Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Sam on March 26, 2020, 02:55:13 PM
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I guess something good came out of de Chinese Virus.
Coronavirus: Football will never be the same, no €100m transfers - ex-Bayern president
Stephan Uersfeld
Germany correspondent
Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said football will never be the same following the coronavirus crisis and suggested there will be no transfers in excess of €100 million in the near future.
Like almost every league around the world, the Bundesliga is bracing for the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. The two top flights are suspended until early April, but with the clubs likely to follow a recommendation of the league's chair, the suspension is set to be extend until April 30 at a general meeting next week.
The income of German clubs stands on three pillars -- ticketing, broadcasting and sponsoring -- with the former making up 12.9% of the total revenue according to the DFL economy report 2020, published in February. Sponsoring and broadcasting add up to 57.9% and numbers could significantly drop as football has come to a standstill.
"It all stands and falls with the fact if we can play again this season," Hoeness, who left his post as Bayern president in November, told kicker. "Games without fans still guarantee the distribution of TV income and if that happens there will not be any existential problems for the 2019-20 season.
"But if we can't play until Christmas -- as the worst-case prognosis suggests -- the entire league's existence will be threatened.
"The illness is like the plague. We must wait. Those who forecast the return of football are nothing but charlatans."
However, for all the uncertainty amid the coronavirus crisis, Hoeness said he believes good things can emerge from it.
"The current situation is a threat, but also a chance to change the coordinates," Hoeness said. "You can't dictate it, but transfer fees in excess of €100 million will be a thing of the past for the next few years.
"The transfer fees will drop and will not return to the current level in the next two, three years. All countries are affected. There will most likely be a new footballing world."
Several clubs have said they will run into existence-threatening difficulties were the season to be cancelled completely, and Bayern announced on Thursday that, alongside Dortmund, Schalke and Leverkusen, they will pledge €20m to help lower league teams.
Players and staff at Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin have already agreed to forgo parts of their salaries. Other clubs including Bayern and Schalke are expected to follow suit over the next days.
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Swiss club sacks players who refused coronavirus pay cut
Reuters
Swiss side FC Sion have sacked nine first-team players after they refused to take a pay cut due to the coronavirus outbreak, with the head of the Swiss players' union (SAFP) calling the club's the decision "outrageous".
Like football around the world, the Swiss league has been brought to a standstill, depriving clubs of much of their income for possibly several months.
Sion dismissed nine players, telling Reuters in an email that they had refused to be put on part-time work in accordance with government directives.
"It's not acceptable to behave like that," SAFP president Lucien Valloni told Reuters.
"If a crisis appears, you have to look after your employees and not put a gun to their head and tell them they have 24 hours to decide on a [wage] a reduction or not, and then if they say no -- which is their right -- they are sacked. That is really outrageous."
Valloni said it was premature to consider salary cuts and that clubs should look for more wide-ranging solutions.
"I think it was a bad sign, a wrong sign, and not a sign for solidarity," he added. "Even before Sion did that, we were looking to find a solution for everybody and players were ready to help the clubs but salary reduction is premature."
Club president Christian Constantin said after the sackings that "there is no point in me keeping players who don't want to make an effort when everyone else has to make an effort."
"I told them that their [reduced] wage is practically the salary of two or three nurses working hard to save lives today," he added.
Constantin has employed around 40 coaches since he took over the club in 2003, including himself for a short stint.
Sion were kicked out of the Europa League in 2011 for fielding an ineligible player and banned from European football for a year in 2018 over a transfer debt with another club.
In the same year Constantin was banned for 14 months, later reduced to nine, for slapping a television pundit.
"I was shocked and the players were shocked as well, even though it is Mr. Constantin and FC Sion.....this was something which topped everything we have seen before," Valloni said.
He pointed out that players were still working even without playing matches.
"They have individual training programmes, so they work from home...but they are still working, so why should they not be paid?" Valloni added.
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Barca cut pay to stem financial struggles amid coronavirus crisis
By Moises Llorens & Sam Marsden
ESPN
Barcelona have announced that all staff at the club, including the players, will have their wages cut temporarily as they attempt to minimise the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Spain's La Liga has been suspended indefinitely and UEFA confirmed earlier this week that the Champions League has also been put on hold, with the final postponed as discussions about how to finish the season go on.
Barca face losing millions of euros in television receipts and prize money if the campaign cannot be fully completed or if, in the worst-case scenario, it is written off altogether.
In the meantime, they are already losing match day revenue, while they have also had to close the club museum, which draws thousands of visitors a week, due to the lockdown measures imposed in Spain, where over 4,000 people have now died from the coronavirus.
Barca, therefore, have confirmed they will be using labour legislation that exists in Spain, known as an ERTE, that allows companies to apply temporary measures to lay off staff or reduce wages in exceptional circumstances.
Following a board meeting on Tuesday, the Blaugrana said in a statement they will present one ERTE "in the sporting field [football and other professional sports] and another for the rest of the non-sporting personnel."
The statement explained: "Basically it is a reduction of the working day, imposed by the circumstances and the protection measures carried out, and, as a consequence, the proportional reduction of the remuneration provided for in the respective contracts."
There was no indication of how big the reduction would be.
Barca were hopeful the players would agree to take a wage cut without having to revert to labour legislation. Talks between the first team's captains and the board of directors failed to yield an agreement, though, with sources telling ESPN the players rejected a proposal that would have seen them lose 70% of their wages.
The same sources explained that the players are willing to take a hit to their salaries and there is still hope that a deal can be brokered in the coming days.
Any reduction will apply not only to the men's first team, but also to the club's other professional teams, including the women's first team and the basketball team, among others.
Meanwhile, Barca also confirmed that the "club's facilities, both sporting and annexes, have been made available to the Health Department of the Catalan government."
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Transfer window must change as coronavirus crisis engulfs football.
By Mark Ogden
Senior Writer, ESPN FC
Football's transfer market faces an uncertain future as the coronavirus crisis continues. Clubs' plans are in limbo, while the future of players possibly on the move, like Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho and Neymar, is uncertain.
Key figures from European football's elite will hold a video conference on Friday to devise a strategy that saves the transfer market from complete meltdown, but it won't be easy to navigate a path through the chaos.
Executives from the European Club Association (ECA) have many issues to resolve, including cash flow, player inactivity and how, when and if the 2019-20 season will be finished, regardless of UEFA's commitment to finish all club football by June 30.
The knock-on effect is that the next transfer window, vital for players and clubs, is essentially on hold. The pandemic is affecting every aspect of society and football is no different; it is impossible for even the best run or wealthiest clubs to devise a clear and coherent strategy for buying and selling players.
As it stands, the Premier League's summer window opens on June 10 and runs for 12 weeks until Sept. 1, Across Europe's other major leagues, the window generally runs from July 1 to Aug. 31. If this season does eventually restart, but cannot be completed before the end of June, those dates will be unworkable.
