of criticism.

Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

#PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

"It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said.

"To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-admits-he-was-in-the-wrong-over-training-session-291494" hreflang="en">Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session</a>

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A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayersTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayersTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VmEbK6Rn5">pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5</a>
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The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus &nbsp;Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-agree-virus-package-to-support-game-291491" hreflang="en">Cricketers agree virus package to support game</a>

The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros).

Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal.

More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. #PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak. "It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said. "To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added. ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5 — Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 8, 2020 × The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative. Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros). Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal. More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.

Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules.

Portuguese boss Mourinho was pictured training with Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common, while Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen running side by side in the same public park in north London.&nbsp;

Spurs full-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself jogging alongside another person on Instagram.

The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19.

The outbreak has seen the British government introduce a strict series of measures which, while they allow individuals to go out for a walk or exercise once a day, state they must remain at least two metres apart unless they are with a member of the same household.

"All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors," said a Tottenham spokesperson on Tuesday.

"We shall continue to reinforce this message."

Tottenham had already been criticised during the outbreak for applying to the British government's furlough financial assistance programme for company wage bills last week on the same day it was revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was paid £7 million ($8.7 million) last season.

Although Levy is among the Spurs staff members taking a 20 percent pay cut, the north London club have come under pressure to follow European champions and Premier League leaders Liverpool in reversing their decision to use public money to pay employees.

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules.

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules. Portuguese boss Mourinho was pictured training with Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common, while Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen running side by side in the same public park in north London. Spurs full-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself jogging alongside another person on Instagram. The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19. The outbreak has seen the British government introduce a strict series of measures which, while they allow individuals to go out for a walk or exercise once a day, state they must remain at least two metres apart unless they are with a member of the same household. "All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors," said a Tottenham spokesperson on Tuesday. "We shall continue to reinforce this message." Tottenham had already been criticised during the outbreak for applying to the British government's furlough financial assistance programme for company wage bills last week on the same day it was revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was paid £7 million ($8.7 million) last season. Although Levy is among the Spurs staff members taking a 20 percent pay cut, the north London club have come under pressure to follow European champions and Premier League leaders Liverpool in reversing their decision to use public money to pay employees.

Tottenham issue warning after Mourinho and players seen training

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country.

Judge Gustavo Amarilla told reporters that he had ordered the "continuation of house arrest in a hotel for Ronaldinho and his brother."

The pair were jailed one month ago to await trial, but their lawyers have posted bail of $1.6 million.

Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was a star of Brazil's 2002 World Cup win and played for European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, among others.

The ruling means the brothers can swap their grim police cell block -- which has also housed Paraguay's former soccer federation chief and the ex-speaker of the lower house of parliament -- for a plush colonial-style hotel in downtown Asuncion.

The brochure of the refurbished 107-room Palmaroga Hotel, located in the capital's historic center, describes it as offering "a seamless blend of early 1900s Renaissance grace and modern comfort as well as luxury."

"I have the assurance of the hotel managers that they, at their own expense, can observe house arrest there," Amarilla told a news conference.

Paraguay's appeals court last month rejected a request to release the pair, meaning the two-time world player of the year spent his 40th birthday behind bars.

With Paraguay's capital on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the judge communicated his ruling in a cellphone call to the brothers, with prosecutors and defense lawyers -- and TV cameras -- present. The judge and many others wore face masks as a precaution against the virus.

A beaming Ronaldinho, in a black T-shirt and matching headband, gave a thumbs up sign to show he understood the terms of his release.

<h2>- 'Fake passports' -</h2>

He and his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira -- who is also his business manager -- initially encountered no problems after arriving in Asuncion from neighboring Brazil on March 4.

However, shortly after their arrival,&nbsp;the brothers were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following discovery that their passports were fake.

Ronaldinho, given a rock star's welcome to Asuncion by around 2,000 children and teenagers, said the passports had been given to him by sponsors of a charity working with disadvantaged children.&nbsp;

Fourteen other people have been charged in the case, which has expanded into an investigation into possible money laundering.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the Paraguayan businesswoman in charge of the charity foundation that invited Ronaldinho.

He proved a popular inmate of the police headquarters jail where he was held, donating a trophy to the winning team in a recent prisoners' futsal tournament.

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country.

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country. Judge Gustavo Amarilla told reporters that he had ordered the "continuation of house arrest in a hotel for Ronaldinho and his brother." The pair were jailed one month ago to await trial, but their lawyers have posted bail of $1.6 million. Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was a star of Brazil's 2002 World Cup win and played for European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, among others. The ruling means the brothers can swap their grim police cell block -- which has also housed Paraguay's former soccer federation chief and the ex-speaker of the lower house of parliament -- for a plush colonial-style hotel in downtown Asuncion. The brochure of the refurbished 107-room Palmaroga Hotel, located in the capital's historic center, describes it as offering "a seamless blend of early 1900s Renaissance grace and modern comfort as well as luxury." "I have the assurance of the hotel managers that they, at their own expense, can observe house arrest there," Amarilla told a news conference. Paraguay's appeals court last month rejected a request to release the pair, meaning the two-time world player of the year spent his 40th birthday behind bars. With Paraguay's capital on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the judge communicated his ruling in a cellphone call to the brothers, with prosecutors and defense lawyers -- and TV cameras -- present. The judge and many others wore face masks as a precaution against the virus. A beaming Ronaldinho, in a black T-shirt and matching headband, gave a thumbs up sign to show he understood the terms of his release. - 'Fake passports' - He and his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira -- who is also his business manager -- initially encountered no problems after arriving in Asuncion from neighboring Brazil on March 4. However, shortly after their arrival, the brothers were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following discovery that their passports were fake. Ronaldinho, given a rock star's welcome to Asuncion by around 2,000 children and teenagers, said the passports had been given to him by sponsors of a charity working with disadvantaged children. Fourteen other people have been charged in the case, which has expanded into an investigation into possible money laundering. An arrest warrant has been issued for the Paraguayan businesswoman in charge of the charity foundation that invited Ronaldinho. He proved a popular inmate of the police headquarters jail where he was held, donating a trophy to the winning team in a recent prisoners' futsal tournament.

Paraguay court releases Ronaldinho into house arrest in Asuncion hotel

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown.

Jurgen Klopp's men were 25 points clear of Manchester City when football came to a halt last month, agonisingly close to their first top-flight triumph in 30 years.

But it is unclear when, or even if, the season will be completed.

Asked if he feels like a champion, the 27-year-old Senegal forward told Talksport that he wanted to win the Premier League on the pitch.

"I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it's what I would love," he said. "But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.

"It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world.

"Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it's my dream and I want to win it this year.

"If that's not the case, I will accept, it's part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year."

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this week there was "no way" Liverpool should finish the season without the title, even if the campaign is cancelled.

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown.

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown. Jurgen Klopp's men were 25 points clear of Manchester City when football came to a halt last month, agonisingly close to their first top-flight triumph in 30 years. But it is unclear when, or even if, the season will be completed. Asked if he feels like a champion, the 27-year-old Senegal forward told Talksport that he wanted to win the Premier League on the pitch. "I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it's what I would love," he said. "But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand. "It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world. "Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it's my dream and I want to win it this year. "If that's not the case, I will accept, it's part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this week there was "no way" Liverpool should finish the season without the title, even if the campaign is cancelled.

Mane would 'understand' if Liverpool were denied Premier League title

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club.&nbsp;Bajaj has now sold&nbsp;his I-League club&nbsp;something other business firms had failed to do in the past

“Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. &nbsp;

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f29ffb0-7d9f-4865-940a-081f36fe4610" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Minerva-Academy-Mr-Ranjit-Bajaj_0.jpg" />

Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. &nbsp;

“Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. 
&nbsp; 
"I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="daae6589-ac6d-49ac-b7f4-d19f0e52a774" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5140897236_9736180245.jpg" />

The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential.

“I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained.

“We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e09603ba-64bf-444a-aaa9-91acbc377409" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/137138-mvydnjkrwa-1582548988.jpg" />

When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner&nbsp;at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC.

“This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both

“I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said.

“It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club. Bajaj has now sold his I-League club something other business firms had failed to do in the past “Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. “Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. "I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added. The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential. “I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained. “We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added. When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC. “This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both “I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said. “It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Exclusive: Ranjit Bajaj opens up on selling remaining stakes at Punjab FC to Round Glass, 'World Cup patch' and more

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday.

But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition.

"We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital," said a statement on Spurs' official Twitter feed.

"We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family."

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We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. 
 
Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. <a href="https://t.co/tDneZxDc3m">pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m</a>
— Tottenham Hotspur (at 🏡) (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1247641068402769925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Greaves is understood to have been in poor health since suffering a stroke nearly five years ago.

A prolific goalscorer throughout his career, Greaves also played for Chelsea and West Ham, but his greatest success came at Tottenham during a golden era for the London side that saw him score a club record 266 goals in 379 matches from 1961-70.

For decades Greaves held the record for most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues, his tally of 366 goals in 528 appearances during a career that also included a spell at Italy's AC Milan only broken by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017.

Greaves was equally prolific at international level, scoring 44 goals in just 57 appearances for England.

He was a member of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup on home soil but an injury in a group game against France cost him his place in the side and paved the way for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to score a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition. "We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital," said a statement on Spurs' official Twitter feed. "We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family." We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m — Tottenham Hotspur (at 🏡) (@SpursOfficial) April 7, 2020 × Greaves is understood to have been in poor health since suffering a stroke nearly five years ago. A prolific goalscorer throughout his career, Greaves also played for Chelsea and West Ham, but his greatest success came at Tottenham during a golden era for the London side that saw him score a club record 266 goals in 379 matches from 1961-70. For decades Greaves held the record for most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues, his tally of 366 goals in 528 appearances during a career that also included a spell at Italy's AC Milan only broken by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017. Greaves was equally prolific at international level, scoring 44 goals in just 57 appearances for England. He was a member of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup on home soil but an injury in a group game against France cost him his place in the side and paved the way for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to score a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Greaves in hospital

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.

Tebas also warned Spanish clubs could lose as much as one billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season is not completed, pushing football bosses in the country to search for a late finish to the current campaign.

"The different scenarios we have been looking at with UEFA to go back to competing are most probably starting on the May 28-29 June 6-7 or June 28-29," Tebas said.

"We're not just looking at what happens in Spain... the job is to get all our calendars (in Europe) in line so all the competitions are able to finish together."

But Tebas said no team training could take place until after the state of emergency ends in Spain -- currently set until April 26. Should that end date be pushed back the chances of restarting in May would likely vanish.

Tebas said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the massive hit to revenue Spain's top clubs would have to absorb, with 150 million euros gone even if La Liga finishes the season with fans at matches.

"We are not considering at all that we will not get back to playing matches," he said.

"It is not just league revenues, it is league revenues plus all the other revenue from the Champions League that teams wouldn't receive.&nbsp;

"We are talking about one billion euros if we don't get back to playing, 300 million euros if we play behind closed doors and 150 million euros if we do to get back to playing with fans."

Fixtures are expected to be held behind closed doors, at least at first, with some Spanish clubs facing the prospect of playing away from their own grounds due to scheduled building work.

“The last businesses that will return to normal are theatres, cinemas, events that people attend," said Tebas. "We are an industry like that but we can resume part of our activity without people because the fundamental part of our income comes from TV."

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced later on Tuesday that a committee including representatives from the Players' Union (AFE) and La Liga had agreed summer matches would be played every 72 hours at most and with two drinks breaks in each half due to heat.

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed nearly 14,000 people in Spain, the world's second hardest-hit country after Italy in terms of deaths.

On Tuesday, Spain said a further 743 people had died but that the "downward trend" is continuing despite an increase in the latest figures.

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown. Tebas also warned Spanish clubs could lose as much as one billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season is not completed, pushing football bosses in the country to search for a late finish to the current campaign. "The different scenarios we have been looking at with UEFA to go back to competing are most probably starting on the May 28-29 June 6-7 or June 28-29," Tebas said. "We're not just looking at what happens in Spain... the job is to get all our calendars (in Europe) in line so all the competitions are able to finish together." But Tebas said no team training could take place until after the state of emergency ends in Spain -- currently set until April 26. Should that end date be pushed back the chances of restarting in May would likely vanish. Tebas said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the massive hit to revenue Spain's top clubs would have to absorb, with 150 million euros gone even if La Liga finishes the season with fans at matches. "We are not considering at all that we will not get back to playing matches," he said. "It is not just league revenues, it is league revenues plus all the other revenue from the Champions League that teams wouldn't receive. "We are talking about one billion euros if we don't get back to playing, 300 million euros if we play behind closed doors and 150 million euros if we do to get back to playing with fans." Fixtures are expected to be held behind closed doors, at least at first, with some Spanish clubs facing the prospect of playing away from their own grounds due to scheduled building work. “The last businesses that will return to normal are theatres, cinemas, events that people attend," said Tebas. "We are an industry like that but we can resume part of our activity without people because the fundamental part of our income comes from TV." The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced later on Tuesday that a committee including representatives from the Players' Union (AFE) and La Liga had agreed summer matches would be played every 72 hours at most and with two drinks breaks in each half due to heat. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed nearly 14,000 people in Spain, the world's second hardest-hit country after Italy in terms of deaths. On Tuesday, Spain said a further 743 people had died but that the "downward trend" is continuing despite an increase in the latest figures.

La Liga eyeing May return, says league boss Tebas

The Kremlin on Tuesday "categorically" denied allegations that Russia had bribed FIFA officials for the right to host the 2018 World Cup.

"Russia absolutely legally got the right to organise the World Cup," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;

He said the decision was "not linked to any bribes, we categorically deny this." &nbsp;

"Russia organized the best football World Cup in history. We are proud of it," he added.&nbsp;

According to US Justice Department documents released Monday, FIFA officials received bribes to vote in favor of awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the tournament in 2022 to Qatar.

"We have read the articles in the media. We do not understand what it is about," Peskov said.&nbsp;

The allegations are linked to a wide-ranging 2015 corruption scandal that left world governing body FIFA in turmoil and led to the downfall of then-president Sepp Blatter.

In the ensuing years, the US government has accused a total of 45 people and various sports companies of more than 90 crimes and of paying or accepting more than $200 million in bribes.

The Kremlin on Tuesday "categorically" denied allegations that Russia had bribed FIFA officials for the right to host the 2018 World Cup. "Russia absolutely legally got the right to organise the World Cup," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

The Kremlin on Tuesday "categorically" denied allegations that Russia had bribed FIFA officials for the right to host the 2018 World Cup. "Russia absolutely legally got the right to organise the World Cup," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He said the decision was "not linked to any bribes, we categorically deny this." "Russia organized the best football World Cup in history. We are proud of it," he added. According to US Justice Department documents released Monday, FIFA officials received bribes to vote in favor of awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the tournament in 2022 to Qatar. "We have read the articles in the media. We do not understand what it is about," Peskov said. The allegations are linked to a wide-ranging 2015 corruption scandal that left world governing body FIFA in turmoil and led to the downfall of then-president Sepp Blatter. In the ensuing years, the US government has accused a total of 45 people and various sports companies of more than 90 crimes and of paying or accepting more than $200 million in bribes.

Russia denies bribing FIFA officials to host 2018 World Cup

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard, Liverpool were at the top of the Premier League table by a comfortable 25-point margin over defending champions and second-placed Manchester City. The Reds were just two wins away from lifting their first Premier League title since 1990 but the coronavirus pandemic left the sporting calendar shattered and Liverpool’s dream of lifting the coveted trophy in balance.

While speculations were rife that Liverpool might be denied of a league title if the Premier League is not completed, UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has said that he doesn’t “see a way Liverpool could be left without a title” even if the league is not completed.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-considers-coutinhos-transfer-as-difficult-decision-by-liverpool-291156" hreflang="en">Jurgen Klopp considers Coutinho's transfer as 'difficult' decision by Liverpool</a>

Ceferin said that if by any chance the league is not completed, they will have to find a way to declare final results while declaring a champion while again emphasizing that he “cannot imagine a scenario” where Liverpool would be crowned champions.

He told Slovenian publication EkipaSN: "I can't see a way Liverpool could be left without a title.

"If the Premier League resumes play, Liverpool will almost certainly win the title. Theoretically, it's not all over, but practically Liverpool are on the verge of it.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-considers-coutinhos-transfer-as-difficult-decision-by-liverpool-291156" hreflang="en">Jurgen Klopp considers Coutinho's transfer as 'difficult' decision by Liverpool</a>

"If by any chance the play will not resume, we still have to find a way to declare final results, to declare champions. And again I cannot see, I cannot imagine a scenario, in which the champions would not be Liverpool. I understand the fans will be disappointed if it happens in an empty stadium or even in the league offices, but I believe, they will get the title one way or another," Ceferin added.

