Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is Newcastle United’s prospective new owners’ first choice to take over the charge at St James’s Park next season. The Saudi-backed consortium is willing to pay him a whopping £19m a year to take charge of the club, which will make Pocchettino the second-highest paid manager in the Premier League behind Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.&nbsp;

Pochettino who lost his job at Tottenham Hostpur in November 2019 is keen on a return to Premier League and reportedly, is interested in the project. Current Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce will continue the charge until the end of the current season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-super-bowl-winner-to-medical-doctor-laurent-duvernay-tardif-joins-coronavirus-frontline-295525" hreflang="en">From Super Bowl winner to medical doctor! Laurent Duvernay-Tardif joins coronavirus frontline</a>

No final decision on the matter is expected before Premier League’s decision to allow the £300m takeover Newcastle United Saudi-backed consortium from Mike Ashley.

Reportedly, Newcastle’s prospective owners have been left impressed by Pochettino’s previous work with Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton. They reckon Pochettino will be the perfect man to convert Newcastle United into one of Europe’s top clubs in the next five years.&nbsp;

Second on the wish list it, former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez, who is currently managing China’s Dalian Yifang with a £12m-a-year after tax contract in China.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-set-trial-date-for-psg-chief-ex-fifa-no2-295476" hreflang="en">Swiss set trial date for PSG chief, ex-FIFA no.2</a>

Interestingly, Pochettino and his backroom staff continue to being paid his £8.5m a year (gross) wages by Tottenham Hotspur despite getting sacked in November, as per reports.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, there have been calls for the British government to block the Saudi-backed consortium’s £300m takeover of Newcastle United.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is Newcastle United’s prospective new owners’ first choice to take over the charge at St James’s Park next season.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is Newcastle United’s prospective new owners’ first choice to take over the charge at St James’s Park next season. The Saudi-backed consortium is willing to pay him a whopping £19m a year to take charge of the club, which will make Pocchettino the second-highest paid manager in the Premier League behind Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Pochettino who lost his job at Tottenham Hostpur in November 2019 is keen on a return to Premier League and reportedly, is interested in the project. Current Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce will continue the charge until the end of the current season. ALSO READ: From Super Bowl winner to medical doctor! Laurent Duvernay-Tardif joins coronavirus frontline No final decision on the matter is expected before Premier League’s decision to allow the £300m takeover Newcastle United Saudi-backed consortium from Mike Ashley. Reportedly, Newcastle’s prospective owners have been left impressed by Pochettino’s previous work with Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton. They reckon Pochettino will be the perfect man to convert Newcastle United into one of Europe’s top clubs in the next five years. Second on the wish list it, former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez, who is currently managing China’s Dalian Yifang with a £12m-a-year after tax contract in China. ALSO READ: Swiss set trial date for PSG chief, ex-FIFA no.2 Interestingly, Pochettino and his backroom staff continue to being paid his £8.5m a year (gross) wages by Tottenham Hotspur despite getting sacked in November, as per reports. Meanwhile, there have been calls for the British government to block the Saudi-backed consortium’s £300m takeover of Newcastle United.

Mauricio Pochettino Newcastle United's top target to take over managerial duties

Late journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz has asked England's top-flight league, the Premier League to block the takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-clubs-urged-to-combine-and-block-ps300-million-newcastle-united-takeover-293990">Premier League clubs urged to combine and block £300 million Newcastle United takeover</a>

The Public Investment Fund will be an important part of the deal that consists o three parties. The deal will include Saudi backed PCP Capital Partners, venture capital and private equity company run by British businesswoman Amanda Staveley, and real estate firm Reuben Brothers, which wants to buy the club from English businessman Mike Ashley.

Cengiz has criticized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's move of taking over the premier league as a "PR tool" for distracting people's attention from the country's poor human rights records. Cengiz has held the Saudi government accountable for her fiance Jamal Khashoggi's murder.&nbsp;

She said: "UK authorities and the Premier League (sic) should not allow someone like Mohamed Bin Salman (sic), who has yet to face any accountability for the murder of my late fiancé, Jamal Khashoggi, to be so involved in sports in the UK,"

"Doing otherwise will greatly stain the reputation of the Premier League and the UK. Mohamed Bin Salman is strategically using international sports to repair his badly damaged reputation after the murder of Jamal."

In 2018, the CIA had concluded the Khashoggi's murder investigation by saying that bin Salman had personally ordered Khashoggi's murder, the prince had denied these charges.&nbsp;

In December 2019, the Saudi government sentenced five people to death after holding them guilty for Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Late journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz has asked England's top-flight league, the Premier League to block the takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports.

Late journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee, Hatice Cengiz has asked England's top-flight league, the Premier League to block the takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Also read: Premier League clubs urged to combine and block £300 million Newcastle United takeover The Public Investment Fund will be an important part of the deal that consists o three parties. The deal will include Saudi backed PCP Capital Partners, venture capital and private equity company run by British businesswoman Amanda Staveley, and real estate firm Reuben Brothers, which wants to buy the club from English businessman Mike Ashley. Cengiz has criticized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's move of taking over the premier league as a "PR tool" for distracting people's attention from the country's poor human rights records. Cengiz has held the Saudi government accountable for her fiance Jamal Khashoggi's murder. She said: "UK authorities and the Premier League (sic) should not allow someone like Mohamed Bin Salman (sic), who has yet to face any accountability for the murder of my late fiancé, Jamal Khashoggi, to be so involved in sports in the UK," "Doing otherwise will greatly stain the reputation of the Premier League and the UK. Mohamed Bin Salman is strategically using international sports to repair his badly damaged reputation after the murder of Jamal." In 2018, the CIA had concluded the Khashoggi's murder investigation by saying that bin Salman had personally ordered Khashoggi's murder, the prince had denied these charges. In December 2019, the Saudi government sentenced five people to death after holding them guilty for Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee pleads Premier League to block Saudi takeover

West Ham, Brighton and Arsenal opened their training grounds to players on Monday as Premier League clubs took steps towards a potential re-start.

The English top-flight is reportedly eyeing a resumption of the season on June 8 behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Project Restart" could see the 20 Premier League clubs resume full training by May 18, allowing players a three-week "pre-season".

Premier League chiefs, due to meet with sides on Friday, are committed to finishing the season, with Liverpool on the brink of their first English top-flight title for 30 years.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he has spoken to clubs about restarting the Premier League "as soon as possible".

"I personally have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community," Dowden said during a parliamentary questions session for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

"But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance."

Brighton said in a statement on Monday the club were allowing "restricted external access to the training pitches for first-team players only, for non-compulsory individual training".

"Players will need to book and be allotted staggered arrival slots, allocated their own area to train and expected to fully adhere to social distancing rules while doing so, and when arriving and exiting the facility," the statement added.

A West Ham spokesman said players in apartments or without safe access to green spaces were permitted access to training pitches.

"Access will be limited to one player at a time and all sessions will be in line with government guidelines around social distancing," he said.

An Arsenal club spokesman confirmed on Saturday players would be allowed to return this week but access would be carefully managed.

It was unclear whether manager Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for the virus last month but has since recovered, was present on Monday.

Tottenham also announced they would reopen some facilities from Tuesday, with a limited amount of pitches to be made available for players to use in individual sessions.

The club said "only a restricted number of the squad" would be permitted at the training centre each day.

Britain, on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest, has been one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, with more than 20,000 hospital deaths.

West Ham, Brighton and Arsenal opened their training grounds to players on Monday as Premier League clubs took steps towards a potential re-start. The English top-flight is reportedly eyeing a resumption of the season on June 8 behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

West Ham, Brighton and Arsenal opened their training grounds to players on Monday as Premier League clubs took steps towards a potential re-start. The English top-flight is reportedly eyeing a resumption of the season on June 8 behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Project Restart" could see the 20 Premier League clubs resume full training by May 18, allowing players a three-week "pre-season". Premier League chiefs, due to meet with sides on Friday, are committed to finishing the season, with Liverpool on the brink of their first English top-flight title for 30 years. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he has spoken to clubs about restarting the Premier League "as soon as possible". "I personally have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community," Dowden said during a parliamentary questions session for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. "But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance." Brighton said in a statement on Monday the club were allowing "restricted external access to the training pitches for first-team players only, for non-compulsory individual training". "Players will need to book and be allotted staggered arrival slots, allocated their own area to train and expected to fully adhere to social distancing rules while doing so, and when arriving and exiting the facility," the statement added. A West Ham spokesman said players in apartments or without safe access to green spaces were permitted access to training pitches. "Access will be limited to one player at a time and all sessions will be in line with government guidelines around social distancing," he said. An Arsenal club spokesman confirmed on Saturday players would be allowed to return this week but access would be carefully managed. It was unclear whether manager Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for the virus last month but has since recovered, was present on Monday. Tottenham also announced they would reopen some facilities from Tuesday, with a limited amount of pitches to be made available for players to use in individual sessions. The club said "only a restricted number of the squad" would be permitted at the training centre each day. Britain, on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest, has been one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, with more than 20,000 hospital deaths.

West Ham, Brighton players return to training grounds

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.&nbsp;

UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons.&nbsp;

All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths.&nbsp;

UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit."

As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play.&nbsp;

Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference.&nbsp;

Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. &nbsp;UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match.&nbsp;

Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation.&nbsp;

UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, &nbsp;"insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs".

Another way out?&nbsp;

According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action.&nbsp;

The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams &nbsp;Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games.&nbsp;

Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.&nbsp;

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties. UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons. All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths. UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit." As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play. Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference. Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match. Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation. UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, "insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs". Another way out? According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action. The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games. Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.

UEFA insists Premier league to conclude season as it is or with play-offs; will other leagues follow?

The Premier League is considering screening some behind-closed-doors matches on free-to-air television in Britain when the season restarts, the culture secretary has said.

Sky Sports and BT hold the UK television rights for live Premier League matches in what remains of the 2019/20 season, which is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said there had been "productive conversations" with sporting bodies about how they would resume activity in the event of restrictions being relaxed.