Some big deals were expected, but all are now up in the air. Pogba could leave Man United for Real Madrid or Juventus, Sancho might head to Chelsea or Man United from Borussia Dortmund, Neymar is eyeing a move from Paris Saint-Germain back to Barcelona and Madrid and Liverpool have been weighing up the financial aspects of a move for Kylian Mbappe.
"Nobody has a clue about what will happen with transfers this summer," a senior recruitment figure at a Premier League club told ESPN. "We're all just waiting for FIFA to come up with a plan. Hopefully they will do that in the next week or so."
The best-case -- and most optimistic -- scenario is that competitive action resumes in early May, but it could be June, July or even the autumn before games restart, which is why the ECA scheduled emergency talks with FIFA.
A further obstacle is that some leagues are likely to start and end before others because everything is tied to the state of the coronavirus crisis in each country. For instance, though the Premier League might find a way to wrap everything up by the end of June, the Bundesliga may still have a month to run.
How could United plan to sign Sancho in those circumstances? When would the player link up with his new team? Would he still be entitled to a three-week break ahead of the new campaign, or just be expected to start again with a new club? As regards Neymar, when would Barca be able to push through a deal with PSG if La Liga runs until August?
All of which is before we consider when the registration deadline for next season's European competitions, which usually comes at the start of September, might be.
Club sources have told ESPN that, without an extension of the deadline, panic buying might result, with clubs clambering to sign any players as quickly as possible. Reckless spending and over-inflated prices could follow, if clubs still have the ability financially to operate business as usual.
With no money coming through the turnstiles and question marks hanging over when, or if, broadcasting revenue will be paid in the event of games not being played, many teams will not be able to afford to spend this summer.
"FIFA must grant an emergency extension to contracts and delay precontract deals in order for players and clubs to have certainty and security until the last ball has been kicked."
The end result must be a complete re-working of the window, including pushing back the deadline of Aug. 31 (Sept. 1 in England). It may need to run all the way until Jan. 31 -- the end of the winter window -- to give clubs time and space to do their business amid financial uncertainty.
Another issue is contract expiry. All professional deals in Europe run from July 1 to June 30, which means many out-of-contract players will become free agents, quite possibly while teams are trying to complete their seasons. Moreover, some players have already signed precontract agreements that are effective on July 1, such as Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea from Ajax for €44 million) and Francisco Trincao (€31m move from Braga to Barcelona).
There would appear to be a simple solution, which is that FIFA must grant an emergency extension to contracts and delay precontract deals in order for players and clubs to have certainty and security until the last ball has been kicked.
FIFA accepts there will need to be some concessions and has set up a working group to "assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations ... to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods," but it is by no means certain the governing body will agree to an extension. The working group met on Thursday with the general acceptance that, in principle, contracts should be extended until the end of the delayed season.
The ECA will put pressure on to sanction big changes. If the season runs over into July and / or August, the transfer deadline will simply have to move to give players and clubs the time they need to sort out their careers and squads for a new season.
Football needs transfers and the money they generate keeps many clubs in business in every league. The best answer to fix ailing finances could be for FIFA to rip up its rulebook and allow deals to take place for an unrestricted six-month period, through to end of January.
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Juventus, Ronaldo agree to forgo 90M euros in wages
ANDREW DAMPF (AP Sports Writer)
ROME (AP) -- Cristiano Ronaldo and his Juventus teammates along with coach Maurizio Sarri agreed to forgo 90 million euros ($100 million) in wages on Saturday to help the club during the coronavirus crisis.
The club said the money amounted to four months worth of wages, a third of players' salaries.
The first agreement of its kind in Serie A since play was halted three weeks ago means Ronaldo, the highest-paid player in Serie A, will give up 10 million euros (more than $11 million).
Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini, who has an economics degree, led the negotiations with the club and fellow players.
''Should the current season's matches be rescheduled, the club will negotiate in good faith with the players and the coach conditional increases of compensations according to the actual resumption and finalization of official competitions,'' Juventus said.
Aiming for a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title, Juventus leads the standings by one point from Lazio.
''Juventus would like to thank the players and the coach for their commitment at a difficult time for everyone,'' the club concluded.
All sports in Italy have been suspended under a nationwide lockdown through April 3 but health experts have said the need to try to contain the COVID-19 will likely last weeks beyond that. League officials have discussed resuming Serie A in May.
Three Juventus players -- Daniele Rugani, Blaise Matuidi and Paulo Dybala -- have tested positive for COVID-19.
Overall, Italy has nearly 100,000 positive cases and days ago surpassed the total of China, where the outbreak began in early 2020.
Earlier this month, the Agnelli family that controls Juventus donated 10 million euros in relief funds to Italy's civil protection agency.
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Former Marseille president Pape Diouf dies after contracting coronavirus
The Guardian
The former Marseille president Pape Diouf has died. Earlier on Tuesday the French club revealed the 68-year-old had been suffering from coronavirus.
Diouf was being treated in a hospital in Senegal, the country of his birth, after contracting the virus.
A statement on Marseille’s Twitter account read: “Olympique de Marseille learned with great sadness of the death of Pape Diouf. Pape will remain forever in the hearts of Marseillais as one of the great craftsmen of the history of the club. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Diouf became the first black president of a first-tier European club when he took the position at Marseille in 2005. Previously he had been a journalist and football agent, with Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasri and Didier Drogba among his clients.
A statement at lfp.fr read: “The Ligue de Football Professionnel has learned this evening with great sadness of the death of Pape Diouf at the age of 68. Journalist, agent, president of Olympique de Marseille from 2005 to 2009, Pape Diouf dedicated his whole life in service of football.
“A member of the LFP administrative council from September 2007 to June 2009, Pape Diouf will be remembered as a charismatic and passionate director.
“In this moment of immense sadness for French football, the LFP offers its condolences to his family and those close to him, and to Olympique de Marseille.”
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When a OM personality gets homage from a PSG fan yuh know it eh no Mickey Mouse ting. Just viewed one on YouTube.
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The shame of Premier League clubs cutting workers’ wages and asking for government cash while paying stars in full
Callum Keown
MarketWatch
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur has been criticized for leaning on government support to pay furloughed staff while continuing to pay its £100,000-a-week-plus stars in full.
The North London club is cutting the wages of 550 non-playing staff by 20% in April and May, making use of the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme “where appropriate”, it said on Tuesday. However, the players, including Harry Kane, who reportedly earns £200,000 ($248,000) a week, have not taken pay cuts.
Korean forward Son Heung-min earns £140,000 per week, while England midfielder Dele Ali earns £100,000.
Newcastle United, whose highest-earner Jonjo Shelvey reportedly nets £80,000 a week, and Norwich have also put non-playing staff on furlough and will make use of the government’s scheme. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe became the first premier league manager to take a voluntary pay cut on Wednesday, as the club said a number of employees would be put on leave for a minimum of three weeks under the government’s scheme.
The chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last month that the U.K. government would step in to pay 80% of the salaries of those furloughed due to the pandemic - up to £2,500 a month.
The Premier League and the players’ union - the Professional Footballers’ Association - will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss a collective wage deferral. But as of Wednesday afternoon no such agreement was in place.
The chairman of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee in parliament, Julian Knight said: “It sticks in the throat. This exposes the crazy economics in English football and the moral vacuum at its centre.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told the BBC: “It should be those with the broadest shoulders who go first because they can carry the greatest burden and have probably got savings, rather than those who were in catering or hospitality who have probably got no savings and live week by week and who probably won’t get the (government) benefits for five weeks.”
Tottenham’s accounts, also published on Tuesday, revealed that chairman Daniel Levy earned £7 million last year, including a £3 million bonus for the completion of a new stadium. The club reported revenue of £460.7 million and profit after tax of £68.6 million. However, Levy said he hoped the discussions with the PFA and the Premier League would “result in players and coaches doing their bit for the football ecosystem.” The Premier League was postponed on Mar.13 after a number of players were forced to self-isolate and the season has been suspended indefinitely.
In contrast, players at German clubs Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have taken temporary pay cuts in a bid to support lower paid employees during the crisis. Italian club Juventus said its players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have agreed to waive four months’ of wages worth approximately $100 million.
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Source: MLS to cut commissioner's, staff pay by as much as 25%
Jeff Carlisle
U.S. soccer correspondent
MLS will cut the salaries of most of its headquarters employees by as much as 25% due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN.
The extent of the cuts will vary across the organization, with senior executives, including commissioner Don Garber and deputy commissioners Mark Abbott and Gary Stevenson, taking 25% reductions in pay. Middle managers will see their salaries cut between 10 and 20%, while entry level employees will not suffer any reduction in pay.
Employees were informed by the pay cuts on Tuesday morning.
The source added that currently there is no plan to furlough or lay off employees, and a hiring freeze is also in place.
It is not clear the extent to which the salary cuts are temporary, or if the employees will receive back pay if the salaries are restored to their former levels somewhere down the line.
MLS shut down after the weekend of March 8, the second weekend of the regular season. At present, the league is still hopeful of playing its entire 34-game campaign, and is scheduled to resume play on May 10. But that date is looking increasingly unlikely, with shelter-in-place orders in many of the league's cities extending at least until the end of this month. At present, there is a training moratorium until this Friday, but the expectation is that ban will be extended.
According to the source, the league has developed models in which a July start date would still allow for the full 34-game regular season to be played, with the MLS Cup final scheduled for either Dec. 12 or Dec. 19. But such a schedule would necessitate playing every Saturday and Wednesday, and there is concern that such a punishing slate of games would result in a deterioration in the quality of play.
Also unknown is the extent to which the salaries of club staff and players will be affected. MLS and the MLS Players Association recently agreed on the framework for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement back in February, but one source said that the fine details have yet to be worked out, and the CBA has yet to be ratified by the players. At present, there is no force majeure clause -- which would allow for player salaries to be reduced in case of an event like a pandemic -- being discussed by either the league or the MLSPA.
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'Our players are afraid': Nicaraguan football ploughs on amid the crisis
By Nick Ames, The Guardian
On Wednesday night the players of Diriangén, the oldest club in Nicaragua, will put on their face masks before they line up for kick-off and hope for the best. They are third in the country’s Liga Primera and a home match against fourth-placed Walter Ferretti offers a chance to put the heat on those ahead while widening the six-point gap between the sides.
It is tight at the top but Diriangén have little appetite to compete and will do so from obligation alone. Nicaragua’s league is one of only three competitions in the world – with Belarus and Burundi – continuing to operate during the coronavirus crisis and the decision to press on has sparked fear and disbelief.
“Our players do not want to continue playing,” the Diriangén general manager, Sergio Salazar, says. “They are very afraid and we understand them. We want to suspend the tournament but all the clubs have voted and the majority want to continue.”
Although circumstances are being reviewed weekly in a country that has publicly confirmed five cases of Covid-19, Diriangén were the only club to oppose the league’s continuation at its 10 clubs’ latest meeting on Tuesday. The line from most of their rivals, including Wednesday’s opponents, is that they will play until the ministry of health says it is unsafe to do so. It is virtually impossible to find anyone elsewhere in the division who will go on record to deviate from that view.
Unpicking the situation requires a journey into the complex and murky world of Nicaraguan football. A condensed explanation is that almost all roads lead to the country’s president, Daniel Ortega, a strongman for whom football represents a potent arm of internal power and a vision of stability to the outside world.
Diriangén are understood to be the only top-flight club with little or no funding from an arm of the state, although four would describe themselves as privately owned. It makes them outliers in a deeply repressive environment in which most of those competing are entirely dependent on direction from above.
Ortega’s regime wobbled in April 2018 when a protest movement took to the streets; it was neutralised bloodily but a series of general strikes followed and the country’s economy has nosedived. Halting the football season – and indeed the more popular baseball league – would present the impression things are spiralling beyond control again.
“Not stopping the league is a result of the government’s urgency to prove a normality that doesn’t exist,” the journalist Camilo Velásquez says. “Since 2018 they’ve been desperate to show things are back to normal and part of that includes functioning sports. Coronavirus became a big threat because they are scared of a general strike and shutting everything down would pretty much allow that.”
So football carries on. The Guardian interviewed two players from other teams and neither expressed doubts about persisting. “There is no concern on my part,” says the Walter Ferretti forward Dshon Forbes. “My job is to play and while the institution in charge of health does not suspend these activities everything continues as normal.”
Pablo Gállego, a Spanish winger playing for Managua, adopted a near-identical tone and described himself as “super-happy” with the club’s care. “If I felt my physical integrity was at risk I’m sure I could talk to them but we feel safe and feel appropriate measures are being taken,” he says.
Walter Ferretti are owned by the Nicaraguan police force, and Managua’s players are paid by the capital city’s mayoral office. That is not to reject the footballers’ opinions out of hand but the incentives to opt against dissent are significant in a country believed to have 73 political prisoners.
“Players are very, very scared,” explains Velásquez, who says a number have messaged him privately to say they feel helpless and forced to play. “When their income is football and the state is paying their salary, you can understand why they’ll remain quiet.”
There have been a few flickers of support for Diriangén’s stance. Real Madriz, who are seventh in the league, appeared to have stuck their head above the parapet when they announced on social media they would not fulfil their match at Real Estelí on 22 March. But that message was mysteriously taken down; Madriz turned up and lost the game, traditionally a home banker, 4-0.
Public opinion, already low after a perceived lack of support from the nation’s players during the uprising of 2018, appears firmly in favour of a pause. But, while club Twitter accounts remind their fans “Quédate a casa” (“Stay at home”), their teams continue to compete, albeit behind closed doors since the most recent round of games. “It is uncomfortable for the players but they prefer to use masks,” Salazar says. It is an arresting, uneasy image and one that brings the situation’s absurdity home.