While the Premier League has been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities are determined to complete the season even if it means to alter dates of the transfer window or cut short the season break before the start of 2021-22 season. 
&nbsp;

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard, Liverpool were at the top of the Premier League table by a comfortable 25-point margin over defending champions and second-placed Manchester City.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard, Liverpool were at the top of the Premier League table by a comfortable 25-point margin over defending champions and second-placed Manchester City. The Reds were just two wins away from lifting their first Premier League title since 1990 but the coronavirus pandemic left the sporting calendar shattered and Liverpool’s dream of lifting the coveted trophy in balance. While speculations were rife that Liverpool might be denied of a league title if the Premier League is not completed, UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has said that he doesn’t “see a way Liverpool could be left without a title” even if the league is not completed. ALSO READ: Jurgen Klopp considers Coutinho's transfer as 'difficult' decision by Liverpool Ceferin said that if by any chance the league is not completed, they will have to find a way to declare final results while declaring a champion while again emphasizing that he “cannot imagine a scenario” where Liverpool would be crowned champions. He told Slovenian publication EkipaSN: "I can't see a way Liverpool could be left without a title. "If the Premier League resumes play, Liverpool will almost certainly win the title. Theoretically, it's not all over, but practically Liverpool are on the verge of it. ALSO READ: Jurgen Klopp considers Coutinho's transfer as 'difficult' decision by Liverpool "If by any chance the play will not resume, we still have to find a way to declare final results, to declare champions. And again I cannot see, I cannot imagine a scenario, in which the champions would not be Liverpool. I understand the fans will be disappointed if it happens in an empty stadium or even in the league offices, but I believe, they will get the title one way or another," Ceferin added. While the Premier League has been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities are determined to complete the season even if it means to alter dates of the transfer window or cut short the season break before the start of 2021-22 season.

Can't imagine a scenario where Liverpool won't be crowned Premier League champions: UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes.

Europe's top leagues are desperate to return to competition to avert financial disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic, but if they move too fast they could risk injuring their players. Moving too slow also comes at a cost.

In addition to the injury worry, when to resume training presents a problem of fairness, if some clubs can resume sooner than others it could distort competition and produce "crazy" results.&nbsp;

The issue has come up in Germany where, in line with an earlier recommendation by the German football league, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-place Borussia Dortmund and a raft of other clubs resumed training in small groups on Monday. The Bundesliga hopes to return in early May, having ground to a halt in mid-March.

"We have to combine two central goals, namely to keep the players in a very good condition and at the same time avoid possible infections", Martin Przondziono, the Paderborn sports director, told SID, AFP's German subsidiary.

RB Leipzig had continued with non-contact training throughout and Augsburg resumed on March 23. By Monday, only Freiburg and Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga clubs had not resumed.&nbsp;

Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, unable to train his squad because of local regulations, told SID he was worried about "distortion of competition".

In an interview published on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran Italian manager, now in charge at Everton, emphasised that point.

"One of the important things is that all the clubs resume training at the same time, that there are no disparities, that no one has an advantage over the others," the 60-year-old Italian told L'Equipe.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig is already putting his players through their paces.

"My players haven't lost too much fitness," &nbsp;Nagelsmann said. "They'll be back in shape in a week and a half or two."

The question of how long players need to safely regain match fitness&nbsp;will face all of Europe's top clubs after the unprecedented mid-season interruption.&nbsp;

"It depends on how long they are confined," Spanish coach Juanjo Del Ojo, a fitness trainer at Monaco in French Ligue 1, told AFP.

"If it lasts five or six weeks, we would need a minimum of three weeks before we can return to the competition with certainty and reduce the risk of injury."

<h2>- 'Really weird' -&nbsp;</h2>

Xavier Frezza, an independent coach who works with French professional footballers, told AFP "players have never experienced this in their entire lives.

"A pro player only has a three- to four-week break in the summer, and many of them still do a few things," he added.

"Two months is going to be really weird for them."&nbsp;

"Some studies have shown a correlation between the number of full training sessions before resuming competition and a reduction in injuries," he said.

For the players, self-discipline during the lockdown will play a big role.

Those who have kept in shape and avoided weight gain will come back much better than those who have not.&nbsp;

That explains why Bayern Munich introduced compulsory group training by video conference from the first day of confinement, maintaining a rhythm and team peer pressure.&nbsp;

The risks are all the greater as any resumption will bear no resemblance to the pre-season, when the pace picks up gradually.&nbsp;

The clubs will have to complete the high-pressure part of the season playing twice a week at home and in Europe.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'A big difference' -</h2>

This raises the question of whether clubs that start training first will have an advantage over those that have been confined for longer.&nbsp;

"A week's difference, when you don't even have three weeks of preparation, physically and technically it can make a big difference," said Frezza.

Former Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl suspects some "crazy" results if and when the league resumes after the forced hiatus.

"My guess is that the results will be more unpredictable, there will be movement in the table with the odd surprise or two," the 40-year-old, part of Dortmund's management team, told Monday's edition of German magazine Kicker.

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes.

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes. Europe's top leagues are desperate to return to competition to avert financial disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic, but if they move too fast they could risk injuring their players. Moving too slow also comes at a cost. In addition to the injury worry, when to resume training presents a problem of fairness, if some clubs can resume sooner than others it could distort competition and produce "crazy" results. The issue has come up in Germany where, in line with an earlier recommendation by the German football league, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-place Borussia Dortmund and a raft of other clubs resumed training in small groups on Monday. The Bundesliga hopes to return in early May, having ground to a halt in mid-March. "We have to combine two central goals, namely to keep the players in a very good condition and at the same time avoid possible infections", Martin Przondziono, the Paderborn sports director, told SID, AFP's German subsidiary. RB Leipzig had continued with non-contact training throughout and Augsburg resumed on March 23. By Monday, only Freiburg and Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga clubs had not resumed. Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, unable to train his squad because of local regulations, told SID he was worried about "distortion of competition". In an interview published on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran Italian manager, now in charge at Everton, emphasised that point. "One of the important things is that all the clubs resume training at the same time, that there are no disparities, that no one has an advantage over the others," the 60-year-old Italian told L'Equipe. Coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig is already putting his players through their paces. "My players haven't lost too much fitness," Nagelsmann said. "They'll be back in shape in a week and a half or two." The question of how long players need to safely regain match fitness will face all of Europe's top clubs after the unprecedented mid-season interruption. "It depends on how long they are confined," Spanish coach Juanjo Del Ojo, a fitness trainer at Monaco in French Ligue 1, told AFP. "If it lasts five or six weeks, we would need a minimum of three weeks before we can return to the competition with certainty and reduce the risk of injury." - 'Really weird' - Xavier Frezza, an independent coach who works with French professional footballers, told AFP "players have never experienced this in their entire lives. "A pro player only has a three- to four-week break in the summer, and many of them still do a few things," he added. "Two months is going to be really weird for them." "Some studies have shown a correlation between the number of full training sessions before resuming competition and a reduction in injuries," he said. For the players, self-discipline during the lockdown will play a big role. Those who have kept in shape and avoided weight gain will come back much better than those who have not. That explains why Bayern Munich introduced compulsory group training by video conference from the first day of confinement, maintaining a rhythm and team peer pressure. The risks are all the greater as any resumption will bear no resemblance to the pre-season, when the pace picks up gradually. The clubs will have to complete the high-pressure part of the season playing twice a week at home and in Europe. - 'A big difference' - This raises the question of whether clubs that start training first will have an advantage over those that have been confined for longer. "A week's difference, when you don't even have three weeks of preparation, physically and technically it can make a big difference," said Frezza. Former Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl suspects some "crazy" results if and when the league resumes after the forced hiatus. "My guess is that the results will be more unpredictable, there will be movement in the table with the odd surprise or two," the 40-year-old, part of Dortmund's management team, told Monday's edition of German magazine Kicker.

As Bundesliga clubs resume training, a debate over fairness and fitness

Chinese Super League (CSL) players were under growing pressure Tuesday to take a pay cut in line with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as coronavirus hits football hard.

The CSL has some of the best-paid coaches and players in the world with Shanghai SIPG's Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar reportedly earning nearly $30 million a year.

However, while many CSL players have donated masks and other equipment in the fight against the pandemic, which has caused all football to stop, there is no unified response.

The CSL season was supposed to begin on February 22 but was indefinitely postponed because of the outbreak, which began in China in December before spreading worldwide.&nbsp;

The campaign is unlikely to begin before late May at the earliest even though China says that the number of locally transmitted infections and deaths has dwindled.

State-run Xinhua news agency published a lengthy article debating whether CSL clubs should follow Messi's Barcelona and Ronaldo's Juventus in temporarily cutting salaries by as much as 70 percent.