Discussing how sport would be broadcast if held behind closed doors, he told the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee: "I have said to the Premier League it wouldn't send the best signal if they were one of the first major sports to resume behind closed doors and the public at large couldn't have access to it."

But Dowden, who spoke to the lawmakers on Wednesday, refused to speculate further on which platforms would broadcast the games.

"If they are being mindful of access points, that doesn't just have to be going onto traditional terrestrial matches, or even showing all of the matches," he said.

"There's all sorts of creative options within that but it is something they should be considering, and they have said they are."

Dowden said the government had talked with the police, health authorities and local government as part of planning for a potential resumption.

The Premier League is considering screening some behind-closed-doors matches on free-to-air television in Britain when the season restarts, the culture secretary has said.

The Premier League is considering screening some behind-closed-doors matches on free-to-air television in Britain when the season restarts, the culture secretary has said. Sky Sports and BT hold the UK television rights for live Premier League matches in what remains of the 2019/20 season, which is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said there had been "productive conversations" with sporting bodies about how they would resume activity in the event of restrictions being relaxed. Discussing how sport would be broadcast if held behind closed doors, he told the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee: "I have said to the Premier League it wouldn't send the best signal if they were one of the first major sports to resume behind closed doors and the public at large couldn't have access to it." But Dowden, who spoke to the lawmakers on Wednesday, refused to speculate further on which platforms would broadcast the games. "If they are being mindful of access points, that doesn't just have to be going onto traditional terrestrial matches, or even showing all of the matches," he said. "There's all sorts of creative options within that but it is something they should be considering, and they have said they are." Dowden said the government had talked with the police, health authorities and local government as part of planning for a potential resumption.

Premier League matches could return on free-to-air TV

Watford became the latest Premier League club to agree a wage deferral with players on Wednesday to help ride out the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Southampton, West Ham and Sheffield United have also agreed deferrals, while Arsenal's players will take a 12.5 percent pay cut over the next year.

The Premier League fears a failure to finish the season could cost clubs £1 billion ($1.2 billion).&nbsp;

"It is a show of unity which we know our supporters and the wider Watford community will appreciate, and shows an awareness of the need for everybody to pull together in these incredibly challenging times," said Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury.

"We can be proud of the players for taking this step. They recognised they have a role to play and didn't hesitate in taking a decision for the overall good of the club."

The Hornets were 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation zone only on goal difference when matches were indefinitely suspended due to the public health crisis.

Should the season be able to restart, Watford risk the trap door of another severe economic hit with relegation.

"Nobody, wherever they work, is keen on the idea of a pay cut, so there's a bit of common sense and a good level of understanding has prevailed to get to a pay deferral over the short&nbsp;term," said captain Troy Deeney.

"The details of what we've agreed are private - but they're in the best interests of helping the club right now, no one needs to be in any doubt about that."

Watford became the latest Premier League club to agree a wage deferral with players on Wednesday to help ride out the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Watford became the latest Premier League club to agree a wage deferral with players on Wednesday to help ride out the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Southampton, West Ham and Sheffield United have also agreed deferrals, while Arsenal's players will take a 12.5 percent pay cut over the next year. The Premier League fears a failure to finish the season could cost clubs £1 billion ($1.2 billion). "It is a show of unity which we know our supporters and the wider Watford community will appreciate, and shows an awareness of the need for everybody to pull together in these incredibly challenging times," said Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury. "We can be proud of the players for taking this step. They recognised they have a role to play and didn't hesitate in taking a decision for the overall good of the club." The Hornets were 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation zone only on goal difference when matches were indefinitely suspended due to the public health crisis. Should the season be able to restart, Watford risk the trap door of another severe economic hit with relegation. "Nobody, wherever they work, is keen on the idea of a pay cut, so there's a bit of common sense and a good level of understanding has prevailed to get to a pay deferral over the short term," said captain Troy Deeney. "The details of what we've agreed are private - but they're in the best interests of helping the club right now, no one needs to be in any doubt about that."

Watford join Premier League clubs to agree player wage deferral

The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Magpies could be handed over to the consortium, involving financier Amanda Staveley, in the next couple of weeks given the Premier Leagues’ Owners and Directors’ Test is completed. However, Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports has said that Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for its involvement in a pirate TV network, which broadcasts Premier League matches illegally.&nbsp;

The network, named beoutQ, first began live-streaming sporting events, illegally, in the year 2017. The Premier League has been among a number of organisations and sporting bodies who have asked Arabsat to stop providing a channel for a pirate network.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dutch-top-flight-likely-over-after-government-extends-ban-293965" hreflang="en">Dutch top flight likely over after government extends ban</a>

In July 2019, the Premier League said that it had spoken to nine law firms in Saudi Arabia, who simply refused to pursue a copyright complaint against beoutQ.

BeIN Sports are Premier League’s biggest overseas broadcast partner with their deal costing £500million for three years

Yousef al-Obaidly, the chief executive of beIN, has written to all 20 Premier League while petitioning the governing bodies’ chief executive, Richard Masters.

“The danger of allowing the acquisition of a controlling or material interest (whether acquired directly or indirectly) in a major Premier League club by what is effectively the Saudi Arabian government cannot be ignored given the country's past and continuing illegal actions and their direct impact upon the commercial interests of the Premier League, its member clubs, its broadcast partners and football in general.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/german-football-plans-may-return-but-debate-rages-293964" hreflang="en">German football plans May return but debate rages</a>

“As a longstanding partner and huge investor in the Premier League, we urge you to consider carefully all the implications of doing so.”

He adds: “The legacy of the illegal service will continue to impact you going forward.

“When the Premier League season re-commences in the coming months, all of the league’s broadcasters’ content will continue to be readily and illegally available via the IPTV streaming functionality on the beoutQ set-top-boxes which were sold in significant quantities in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region.

“Furthermore – given the crippling economic effect that coronavirus is having on the sports industry – this is all happening at a time when football clubs need to protect their broadcast revenue the most.”

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been under political dispute since 2017. 
&nbsp;

The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Magpies could be handed over to the consortium, involving financier Amanda Staveley, in the next couple of weeks given the Premier Leagues’ Owners and Directors’ Test is completed. However, Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports has said that Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for its involvement in a pirate TV network, which broadcasts Premier League matches illegally. The network, named beoutQ, first began live-streaming sporting events, illegally, in the year 2017. The Premier League has been among a number of organisations and sporting bodies who have asked Arabsat to stop providing a channel for a pirate network. ALSO READ: Dutch top flight likely over after government extends ban In July 2019, the Premier League said that it had spoken to nine law firms in Saudi Arabia, who simply refused to pursue a copyright complaint against beoutQ. BeIN Sports are Premier League’s biggest overseas broadcast partner with their deal costing £500million for three years Yousef al-Obaidly, the chief executive of beIN, has written to all 20 Premier League while petitioning the governing bodies’ chief executive, Richard Masters. “The danger of allowing the acquisition of a controlling or material interest (whether acquired directly or indirectly) in a major Premier League club by what is effectively the Saudi Arabian government cannot be ignored given the country's past and continuing illegal actions and their direct impact upon the commercial interests of the Premier League, its member clubs, its broadcast partners and football in general. ALSO READ: German football plans May return but debate rages “As a longstanding partner and huge investor in the Premier League, we urge you to consider carefully all the implications of doing so.” He adds: “The legacy of the illegal service will continue to impact you going forward. “When the Premier League season re-commences in the coming months, all of the league’s broadcasters’ content will continue to be readily and illegally available via the IPTV streaming functionality on the beoutQ set-top-boxes which were sold in significant quantities in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region. “Furthermore – given the crippling economic effect that coronavirus is having on the sports industry – this is all happening at a time when football clubs need to protect their broadcast revenue the most.” Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been under political dispute since 2017.

Premier League clubs urged to combine and block £300 million Newcastle United takeover

The FA, Premier League and UEFA are all gearing up for the return of live football after the postponement of almost all the leagues and tournaments amid COVID-19 pandemic. However, as former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur director of football Damien Comolli reckons players will face an insurance issue if they contract coronavirus after the resumption of play.&nbsp;

Premier League is determined to finish the halted 2019/20 season, however, players can raise some valid questions in relation to their safety and well-being given they don’t have COVID-19 clause in their current insurances.&nbsp;

“Sorry if I’m being dramatic but let’s assume the Premier League starts and suddenly (a player) catches the virus and then dies or gets severe lung damage and he can’t play football anymore, what’s going to happen?” Comolli said a leading British news portal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/resumption-of-champions-league-in-august-postponement-of-202021-ucl-season-likely-reports-293535" hreflang="en">Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports</a>

“Is the player going to say my contract ended on June 30, you forced me to play?”

Comolli further said that the transfer window could be extremely different with drop-in players’ price inevitable. He reckons there will be more loan and swap deals after the summer transfer window opens.

“An agent was saying the other day only three clubs in the Premier League will be able to spend money. If that’s the case I think the transfer window will be very different.

“We might see swaps, we might see loans and we are going to a see a massive decrease in transfer fees and activity – at least transfers involving money.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-unlikely-to-take-call-on-t20-world-cup-before-august-293526" hreflang="en">ICC unlikely to take call on T20 World Cup before August</a>

“The more this crisis goes on and the clubs are in a difficult situation financially, the first thing that will be impacted will be player remuneration and the second thing will be transfer fees.

“I think it’ll be very difficult not to finish the season for a lot of different reasons, one is financial but as an industry football has a duty to entertain.

Comolli is of the view that the entire year of 2020 could be played behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic while adding that resumption of live football would be something positive for everyone.

“Now it is not the right thing to talk about it but we have a duty to fans, they want something else at night or during the day to think about, other than the virus and the issues. I think it’d be something positive.