One of Diriangén’s stars, the Costa Rican forward Sebastián Barquero, has been allowed to return home and players have been told there will be no recriminations if they decide to down tools.
In the meantime everyone else awaits evidence that Ortega’s version of normality bears some resemblance to the reality inside the country’s hospitals and on the streets. “The first thing we have to take care of is the health of our people,” Salazar says. “We continue to think we should not play.”
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Coronavirus: Footballers can live for six months without getting paid, says Tevez
Omnisport
Carlos Tevez believes professional footballers at the highest level should offer to cut their wages amid the coronavirus crisis.
Like the rest of the world's elite players, Boca Juniors star Tevez is on hiatus after the domestic season in Argentina was suspended.
Barcelona's squad have all taken a 70 per cent wage cut to ensure the club can continue to operate during Spain's state of emergency, while players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski have all made donations to support charities and organisations battling the spread of COVID-19.
Premier League club Newcastle United, Tottenham, Norwich City and Bournemouth have put non-playing staff on furlough to take advantage of a scheme recently introduced by the British government, while discussions between the top flight, the English Football League (EFL), League Managers Association (LMA) and Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) are continuing over whether players in England should take wage cuts.
Former Manchester United and Manchester City forward Tevez has now weighed in, insisting players should be able to support themselves without being paid in full.
"A footballer can live six months or a year without receiving [wages]," Tevez said on America TV in Argentina.
"We are not in the same despair as those who live with kids every day, who have to leave their house at six in the morning and return at seven in the evening to feed the family.
"We are not an example in this case; yes in other things. We have to be there and help. It is easy for me to speak from home, knowing that I have food for my children.
"But desperate people, who cannot move and cannot leave the house. That is worrying."
Tevez also insisted clubs must do everything to support their communities.
"The clubs have to get involved. Instead of going to train in the morning, they [should] demand that you do things for the people," he said.
"For example, go to the dining rooms in La Boca. I would be delighted to go. I know that my family is fine.
"That's where the great example begins. You can make videos, like me at home from my living room, but the great example would be that we all go out and help."
Tevez hopes one positive impact of the pandemic will be people becoming more supportive of each other, regardless of wealth.
"There are no shirts here. Social class does not matter. We all want to help," he added.
"Hopefully the world will be more supportive. We are realising that we are all the same. Hopefully we grow as a society and tomorrow this has changed the world for good. This virus teaches us that. Hopefully it is for the good and that we are all one and come out of this together."
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That's what distinguishes Tevez ... :applause:
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Olympic men's football age limit raised to 24 after Tokyo Games postponement
Associated Press
Fifa has extended the age limit for the men’s football tournament at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics to 24 from 23. Following the Games’ postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic, the amended rule retains the original stipulation regarding teams being based around players born on or after 1 January 1997, but given the Olympics’ move to 2021 this now means older players will be allowed to participate.
It means players eligible for the intended under-23 tournament in 2020 can still play in Japan at age 24 next year. The men’s football tournament will kick off before the 23 July 2021 opening ceremony in Tokyo.
The 16 men’s teams can also select three over-age players in their rosters, unlike the women’s competition that has no age limit. Due to line up in the men’s tournament are Argentina, holders Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, Romania, New Zealand, Egypt, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and hosts Japan.
Fifa has also postponed two women’s age-group World Cups due this year in Central America and India, and confirmed no international games for men and women will be played in the early June dates protected for national team call-ups. The Women’s Under-20 World Cup, due to be hosted by Panama and Costa Rica in August and September will be rescheduled, along with the Under-17s tournament originally earmarked for India in November.
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Coronavirus: Drogba, Eto'o slam doctors' talk of testing in Africa
By Jonathan Johnson, ESPN
Professors Jean-Paul Mira of Cochin Hospital in Paris and Camille Locht of INSERM (France's national medical research centre) were debating possible COVID-19 cures on French television channel La Chaine Info on Thursday, and Mira asked: "If I may be provocative, should this study not be done in Africa?"
Locht then replied: "You are right. We are currently thinking similarly about a study in Africa regarding the BCG vaccine. There is a proposal that has gone out -- or will. We will seriously consider it."
Drogba, who won four league titles and the Champions League during his career at Chelsea, criticised the idea.
"It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this," he wrote on Twitter. "Africa is not a testing lab.
"I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning, false and most of all deeply racists words. Helps us save Africa with the current ongoing Covid 19 and flatten the curve."
Drogba also pleaded with African leaders to offer greater protection from such threats.
"Let us save ourselves from this crazy virus that is plummeting the world economy and ravaging populations health worldwide," he added. "Do not take African people as human guinea pigs! It is absolutely disgusting.
"African leaders have a responsibility to protect their populations from those horrendous conspiracies. May god protect us!"
Istanbul Basaksehir forward Demba Ba also reacted angrily on Twitter in a separate post, which read: "Welcome to the West. Where white people believe that they are so superior that racism and stupidity are the norm."
Former Barcelona and Inter forward Samuel Eto'o replied to Ba's tweet with the words: "Sons of b------."
Cameroon international Aurelien Chedjou joined the chorus of African players to condemn the idea that vaccine testing for the coronavirus should be done in Africa.
"How can we not be shocked by these kinds of comments, especially as they are on a channel that's seen by millions and millions of people?" Amiens defender Chedjou asked ESPN.
"Of course I'm shocked, these statements shocked everyone, not just black people but also white people who cannot understand such words.
"How can we test products in Africa when we know there are the most cases in Europe? I don't need to give you the figures in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. We can't let these kinds of comments pass."
In a statement, INSERM defended the comments made by Locht, and argued that the video had been "the subject of erroneous interpretation," although it's a defence not accepted by Chedjou.
"We can't deny that these French people have spoken about Africa in terms that, for me, are racist," he added. "They are saying that we didn't understand them well, but no, we didn't understand anything incorrectly.
"We understood exactly what there is to understand, that Africa, for them, is like a rubbish bin.
"[The professors] carried on with this line, talking about prostitutes without condoms and everything, but does he really thing that there are no prostitutes in Europe?"
French and African football has been in mourning this week following the death of former Marseille president Pape Diouf at the age of 68 after contracting coronavirus.
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In a statement, INSERM defended the comments made by Locht, and argued that the video had been "the subject of erroneous interpretation,"
Error in translation?. Francois, our enemy, our friend.
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Drogba and Eto’o should save their breath, all those wonderful words will fall on deaf ears because these african leaders are the worst kind of sell outs on the planet. after all is said and done the french doctors would travel to africa silently and do their test secretly and sanctioned by these puppet african presidents for a hefty price.
africa don’t look like a dust bin for no reason, their leaders and administrators are too busy sucking their respective nations dry to care about anything else. their streets are dirty, their people unkept and living in extreme poverty, while their politicians live high on the hog. take my word for it, these african kings, oh pardon me I meant to say presidents, they will make these medical test/experiments a reality, just watch and see.
there’s only one thing I take solace in, there are actually countries out there who give less of a shit than us, and africa has quite a few of those countries in question on her continent. hey trinidad we’re actually not that worthless after all.