Bayern Munich's players have also agreed to take a pay cut, as have those at other clubs in the Bundesliga, while a similar argument is raging in the English Premier League.

A video conference involving CSL clubs on Thursday will likely see salary cuts discussed, the Beijing News said.

Other media went further, saying that a salary reduction will definitely be broached in Chinese Football Association (CFA) talks this week.&nbsp;

Xinhua cited online polls of fans showing that the overwhelming majority &nbsp;-- in one instance 90 percent of respondents -- were in favour a pay cut.

But it noted that some fans are against reducing salaries because, unlike in suspended European leagues, CSL teams are already in training for the new season even though it has no start date.

Xinhua quoted one CSL club as being "inclined to cut pay" but is awaiting guidance from the CFA and FIFA.

"All clubs are watching, the problem is that no one wants to be the first," the news agency cited another as saying.

An opinion piece in the Oriental Sports Daily argued that with almost all industries badly affected by coronavirus, it was unfair to single out footballers.

"Many people (in China) are very resentful of Chinese football, saying that these people have taken so much money... and should use their salaries to pay more to scientists and doctors, but this is a misunderstanding," wrote Ge Aiping.

"I haven't seen any news of a Chinese Super League player who proposed a voluntary pay cut.

"(But) money is not easy to earn and if you want to give it out, you really need to struggle with yourself."

Chinese football sprang to prominence in recent years by dishing out world-leading wages to foreign players and coaches, but the CFA has since reined in spending.

Chinese Super League (CSL) players were under growing pressure Tuesday to take a pay cut in line with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as coronavirus hits football hard.

Chinese Super League (CSL) players were under growing pressure Tuesday to take a pay cut in line with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as coronavirus hits football hard. The CSL has some of the best-paid coaches and players in the world with Shanghai SIPG's Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar reportedly earning nearly $30 million a year. However, while many CSL players have donated masks and other equipment in the fight against the pandemic, which has caused all football to stop, there is no unified response. The CSL season was supposed to begin on February 22 but was indefinitely postponed because of the outbreak, which began in China in December before spreading worldwide. The campaign is unlikely to begin before late May at the earliest even though China says that the number of locally transmitted infections and deaths has dwindled. State-run Xinhua news agency published a lengthy article debating whether CSL clubs should follow Messi's Barcelona and Ronaldo's Juventus in temporarily cutting salaries by as much as 70 percent. Bayern Munich's players have also agreed to take a pay cut, as have those at other clubs in the Bundesliga, while a similar argument is raging in the English Premier League. A video conference involving CSL clubs on Thursday will likely see salary cuts discussed, the Beijing News said. Other media went further, saying that a salary reduction will definitely be broached in Chinese Football Association (CFA) talks this week. Xinhua cited online polls of fans showing that the overwhelming majority -- in one instance 90 percent of respondents -- were in favour a pay cut. But it noted that some fans are against reducing salaries because, unlike in suspended European leagues, CSL teams are already in training for the new season even though it has no start date. Xinhua quoted one CSL club as being "inclined to cut pay" but is awaiting guidance from the CFA and FIFA. "All clubs are watching, the problem is that no one wants to be the first," the news agency cited another as saying. An opinion piece in the Oriental Sports Daily argued that with almost all industries badly affected by coronavirus, it was unfair to single out footballers. "Many people (in China) are very resentful of Chinese football, saying that these people have taken so much money... and should use their salaries to pay more to scientists and doctors, but this is a misunderstanding," wrote Ge Aiping. "I haven't seen any news of a Chinese Super League player who proposed a voluntary pay cut. "(But) money is not easy to earn and if you want to give it out, you really need to struggle with yourself." Chinese football sprang to prominence in recent years by dishing out world-leading wages to foreign players and coaches, but the CFA has since reined in spending.

Chinese football agonises over wage cuts in face of coronavirus

Bayern Munich said Sunday that players will return to training on Monday for the first time since the Bundesliga was suspended due to the coronavirus.

Bayern led the table by four points when the season was halted on March 13.

"The Bayern Munich first team will return to training in small groups from Monday, April 6," said a statement from the club.

"This will&nbsp;be done in coordination with government policy and the relevant authorities.&nbsp;

"It goes without saying that all hygiene regulations will be strictly observed."

German football league officials had already advised a break in training until Sunday at the earliest.

Bayern said that training will be held in private with no members of the public allowed.

"In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, Bayern asks fans to continue to follow the instructions of the authorities and therefore please do not come to the Bayern training ground," added the statement.

More than 1,300 people have died in Germany from the coronavirus.

Bayern Munich said Sunday that players will return to training on Monday for the first time since the Bundesliga was suspended due to the coronavirus. Bayern led the table by four points when the season was halted on March 13.

Bayern Munich said Sunday that players will return to training on Monday for the first time since the Bundesliga was suspended due to the coronavirus. Bayern led the table by four points when the season was halted on March 13. "The Bayern Munich first team will return to training in small groups from Monday, April 6," said a statement from the club. "This will be done in coordination with government policy and the relevant authorities. "It goes without saying that all hygiene regulations will be strictly observed." German football league officials had already advised a break in training until Sunday at the earliest. Bayern said that training will be held in private with no members of the public allowed. "In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, Bayern asks fans to continue to follow the instructions of the authorities and therefore please do not come to the Bayern training ground," added the statement. More than 1,300 people have died in Germany from the coronavirus.

Bayern Munich to resume training on Monday

Mother of current Manchester City manager and former Spain international, Pep Guardiola breathed her last on Monday after contracting COVID-19 virus. Dolors Sala Carrio, aged 82, on Monday passed away in Manresa, Barcelona after she was diagnosed with the dreaded coronavirus. <o:p></o:p>

Manchester City on Monday released a statement confirming the tragic news as they stated: “The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting Corona Virus. She was 82-years-old. Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.”

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The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting Corona Virus. She was 82-years-old .
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<o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-set-to-extend-2019-20-football-season-indefinitely-amid-covid-19-pandemic-290885" hreflang="en">FIFA set to extend 2019-20 football season indefinitely amid COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Guardiola has been one of the most active managers in spreading awareness surrounding the deadly COVID-19. The former Barcelona manager had earlier donated €1million to help provide medical equipment in the fight against COVID-19 in Spain. <o:p></o:p>

The former Spanish midfielder had vowed that everyone will come out of the situation surrounding the coronavirus stronger while urging people to follow the advisory by the medical experts and government.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<o:p></o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/transfer-fees-will-decrease-due-to-covid-19-bayern-munich-president-herbert-hainer-290882" hreflang="en">'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer</a>

"We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," Guardiola had said in a video.<o:p></o:p>

"You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better. We’ll come back from this stronger, better, kinder…and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe,” he added.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, with football season around the world suspended indefinitely, players and managers have been restricted to online coaching with limited training (only indoors).<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Mother of current Manchester City manager and former Spain international, Pep Guardiola breathed her last on Monday after contracting COVID-19 virus. Dolors Sala Carrio, aged 82, on Monday passed away in Manresa, Barcelona after she was diagnosed with the dreaded coronavirus.

Mother of current Manchester City manager and former Spain international, Pep Guardiola breathed her last on Monday after contracting COVID-19 virus. Dolors Sala Carrio, aged 82, on Monday passed away in Manresa, Barcelona after she was diagnosed with the dreaded coronavirus. Manchester City on Monday released a statement confirming the tragic news as they stated: “The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting Corona Virus. She was 82-years-old. Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.” The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting Corona Virus. She was 82-years-old . — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 6, 2020 × ALSO READ: FIFA set to extend 2019-20 football season indefinitely amid COVID-19 pandemic Guardiola has been one of the most active managers in spreading awareness surrounding the deadly COVID-19. The former Barcelona manager had earlier donated €1million to help provide medical equipment in the fight against COVID-19 in Spain. The former Spanish midfielder had vowed that everyone will come out of the situation surrounding the coronavirus stronger while urging people to follow the advisory by the medical experts and government. ALSO READ: 'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer "We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," Guardiola had said in a video. "You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better. We’ll come back from this stronger, better, kinder…and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe,” he added. Meanwhile, with football season around the world suspended indefinitely, players and managers have been restricted to online coaching with limited training (only indoors).

Man City boss Pep Guardiola's mother dies after contracting COVID-19; clubs issues statement

FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish. FIFA is also planning to alter the dates of the summer transfer window and allow contract extensions for players whose deals run out on June 30.<o:p></o:p>

The decision to indefinitely extend the leagues, across the world, comes after UEFA’s commitment to finish the current season. FIFA is likely to confirm the indefinite extension in the coming days.

