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Fellaini is first coronavirus case in Chinese Super League
Fellaini is first coronavirus case in Chinese Super League
FOOTBALL: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini has tested positive for the coronavirus, he said yesterday (Mar 22), becoming the first known case in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Aussie Rules suspends season for at least two months over virus
Aussie Rules suspends season for at least two months over virus
AFL: Australia’s hugely popular Aussie Rules suspended its season yesterday (Mar 22) in what it called “the most serious threat to our game in 100 years” after the government imposed new travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus. The move after just one match of the season, played in empty stadiums this weekend, was unprecedented for a sport that first established a league in 1896. “To say this is the most serious threat to our game in 100 years is an understatement,” Australian Football League (AFL) chief Gillon McLachlan said, with lucrative broadcast commitments at stake. “It is unprecedented in its impact. It is unprecedented in the impact it is having on our game and the wider community. As a community and as a code, we all need to take the unprecedented and required actions to get through this together.” A dynamic game similar to Ireland’s Gaelic football, Australian Rules is the country’s biggest spectator sport with 100,014 fans cramming the Melbourne Cricket Ground for its Grand Final last year, won by Richmond. But there will be no more action until at least May 31 after Prime Minister Scott Morrison recommended against all “non-essential” domestic travel. Australia had already sealed off its borders to non-residents, with more than 1,300 cases and seven deaths from COVID-19. Further complicating matters, the states of New South Wales and Victoria plan a shutdown of non-key services over the next 48 hours. Other states, including South Australia, have, or plan to, close their borders, imposing a compulsory 14-day self-isolation period on anyone entering. The AFL has 18 teams based across five states, with the majority from Victoria. Two other key sports, rugby league and football, continue to play without spectators, although they too will be reviewing the situation. McLachlan said the AFL would revisit their decision at the end of April and decide whether to extend the lockout. All club training was put on hold. But he remained confident that all 144 games could be played in an extended season. “The competition will need to remain agile and flexible on when those games are scheduled and when play returns,” he said. “We are prepared to run as late as possible in 2020 to complete the season if it was required.” In announcing the new travel restrictions yesterday, Morrison suggested the National Rugby League (NRL) and AFL could play on. “I am sure we can work with both of them (NRL and AFL), with their respective state and medical chief officers at a federal level,” he said. “If there are new arrangements that need to be put in place to protect the health and safety of everyone, that may be possible.” The A-League, Australia’s domestic football (soccer) league, has carried on in front of empty stadiums despite two of the 11 teams undergoing mandatory quarantine.
Global coronavirus toll soars despite lockdowns as doctors overwhelmed
Global coronavirus toll soars despite lockdowns as doctors overwhelmed
WORLD: Coronavirus deaths soared across Europe and the United States yesterday (Mar 22) despite heightened restrictions, as Germany banned gatherings of more than two people and Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine.
China’s virus strategy: a model for the world?
China’s virus strategy: a model for the world?
WORLD: The head of the World Health Organization believes China’s battle with the coronavirus offers a beacon of hope, but others question whether Beijing’s strategy can be followed by other countries - particularly Western democracies.
Former Real Madrid president Sanz dies after contracting coronavirus
Former Real Madrid president Sanz dies after contracting coronavirus
FOOTBALL: Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, who was hospitalised with coronavirus, died yesterday (Mar 21) at the age of 76, his son announced.
Mounting Tokyo 2020 postponement calls put pressure on defiant Olympic chiefs
Mounting Tokyo 2020 postponement calls put pressure on defiant Olympic chiefs
OLYMPICS: Pressure mounted on Olympic organisers to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Games yesterday (Mar 21) after the powerful US track and field federation urged this summer’s showpiece be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy’s daily virus deaths climb to nearly 800
Italy’s daily virus deaths climb to nearly 800
WORLD: Italy yesterday (Mar 21) reported 793 new coronavirus deaths, a one-day record that saw its toll shoot up to 4,825 - 38.3% of the world’s total.
F1 drivers to stage virtual reality races
F1 drivers to stage virtual reality races
FORMULA ONE: Formula One’s drivers will battle it out in an Esports Virtual Grand Prix series in a bid to give fans their racing fix while the season is delayed by the coronavirus.
Tom Brady signs NFL contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady signs NFL contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL: Six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady announced yesterday (Mar 20) he has signed an NFL contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who confirmed the blockbuster free agent signing.
‘Weird and eerie’ as Aussie sport plays to empty stadiums
‘Weird and eerie’ as Aussie sport plays to empty stadiums
AFL: Australia’s hugely popular Aussie Rules season has kicked off in front of 100,000 empty seats on “the most remarkable, weird and eerie night in recent sporting memory”.
Italy virus toll tops 4,000, New York joins California in lockdown
Italy virus toll tops 4,000, New York joins California in lockdown
WORLD: The grim toll of coronavirus deaths in Italy, the world’s worst-hit nation, surged past 4,000 yesterday (Mar 20) as New York and other US states joined California in ordering a lockdown to try to bring the pandemic under control.
Coronavirus claims Monaco Formula 1 GP
Coronavirus claims Monaco Formula 1 GP
FORMULA ONE: The iconic Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, a glittering fixture on the world motorsport calendar for 65 years, was cancelled yesterday (Mar 19), the latest event to fall victim to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thai hospitals deploy ‘ninja robots’ to aid virus battle
Thai hospitals deploy ‘ninja robots’ to aid virus battle
THAILAND: Thai hospitals are deploying “ninja robots” to measure fevers and protect the health of overburdened medical workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak.
Australia aiming to hold T20 World Cup as scheduled
Australia aiming to hold T20 World Cup as scheduled
CRICKET: Cricket Australia is aiming to hold the men’s Twenty20 World Cup as scheduled this year despite the escalating coronavirus pandemic, but admitted the situation is fluid.
COVID-19 hits Latin America as Chile calls state of catastrophe
COVID-19 hits Latin America as Chile calls state of catastrophe
WORLD: Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera declared a “state of catastrophe” yesterday (Mar 18) over the coronavirus outbreak, while Cuba recorded its first death and a slew of countries announced nighttime curfews as Latin America’s lockdown widened.
‘Putting us in danger’ – Olympic athletes’ concerns grow
‘Putting us in danger’ – Olympic athletes’ concerns grow
OLYMPICS: Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi said athletes were being forced to take health risks as competitors started to speak out about holding the Tokyo Games during the coronavirus crisis.
As world cowers, China glimpses coronavirus aftermath
As world cowers, China glimpses coronavirus aftermath
WORLD: Restaurants are reopening, traffic and factories are stirring, and in one of the clearest signs yet that China is awakening from its coronavirus coma, the country’s “dancing aunties” are once again gathering in parks and squares.
South African cricketers in self-isolation after aborted India tour
South African cricketers in self-isolation after aborted India tour
CRICKET: Members of the South African cricket team have been told to undergo a 14-day period of self-isolation and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus following their return from an aborted tour of India.
Financial fears spur Australian sport to play on despite virus
Financial fears spur Australian sport to play on despite virus
As events are scrapped around the world to counter the threat of coronavirus, a handful of Australia’s main sports are doggedly pressing ahead, spurred by fear of financial ruin.
US PGA Championship called off amid coronavirus pandemic
US PGA Championship called off amid coronavirus pandemic
GOLF: The US PGA Championship, scheduled for May 14-17 at Harding Park in San Francisco, has been postponed, the second 2020 major golf championship to be derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.