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Big up to Pep for donating to the cause!
Pep's mother has died from coronavirus.
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Player sentenced to 3 months at home for flouting curfew
AP News
Serbian soccer player Aleksandar Prijovic has been sentenced to three months of home detention for flouting a curfew imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The 29-year-old striker who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad pleaded guilty at a video link trial in Belgrade on Saturday.
Police had arrested Prijovic and 19 others for gathering at a hotel lobby bar in Belgrade on Friday and violating the country’s 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. lockdown orders.
He is the second Serbian soccer player to be caught violating the stay-at-home orders after Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic flouted the state of emergency decree when he attended his girlfriend’s birthday party at a Belgrade cafe last month.
Those who violate the restrictive measures could face up to three years in jail.
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England soccer star Walker sorry after ‘lockdown party’
AP News
England defender Kyle Walker is facing disciplinary action from English Premier League team Manchester City after appearing to break lockdown conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 29-year-old Walker apologized on Sunday after it was widely reported he held a party involving two sex workers at his home last week, breaking the government’s rules on social distancing. The country is in the middle of a three-week lockdown.
“I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week which have resulted in a story today (Sunday) about my private life in a tabloid newspaper,” Walker’s statement read.
“I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model. As such, I want to apologize to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.”
He added: “My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown. And I want to re-iterate the message: Stay home, stay safe.”
City said it will now look into Walker’s conduct.
A club statement read: “Manchester City FC are aware of a story in a tabloid newspaper regarding the private life of Kyle Walker in relation to a breach of the UK lockdown and social distancing rules.
“Footballers are global role models, and our staff and players have been working to support the incredible efforts of the NHS (National Health Service) and other key workers in fighting the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus, in any way we can. Kyle’s actions in this matter have directly contravened these efforts.
“We are disappointed to hear the allegations, note Kyle’s swift statement and apology, and will be conducting an internal disciplinary procedure in the coming days.”
Walker, who has made 48 appearances for England, is the second high-profile EPL player to have been caught flouting the government’s guidelines after Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish.
The Villa captain went to a party last weekend and was pictured next to a road in slippers, just hours after he posted a video urging fans to stay safe at home on social media.
As of Sunday, Britain has recorded more than 4,900 virus deaths overall among nearly 48,000 reported cases.
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According to the Associated Press, "Tottenham forward Heung-min Son will undertake mandatory military service in his native South Korea while the English Premier League is suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus outbreak".
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According to the Associated Press, "Tottenham forward Heung-min Son will undertake mandatory military service in his native South Korea while the English Premier League is suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus outbreak".
S. Korea don't play. They are in technicality still at war with N. Korea.
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The 29-year-old Walker apologized on Sunday after it was widely reported he held a party involving two sex workers at his home last week, breaking the government’s rules on social distancing. The country is in the middle of a three-week lockdown.
If everyone was six feet apart with masks on then he should be good...
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The 29-year-old Walker apologized on Sunday after it was widely reported he held a party involving two sex workers at his home last week, breaking the government’s rules on social distancing. The country is in the middle of a three-week lockdown.
If everyone was six feet apart with masks on then he should be good...
Unless you wouldn't touch them with a six foot pole.
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Lara, Yorke, Latapy applaud frontline workers.
Jelani Beckles (Newsday).
LEGENDARY athletes Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy took time on Thursday to appreciate the frontline workers in T&T for their service during the coronavirus pandemic.
At 10 am on Thursday, the nation applauded frontline workers including doctors, nurses and the T&T Police Service.
Lara, Yorke and Latapy, who are long-time friends, showed their appreciation by making short videos.
Former West Indies batting icon Lara and former national midfield maestro Latapy combined to make one video. In the video that circulated on social media, Latapy said, “We have some amazing professionals in T&T looking after our health and safety and they need applauding.”
Lara then responded by saying, “I understand what you are saying, they risking their lives to save lives. Thank you.”
Lara and Latapy started and ended the video by clapping.
Yorke, the former T&T and Manchester United star, in his solo video said, “I have an important message. I know at this difficult time people of T&T are putting their lives at risk to save others. We know that this virus and this pandemic is being spread rapidly in and around our country. I just want to reach out to everybody who has been putting themselves at risk to save others and I just want to applaud you for all the good work that you have done.”
Yorke ended with an applause.
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CONCACAF concerned over Nicaraguan league's continuation despite pandemic
Tom Marshall
Mexico correspondent
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said he has no authority to intervene but is worried about player safety as the Nicaraguan leagues continue to play despite COV-19 concerns.
"It's a bit of a head-scratcher, I've got to be honest, but whatever we can do to put pressure on to ensure that the players are safe is to us paramount," he said in a Monday conference call. "From what I've seen I think this has been pushed by the government and so that's one of the things we're trying to wrap our head around."
Only the former Soviet nations of Belarus and Tajikistan, as well as Burundi and Nicaragua are still playing as world sports have all been grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Games in the Central American country went ahead last weekend, albeit behind closed doors, and the country's government has tried to maintain a sense of normality, in spite of criticism from international health and human rights organizations.
As of Tuesday, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reported only nine cases of COVID19 and one death in Nicaragua, although there has been skepticism on the part of international organizations about how serious the testing has been.
Only two rounds of the current regular season in Nicaragua's top division remain to be played.
CONCACAF is unable to intervene at present to stop the league, but is monitoring the situation and is concerned about players' safety.
"It's a bit disappointing to be honest," Montagliani said. "I don't know the specifics of the health issues there, but we're obviously monitoring that in terms of the impact on the players and the clubs and the impact and in terms of how they're dealing with it."
Players and coaches have also expressed worry about the situation, but are carrying out their jobs as their contracts dictate, while taking certain precautions.
"We are taking precautions, but fulfilling [our jobs] as professionals," ART Jalapa coach Angel Orellana told Colombia's Futbol de Primera on Monday. "We are afraid, panicked by what is happening in other countries. Some players protect themselves and when they score goals, the celebrations are more relaxed."
Colombian Rolando Pabon, who plays for ART Jalapa, said that players wear masks when traveling, wash their hands regularly and that there are no pre-match handshake rituals. But the game is business as usual and there is physical contact.
But the players are not happy, having agreed that the league should have been stopped weeks ago.
"All the first division players here in Nicaragua were in agreement in that [the league] shouldn't have kept going," said Pabon in an interview with RCN Radio. "A month ago the decision was made to carry on and in the end we are all workers that should fulfill our duty."
Mexican player Fernando Villalpando, who plays for first-division club Walter Ferretti, said there is no order from the government to quarantine, although many businesses have shut down on their own.