<o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/transfer-fees-will-decrease-due-to-covid-19-bayern-munich-president-herbert-hainer-290882" hreflang="en">'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer</a>

While FIFA has not taken off ‘null and void’ off the table, the decision has reduced the chances of leagues being cancelled altogether. The move to extend the season indefinitely was welcomed by one Premier League club as ‘really sensible’, as per a report in The Athletic.<o:p></o:p>

The report states that timeframes were not discussed at length in Friday’s meeting between Premier League clubs as the fears of repaying £762 million to broadcasters, should the season not be completed, continued.

<o:p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spit-sweat-and-shaking-on-it-three-sports-habits-that-could-change-after-coronavirus-290857" hreflang="en">Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus</a>

Some Premier League clubs have already accepted that there might be no other option than the resumption of the postponed season behind closed doors or even at neutral grounds, others clubs feel the league should return only when the fans are able to visit the stadiums.<o:p></o:p>

Another major topic of discussion, to be held, is clubs’ concerns surrounding the extension of contracts which are set to be over on June 30, as they fear, with no concrete date for a return of football, &nbsp;they may have to carry out paying money with no signs of income during the lockdown period.<o:p></o:p>

FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish.

FIFA is set to put an indefinite extension to the already postponed 2019-20 season across the globe, allowing every football authority of respective countries to determine when the halted leagues can finish. FIFA is also planning to alter the dates of the summer transfer window and allow contract extensions for players whose deals run out on June 30. The decision to indefinitely extend the leagues, across the world, comes after UEFA’s commitment to finish the current season. FIFA is likely to confirm the indefinite extension in the coming days. ALSO READ: 'Transfer fees will decrease due to COVID-19': Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer While FIFA has not taken off ‘null and void’ off the table, the decision has reduced the chances of leagues being cancelled altogether. The move to extend the season indefinitely was welcomed by one Premier League club as ‘really sensible’, as per a report in The Athletic. The report states that timeframes were not discussed at length in Friday’s meeting between Premier League clubs as the fears of repaying £762 million to broadcasters, should the season not be completed, continued. ALSO READ: Spit, sweat and shaking on it: Three sports habits that could change after coronavirus Some Premier League clubs have already accepted that there might be no other option than the resumption of the postponed season behind closed doors or even at neutral grounds, others clubs feel the league should return only when the fans are able to visit the stadiums. Another major topic of discussion, to be held, is clubs’ concerns surrounding the extension of contracts which are set to be over on June 30, as they fear, with no concrete date for a return of football, they may have to carry out paying money with no signs of income during the lockdown period.

FIFA set to extend 2019-20 football season indefinitely amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the government's daily briefing on the crisis on Thursday to tell players to "make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part."

Talks are ongoing between the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Premier League and English Football League (EFL) with the players' union accepting they must "share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak."

However, by waiting three weeks since football in England was suspended on public health grounds, the players and the Premier League may have already lost the PR war.

"If you are out of sync with society at the moment, that’s a huge mistake," Adrian Bevington, English Football Association's former director of communications, told PRWeek, the trade magazine for the public relations industry.

"You have to maintain that feeling of empathy for where we are and the seriousness of the situation."

The decision by four Premier League clubs to use the government's furlough scheme, designed to protect jobs at stricken companies, has been met with a government backlash.

Tottenham, Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth plan to use government funds to pay 80 percent of wages of non-playing staff up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month.

The average salary for a Premier League player is three million pounds a year, according to the latest Global Sports Salaries survey.

Julian Knight, who chairs the British government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, accused those clubs of living in a "moral vacuum".

David Lammy of the opposition Labour party and MP for Tottenham said: "It’s criminal that Premier League footballers haven’t moved more quickly to take pay cuts and deferrals."

The Premier League's huge popularity worldwide has driven up players' salaries on an exponential scale over the past 20 years due to a boom in television rights and sponsorship.

However, that could all come crashing down if fans and sponsors are turned off by the stand off at an already difficult time for the game financially.

"It is going to be imperative for everyone in the sports industry –- clubs, players, managers, commercial partners, sponsors -– that they really dial into the mindset of people coming out of this," added Bevington.

"It is such a difficult time and will be a challenging environment for so many people economically and healthwise. They’ve got to get that right."

<h2>- Political football -</h2>

However, there is also frustration among players that they are being used a pawns in a political battle.

Premier League players are being encouraged to follow the example of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid where players have taken pay cuts to protect other staff members.

Many in England have already made huge contributions to help their local communities.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has teamed up with charity FareShare to help feed at least 400,000 children, while an anonymous Liverpool player has donated £25,000 to Alder Hey hospital.

Yet, the players are questioning why they and not many billionaire owners of clubs are being told to foot the bill for the salaries of non-playing staff.

"We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that -– as businesses -- if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should," the PFA said in a statement.

Tottenham's decision to furlough 550 staff on Tuesday came on the same day it was revealed chairman Daniel Levy was paid seven million pounds last season.

According to the Sunday Times rich list, Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, who resides in the Bahamas, saw his wealth surge to 4.4billion pounds last year.

"The same criticisms are not being made of the banking industry, not being made of hedge fund managers, they are not being made of lawyers who charge £10,000 a day, accountants, or off-shore funds which avoid paying tax," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP.

"Joe Lewis himself is worth over four billion pounds, (but) we are having a go at Harry Kane who is a guy with a career that is going to end at 35."

At a time of huge public spending to shore up the National Health Service (NHS) and economy, there is also an argument that a cut in player wages could be detrimental to the public purse.

"What contributes more to the government, the NHS/police," tweeted former Stoke and Ireland striker Jonathan Walters.

"A PL player taking a pay cut that stays with the clubs owners or paying more than 45 percent tax through PAYE on a large salary which goes directly to the government."

The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts.

The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts. Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the government's daily briefing on the crisis on Thursday to tell players to "make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part." Talks are ongoing between the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Premier League and English Football League (EFL) with the players' union accepting they must "share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak." However, by waiting three weeks since football in England was suspended on public health grounds, the players and the Premier League may have already lost the PR war. "If you are out of sync with society at the moment, that’s a huge mistake," Adrian Bevington, English Football Association's former director of communications, told PRWeek, the trade magazine for the public relations industry. "You have to maintain that feeling of empathy for where we are and the seriousness of the situation." The decision by four Premier League clubs to use the government's furlough scheme, designed to protect jobs at stricken companies, has been met with a government backlash. Tottenham, Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth plan to use government funds to pay 80 percent of wages of non-playing staff up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month. The average salary for a Premier League player is three million pounds a year, according to the latest Global Sports Salaries survey. Julian Knight, who chairs the British government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, accused those clubs of living in a "moral vacuum". David Lammy of the opposition Labour party and MP for Tottenham said: "It’s criminal that Premier League footballers haven’t moved more quickly to take pay cuts and deferrals." The Premier League's huge popularity worldwide has driven up players' salaries on an exponential scale over the past 20 years due to a boom in television rights and sponsorship. However, that could all come crashing down if fans and sponsors are turned off by the stand off at an already difficult time for the game financially. "It is going to be imperative for everyone in the sports industry –- clubs, players, managers, commercial partners, sponsors -– that they really dial into the mindset of people coming out of this," added Bevington. "It is such a difficult time and will be a challenging environment for so many people economically and healthwise. They’ve got to get that right." - Political football - However, there is also frustration among players that they are being used a pawns in a political battle. Premier League players are being encouraged to follow the example of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid where players have taken pay cuts to protect other staff members. Many in England have already made huge contributions to help their local communities. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has teamed up with charity FareShare to help feed at least 400,000 children, while an anonymous Liverpool player has donated £25,000 to Alder Hey hospital. Yet, the players are questioning why they and not many billionaire owners of clubs are being told to foot the bill for the salaries of non-playing staff. "We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that -– as businesses -- if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should," the PFA said in a statement. Tottenham's decision to furlough 550 staff on Tuesday came on the same day it was revealed chairman Daniel Levy was paid seven million pounds last season. According to the Sunday Times rich list, Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, who resides in the Bahamas, saw his wealth surge to 4.4billion pounds last year. "The same criticisms are not being made of the banking industry, not being made of hedge fund managers, they are not being made of lawyers who charge £10,000 a day, accountants, or off-shore funds which avoid paying tax," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "Joe Lewis himself is worth over four billion pounds, (but) we are having a go at Harry Kane who is a guy with a career that is going to end at 35." At a time of huge public spending to shore up the National Health Service (NHS) and economy, there is also an argument that a cut in player wages could be detrimental to the public purse. "What contributes more to the government, the NHS/police," tweeted former Stoke and Ireland striker Jonathan Walters. "A PL player taking a pay cut that stays with the clubs owners or paying more than 45 percent tax through PAYE on a large salary which goes directly to the government."