“Personally I wouldn’t be surprised if we couldn’t play with any fans until the end of 2020.” 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The FA, Premier League and UEFA are all gearing up for the return of live football after the postponement of almost all the leagues and tournaments amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The FA, Premier League and UEFA are all gearing up for the return of live football after the postponement of almost all the leagues and tournaments amid COVID-19 pandemic. However, as former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur director of football Damien Comolli reckons players will face an insurance issue if they contract coronavirus after the resumption of play. Premier League is determined to finish the halted 2019/20 season, however, players can raise some valid questions in relation to their safety and well-being given they don’t have COVID-19 clause in their current insurances. “Sorry if I’m being dramatic but let’s assume the Premier League starts and suddenly (a player) catches the virus and then dies or gets severe lung damage and he can’t play football anymore, what’s going to happen?” Comolli said a leading British news portal. ALSO READ: Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports “Is the player going to say my contract ended on June 30, you forced me to play?” Comolli further said that the transfer window could be extremely different with drop-in players’ price inevitable. He reckons there will be more loan and swap deals after the summer transfer window opens. “An agent was saying the other day only three clubs in the Premier League will be able to spend money. If that’s the case I think the transfer window will be very different. “We might see swaps, we might see loans and we are going to a see a massive decrease in transfer fees and activity – at least transfers involving money. ALSO READ: ICC unlikely to take call on T20 World Cup before August “The more this crisis goes on and the clubs are in a difficult situation financially, the first thing that will be impacted will be player remuneration and the second thing will be transfer fees. “I think it’ll be very difficult not to finish the season for a lot of different reasons, one is financial but as an industry football has a duty to entertain. Comolli is of the view that the entire year of 2020 could be played behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic while adding that resumption of live football would be something positive for everyone. “Now it is not the right thing to talk about it but we have a duty to fans, they want something else at night or during the day to think about, other than the virus and the issues. I think it’d be something positive. “Personally I wouldn’t be surprised if we couldn’t play with any fans until the end of 2020.”

'What if player catches virus?' - Insurance issues likely to be stumbling block before resumption of Premier League

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry.

For each of the past four summers, Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle to splurge over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on transfers.

That has helped spread the wealth of television contracts worth billions across Europe and crucially down the divisions to cash-strapped clubs in England.

Now even the world's richest league is facing economic meltdown.

Premier League matches have been suspended indefinitely with no return expected before mid-June at the earliest.

Broadcasters could be due a rebate worth a reported £762 million if the season is not completed and, even when the games do recommence, they are likely to be behind closed doors, quashing income from gate receipts.

Moreover, a number of major sponsors such as airlines and gambling companies have been just as badly hit by the COVID-19 shutdown, which is expected to lead to a curb on commercial revenue.

Rather than the usual arms race for talent, Premier League clubs are fretting about just meeting their wage bills for the next few months.

"Many clubs could be threatened by insolvency and transfer plans came to a standstill for most clubs because of the many uncertainties," said Matthias Seidel, founder of Transfermarkt, a website specialising in transfer values.

According to Transfermarkt, 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) has already been wiped off the value of Premier League squads.

"There's no doubt the actual value of players right now has gone down in all squads," said Brighton owner Tony Bloom.

"How much less, I have no idea. It depends on how the next few months play out."

<h2>- 'Vultures and predators' -</h2>

Such uncertainty has led for calls to do away with transfers entirely to avoid the unseemly sight of clubs, who have asked staff to take pay cuts and in some cases relied on government money, spending money on new players.

"If you're trying to get 30 percent pay cuts from existing players, you may have to put a transfer embargo in place," former Manchester United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports.

However, embargoes may only accelerate fears that clubs lower down the pyramid will not survive the crisis.

Proceeds from transfer sales are commonly used in the lower leagues to cover running costs and will be needed even more without the regular income of gate receipts to rely on.

"I think there will be significant transfer fee deflation," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP.

"There will be a significant number of clubs that when some form of transfer market returns, they will be close to going out of business and therefore will accept fire sale prices.

"The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees."

The fear for those reliant on transfer fees, though, is that the damage has already been done.

Given the vast sums involved, transfer fees are very commonly paid over the course of a player's contract.

Based on accounts published to the end of the 2018/19 season, Premier League clubs owed £1.6 billion in outstanding transfer payments, £900 million of which was to foreign clubs.

Maguire warns of the domino effect whereby if one club fails to meet its transfer debt, it could spark a series of defaulted payments on other deals or even worse force clubs into insolvency.

"The concern is that financial problems in one league could spread throughout the industry just like the pandemic," he said.

Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert told the New York Times earlier this month that the transfer market will "collapse" and that "some leagues will understand that money is nothing that is coming automatically every month from heaven."

That may have been a slight on the Premier League's overindulgence on transfer fees.

But as the biggest spender, the economic earthquake felt by English football will ripple across Europe for some time to come.

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry.

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry. For each of the past four summers, Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle to splurge over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on transfers. That has helped spread the wealth of television contracts worth billions across Europe and crucially down the divisions to cash-strapped clubs in England. Now even the world's richest league is facing economic meltdown. Premier League matches have been suspended indefinitely with no return expected before mid-June at the earliest. Broadcasters could be due a rebate worth a reported £762 million if the season is not completed and, even when the games do recommence, they are likely to be behind closed doors, quashing income from gate receipts. Moreover, a number of major sponsors such as airlines and gambling companies have been just as badly hit by the COVID-19 shutdown, which is expected to lead to a curb on commercial revenue. Rather than the usual arms race for talent, Premier League clubs are fretting about just meeting their wage bills for the next few months. "Many clubs could be threatened by insolvency and transfer plans came to a standstill for most clubs because of the many uncertainties," said Matthias Seidel, founder of Transfermarkt, a website specialising in transfer values. According to Transfermarkt, 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) has already been wiped off the value of Premier League squads. "There's no doubt the actual value of players right now has gone down in all squads," said Brighton owner Tony Bloom. "How much less, I have no idea. It depends on how the next few months play out." - 'Vultures and predators' - Such uncertainty has led for calls to do away with transfers entirely to avoid the unseemly sight of clubs, who have asked staff to take pay cuts and in some cases relied on government money, spending money on new players. "If you're trying to get 30 percent pay cuts from existing players, you may have to put a transfer embargo in place," former Manchester United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports. However, embargoes may only accelerate fears that clubs lower down the pyramid will not survive the crisis. Proceeds from transfer sales are commonly used in the lower leagues to cover running costs and will be needed even more without the regular income of gate receipts to rely on. "I think there will be significant transfer fee deflation," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "There will be a significant number of clubs that when some form of transfer market returns, they will be close to going out of business and therefore will accept fire sale prices. "The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees." The fear for those reliant on transfer fees, though, is that the damage has already been done. Given the vast sums involved, transfer fees are very commonly paid over the course of a player's contract. Based on accounts published to the end of the 2018/19 season, Premier League clubs owed £1.6 billion in outstanding transfer payments, £900 million of which was to foreign clubs. Maguire warns of the domino effect whereby if one club fails to meet its transfer debt, it could spark a series of defaulted payments on other deals or even worse force clubs into insolvency. "The concern is that financial problems in one league could spread throughout the industry just like the pandemic," he said. Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert told the New York Times earlier this month that the transfer market will "collapse" and that "some leagues will understand that money is nothing that is coming automatically every month from heaven." That may have been a slight on the Premier League's overindulgence on transfer fees. But as the biggest spender, the economic earthquake felt by English football will ripple across Europe for some time to come.

Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday.

With the Premier League postponed since March 13 due to the coronavirus, it had been suggested a firm closing date for the season needed to be imposed.

But the 20 clubs did not discuss wrapping up the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures by June 30 when they met on a conference call with league chiefs.

With fears that failure to finish the season could cost the Premier League more than £1 billion ($1.2 billion), clubs looked at various models for a potential return to action.

However, Britain is on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest to limit the spread of the pandemic, leaving English football to play a waiting game in the hope of an improvement in the health crisis.

A Premier League spokesman said a number of complex scenarios were being worked through.

"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government," added the spokesman.

"The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.

"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops."

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday.

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday. With the Premier League postponed since March 13 due to the coronavirus, it had been suggested a firm closing date for the season needed to be imposed. But the 20 clubs did not discuss wrapping up the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures by June 30 when they met on a conference call with league chiefs. With fears that failure to finish the season could cost the Premier League more than £1 billion ($1.2 billion), clubs looked at various models for a potential return to action. However, Britain is on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest to limit the spread of the pandemic, leaving English football to play a waiting game in the hope of an improvement in the health crisis. A Premier League spokesman said a number of complex scenarios were being worked through. "We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government," added the spokesman. "The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows. "Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops."

Premier League clubs committed to finishing season, but no deadline set

The Premier League is set to meet on Friday with an increasing number of football clubs wanting the season to end by June 30 due to the rising concerns about players’ contracts. The top agenda of the meeting would be to find a way to conclude the 2019/20 season before June 30, which has been suspended since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many clubs are still supporting a conclusion of the season despite the UK struggling with the dreaded coronavirus. Thus far, around 90,000 positive cases have been reported from the UK but that hasn’t affected many clubs’ take to finish the season rather than declare it null and void.&nbsp;

The major reason behind the clubs wanting to end the season before June 30 is due to the contracts of players which will be ending in the month of June and out-of-contract and loan players may not want to extend their contract and simply walk away from the club.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-star-suele-wary-of-bundesliga-returning-too-soon-292961" hreflang="en">Bayern star Suele wary of Bundesliga returning too soon</a>

One Premier League club owner said: "Some clubs want the season to finish by the end of June. How can it be fair for European places and relegation to be decided by depleted squads?”

However, no solid outcome is expected from the meeting on Friday as the season will only resume when the government deems it safe. Even if the league is resumed, the games are most likely to be played behind closed doors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponed-tokyo-olympics-to-kickstart-japan-economy-ioc-292948" hreflang="en">Postponed Tokyo Olympics 'to kickstart' Japan economy: IOC</a>

One Premier League owner said: "The meeting will be about financial survival and if and when we play games or abandon the season. Sadly, the season could still be abandoned depending on government rules."

