Coronavirus in sport LIVE: Premier League in CRISIS, Solano sorry for leaving quarantine, more events to be cancelled – The Sun
THE Premier League is in crisis with players facing a potential £100million-plus pay cut as the top-fight, EFL and PFA announced that "difficult decisions" would need to be taken to keep lower-league clubs from going under.
Elsewhere, eight West Ham stars are in self-isolation after showing symptoms of coronavirus, while the US Open golf is likely to be pushed back along with more boxing bouts.
But we have some good news with ITV set to air the entirety of Euro 96 and the BBC replaying England's 4-2 thumping of Croatia when a certain Wayne Rooney announced himself on the world stage this afternoon.
Follow all the latest news and updates as the sporting world deals with the threat of coronavirus…
RONDERFUL GESTURE
Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to defer £3.5million in wages to ensure Juventus can pay their staff amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Serie A has been put on hold indefinitely as Italy is one of the hardest hit countries in the world and Juve’s players have agreed to do their bit to help the club out.
Ronaldo is one of several members of the squad to sign up to the deal after captain Giorgio Chiellini video called senior members of the team to talk it through.
Veteran defender Chiellini is said to have had discussions with the board before calling Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon to get their thoughts.
Once the pair agreed, 35-year-old Chiellini rolled out the suggestion to the rest of the squad.
Juventus issued a statement on Saturday night confirming the four-month wage deferral and thanked their players and staff for their help.
PAULO PAIN
Paulo Dybala revealed he felt “dead tired” after just five minutes of training after contracting coronavirus.
But the Juventus forward insisted he and girlfriend Oriana Sabatini are feeling “fine” following their positive test.
The couple are quarantined together but keeping their spirits up with their symptoms now passed.
However, trying to do some exercise left the 26-year-old former Palermo star really struggling.
Dybala said: “I’m fine, much better after some strong symptoms that I had a couple of days ago – now I have no symptoms.
“I can move better by walking and trying to train.
“When I tried a few days ago I lacked air and after five minutes I was dead tired, my body felt heavy and my muscles hurt. Now Oriana and I are fine.”
SW-COVID-19
Wimbledon will open up its gates to the NHS in Britain’s desperate fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Rob Maul exclusively reports.
Other iconic English venues Lord’s, Silverstone and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium have also joined the incredible Sports Aid support of the UK’s health service.
With Wimbledon certain to be put back or even cancelled, the All England Club revealed in a statement: “We have offered our facilities to our local NHS providers and will help in whatever way.
“We are offering support to our local communities and have donated funds through our partnership with the British Red Cross and food stores through our partnership with City Harvest.”
GAME CHANGER
Carlo Ancelotti sent a stark warning to English football: Get ready for serious change.
The Everton boss believes the sport faces huge economic challenges amid the coronavirus crisis.
Predicting the end of huge transfer fees, he said: “Footballers and coaches will earn less and tickets will cost less because people will have less money.
“The economy will change at every level and we have to get ready.”
The world game is in shutdown as countries tackle Covid-19, which is claiming lives by the thousands.
It has left clubs at all levels staring financial meltdown in the face of spiralling costs with no real income.
Leagues and clubs are scrambling to find a way to finish seasons to ensure they claim the billions in TV and matchday revenue needed to stay afloat.
FOUR REAL?
The Premier League may not restart until July… and then could all be finished behind closed doors within four weeks, according to reports.
All professional football in England is currently postponed until the end of April due to the coronavirus.
But as the pandemic continues to have devastating consequences across the country, it looks increasingly likely that the suspension will be pushed back further.
Now, according to Football London, there is a suggestion that it may not return for another four months.
And even when it does get back underway, the Premier League and EFL may try and wrap up all the games within “four to six weeks” with no fans in attendance.
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