Premier League stars in firing line over taking pay cut

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely.

In a joint letter released late on Thursday, UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA), and the European Leagues body representing nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, said that they were working on the possibility of playing on into July and August if need be.

The Champions League and Europa League -- both of which are currently frozen in the last-16 stage -- could be completed once the domestic seasons are finished, and "stopping competitions should really be the last resort after acknowledging that no calendar alternative would allow to conclude the season."

The joint response came after the Belgian Pro League announced on Thursday that it recommended declaring the current season over already with the present table accepted as final.

It is the first European league to take such a measure, although more could follow.

That means Club Brugge would in theory go straight into the next Champions League group stage, but UEFA, the ECA and the European Leagues indicated that they may be barred from continental competition if the Belgian league decision is finalised.

"It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results," the joint letter said.

<h2>- Not justified -</h2>

"We are confident that football can restart in the months to come –- with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities -- and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified.

"Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition."

The letter concluded: "UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions."

UEFA has set up two working groups to devise a way for European football to get out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

One is tasked with looking at the legal and financial consequences of the crisis, while the other is devising a new match calendar. UEFA and the clubs have set themselves a mid-May target for deciding on the most viable option for completing the season.

There have been calls in other countries for this season to be declared null and void, but any option which rules out completing this season could have serious consequences for leagues reliant on huge television deals and who could find themselves having to reimburse broadcasters if remaining matches are not played.

Justifying its decision, the Belgian Pro League said it was "very unlikely" to be able to hold matches in front of crowds before June 30 and that it had "unanimously decided that it was not desirable...to continue the competition" after that date.

The decision still needs to be formally validated at a General Assembly on April 15.

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely.

UEFA and Europe's top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely. In a joint letter released late on Thursday, UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA), and the European Leagues body representing nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, said that they were working on the possibility of playing on into July and August if need be. The Champions League and Europa League -- both of which are currently frozen in the last-16 stage -- could be completed once the domestic seasons are finished, and "stopping competitions should really be the last resort after acknowledging that no calendar alternative would allow to conclude the season." The joint response came after the Belgian Pro League announced on Thursday that it recommended declaring the current season over already with the present table accepted as final. It is the first European league to take such a measure, although more could follow. That means Club Brugge would in theory go straight into the next Champions League group stage, but UEFA, the ECA and the European Leagues indicated that they may be barred from continental competition if the Belgian league decision is finalised. "It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results," the joint letter said. - Not justified - "We are confident that football can restart in the months to come –- with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities -- and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified. "Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition." The letter concluded: "UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions." UEFA has set up two working groups to devise a way for European football to get out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. One is tasked with looking at the legal and financial consequences of the crisis, while the other is devising a new match calendar. UEFA and the clubs have set themselves a mid-May target for deciding on the most viable option for completing the season. There have been calls in other countries for this season to be declared null and void, but any option which rules out completing this season could have serious consequences for leagues reliant on huge television deals and who could find themselves having to reimburse broadcasters if remaining matches are not played. Justifying its decision, the Belgian Pro League said it was "very unlikely" to be able to hold matches in front of crowds before June 30 and that it had "unanimously decided that it was not desirable...to continue the competition" after that date. The decision still needs to be formally validated at a General Assembly on April 15.

UEFA warn clubs risk Champions League exclusion if seasons are not completed

Uruguay star Luis Suarez complained on Thursday that he has been "hurt" by criticism of him and fellow millionaire Barcelona players for the time it took to agree to pay cuts to help out other club employees.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi announced on Monday that Barca's players had agreed to a 70 percent pay cut and to make contributions to ensure the club's non-playing staff could be paid in full during the state of alarm in Spain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Footballers across Europe's top leagues have come under fire as some clubs have made cuts to their non-playing staff or their salaries while many wealthy players have yet to see their incomings affected.

"It hurts because we were the first to want to reach an agreement," Suarez told Uruguayan radio station Sport890.&nbsp;

"We know the situation the club is in, the situation the world is in right now and it was a minimal detail (holding up the agreement).

"But people have said things like us players didn't want to give in; that the basketball and handball players came to an agreement and we didn't.

"We hadn't come to an agreement because we were waiting to find the best solution for the club, and to our benefit and trying to help the employees."

In announcing the agreement, Messi had directed a thinly veiled swipe at the Barca board, led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, whom he accused of undermining the players during recent negotiations.

His lengthy Instagram post was shared by a slew of teammates, including Suarez.

Striker Suarez, who has remained in Spain unlike some of his European-based international teammates such as Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin, called on Uruguay to impose a strict lockdown.

"It's the best solution for everyone. I know it's difficult in Uruguay where many people live day to day ... but if we don't all come together and go in the same direction, it's going to be difficult to come out of this situation," he said.

Uruguay has partially closed its borders, shut schools and shopping malls and advised people to social distance and stay at home, but hasn't imposed a lockdown.

So far, the country has had 350 coronavirus cases and four deaths.

Uruguay star Luis Suarez complained on Thursday that he has been "hurt" by criticism of him and fellow millionaire Barcelona players for the time it took to agree to pay cuts to help out other club employees.

Uruguay star Luis Suarez complained on Thursday that he has been "hurt" by criticism of him and fellow millionaire Barcelona players for the time it took to agree to pay cuts to help out other club employees. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi announced on Monday that Barca's players had agreed to a 70 percent pay cut and to make contributions to ensure the club's non-playing staff could be paid in full during the state of alarm in Spain caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Footballers across Europe's top leagues have come under fire as some clubs have made cuts to their non-playing staff or their salaries while many wealthy players have yet to see their incomings affected. "It hurts because we were the first to want to reach an agreement," Suarez told Uruguayan radio station Sport890. "We know the situation the club is in, the situation the world is in right now and it was a minimal detail (holding up the agreement). "But people have said things like us players didn't want to give in; that the basketball and handball players came to an agreement and we didn't. "We hadn't come to an agreement because we were waiting to find the best solution for the club, and to our benefit and trying to help the employees." In announcing the agreement, Messi had directed a thinly veiled swipe at the Barca board, led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, whom he accused of undermining the players during recent negotiations. His lengthy Instagram post was shared by a slew of teammates, including Suarez. Striker Suarez, who has remained in Spain unlike some of his European-based international teammates such as Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin, called on Uruguay to impose a strict lockdown. "It's the best solution for everyone. I know it's difficult in Uruguay where many people live day to day ... but if we don't all come together and go in the same direction, it's going to be difficult to come out of this situation," he said. Uruguay has partially closed its borders, shut schools and shopping malls and advised people to social distance and stay at home, but hasn't imposed a lockdown. So far, the country has had 350 coronavirus cases and four deaths.

Luis Suarez 'hurt' by criticism of Barcelona players' pay cut delay

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice.

"This includes the play-off matches for UEFA EURO 2020 and qualifying matches for UEFA Women's EURO 2021," said European football's governing body in a statement.

"All other UEFA competition matches, including the centralised international friendly matches, remain postponed until further notice."

The decision followed a videoconference with Europe's 55 member federations as part of discussions on how to adapt the fixture calendar in the face of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The play-off semi-finals and finals that are supposed to decide the last four qualifying berths for the next European Championship were initially postponed at the end of March and pencilled in provisionally for June.

That was "subject to a review of the situation" amid uncertainty over how the pandemic will develop and whether many European countries currently in lockdown will be able to return to some kind of normality.

However, UEFA has also stated a determination to finish all domestic and club competitions by June 30.

While that currently looks ambitious at the very least, clearing the international fixtures from the same month does buy some more time as they aim to complete the Champions League and Europa League competitions as well as domestic leagues.

Carrying the season on beyond that date runs the risk of clubs losing their out-of-contract players before matches have been completed, unless a solution can be found.

The impact of the pandemic on Europe has already forced UEFA to put Euro 2020 back 12 months.

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice.