Most of the Premier League clubs have nine matches left to be played including the leaders Liverpool, who had a massive 25-point advantage before the league was suspended last month in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. 
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The Premier League is set to meet on Friday with an increasing number of football clubs wanting the season to end by June 30 due to the rising concerns about players’ contracts.

The Premier League is set to meet on Friday with an increasing number of football clubs wanting the season to end by June 30 due to the rising concerns about players’ contracts. The top agenda of the meeting would be to find a way to conclude the 2019/20 season before June 30, which has been suspended since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many clubs are still supporting a conclusion of the season despite the UK struggling with the dreaded coronavirus. Thus far, around 90,000 positive cases have been reported from the UK but that hasn’t affected many clubs’ take to finish the season rather than declare it null and void. The major reason behind the clubs wanting to end the season before June 30 is due to the contracts of players which will be ending in the month of June and out-of-contract and loan players may not want to extend their contract and simply walk away from the club. ALSO READ: Bayern star Suele wary of Bundesliga returning too soon One Premier League club owner said: "Some clubs want the season to finish by the end of June. How can it be fair for European places and relegation to be decided by depleted squads?” However, no solid outcome is expected from the meeting on Friday as the season will only resume when the government deems it safe. Even if the league is resumed, the games are most likely to be played behind closed doors. ALSO READ: Postponed Tokyo Olympics 'to kickstart' Japan economy: IOC One Premier League owner said: "The meeting will be about financial survival and if and when we play games or abandon the season. Sadly, the season could still be abandoned depending on government rules." Most of the Premier League clubs have nine matches left to be played including the leaders Liverpool, who had a massive 25-point advantage before the league was suspended last month in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

Money over health? Premier League clubs set to meet as many teams push for June 30 season end

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June. The games will be held behind closed doors only if get a green light from the UK government.&nbsp;

This plan will also be followed by the top-flight league of Britain.&nbsp;

Parry has written to the clubs talking about a 56-day window in which the league could be completed so that the next season does not face major turbulence due to the halted season.&nbsp;

The EFL has made pressure funds of £50m available to clubs to help them through the crisis, and the Premier League has offered savings of £125m.

The EFL is plodding towards an initial three-week mini pre-season starting on May 16 - if the government says it is safe to do so.

Preston North End advisor and former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, said: "We have worked out a timetable based on being back on May 16.

"The individual fitness programmes players have been doing will be ramped up to make sure they are not coming back cold.&nbsp;

"Coming back on May 16 is with an assumption that games will start on the first weekend of June.

"If we are working towards a start in the first weekend of June, coming back on May 16 would give the players three weeks to get match fit.&nbsp;

“This gives us something to work towards and of course everything will be done with Government advice."

Premier League have nine rounds left, League One clubs have played 35 matches and League Two has played 36 matches.

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June.

EFL and Premier League eye an early June return after being at a halt for a couple of months due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. According to the EFL chairman Rick Parry, he is working on a coronavirus action plan so that the clubs of the league return in the first week of the June. The games will be held behind closed doors only if get a green light from the UK government. This plan will also be followed by the top-flight league of Britain. Parry has written to the clubs talking about a 56-day window in which the league could be completed so that the next season does not face major turbulence due to the halted season. The EFL has made pressure funds of £50m available to clubs to help them through the crisis, and the Premier League has offered savings of £125m. The EFL is plodding towards an initial three-week mini pre-season starting on May 16 - if the government says it is safe to do so. Preston North End advisor and former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, said: "We have worked out a timetable based on being back on May 16. "The individual fitness programmes players have been doing will be ramped up to make sure they are not coming back cold. "Coming back on May 16 is with an assumption that games will start on the first weekend of June. "If we are working towards a start in the first weekend of June, coming back on May 16 would give the players three weeks to get match fit. “This gives us something to work towards and of course everything will be done with Government advice." Premier League have nine rounds left, League One clubs have played 35 matches and League Two has played 36 matches.

EFL and Premier League expected to begin in early June to finish season

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." 
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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

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>
— Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFA/status/1247982054542913539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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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

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday.

The league's highly-paid players have come under increasing pressure to take pay cuts from government officials in recent days.

"Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration," the Premier League said in a statement.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) will meet with league and club officials to discuss the proposal on Saturday.

A meeting between the 20 English top-flight clubs also agreed to indefinitely extend the suspension of the season until it is "safe and appropriate" for football to return.

The clubs are desperate for the season to be finished if possible to avoid the potential of having to reimburse broadcasters a reported £760 million ($942 million) if they fail to fulfil fixtures for television contracts.

However, despite reports of creative ways to finish the campaign with matches behind closed doors and players quarantined in World Cup style training camps, the clubs insist they will follow government advice on when it is safe for matches to return.

"Any return to play&nbsp;will only be with the full support of&nbsp;government and when medical guidance allows," the statement added.

Despite their own financial troubles, Premier League clubs agreed to provide a £125 million fund for the English Football League and National League to help those further down the football pyramid and a £20 million charitable donation to help those affected by coronavirus.

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday.

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of their salary due to the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, the league said in a statement on Friday. The league's highly-paid players have come under increasing pressure to take pay cuts from government officials in recent days. "Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration," the Premier League said in a statement. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) will meet with league and club officials to discuss the proposal on Saturday. A meeting between the 20 English top-flight clubs also agreed to indefinitely extend the suspension of the season until it is "safe and appropriate" for football to return. The clubs are desperate for the season to be finished if possible to avoid the potential of having to reimburse broadcasters a reported £760 million ($942 million) if they fail to fulfil fixtures for television contracts. However, despite reports of creative ways to finish the campaign with matches behind closed doors and players quarantined in World Cup style training camps, the clubs insist they will follow government advice on when it is safe for matches to return. "Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows," the statement added. Despite their own financial troubles, Premier League clubs agreed to provide a £125 million fund for the English Football League and National League to help those further down the football pyramid and a £20 million charitable donation to help those affected by coronavirus.

Premier League clubs lobby players to take 30 percent pay hit

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

There are a lot of concerns regarding this year's Premier League, many scenarios are being speculated by the officials and the fans. Will Liverpool be robbed of their league title after 30 years of excruciating wait? What about the players' records?&nbsp;

The Premier League has come to a halt till April 30 due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. The English League is on the verge of being cancelled after nearing a conclusion of 2019-20 season.&nbsp;

It is very likely that all goals, assists and appearances by players from the 2019-20 season will be cancelled should the current Premier League season be scrapped.

Despite financial losses, the biggest losers will be Liverpool. If the season gets cancelled, Reds will miss out a chance on lifting the league cup despite being 25 points clear from second-placed Manchester City.&nbsp;

Klopp's side has created and broken plenty of records this season. Liverpool equalled Manchester City's record 18-match Premier League winning streak and surpassed City's achievement of 20 consecutive home victories (taking their record to 22 games, following the win against Bournemouth).

Leicester City forward and league's top scorer James Vardy shall see his 19 goals being scrapped.&nbsp;

With the current situation, the pandemic has accelerated in terms of a surge in cases. The league will likely get further extended which means it'll be closer to cancellations.&nbsp;

There are a lot of concerns regarding this year's Premier League, many scenarios are being speculated by the officials and the fans. Will Liverpool be robbed of their league title after 30 years of excruciating wait?

There are a lot of concerns regarding this year's Premier League, many scenarios are being speculated by the officials and the fans. Will Liverpool be robbed of their league title after 30 years of excruciating wait? What about the players' records? The Premier League has come to a halt till April 30 due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. The English League is on the verge of being cancelled after nearing a conclusion of 2019-20 season. It is very likely that all goals, assists and appearances by players from the 2019-20 season will be cancelled should the current Premier League season be scrapped. Despite financial losses, the biggest losers will be Liverpool. If the season gets cancelled, Reds will miss out a chance on lifting the league cup despite being 25 points clear from second-placed Manchester City. Klopp's side has created and broken plenty of records this season. Liverpool equalled Manchester City's record 18-match Premier League winning streak and surpassed City's achievement of 20 consecutive home victories (taking their record to 22 games, following the win against Bournemouth). Leicester City forward and league's top scorer James Vardy shall see his 19 goals being scrapped. With the current situation, the pandemic has accelerated in terms of a surge in cases. The league will likely get further extended which means it'll be closer to cancellations.

What happens to player and team records if Premier League gets cancelled?

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

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing".&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspurs' chances for qualifying for even Europa League is close to none. Previous year's Champions League finalists were ousted in the round of 16 by the underdogs RB Leipzig.&nbsp;

Kane said: “I love Spurs, I’ll always love Spurs but I’ve always said if I don’t feel we’re progressing as a team or going in the right direction, I’m not someone to stay there for the sake of it.

“I’m an ambitious player, I want to improve, get better and become one of the top, top players.

“It all depends on what happens as a team and how we progress as a team.

“So it’s not a definite I’m going to stay there forever, but it’s not a no either.”

The English Captain is currently out and injured after facing hamstring tendon since January 1 but the star striker is set to return after the league suspension ends on April 30.

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing". Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane has said that he will not stay in the London club if it stops "progressing". Tottenham Hotspurs are going through a rough patch under the Mourinho regime, the club is currently is at eighth position in the Premier League which is suspended due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Tottenham Hotspurs' chances for qualifying for even Europa League is close to none. Previous year's Champions League finalists were ousted in the round of 16 by the underdogs RB Leipzig. Kane said: “I love Spurs, I’ll always love Spurs but I’ve always said if I don’t feel we’re progressing as a team or going in the right direction, I’m not someone to stay there for the sake of it. “I’m an ambitious player, I want to improve, get better and become one of the top, top players. “It all depends on what happens as a team and how we progress as a team. “So it’s not a definite I’m going to stay there forever, but it’s not a no either.” The English Captain is currently out and injured after facing hamstring tendon since January 1 but the star striker is set to return after the league suspension ends on April 30.