"Some places are closed, some are not," Villalpando told Medio Tiempo. "For now, all we are doing is not shaking hands before the matches. We follow the FIFA protocol and then we just don't shake hands."
Costa Rican Sebastian Barquero left his club Diriangen, where he had been on loan from Saprissa, to be close to his family. The club gave its permission.
"I told the sporting director that, really, I want to be with my family because of everything happening," Barquero told the "Getting CONCACAFed" newsletter earlier this month. "I was worried about that and made the decision that seriously, seriously, I would rather be with my family.
"God forbid something happen, but at least if it does I'd be with my family. They could take care of me if something happened to me, and I wanted to be with them."
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The Nicaragua situation is the sort of scenario to which FIFA should respond muscularly - rather than bullying targets of convenience. It's a situation that should command Fifpro's attention as well.
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Panama has released all of its NT coaches due to COVID-19 and its impact on the federation's financial position.
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The Nicaragua situation is the sort of scenario to which FIFA should respond muscularly - rather than bullying targets of convenience. It's a situation that should command Fifpro's attention as well.
its timely know that fifa has no humane interest what so ever, they are all about sustaining power. btw haven’t you heard blatter wants to make a come back? apparently he misses the power and the perks that comes with it.
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T&T footballers await approval to return home
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
FOUR T&T footballers are yet to get approval from the Ministry of National Security to return home from Barbados, even though they have all tested negative for the coronavirus.
The players – strikers Shirlo Johnson and Shackiel Henry, defenders Dwight Pope and Garnet Diaz, all play for Paradise FC in the Coca-Cola Barbados Football Association Premier League.
Henry, in an interview on Tuesday, said, “We are still waiting on permission to enter Trinidad.”
A story on the Barbados Today website on Tuesday said Paradise FC president Adrian Donovan mentioned that the four players were expected to return home on Wednesday, once they were each able to pay US$634.50 for a private charter flight.
Henry noted, “That’s only if we get the permission (from the Security Ministry) before the two flights leave. The e-mail for approval is still pending.”
The 26-year-old Henry, who previously played for Point Fortin Civic, W Connection, Club Sando, Central FC, as well as Vietnam clubs SL Nghe An FC and Nam Dinh, said, “We are doing okay, thanks to the support we are getting from (people) in Barbados during this pandemic.”
The players have received support from both members of the Paradise FC and the Barbados Football Association.
Henry and his T&T team-mates stay at Ivy, St Michael and occupy themselves at “a field nearby where we do personal work.”
On the feedback they have received from T&T, Henry said, “Everyone has been worried due to this pandemic and us being away from our families. So they are all just awaiting a positive response on us coming back to Trinidad.”
Asked what this experience has taught him, Henry replied, “How life can be without the simple things that we take for granted.”
Minister of National SecurityStuart Young could not be reached for a comment.
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Footballers Hyland, Cyrus, Abu Bakr begging to come home
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
A closed border, coupled with no responses from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Minister of National Security Stuart Young, have prevented national midfielder footballer Khaleem Hyland, who is in Saudi Arabia, defenders Daneil Cyrus and Radanfah Abu Bakr and four other who are stranded in neighbouring Barbados from returning home, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which is wreaking havoc in countries throughout the world, the players said yesterday afternoon.
Coincidentally, some 33 nationals who were based in Barbados successfully negotiated their return home on Monday via a chartered flight.
on Wednesday Steve Davis, the agent for Hyland, 30, who plays professionally in Saudi Arabia for Al-Faisaly said he could not understand the reluctance of the T&T government to help other citizens back home, after numerous attempts for the past three weeks.
Speaking to Guardian Media Sports Davis said: "All the other overseas players at the club were taken back home by their respective countries except Hyland, and I don't understand why. We have reached out to the T&T Embassy there in Saudi Arabia and also in England via email and they have relayed our message to get Hyland back home. Khaleem himself had contacted Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley three weeks ago and still, there has been no help forthcoming."
The government announced the closure of all T&T borders on March 22, a month ago in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19 which has claimed thousands of lives worldwide. However, the government has been bombarded by citizens in different parts of the globe requesting to return home.
Footballers though appear to have been severely hard-hit by the closure of the borders with Hyland, a player who has been a staple on the TT senior football team as captain and inspiration, leading the list. It is understood also that national defender Daneil Cyrus, who is based in India with Mohun Bagan AC in the I League, along with Randanfar Abu Bakr (Churchill Brothers in I League), as well as the quartet of Shackiel Henry, Shirlo Johnson, Dwight Pope and Garnet Diaz, all of whom have been plying their trade in the Coca Cola Barbados Football League with Paradise FC.
Hyland, a native of Carenage told Guardian Media Sports: "I emailed Minister of National Security Stuart Young and I messaged the Prime Minister on his Instagram account three weeks ago, but have not received a response from neither. I also reached out to the TT Embassy in London and was told to keep abreast with the travel arrangements and then respond."
With Hyland, who is also a Belgian citizen but has his family in T&T, growing increasingly frustrated, said he also found out that the Saudi Arabian government has given a four-day window for non-nationals to return to their respective countries at no cost. "The problem though is that our borders are closed so no flights will be going there," Hyland explained on Wednesday.
Efforts to contact Minister Young proved futile, while Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe said she's will be helping the players get home.
Meanwhile, the quartet in Barbados seemed to have given up hope of returning home anytime soon. According to Henry "If Stuart Young and the government wanted to help us return home, they would have done so a long time ago."
Henry a former W Connection and Central FC player who has been the voice of the players in the regional island, said they have reached out to almost everyone possible for help, including Young via email, letter and through close members of his party and the government, but to no avail.
"We were trying to get on to the flight with the 33 people on Monday but nobody contacted us," Henry noted. The TT borders are scheduled to open in the coming weeks, and Henry said he and his colleagues will be hoping to use that opportunity to get home.
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'I didn't bring coronavirus to Togo' – Adebayor will not be donating to his homeland
Goal.comApril 23, 2020, 4:42 AM EDT
Former Premier League striker Emmanuel Adebayor has hit back at those who have called him out for not donating money to his home country of Togo amid the global coronavirus crisis, stating that he will not be parting with his money purely because others wish him to do so.
Football has ground to a halt across the planet in the wake of Covid-19's rapid spread, with most countries in some state of lockdown as authorities attempt to get the virus under control and treat those who have been infected.
With players having so much time on their hands due to a lack of matches and training while social distancing protocols are in place, many footballers have spent their time helping to raise funds or awareness for charities that directly benefit those on the front line of the fight.
Samuel Eto'o has donated relief packages to his home nation of Cameroon, with items such as food, soaps, sanitisers and protective equipment handed out in the country's economic capital of Douala.
Didier Drogba, another African icon, joined Eto'o in roundly lambasting French professors for suggesting their continent should be used as a testing ground for a vaccine due to developing nations having little protection to begin with.
The former Ivory Coast international also donated the soon-to-be-completed Laurent Pokou hospital, built by his Drogba Foundation, to his home nation's government as a facility to screen for the disease.