UEFA have made a move towards clearing the decks for the return of club football by announcing on Wednesday that all international matches that had been pushed back to June have now been postponed until further notice. "This includes the play-off matches for UEFA EURO 2020 and qualifying matches for UEFA Women's EURO 2021," said European football's governing body in a statement. "All other UEFA competition matches, including the centralised international friendly matches, remain postponed until further notice." The decision followed a videoconference with Europe's 55 member federations as part of discussions on how to adapt the fixture calendar in the face of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The play-off semi-finals and finals that are supposed to decide the last four qualifying berths for the next European Championship were initially postponed at the end of March and pencilled in provisionally for June. That was "subject to a review of the situation" amid uncertainty over how the pandemic will develop and whether many European countries currently in lockdown will be able to return to some kind of normality. However, UEFA has also stated a determination to finish all domestic and club competitions by June 30. While that currently looks ambitious at the very least, clearing the international fixtures from the same month does buy some more time as they aim to complete the Champions League and Europa League competitions as well as domestic leagues. Carrying the season on beyond that date runs the risk of clubs losing their out-of-contract players before matches have been completed, unless a solution can be found. The impact of the pandemic on Europe has already forced UEFA to put Euro 2020 back 12 months.

UEFA postpone all international matches scheduled for June

Premier League clubs have been accused of living in a "moral vacuum", with players urged to take their share of the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic as non-playing staff begin to feel the pinch.

Last year's Champions League finalists Tottenham as well as Newcastle and Norwich have faced a backlash for using the British government's furlough scheme, which will guarantee 80 percent of employees' income up to a maximum of £2,500 ($3,000) a month.

"It sticks in the throat," said lawmaker Julian Knight, who chairs the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, referring to the use of public funds to prop up wage bills.

"This exposes the crazy economics in English football and the moral vacuum at its centre."

The Times said the elite should not be a "drain on the exchequer".

"(The) furlough scheme.is for clubs lower down the pyramid enduring the cash-flow crisis without gate receipts, not by the likes of Spurs and Newcastle United," the paper said in a comment piece.

That £2,500 sum would be a drop in the ocean for many Premier League stars, yet there has so far been no agreement on wage cuts or deferrals for players, unlike the situation at other top European clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said he hoped discussions between the Premier League and players' and managers' representatives would "result in players and coaches doing their bit for the football eco-system".

Levy is in the firing line despite taking a 20 percent cut in salary for the next two months.

On Tuesday he announced a 20 percent cut for 550 non-playing staff on the same day it was revealed he was paid £7 million last season, including a £3 million bonus for the completion of the club's new stadium, which ran well over time and budget.

Players at Barcelona have taken a 70 percent pay cut during Spain's state of emergency and will make additional contributions to ensure other employees receive full wages.

The squad of Italian champions Juventus, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have agreed to have their wages stopped for four months while players at German giants Bayern Munich accepted a 20 percent pay cut.

"Clearly, when players at Barcelona, or Juventus voluntarily, or some German clubs voluntarily enter into these agreements with their clubs, then good on them," said FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.

"Where the players have the means and they step forward I think that shows very much that they understand what is happening right now and frankly we will be seeing more of that."

The chasm in player earnings between the top end of the game and the lower leagues, and even within the same clubs, complicates the role of players' unions in finding common ground.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC that top-flight players should take the hit.

He said: "Highly paid football players are people who can carry the greatest burden and they should be the first one to, with respect, sacrifice their salary, rather than the person selling the programme or the person who does catering."

Players do not want to be the fall guys in a crisis only for clubs to behave irresponsibly when their income returns.

"If a club is doing deferrals then the regulations state that they would be embargoed from signing any players," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.

"It's ridiculous to have clubs deferring their obligations to players and then making big-money transfer signings."

Transfer talk tends to fill the void during the summer football break, but that is far from the minds of most executives just trying to ensure their clubs are still standing in a few months' time.

"When I read or hear stories about player transfers this summer like nothing has happened, people need to wake up to the enormity of what is happening around us," said Levy.

Premier League clubs have been accused of living in a "moral vacuum", with players urged to take their share of the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic as non-playing staff begin to feel the pinch.

Premier League clubs have been accused of living in a "moral vacuum", with players urged to take their share of the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic as non-playing staff begin to feel the pinch. Last year's Champions League finalists Tottenham as well as Newcastle and Norwich have faced a backlash for using the British government's furlough scheme, which will guarantee 80 percent of employees' income up to a maximum of £2,500 ($3,000) a month. "It sticks in the throat," said lawmaker Julian Knight, who chairs the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, referring to the use of public funds to prop up wage bills. "This exposes the crazy economics in English football and the moral vacuum at its centre." The Times said the elite should not be a "drain on the exchequer". "(The) furlough scheme.is for clubs lower down the pyramid enduring the cash-flow crisis without gate receipts, not by the likes of Spurs and Newcastle United," the paper said in a comment piece. That £2,500 sum would be a drop in the ocean for many Premier League stars, yet there has so far been no agreement on wage cuts or deferrals for players, unlike the situation at other top European clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said he hoped discussions between the Premier League and players' and managers' representatives would "result in players and coaches doing their bit for the football eco-system". Levy is in the firing line despite taking a 20 percent cut in salary for the next two months. On Tuesday he announced a 20 percent cut for 550 non-playing staff on the same day it was revealed he was paid £7 million last season, including a £3 million bonus for the completion of the club's new stadium, which ran well over time and budget. Players at Barcelona have taken a 70 percent pay cut during Spain's state of emergency and will make additional contributions to ensure other employees receive full wages. The squad of Italian champions Juventus, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have agreed to have their wages stopped for four months while players at German giants Bayern Munich accepted a 20 percent pay cut. "Clearly, when players at Barcelona, or Juventus voluntarily, or some German clubs voluntarily enter into these agreements with their clubs, then good on them," said FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann. "Where the players have the means and they step forward I think that shows very much that they understand what is happening right now and frankly we will be seeing more of that." The chasm in player earnings between the top end of the game and the lower leagues, and even within the same clubs, complicates the role of players' unions in finding common ground. London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC that top-flight players should take the hit. He said: "Highly paid football players are people who can carry the greatest burden and they should be the first one to, with respect, sacrifice their salary, rather than the person selling the programme or the person who does catering." Players do not want to be the fall guys in a crisis only for clubs to behave irresponsibly when their income returns. "If a club is doing deferrals then the regulations state that they would be embargoed from signing any players," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor. "It's ridiculous to have clubs deferring their obligations to players and then making big-money transfer signings." Transfer talk tends to fill the void during the summer football break, but that is far from the minds of most executives just trying to ensure their clubs are still standing in a few months' time. "When I read or hear stories about player transfers this summer like nothing has happened, people need to wake up to the enormity of what is happening around us," said Levy.

Premier League accused of 'moral vacuum' as clubs cut staff wages

FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport.

The spread of COVID-19 has impacted the wealthiest clubs, with Barcelona and Juventus players taking wage cuts; those in smaller countries, with Slovakian champion Zilina entering bankruptcy; and national football federations, with Uruguay furloughing hundreds of staff.

Having amassed reserves it last reported at $2.745 billion, FIFA has the resources to give much-needed financial help to the game at many levels. Now the organization has provided more details around the need agreed two weeks ago by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vice presidents to explore a 'support fund'&nbsp;for the sport.

"FIFA is in a strong financial situation and it's our duty to do the utmost to help them in their hour of need," world football's governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"FIFA is working on possibilities to provide assistance to the football community around the world after making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact this pandemic will have on football."

FIFA is exploring the mechanism to provide the financial lifeline to the football industry with the six regional confederations and member associations to ensure there is an announcement 'in the near future.'

The football community around the world is experiencing, to a greater or lesser extent, serious financial problems on account of the coronavirus outbreak,"&nbsp;FIFA said.

"This threatens to disrupt and impair the ability of FIFA's member associations and other football organizations such as leagues and clubs to develop, finance and run football activities at all levels of the game, including professional, non-professional, youth and grassroots.

"It is foreseen that in many parts of the world a considerable number of persons involved in football including both men and women players will be left in extremely difficult economic conditions."

FIFA already operates a 'Forward'&nbsp;development program to redistribute its wealth to member associations. In the 2015-18 cycle, investment dedicated to the scheme was $1.079 billion, of which $832 million had been approved and committed to member associations, confederations or regions, according to the last published financial results.

FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport.

FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport. The spread of COVID-19 has impacted the wealthiest clubs, with Barcelona and Juventus players taking wage cuts; those in smaller countries, with Slovakian champion Zilina entering bankruptcy; and national football federations, with Uruguay furloughing hundreds of staff. Having amassed reserves it last reported at $2.745 billion, FIFA has the resources to give much-needed financial help to the game at many levels. Now the organization has provided more details around the need agreed two weeks ago by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vice presidents to explore a 'support fund' for the sport. "FIFA is in a strong financial situation and it's our duty to do the utmost to help them in their hour of need," world football's governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday. "FIFA is working on possibilities to provide assistance to the football community around the world after making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact this pandemic will have on football." FIFA is exploring the mechanism to provide the financial lifeline to the football industry with the six regional confederations and member associations to ensure there is an announcement 'in the near future.' The football community around the world is experiencing, to a greater or lesser extent, serious financial problems on account of the coronavirus outbreak," FIFA said. "This threatens to disrupt and impair the ability of FIFA's member associations and other football organizations such as leagues and clubs to develop, finance and run football activities at all levels of the game, including professional, non-professional, youth and grassroots. "It is foreseen that in many parts of the world a considerable number of persons involved in football including both men and women players will be left in extremely difficult economic conditions." FIFA already operates a 'Forward' development program to redistribute its wealth to member associations. In the 2015-18 cycle, investment dedicated to the scheme was $1.079 billion, of which $832 million had been approved and committed to member associations, confederations or regions, according to the last published financial results.

With $2.7B reserves, FIFA has 'duty' to aid virus-hit soccer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday.

Guardiola, who donated one million euros ($1.08 million) to help buy medical supplies for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his native Spain last week, posted a video message as part of the English champions' "Cityzens At Home" campaign to keep fans entertained.

Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 as part of tight restrictions on personal freedoms to try and halt the spread of COVID-19.

"We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," said Guardiola.

"You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better.

"We'll come back from this stronger, better, kinder and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe."

To try and prevent supporters' piling on the pounds, City players' favourite recipes have been posted online to promote healthy eating.

City will provide daily skills challenges and downloadable colouring sets to keep children occupied, while mindfulness classes will be provided to help deal with the mental health issues posed by long periods of social distancing.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday. Guardiola, who donated one million euros ($1.08 million) to help buy medical supplies for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his native Spain last week, posted a video message as part of the English champions' "Cityzens At Home" campaign to keep fans entertained. Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 as part of tight restrictions on personal freedoms to try and halt the spread of COVID-19. "We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," said Guardiola. "You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better. "We'll come back from this stronger, better, kinder and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe." To try and prevent supporters' piling on the pounds, City players' favourite recipes have been posted online to promote healthy eating. City will provide daily skills challenges and downloadable colouring sets to keep children occupied, while mindfulness classes will be provided to help deal with the mental health issues posed by long periods of social distancing.

Pep Guardiola watching his weight without football

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

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

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

Scenarios for a potential return of the Premier League

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcus Rashford helps feed children during virus shutdown

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the global coronavirus crisis could bring about a reform of football which he does not expect to return to action by May.

"Without panic, let's face it, we will play when we can without endangering anyone's health," the head of world football said.

"Health first. Then everything else. And the rest, for managers, means hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst."

World football has been thrown into turmoil by the pandemic which has killed 15,000 and confined more than a billion people ot their homes.

The Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments have already been pushed back while uncertainty remains over the inaugural 24-team Club World Cup from 2021.

"We need an assessment of the global economic impact," the 50-year-old Swiss told Monday's edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport.&nbsp;

"We don't know when things will return to normal.&nbsp;

"But let's look at the opportunities. We can perhaps reform world football by taking a step back. With different formats. Fewer tournaments, maybe fewer teams, but more balanced.&nbsp;

"Fewer games to protect the health of the players.

"It's not science fiction, let's talk about it. Let's quantify the damage, see how to cover it, make sacrifices and let's start again.&nbsp;

"Not from scratch. But let's all save football together from a crisis that risks being irreversible."

Infantino revealed he was working on temporary derogations on footballers' contracts to avoid the June 30 deadline.

"Now let's think about the national team calendar, and about temporary changes and dispensations for the regulations on the status of players and transfers.&nbsp;

"To protect contracts and adapt registration periods. Tough measures are needed tough. But there is no choice. We will all have to make sacrifices."

Infantino, meanwhile, dismissed talk of a planned European Super League for the top clubs.

"It makes me laugh," he said. "And what else? From what I see, others are already planning and organising tournaments around the world, outside the institutional structures, and without respect for how domestic, continental and world football are organised.

"In the future we must have at least 50 national teams that can win the World Cup, not just eight European and two South American ones.&nbsp;

"And 50 clubs that can win the Club World Cup, not just five or six European ones. And twenty of these 50 will be Europeans, which seems to me better than today's five or six. But this is not the time to talk about it now.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the global coronavirus crisis could bring about a reform of football which he does not expect to return to action by May.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the global coronavirus crisis could bring about a reform of football which he does not expect to return to action by May. "Without panic, let's face it, we will play when we can without endangering anyone's health," the head of world football said. "Health first. Then everything else. And the rest, for managers, means hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst." World football has been thrown into turmoil by the pandemic which has killed 15,000 and confined more than a billion people ot their homes. The Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments have already been pushed back while uncertainty remains over the inaugural 24-team Club World Cup from 2021. "We need an assessment of the global economic impact," the 50-year-old Swiss told Monday's edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport. "We don't know when things will return to normal. "But let's look at the opportunities. We can perhaps reform world football by taking a step back. With different formats. Fewer tournaments, maybe fewer teams, but more balanced. "Fewer games to protect the health of the players. "It's not science fiction, let's talk about it. Let's quantify the damage, see how to cover it, make sacrifices and let's start again. "Not from scratch. But let's all save football together from a crisis that risks being irreversible." Infantino revealed he was working on temporary derogations on footballers' contracts to avoid the June 30 deadline. "Now let's think about the national team calendar, and about temporary changes and dispensations for the regulations on the status of players and transfers. "To protect contracts and adapt registration periods. Tough measures are needed tough. But there is no choice. We will all have to make sacrifices." Infantino, meanwhile, dismissed talk of a planned European Super League for the top clubs. "It makes me laugh," he said. "And what else? From what I see, others are already planning and organising tournaments around the world, outside the institutional structures, and without respect for how domestic, continental and world football are organised. "In the future we must have at least 50 national teams that can win the World Cup, not just eight European and two South American ones. "And 50 clubs that can win the Club World Cup, not just five or six European ones. And twenty of these 50 will be Europeans, which seems to me better than today's five or six. But this is not the time to talk about it now.

FIFA boss looking at soccer reform after coronavirus crisis

Legendary India footballer P K Banerjee died here on Friday after battling prolonged illness. He was 83. Banerjee is survived by daughters Paula and Purna, who are renowned academicians, and younger brother Prasun Banerjee, who is a sitting Trinamool Congress MP.

The 1962 Asian Games gold-medallist, whose best days as a striker coincided with Indian football's golden era, was suffering from respiratory problems due to pneumonia.

He also had an underlying history of Parkinson's disease, dementia and heart problem. He was on life support at a hospital here since March 2 and breathed his last at 12:40pm, according to a family member.

Born on June 23, 1936 in Moynaguri on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, Banerjee's family relocated to his uncle's place in Jamshedpur before partition.

He scored 65 international goals in 84 appearance for the national team.

Besides winning the gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Games in 1992, Banerjee led India in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he scored the equaliser against a formidable French team in a 1-1 draw.

Before that, Banerjee represented India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and played a key role in their 4-2 win over Australia in the quarterfinals. 
Banerjee's contribution to Indian football was duly recognised by the world governing body FIFA that awarded him the Centennial Order of Merit in 2004

Legendary India footballer P K Banerjee died here on Friday after battling prolonged illness. He was 83. Banerjee is survived by daughters Paula and Purna, who are renowned academicians, and younger brother Prasun Banerjee, who is a sitting Trinamool Congress MP.

Legendary India footballer P K Banerjee died here on Friday after battling prolonged illness. He was 83. Banerjee is survived by daughters Paula and Purna, who are renowned academicians, and younger brother Prasun Banerjee, who is a sitting Trinamool Congress MP. The 1962 Asian Games gold-medallist, whose best days as a striker coincided with Indian football's golden era, was suffering from respiratory problems due to pneumonia. He also had an underlying history of Parkinson's disease, dementia and heart problem. He was on life support at a hospital here since March 2 and breathed his last at 12:40pm, according to a family member. Born on June 23, 1936 in Moynaguri on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, Banerjee's family relocated to his uncle's place in Jamshedpur before partition. He scored 65 international goals in 84 appearance for the national team. Besides winning the gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Games in 1992, Banerjee led India in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he scored the equaliser against a formidable French team in a 1-1 draw. Before that, Banerjee represented India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and played a key role in their 4-2 win over Australia in the quarterfinals. Banerjee's contribution to Indian football was duly recognised by the world governing body FIFA that awarded him the Centennial Order of Merit in 2004

Indian football legend PK Banerjee dies aged 83

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