Spurs star Harry Kane might leave club if Mourinho's side stops progressing

England's Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and Football League are steadying themselves for some "difficult decisions" amid the coronavirus outbreak as they try to see if there is a way of restarting the season.

 
The three organisations all met on Friday to examine the financial impact of suspending the season, with Britain as a whole in a state of lockdown.

 
"The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic," they said in a joint statement.

 
"It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.

 
"The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions."

 
Some clubs have asked players to defer up to half their wages, while players at Championship leaders Leeds, pushing for promotion to the lucrative Premier League, have volunteered for a wage deferral.

 
The governing bodies are set for more talks next week as they try to draw up a unified plan.

 
Last week saw the projected restart of the season pushed &nbsp;back until April 30, and that date has not moved.

 
"The leagues will not recommence until April 30 at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow," added the statement.

 
"Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans."

 
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Football Association insisted they had no regrets about their announcement earlier this week that saw a host of lower division leagues declared null and void because of the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

 
"The decision taken to end the 2019/20 season across Steps 3-7 of the National League System, the women's football pyramid and the wider grassroots game was made by committee representatives for the respective leagues, and was supported by the FA Board and the FA Women's Board," the spokesperson said.

 
"It will now go to the FA Council for ratification. We fully support the decision they came to during these challenging and unprecedented circumstances for English football."

England's Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and Football League are steadying themselves for some "difficult decisions" amid the coronavirus outbreak as they try to see if there is a way of restarting the season.

England's Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and Football League are steadying themselves for some "difficult decisions" amid the coronavirus outbreak as they try to see if there is a way of restarting the season. The three organisations all met on Friday to examine the financial impact of suspending the season, with Britain as a whole in a state of lockdown. "The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic," they said in a joint statement. "It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus. "The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions." Some clubs have asked players to defer up to half their wages, while players at Championship leaders Leeds, pushing for promotion to the lucrative Premier League, have volunteered for a wage deferral. The governing bodies are set for more talks next week as they try to draw up a unified plan. Last week saw the projected restart of the season pushed back until April 30, and that date has not moved. "The leagues will not recommence until April 30 at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow," added the statement. "Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans." Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Football Association insisted they had no regrets about their announcement earlier this week that saw a host of lower division leagues declared null and void because of the coronavirus outbreak. "The decision taken to end the 2019/20 season across Steps 3-7 of the National League System, the women's football pyramid and the wider grassroots game was made by committee representatives for the respective leagues, and was supported by the FA Board and the FA Women's Board," the spokesperson said. "It will now go to the FA Council for ratification. We fully support the decision they came to during these challenging and unprecedented circumstances for English football."

English football chiefs set for 'difficult' coronavirus decisions

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

Forced into lockdown by the coronavirus, English teams outside the lucrative Premier League are facing an unprecedented period of financial uncertainty.

Championship, League One and League Two matches will not resume until April 30 at the earliest and even that date looks optimistic given the chaos caused by the pandemic.

A grim reality is taking hold in boardrooms around the country and some teams fear they could be forced out of business if football doesn't return until after the summer.

Aware of the growing panic, the Football League agreed a £50 million ($58 million) relief package, based on an early payment of bonuses, television money and an interest-free loan, to assist financially stricken clubs.

But reports this week claimed that will only be enough to tide clubs over for the next four weeks.

Cambridge chief executive officer Ian Mather admits the rescue package may not be enough, with the nightmare prospect of having to lay off staff a possibility.

"These are unprecedented times for all of us in so many different ways," Mather said.

"One of the most concerning features of the situation for everyone is that there is no clarity as to when it will end.

"This (rescue package) is welcome news but the amount we can access is relatively small and it is far from a complete answer to the financial problem we are facing.

"We are looking at ways of reducing our cost base and this will include making some extremely difficult decisions when it comes to our staff."

Without matchday revenue, it is likely that some clubs will ask their players to accept wage cuts if the lockdown continues into the summer.

In Scotland, top-flight outfit Hearts have already told their players and staff to take a 50 percent wage cut in a bid to stay afloat.

<h2>- 'Hit hard' -</h2>

There could be aid on the horizon if television broadcaster Sky Sports are willing to release some of the £119 million they are due to play the Football League next season.

But that remains uncertain and, for now, fear is the over-riding mood across the English game.

Steve Thompson, managing director of Dagenham, believes the fifth tier National League will need a bailout from the British government to survive.

Thompson said clubs in the National League will, between them, require between £15 million and £20 million to keep running and revealed talks are ongoing with the Football Association.

"It is going to require government help. The biggest worry is that so many non-league clubs, they are integral parts of their community. It worries me if these clubs are lost, what will happen going forward," Thompson said.

"There needs to be a concentrated effort. I don't think we can expect a bailout from the Premier League or FA, so it needs to be government led."

It may not be only non-league and lower league teams in England who feel the pinch, with Championship sides Charlton and Blackburn both having endured financial difficulties before the virus.

Millwall are one of the smaller teams in the second tier, with their 13,734 average gate, ranked 18th among the 24 clubs.

The south London side's chief executive Steve Kavanagh said they have already been wounded by the sudden halt to the season.

"We're like all other businesses, we've been hit hard, but our income stream just stopped overnight," Kavanagh said.

"Like everybody else, it will have impacts on us. I'm not going to shy away from that. But hopefully if we can all pull together we can find a way through.&nbsp;

"We've got an owner who's been around a long time and I'm sure will help the club as best he can."

Forced into lockdown by the coronavirus, English teams outside the lucrative Premier League are facing an unprecedented period of financial uncertainty. Championship, League One and League Two matches will not resume until April 30 at the earliest and even that date looks optimistic given the chaos caused by the pandemic.

Forced into lockdown by the coronavirus, English teams outside the lucrative Premier League are facing an unprecedented period of financial uncertainty. Championship, League One and League Two matches will not resume until April 30 at the earliest and even that date looks optimistic given the chaos caused by the pandemic. A grim reality is taking hold in boardrooms around the country and some teams fear they could be forced out of business if football doesn't return until after the summer. Aware of the growing panic, the Football League agreed a £50 million ($58 million) relief package, based on an early payment of bonuses, television money and an interest-free loan, to assist financially stricken clubs. But reports this week claimed that will only be enough to tide clubs over for the next four weeks. Cambridge chief executive officer Ian Mather admits the rescue package may not be enough, with the nightmare prospect of having to lay off staff a possibility. "These are unprecedented times for all of us in so many different ways," Mather said. "One of the most concerning features of the situation for everyone is that there is no clarity as to when it will end. "This (rescue package) is welcome news but the amount we can access is relatively small and it is far from a complete answer to the financial problem we are facing. "We are looking at ways of reducing our cost base and this will include making some extremely difficult decisions when it comes to our staff." Without matchday revenue, it is likely that some clubs will ask their players to accept wage cuts if the lockdown continues into the summer. In Scotland, top-flight outfit Hearts have already told their players and staff to take a 50 percent wage cut in a bid to stay afloat. - 'Hit hard' - There could be aid on the horizon if television broadcaster Sky Sports are willing to release some of the £119 million they are due to play the Football League next season. But that remains uncertain and, for now, fear is the over-riding mood across the English game. Steve Thompson, managing director of Dagenham, believes the fifth tier National League will need a bailout from the British government to survive. Thompson said clubs in the National League will, between them, require between £15 million and £20 million to keep running and revealed talks are ongoing with the Football Association. "It is going to require government help. The biggest worry is that so many non-league clubs, they are integral parts of their community. It worries me if these clubs are lost, what will happen going forward," Thompson said. "There needs to be a concentrated effort. I don't think we can expect a bailout from the Premier League or FA, so it needs to be government led." It may not be only non-league and lower league teams in England who feel the pinch, with Championship sides Charlton and Blackburn both having endured financial difficulties before the virus. Millwall are one of the smaller teams in the second tier, with their 13,734 average gate, ranked 18th among the 24 clubs. The south London side's chief executive Steve Kavanagh said they have already been wounded by the sudden halt to the season. "We're like all other businesses, we've been hit hard, but our income stream just stopped overnight," Kavanagh said. "Like everybody else, it will have impacts on us. I'm not going to shy away from that. But hopefully if we can all pull together we can find a way through. "We've got an owner who's been around a long time and I'm sure will help the club as best he can."

Virus chaos leaves English clubs fearing for their future

The English Premier League's play has been postponed until at least April 30, the governing bodies are prepared to extend the current season indefinitely due to the global pandemic spread.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-premier-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-285996">Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting</a>

Initially, the play was suspended&nbsp;until April 3 after an emergency meeting was called post&nbsp;Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's testing&nbsp;positive of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-forward-callum-hudson-odoi-tested-positive-for-novel-coronavirus-286036">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-forward-callum-hudson-odoi-tested-positive-for-novel-coronavirus-286036">Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for novel coronavirus</a>

The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening."

Chelsea striker Callum Hudson-Odoi was tested positive of the novel coronavirus forcing the whole squad into quarantine.&nbsp;

In a joint statement by Premier League, the English Football League (EFL) and the English Football Association (FA) they said that health of the players and staff is their priority, it read: "The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow."

UK's London is currently under lockdown after the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

The official death toll in Britain from the virus reached 104 on Wednesday, up from 71 the previous day, with London the epicentre of the outbreak.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who on Wednesday ordered schools to close at the end of the week, had already urged people to limit social contact, work from home where possible and only make essential journeys. &nbsp;

The English Premier League's play has been postponed until at least April 30, the governing bodies are prepared to extend the current season indefinitely due to the global pandemic spread.

The English Premier League's play has been postponed until at least April 30, the governing bodies are prepared to extend the current season indefinitely due to the global pandemic spread. Also read: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting Initially, the play was suspended until April 3 after an emergency meeting was called post Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's testing positive of the novel coronavirus. Also read: Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for novel coronavirus The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening." Chelsea striker Callum Hudson-Odoi was tested positive of the novel coronavirus forcing the whole squad into quarantine. In a joint statement by Premier League, the English Football League (EFL) and the English Football Association (FA) they said that health of the players and staff is their priority, it read: "The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow." UK's London is currently under lockdown after the coronavirus outbreak. The official death toll in Britain from the virus reached 104 on Wednesday, up from 71 the previous day, with London the epicentre of the outbreak. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who on Wednesday ordered schools to close at the end of the week, had already urged people to limit social contact, work from home where possible and only make essential journeys.