Such charitable moves prompted some to ask Adebayor what he would be doing with the wealth he has accumulated across his long career, but the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker says that he is his own man and won't be swayed by the actions or opinions of others.
“I always do things according to the wishes of my heart and not according to the words of others,” Adebayor said in a Facebook live video .
“I'm sorry that people compare me to Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba by asking me why I don't have a foundation or why I don't donate, as if I was the one who brought the coronavirus to Togo...
“I am neither the one nor the other, I am me, Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor. A word of advice for the guys regarding donations, I will not do that. Everything is clear and very simple. Thank you and good day.”
Adebayor, now 36, had signed for Paraguayan side Olimpia shortly before football was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Well, if that's not a lesson in public relations, what is? Confidence and ignorance make a deadly blend.
On balance Adebayor's decision to ride out COVID-19 outside Paraguay seems to have been the correct decision. After swooping into Paraguay and receiving a welcome not unlike that received by Drogba at Pierre Trudeau, he sure left his mark before bussing it (a red card for planting his boot on an opponent's neck), a couple Copa Libertadores sweats and league outings. De only thing he probably missed out on is a prison yard sweat with Ronaldinho. And scoring.
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Yuh biting Seeker. Ouch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcH6ZliaHWo
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Yuh biting Seeker. Ouch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcH6ZliaHWo
So was he. ;D
https://www.youtube.com/v/Tmem3m5Bjtk
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Yuh biting Seeker. Ouch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcH6ZliaHWo
So was he. ;D
https://www.youtube.com/v/Tmem3m5Bjtk
Back in the day, in front the grandstand that woulda be play on. But oh gorm, he not now start to play. Maybe he forgot his Peripheral vision at the Emirates Stadium.
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How could 2/3 months of this stinking coronavirus cripple the world?
Which means people was living above they means.
They was not saving for a raining day.
They was wasteful and take things for granted.
Wall Street will crumble and de rich man will fall, money cah save them, all of us in de same boat soon. This world need a do over and de right way, but people have no unity and they greedy, so that will never happen.
Some companies make millions and billions and they can't hold down their employees for 3 months, they crying for government help.
Only certain people getting government help in a hurry, de ones who eh know nobody have a long as line to wait just for groceries if they lucky.
De earth and de animals smiling now, they take back what belongs to them, you eh see how in Italy de dolphins swimming happy now in Venice, how India sky looking clear and nice now, no pollution, now New York streets clean and now de animals could start breeding and living like they should.
They need to ban wildlife hunting in EVERY country for de next 10 years.
Chinese should not be allowed to visit foreign countries, if they here already, cool, but leave them in China, they do destructive and all de viruses starts in China, if they didn't have noses they woulda eat shit.
IT GOOD FOR WE and we will never learn, soon as they open back de countries man go be running out they like headless chickens, watch and see when de second rounds come back, is more go dead.
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How could 2/3 months of this stinking coronavirus cripple the world?
Which means people was living above they means.
They was not saving for a raining day.
They was wasteful and take things for granted.
Wall Street will crumble and de rich man will fall, money cah save them, all of us in de same boat soon. This world need a do over and de right way, but people have no unity and they greedy, so that will never happen.
Some companies make millions and billions and they can't hold down their employees for 3 months, they crying for government help.
Only certain people getting government help in a hurry, de ones who eh know nobody have a long as line to wait just for groceries if they lucky.
De earth and de animals smiling now, they take back what belongs to them, you eh see how in Italy de dolphins swimming happy now in Venice, how India sky looking clear and nice now, no pollution, now New York streets clean and now de animals could start breeding and living like they should.
They need to ban wildlife hunting in EVERY country for de next 10 years.
Chinese should not be allowed to visit foreign countries, if they here already, cool, but leave them in China, they do destructive and all de viruses starts in China, if they didn't have noses they woulda eat shit.
IT GOOD FOR WE and we will never learn, soon as they open back de countries man go be running out they like headless chickens, watch and see when de second rounds come back, is more go dead.
Food for thought.
China has its fair share of blame to carry on this for a long time into the future, but it must be stated that some of the practices that the Chinese government has committed to stamping out to avert future public health crises exist unabated elsewhere on the planet.
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How could 2/3 months of this stinking coronavirus cripple the world?
Which means people was living above they means.
They was not saving for a raining day.
They was wasteful and take things for granted.
Wall Street will crumble and de rich man will fall, money cah save them, all of us in de same boat soon. This world need a do over and de right way, but people have no unity and they greedy, so that will never happen.
Some companies make millions and billions and they can't hold down their employees for 3 months, they crying for government help.
Only certain people getting government help in a hurry, de ones who eh know nobody have a long as line to wait just for groceries if they lucky.
De earth and de animals smiling now, they take back what belongs to them, you eh see how in Italy de dolphins swimming happy now in Venice, how India sky looking clear and nice now, no pollution, now New York streets clean and now de animals could start breeding and living like they should.
They need to ban wildlife hunting in EVERY country for de next 10 years.
Chinese should not be allowed to visit foreign countries, if they here already, cool, but leave them in China, they do destructive and all de viruses starts in China, if they didn't have noses they woulda eat shit.
IT GOOD FOR WE and we will never learn, soon as they open back de countries man go be running out they like headless chickens, watch and see when de second rounds come back, is more go dead.
Food for thought.
China has its fair share of blame to carry on this for a long time into the future, but it must be stated that some of the practices that the Chinese government has committed to stamping out to avert future public health crises exist unabated elsewhere on the planet.
food for thought is right mate. this bloke Sam has a very unique way with words that actually forces you to listen once start reading. Sam you’re wasting your talent mate, in all honesty you should be making books about short stories since you have a knack for engaging people’s attention. very unique way with words indeed.
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Monaco midfielder Fabregas' 95-year-old great-grandmother beats coronavirus
Adriana Garcia
ESPN
AS Monaco star Cesc Fabregas has announced that his great-grandmother has beaten coronavirus at the age of 95.
Earlier this month, the midfielder said his great-grandmother had been infected with the virus along with 70% of those in her nursing home in the Barcelona town of Arenys de Mar.
However, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star said on Wednesday that she has beaten the virus.
"She has overcome coronavirus at 95 years of age," Fabregas said on Twitter. "Yesterday the test came out negative!
"My great-grandmother is a super heroine but none of this would have been possible had it not been for the help of the nurses and doctors who are giving their lives at each moment so that we can all be better and live a little bit better during these difficult times.
"Thank you to all the people at Remei de Arenys de Munt for the great sacrifice they make for the elderly. All our respect!!! Nothing is impossible. Thank you!!!"
A World Cup winner and two time European champion with Spain, Fabregas has been in Monaco for the duration of the lockdown.
On Tuesday, Fabregas agreed a significant pay cut in order to help Monaco deal with the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, sources told ESPN.