English Football Association extends halt on Premier League and EFL until April 30 amid coronavirus

French defender Aymeric Laporte has urged his Manchester City teammates to keep up their home training routines during their self-isolation -- but admits he cannot stop thinking about the club's possible exclusion from the Champions League.

The 25-year-old is presently recovering from a hamstring problem, the latest in a litany of injuries that has limited him to eight appearances this season.

City's players have had to stay at home and been given training plans since the reigning Premier League champions closed the training ground following British government advice on Monday to avoid all non-essential travel and contact.

"That's (personal training schedule) the best thing for everyone, that we do it every day," Laporte said, quoted in The Times on Friday.

"They trust in you and you have to be professional. You have to follow what they say and we have to be responsible in this case.

"When we return to normality, when we start training again outside, we have to be ready."

Premier League chiefs on Thursday fixed a planned resumption of domestic football for April 30. Britain has only just begun to take the same restrictive measures as other European countries to fight the pandemic.

Laporte said City players had been advised to adhere to the guidance on avoiding social contact.&nbsp;

"We have the same protocol as has been given out in all countries: stay at home as much as possible, don't go out in the street, don't shake hands with anyone," said Laporte.

"If you go to the supermarket and you see someone you know, say hello to them, but don't shake their hands or get close to them."

Laporte said he was worried about City's ban from European football for two years for breaching financial fairplay rules, although the club has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“We are waiting for a final decision," said Laporte "We are going to see what happens next season.

"Obviously it would hurt us a lot if we aren't in the Champions League next season.

"I am very happy here at Manchester City. I am enjoying my football here. We are doing great things here. In the last two years we have won eight trophies."

French defender Aymeric Laporte has urged his Manchester City teammates to keep up their home training routines during their self-isolation -- but admits he cannot stop thinking about the club's possible exclusion from the Champions League.

French defender Aymeric Laporte has urged his Manchester City teammates to keep up their home training routines during their self-isolation -- but admits he cannot stop thinking about the club's possible exclusion from the Champions League. The 25-year-old is presently recovering from a hamstring problem, the latest in a litany of injuries that has limited him to eight appearances this season. City's players have had to stay at home and been given training plans since the reigning Premier League champions closed the training ground following British government advice on Monday to avoid all non-essential travel and contact. "That's (personal training schedule) the best thing for everyone, that we do it every day," Laporte said, quoted in The Times on Friday. "They trust in you and you have to be professional. You have to follow what they say and we have to be responsible in this case. "When we return to normality, when we start training again outside, we have to be ready." Premier League chiefs on Thursday fixed a planned resumption of domestic football for April 30. Britain has only just begun to take the same restrictive measures as other European countries to fight the pandemic. Laporte said City players had been advised to adhere to the guidance on avoiding social contact. "We have the same protocol as has been given out in all countries: stay at home as much as possible, don't go out in the street, don't shake hands with anyone," said Laporte. "If you go to the supermarket and you see someone you know, say hello to them, but don't shake their hands or get close to them." Laporte said he was worried about City's ban from European football for two years for breaching financial fairplay rules, although the club has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). “We are waiting for a final decision," said Laporte "We are going to see what happens next season. "Obviously it would hurt us a lot if we aren't in the Champions League next season. "I am very happy here at Manchester City. I am enjoying my football here. We are doing great things here. In the last two years we have won eight trophies."

Home comforts no excuse for slacking off, says Man City's Aymeric Laporte

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.&nbsp;

According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled.

These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues.

According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself.&nbsp;

La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively.

This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses.

After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.&nbsp;

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons. According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled. These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues. According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself. La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively. This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses. After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.

Europe's top football leagues could face major hit if season gets cancelled due to coronavirus

Tottenham Hotspurs defender Jan Vertonghen's family was held at knifepoint in a burglary when the player was away with the club to play in the round of 16 fixture of the Champions League.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-qualification-very-difficult-for-spurs-mourinho-285569" hreflang="en">Champions League qualification very difficult for Spurs: Mourinho</a>

According to the British Police, four men broke into the Premier League star's London residence wearing balaclavas and holding knives while Vertoghen's wife and two children were at home.

The Belgian player was out in Germany to play a second leg fixture against RB Leipzig when the burglary took place. Vertonghen's wife and kids were left unharmed but they were said to be traumatised after the incident.

Spurs crashed out of the Champions League after facing a humiliating defeat (3-0) against the underdogs and Jan was a spectator as he was unused as a substitute.

Many Premier League players have faced burglaries of a similar kind. Earlier this season, Arsenal players Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were attacked by armed riders while driving through north London. Two men were arrested and charged after a CCTV video made rounds on social media. The place where the incident took is very close to Jan's residence.

Last summer, former Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool star Ronny Rosenthal was attacked and punched in the face by robbers who held a knife in his north London property and in December, last year, Crystal Palace defender, Mamadou Sakho, faced a burglary in the house he rents in south London. Sakho and his family were out of town when the burglary took place.

Tottenham Hotspurs defender Jan Vertonghen's family was held at knifepoint in a burglary when the player was away with the club to play in the round of 16 fixture of the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspurs defender Jan Vertonghen's family was held at knifepoint in a burglary when the player was away with the club to play in the round of 16 fixture of the Champions League. Also read: Champions League qualification very difficult for Spurs: Mourinho According to the British Police, four men broke into the Premier League star's London residence wearing balaclavas and holding knives while Vertoghen's wife and two children were at home. The Belgian player was out in Germany to play a second leg fixture against RB Leipzig when the burglary took place. Vertonghen's wife and kids were left unharmed but they were said to be traumatised after the incident. Spurs crashed out of the Champions League after facing a humiliating defeat (3-0) against the underdogs and Jan was a spectator as he was unused as a substitute. Many Premier League players have faced burglaries of a similar kind. Earlier this season, Arsenal players Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were attacked by armed riders while driving through north London. Two men were arrested and charged after a CCTV video made rounds on social media. The place where the incident took is very close to Jan's residence. Last summer, former Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool star Ronny Rosenthal was attacked and punched in the face by robbers who held a knife in his north London property and in December, last year, Crystal Palace defender, Mamadou Sakho, faced a burglary in the house he rents in south London. Sakho and his family were out of town when the burglary took place.

Tottenham's star defender Jan Vertonghen's family burgled at knifepoint

Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for the coronavirus. As per the club's statement, all the first-team players and coaching staff will go into self-quarantine.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-premier-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-285996" hreflang="en">Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting</a>

Chelsea are set to face Aston Villa on Saturday and the 19-year-old's positive test could lead to the cancellation of the match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-players-show-symptoms-of-coronavirus-confirms-brendan-rodgers-285955" hreflang="en">Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers</a>

"Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution," Chelsea said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-effect-on-football-real-madrid-players-quarantined-major-doubts-over-uefa-champions-league-match-against-man-city-285881" hreflang="en">Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City</a>

"However, his test came in positive this (Thursday) evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible."

"In the meantime, the men’s team building, one of several separate buildings at our training ground, will remain closed. The rest of our training facility, Stamford Bridge and other facilities are operating as normal," the club added.

Earlier, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced Gunners' first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation.&nbsp;

Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed."

The London based team has also shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean.&nbsp;

Premier League will be holding an emergency meeting today to discuss over continuity of the league amid the global pandemic.&nbsp;

Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad".

Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis.

Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for the coronavirus. As per the club's statement, all the first-team players and coaching staff will go into self-quarantine.

Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for the coronavirus. As per the club's statement, all the first-team players and coaching staff will go into self-quarantine. Also read: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting Chelsea are set to face Aston Villa on Saturday and the 19-year-old's positive test could lead to the cancellation of the match. Also read: Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers "Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution," Chelsea said in a statement. Also read: Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City "However, his test came in positive this (Thursday) evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible." "In the meantime, the men’s team building, one of several separate buildings at our training ground, will remain closed. The rest of our training facility, Stamford Bridge and other facilities are operating as normal," the club added. Earlier, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced Gunners' first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed." The London based team has also shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean. Premier League will be holding an emergency meeting today to discuss over continuity of the league amid the global pandemic. Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad". Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis.

Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for novel coronavirus

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-players-show-symptoms-of-coronavirus-confirms-brendan-rodgers-285955" hreflang="en">Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers</a>

Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-effect-on-football-real-madrid-players-quarantined-major-doubts-over-uefa-champions-league-match-against-man-city-285881" hreflang="en">Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City</a>

Arteta's testing has forced Premier League to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to decide over the continuity of the league.&nbsp;

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The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 
 
Statement: <a href="https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM">https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/RmnxRHXooz">pic.twitter.com/RmnxRHXooz</a>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1238233442212622339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening."

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🚨 Clarification 
 
Along with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU23</a> v Tottenham Hotspur at Boreham Wood on Friday, the games involving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU16?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU16</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU18</a> at Colney on Saturday have also been postponed. <a href="https://t.co/WRfFIxpaYZ">pic.twitter.com/WRfFIxpaYZ</a>
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArsenalAcademy/status/1238255832070082568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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They released a statement after Arteta was tested positive: "Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution."&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the government was considering cancelling sporting events in the United Kingdom, but was not ready to do so yet.

But the news of Arteta's positive test could force the Premier League to cancel English top-flight matches.

Mikel Arteta is the second big name in the world of football to have tested positive, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was tested positive on Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier, Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad".

Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis.

UEFA Champions League, Europa League face major cancellation threat. Serie A and La Liga have suspended their play for a brief moment to contain the outbreak and it seems like Premier League might just be the next target.&nbsp;

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. Also read: Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. Also read: Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed." Also read: Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City Arteta's testing has forced Premier League to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to decide over the continuity of the league. The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 Statement: https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM pic.twitter.com/RmnxRHXooz — Premier League (@premierleague) March 12, 2020 × The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening." 🚨 Clarification Along with #AFCU23 v Tottenham Hotspur at Boreham Wood on Friday, the games involving #AFCU16 and #AFCU18 at Colney on Saturday have also been postponed. pic.twitter.com/WRfFIxpaYZ — Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) March 13, 2020 × They released a statement after Arteta was tested positive: "Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the government was considering cancelling sporting events in the United Kingdom, but was not ready to do so yet. But the news of Arteta's positive test could force the Premier League to cancel English top-flight matches. Mikel Arteta is the second big name in the world of football to have tested positive, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was tested positive on Thursday. Earlier, Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad". Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis. UEFA Champions League, Europa League face major cancellation threat. Serie A and La Liga have suspended their play for a brief moment to contain the outbreak and it seems like Premier League might just be the next target.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting

AFP looks at the effects on sport of the coronavirus, which by Thursday had killed over 4,600 people while infecting more than 127,000 in 115 countries and territories.

<h2>FOOTBALL</h2>

- Arsenal's match at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion was postponed early on Friday after Gunners manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

-- The Premier League announced it was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the fate of future fixtures.

-- Spanish club Real Madrid's players were put in quarantine as La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks.

A member of Real's basketball squad tested positive for the virus leading to its senior football team being put in quarantine.

--&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;will hold a crisis meeting next Tuesday with representatives from all 55 national associations and club and player bodies about Euro 2020 and the ongoing Champions League and Europa League.

-- In Italy, the hardest-hit European country with 1,016 deaths from COVID-19, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3.

-- On Wednesday Juventus defender Daniele Rugani became the first Serie A footballer to test positive with Sampdoria forward Manolo Gabbiadini announcing that he had contracted the virus on Thursday.

-- The second leg of Juve's Champions League last 16 tie with Lyon was postponed on Wednesday, as was Manchester City v Real Madrid.

-- Barcelona v Napoli and Bayern Munich v Chelsea will be played behind closed doors.

-- France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 will have no fans for at least the next two weeks.

-- Arsenal players have been put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos, who tested positive.

-- German Bundesliga teams have begun to close their stadiums to fans, with this weekend's matches set to be played in front of empty stands.

-- The Netherlands' Eredivisie has been suspended until March 31.

-- Three&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;Europa League games on Thursday including Manchester United away to LASK Linz had no fans, while the ties between Inter Milan and Getafe and Roma and Sevilla were postponed.

-- The Netherlands' friendly against Spain set for March 29 cancelled. The United States has called off friendlies against the Dutch on March 26 and Wales (March 30).

-- International friendlies to be played behind closed doors include France v Ukraine and Germany v Italy.

-- The start of Japan's J-League was postponed till mid-March while China suspended all domestic football and shelved indefinitely the top-flight Super League season.

-- The French League Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon has been called off, with no new date yet fixed, as has the Spanish Copa del Rey final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

-- A Euro 2020 warm-up tournament in Qatar featuring Portugal, Belgium, Croatia and Switzerland, has been cancelled.

-- South American World Cup qualifiers have been postponed, as was the next round of the Copa Libertadores.

-- The FIFA Congress, due to take place in Addis Ababa on June 5, was pushed back to September 18.

<h2>TENNIS</h2>

-- The ATP has suspended its tour for six weeks "due to escalating health and safety issues".

-- The ATP and WTA Miami Open was called off&nbsp;after Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez declared a state of emergency over the outbreak.

-- The prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled, the first major sports event in the US to be shelved because of the outbreak.

-- The inaugural Fed Cup Finals scheduled for next month in Budapest were postponed.

<h2>RUGBY UNION</h2>

-- The Six Nations match between Italy and England in Rome on Saturday as well as the Ireland v Italy duel in Dublin on March 7 were postponed.

-- Title challengers France's final game against Ireland, also scheduled for Saturday, was also put off until October.

-- Sevens World Series tournaments in Hong Kong on April 3-5 and Singapore the following weekend will now be played in October.

<h2>MOTORSPORT</h2>

-- Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix was called off early on Friday.

-- Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix on March 20-22 will be held without spectators.

-- The Chinese Grand Prix, which was set for April 19 in Shanghai, has been postponed.

-- In motorcycling, the season-opening Qatar MotoGP was cancelled, along with the Thailand MotoGP on March 22 (postponed until October 4). On Tuesday the Grand Prix of the Americas at Austin was rescheduled from April to November, while the MotoGP race in Argentina was also put on hold.

-- Formula E indefinitely postponed the Rome E-Prix, which was due to be held on April 4.

<h2>BASKETBALL</h2>

-- NBA suspended the season after Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert tested positive for the new coronavirus. ESPN reported that his teammate Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry have called on the league to cancel the season after a "rough" 2020.

-- NCAA 'March Madness' to also be closed to general public.

&nbsp;

<h2>CYCLING</h2>

-- The spring classic Milan-San Remo, scheduled for March 21, was postponed, having only previously been cancelled three times since the inaugural edition in 1907.

-- The Strade Bianchi, the first big race of the Italian cycling season set for last Saturday, was also cancelled along with the multi-day Tirreno-Adriatico.

-- This month's Tour of Catalonia has been postponed, organisers announced on Thursday.

<h2>TOKYO OLYMPICS</h2>

-- World Athletics Sebastian Coe said the 2020 Tokyo Games will go ahead.

Tokyo city governor Yuriko Koike said cancelling the Olympics is "unthinkable".

The Olympics take place from July 24-August 9.

-- US President Donald Trump suggested the Olympics could be postponed for a year. "I like that better than I like having empty stadiums," he said.

-- Spectators were absent as the Olympic flame was lit in ancient Olympia.

<h2>GOLF</h2>

-- Fans will be banned from attending PGA Tour events unril after next month's Texas Open, commissioner Jay Monahan said Thursday.

-- European Tour chiefs postponed the Maybank Championship in Malaysia and the China Open in Shenzhen -- both set for April.

-- The US LPGA Tour cancelled all three of its lucrative early-season events in Asia, and also its next three events in the United States.

-- The Indian Open in New Delhi, set for March 19-22, was postponed on Wednesday.

<h2>CRICKET</h2>

-- India's IPL which starts on March 29 could be played behind closed doors an official told AFP, with the Indian government later advising it should be stopped.

-- The final two one day internationals between India and South Africa will be held without spectators.

-- Pakistan cricket authorities announced plans to close public access to a series of upcoming domestic league matches in Karachi.

<h2>ATHLETICS</h2>

-- The World Indoor Championships, scheduled for Nanjing from March 13-15, were postponed until next year.

-- The Paris Marathon, scheduled for April 5 with 60,000 registered runners, was postponed until October 18.

-- The Barcelona Marathon, which was scheduled for March 15 with 17,000 runners, was postponed until October.

<h2>ALPINE SKIING</h2>

-- Norway's Aleksander Kilde won alpine skiing's men's World Cup title after the final races of the season at Kranjska Gora at the weekend were scrapped due to the coronavirus threat

-- The World Cup finals, scheduled for Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy between March 16-22, were cancelled.

-- This weekend's three women's races in Are were scrapped, crowning Federica Brignone as the overall champion.

<h2>FIGURE SKATING</h2>

-- World championships, scheduled for Montreal next week, were cancelled.

<h2>BASEBALL</h2>

-- Japan's domestic baseball season, originally set to open on March 10, was postponed.

<h2>ICE HOCKEY</h2>

-- The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman halted the competition on Thursday three weeks before the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 regular season.

-- The Women's World Ice Hockey Championships, set for Halifax and Truro in Nova Scotia for March 31 to April 10,

AFP looks at the effects on sport of the coronavirus, which by Thursday had killed over 4,600 people while infecting more than 127,000 in 115 countries and territories.

AFP looks at the effects on sport of the coronavirus, which by Thursday had killed over 4,600 people while infecting more than 127,000 in 115 countries and territories. FOOTBALL - Arsenal's match at Brighton & Hove Albion was postponed early on Friday after Gunners manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19. -- The Premier League announced it was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the fate of future fixtures. -- Spanish club Real Madrid's players were put in quarantine as La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks. A member of Real's basketball squad tested positive for the virus leading to its senior football team being put in quarantine. -- UEFA will hold a crisis meeting next Tuesday with representatives from all 55 national associations and club and player bodies about Euro 2020 and the ongoing Champions League and Europa League. -- In Italy, the hardest-hit European country with 1,016 deaths from COVID-19, all sporting events including Serie A have been suspended until April 3. -- On Wednesday Juventus defender Daniele Rugani became the first Serie A footballer to test positive with Sampdoria forward Manolo Gabbiadini announcing that he had contracted the virus on Thursday. -- The second leg of Juve's Champions League last 16 tie with Lyon was postponed on Wednesday, as was Manchester City v Real Madrid. -- Barcelona v Napoli and Bayern Munich v Chelsea will be played behind closed doors. -- France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 will have no fans for at least the next two weeks. -- Arsenal players have been put in quarantine after coming into contact with the owner of Greek club Olympiakos, who tested positive. -- German Bundesliga teams have begun to close their stadiums to fans, with this weekend's matches set to be played in front of empty stands. -- The Netherlands' Eredivisie has been suspended until March 31. -- Three UEFA Europa League games on Thursday including Manchester United away to LASK Linz had no fans, while the ties between Inter Milan and Getafe and Roma and Sevilla were postponed. -- The Netherlands' friendly against Spain set for March 29 cancelled. The United States has called off friendlies against the Dutch on March 26 and Wales (March 30). -- International friendlies to be played behind closed doors include France v Ukraine and Germany v Italy. -- The start of Japan's J-League was postponed till mid-March while China suspended all domestic football and shelved indefinitely the top-flight Super League season. -- The French League Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon has been called off, with no new date yet fixed, as has the Spanish Copa del Rey final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. -- A Euro 2020 warm-up tournament in Qatar featuring Portugal, Belgium, Croatia and Switzerland, has been cancelled. -- South American World Cup qualifiers have been postponed, as was the next round of the Copa Libertadores. -- The FIFA Congress, due to take place in Addis Ababa on June 5, was pushed back to September 18. TENNIS -- The ATP has suspended its tour for six weeks "due to escalating health and safety issues". -- The ATP and WTA Miami Open was called off after Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez declared a state of emergency over the outbreak. -- The prestigious ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament was cancelled, the first major sports event in the US to be shelved because of the outbreak. -- The inaugural Fed Cup Finals scheduled for next month in Budapest were postponed. RUGBY UNION -- The Six Nations match between Italy and England in Rome on Saturday as well as the Ireland v Italy duel in Dublin on March 7 were postponed. -- Title challengers France's final game against Ireland, also scheduled for Saturday, was also put off until October. -- Sevens World Series tournaments in Hong Kong on April 3-5 and Singapore the following weekend will now be played in October. MOTORSPORT -- Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix was called off early on Friday. -- Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix on March 20-22 will be held without spectators. -- The Chinese Grand Prix, which was set for April 19 in Shanghai, has been postponed. -- In motorcycling, the season-opening Qatar MotoGP was cancelled, along with the Thailand MotoGP on March 22 (postponed until October 4). On Tuesday the Grand Prix of the Americas at Austin was rescheduled from April to November, while the MotoGP race in Argentina was also put on hold. -- Formula E indefinitely postponed the Rome E-Prix, which was due to be held on April 4. BASKETBALL -- NBA suspended the season after Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert tested positive for the new coronavirus. ESPN reported that his teammate Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive. LeBron James and Stephen Curry have called on the league to cancel the season after a "rough" 2020. -- NCAA 'March Madness' to also be closed to general public. CYCLING -- The spring classic Milan-San Remo, scheduled for March 21, was postponed, having only previously been cancelled three times since the inaugural edition in 1907. -- The Strade Bianchi, the first big race of the Italian cycling season set for last Saturday, was also cancelled along with the multi-day Tirreno-Adriatico. -- This month's Tour of Catalonia has been postponed, organisers announced on Thursday. TOKYO OLYMPICS -- World Athletics Sebastian Coe said the 2020 Tokyo Games will go ahead. Tokyo city governor Yuriko Koike said cancelling the Olympics is "unthinkable". The Olympics take place from July 24-August 9. -- US President Donald Trump suggested the Olympics could be postponed for a year. "I like that better than I like having empty stadiums," he said. -- Spectators were absent as the Olympic flame was lit in ancient Olympia. GOLF -- Fans will be banned from attending PGA Tour events unril after next month's Texas Open, commissioner Jay Monahan said Thursday. -- European Tour chiefs postponed the Maybank Championship in Malaysia and the China Open in Shenzhen -- both set for April. -- The US LPGA Tour cancelled all three of its lucrative early-season events in Asia, and also its next three events in the United States. -- The Indian Open in New Delhi, set for March 19-22, was postponed on Wednesday. CRICKET -- India's IPL which starts on March 29 could be played behind closed doors an official told AFP, with the Indian government later advising it should be stopped. -- The final two one day internationals between India and South Africa will be held without spectators. -- Pakistan cricket authorities announced plans to close public access to a series of upcoming domestic league matches in Karachi. ATHLETICS -- The World Indoor Championships, scheduled for Nanjing from March 13-15, were postponed until next year. -- The Paris Marathon, scheduled for April 5 with 60,000 registered runners, was postponed until October 18. -- The Barcelona Marathon, which was scheduled for March 15 with 17,000 runners, was postponed until October. ALPINE SKIING -- Norway's Aleksander Kilde won alpine skiing's men's World Cup title after the final races of the season at Kranjska Gora at the weekend were scrapped due to the coronavirus threat -- The World Cup finals, scheduled for Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy between March 16-22, were cancelled. -- This weekend's three women's races in Are were scrapped, crowning Federica Brignone as the overall champion. FIGURE SKATING -- World championships, scheduled for Montreal next week, were cancelled. BASEBALL -- Japan's domestic baseball season, originally set to open on March 10, was postponed. ICE HOCKEY -- The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman halted the competition on Thursday three weeks before the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 regular season. -- The Women's World Ice Hockey Championships, set for Halifax and Truro in Nova Scotia for March 31 to April 10,

How the coronavirus has hit global sport

A number of Leicester players have shown symptoms of coronavirus and have been "kept away from the squad", manager Brendan Rodgers said on Thursday.

As it stands, a full Premier League programme is scheduled for this weekend, with third-placed Leicester due to travel to struggling Watford on Saturday, despite widespread cancellations of matches across Europe.

The game between Manchester City and Arsenal on Wednesday was postponed as a "precautionary measure" after Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis tested positive for coronavirus.

Leicester boss Rodgers, quoted on the club's official Twitter feed, said at his pre-match press conference that disruption would be a "shame" but public health was more important than football.

"We're guided by football and federations," he said. "We have to press on with our work and prepare as normal."

"The game is all about the players and the fans," he added. "If you have one of those not there, it's obviously not the same."

Several Arsenal players are in self-isolation after Marinakis contracted coronavirus but they are expected to return to training on Friday.

Marinakis met several Arsenal players when the Gunners hosted the Greek side in a Europa League match last month.

Serie A in Italy, the European country worst hit by the virus, has already suspended its matches until April 3 while France's Ligue 1 will continue its season but without spectators.

Real Madrid went into quarantine on Thursday after a member of the club's basketball team tested positive for the virus and La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks.

A number of Leicester players have shown symptoms of coronavirus and have been "kept away from the squad", manager Brendan Rodgers said on Thursday. As it stands, a full Premier League programme is scheduled for this weekend, with third-placed Leicester due to travel to struggling Watford on Saturday, despite widespread cancellations of matches across Europe.

A number of Leicester players have shown symptoms of coronavirus and have been "kept away from the squad", manager Brendan Rodgers said on Thursday. As it stands, a full Premier League programme is scheduled for this weekend, with third-placed Leicester due to travel to struggling Watford on Saturday, despite widespread cancellations of matches across Europe. The game between Manchester City and Arsenal on Wednesday was postponed as a "precautionary measure" after Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis tested positive for coronavirus. Leicester boss Rodgers, quoted on the club's official Twitter feed, said at his pre-match press conference that disruption would be a "shame" but public health was more important than football. "We're guided by football and federations," he said. "We have to press on with our work and prepare as normal." "The game is all about the players and the fans," he added. "If you have one of those not there, it's obviously not the same." Several Arsenal players are in self-isolation after Marinakis contracted coronavirus but they are expected to return to training on Friday. Marinakis met several Arsenal players when the Gunners hosted the Greek side in a Europa League match last month. Serie A in Italy, the European country worst hit by the virus, has already suspended its matches until April 3 while France's Ligue 1 will continue its season but without spectators. Real Madrid went into quarantine on Thursday after a member of the club's basketball team tested positive for the virus and La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks.

Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi.

WION caught up with former England international Emile Heskey to speak on the Reds remarkable rise back to the top of English football.

The duo will be participating in a unique fan experience on Saturday which will also feature singer Jamie Webster, the creator of the now-famous fan chant ''Allez Allez Allez.''

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-former-liverpool-striker-heskey-on-the-reds-title-charge-284840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It seemed like the reigning world and European champions would complete the league season unbeaten but a shock 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Watford demolished their aura of invincibility.

That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday which ended their hopes of a treble.

Three defeats in the last four games is a slight cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp's men to which Heskey replied: "We are not concerned, with the manager we have here Jurgen Klopp, (he) will calm the squad down and reassure of the right path and it is just a minor blip and will resume business".

Premier League leaders Liverpool will have the opportunity to take another huge step towards a first-ever league title in 30 years against Bournemouth tomorrow. Heskey was asked if the Reds will consider this game as crucial to get back to winning ways to which he replied:&nbsp; "Every game is crucial if you are trying to push your players mentally and physically, the numbers they reckon currently are phenomenal." &nbsp;

When asked about the team's play in this year Heskey replied: "It is phenomenal to see them play, their fluency in the forward play and solid defence, I would like to play with this team. I love Firminho's play he makes a lot of things right and John Henderson is playing out of this world at this moment so everything is falling into place."

The Reds who found it difficult to even qualify for Europa are just four wins away from clinching that long-awaited league title. Heskey said: "The German (Klopp) has energized the team and the fans, he is doing a pretty good job."

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi.

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi. WION caught up with former England international Emile Heskey to speak on the Reds remarkable rise back to the top of English football. The duo will be participating in a unique fan experience on Saturday which will also feature singer Jamie Webster, the creator of the now-famous fan chant ''Allez Allez Allez.'' Watch Video: It seemed like the reigning world and European champions would complete the league season unbeaten but a shock 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Watford demolished their aura of invincibility. That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday which ended their hopes of a treble. Three defeats in the last four games is a slight cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp's men to which Heskey replied: "We are not concerned, with the manager we have here Jurgen Klopp, (he) will calm the squad down and reassure of the right path and it is just a minor blip and will resume business". Premier League leaders Liverpool will have the opportunity to take another huge step towards a first-ever league title in 30 years against Bournemouth tomorrow. Heskey was asked if the Reds will consider this game as crucial to get back to winning ways to which he replied: "Every game is crucial if you are trying to push your players mentally and physically, the numbers they reckon currently are phenomenal." When asked about the team's play in this year Heskey replied: "It is phenomenal to see them play, their fluency in the forward play and solid defence, I would like to play with this team. I love Firminho's play he makes a lot of things right and John Henderson is playing out of this world at this moment so everything is falling into place." The Reds who found it difficult to even qualify for Europa are just four wins away from clinching that long-awaited league title. Heskey said: "The German (Klopp) has energized the team and the fans, he is doing a pretty good job."

'Klopp has energised everyone': WION meets Liverpool legend Emile Heskey

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