Fabregas, who still has more than two years left on his contract, decided alone to take a 30% monthly pay cut until further notice while also accepting a four month deferral and is using his own money to pay for the loss of earnings of the first-team staff who have been furloughed.
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Suriname-based footballer satisfied with Debe quarantine facility
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
SURINAME-based footballer Darrion Williams is happy to be back home and is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family and friends in Tobago after he comes out of quarantine.
Williams, along with 68 other TT nationals, returned home on Friday from Suriname. Upon their arrival at the Piarco International Airport, they were escorted to the UWI Campus in Debe where they will be quarantined for 14 days.
Williams, 20, plays with Sv Notch in the Surinamese Hoofdklasse, the top division in the country. Williams, who is from Black Rock, Tobago, plays alongside fellow TT players Haile Beckles and Kazim Donald at the club. The footballers have been stranded in Suriname since TT closed its borders on March 23.
In an interview with Newsday, on Saturday, Williams said, “It feels good to be back.”
Four TT footballers in Barbados are not as fortunate as Shirlo Johnson, Shackiel Henry, Dwight Pope and Garnet Diaz are still hoping to return home.
The players, who represent Paradise FC in the Coca-Cola Barbados Football Association Premier League, have all tested negative for covid19. A total of 33 TT nationals came back home on April 21 from Barbados, but the footballers were not included.
Williams is contented with the living conditions in Debe. “It is nice and they giving us food, so it is good.”
Williams said the other local footballers are also comfortable at the facility. “They are going good. We took the test not too long ago. They said 48 hours I think (we will get the results). I am feeling good.”
On Saturday morning, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh also spoke about the tests being done in Debe during a virtual media briefing. “I’m told a swab team will be there today (Saturday). We just gave them some time to settle in to take their initial tests. They will be treated under the same protocols that the 33 persons from Barbados were housed and treated,” Deyalsingh said.
Williams is anticipating a return to Tobago after the 14-day quarantine. “When I leave here I want to go home and spend some time with my family.”
The former Goodwood High School player said everyone has a room and medical staff will check with them from time to time. He said they can also call officials if they need something.
Asked what he wants to eat when he lands in Tobago, Williams said, “A macaroni pie and baked chicken with some rice and salad.”
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Sweaters football club gives back with hamper drive
By Shane Superville (T&T Newsday)
DESPITE being a relatively new addition to the football scene in Chaguanas, the Woodford Sweaters Football Club (WSFC) is determined to promote a sense of camaraderie not only among its members but within the community, as they strive to be their brother’s keeper during the covid19 pandemic. The club, which was created in 2015 by a group of friends who enjoyed playing casual matches, came together to collect food supplies and distribute hampers for families in need in their Chaguanas community last weekend.
Beginning at their headquarters at the Hugo Francis Recreation Ground, the team visited various homes distributing hampers and supplies.
Speaking with Newsday about the inspiration behind the initiative, club secretary Barry Beckles said the club was happy to be part of a charitable project and understood the hardships some families had to endure while stay-at-home regulations remain in place.
Last week, the club pooled their resources from past fundraisers and organised hampers and cases of bottled water which were donated to 35 families over the weekend.
Beckles said while he was happy to give back to the community that supported them, they hoped to reach out to more families with the assistance of corporate sponsors.
“It was filled with bittersweet emotions for most of us. While we all enjoyed the beautiful smiles and the endless thanks from the families whom we were able to assist, we also had to endure the pain from not being able to assist families who reached out to us on the day.
“This left us with a burning desire to reach out to these people ASAP.”
Beckles said the club, under its president Jamal Wiggins, will organiseanother food drive before the end of May. People interested in donating food supplies are asked to contact Beckles at 499-0126 or through the club’s various social media platforms.
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Turkish Soccer Player Admits to Killing His 5-year-old Son: Report
Alyssa Morin
Turkish soccer player Cevher Toktas recently made a shocking confession.
According to multiple reports, the 32-year-old athlete confessed to killing his 5-year-old son Kasim.
Toktas was arrested after he admitted to the killing of his toddler, which allegedly occurred while his son was being treated in a hospital due to suffering from Coronavirus symptoms.
It was reported the 5-year-old ended up testing negative for COVID-19.
CBS Sports reports the soccer player confessed to smothering his son with a pillow and allegedly turned himself in on May 4—which took place 11 days after the incident happened.
However, Toktas originally tried to blame his son's death on COVID-19, multiple outlets report. He allegedly called doctors shortly after his son's passing, and claimed his son's symptoms had gotten worse. At the time, Kasim was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but he died hours later.
According to a Spanish publication, the soccer player shared his reasonings for killing his son—and even admitted to not loving his 5-year-old.
"I held a pillow to his head and held it with force for 15 minutes without stopping. My son struggled for a while and when he stopped I removed the pillow," the 32-year-old allegedly recalled to authorities, according to the Spanish outlet.
He added, "I then called the doctors so as they would not be suspicious."
The soccer player allegedly told authorities, "I never loved him, even when he was born, and I can't state why, I have no mental issues."
According to the Spanish outlet, Toktas will be tried for murder and faces a life sentence. Moreover, Turkish authorities have allegedly ordered the 5-year-old boy's body be exhumed for further examination.
Toktas is known for playing with the team Bursa Yildirimspor.
E! News has reached out for further information and comment.
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Man that cold and wretched! Was the son really his son?
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Anybody catch any of the German games. Saw 2 of them. Saw part of Bayern games . Football is good, just the empty stadium making feel like Trini Sunday morning football. You can her the players shouting commands, etc !!!
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Anybody catch any of the German games. Saw 2 of them. Saw part of Bayern games . Football is good, just the empty stadium making feel like Trini Sunday morning football. You can her the players shouting commands, etc !!!
Been reading the reports, but I haven't viewed the matches yet. I'm particularly interested in catching the Dortmund match although it was lopsided. If yuh want a good laugh see Haaland's post-match interview; it was also one-sided.
Reports indicate that he was told to go eff his granny. I watched that clip (a different one from during the match). De youth smiled (maybe smirked) unperturbed through the entire clip.
Aside from the Bayern match, which game did you view?
https://youtube.com/v/9Jop8Oi1bnQ
This kid is an interview nightmare. This isn't atypical for him.
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COVID-19 has forced media to be innovative in covering football. Some have opted for retrospectives (The Guardian journalists recounting their favourite matches and "live coverage" of them) and others for innovation (in Mexico there's been a televised eLigaMX that tracks the actual calendar of what would have been LigaMX). Good and welcome initiatives.
But, domestically, ah have to say: Liburd and Fuentes deserve plaudits for what they've brought to the table. Lasana's Best XI Pro League retrospective from the coaches is a boss tour of honesty! And Shaun's "pushing the limits" is an exceptional unveiling of our football. :beermug:
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Aside from the Bayern match, which game did you view?
Leipzig - Freidburg. Frankfurt - Monchengladbach. Cologne - Mainz(This was the best for me). I saw the Bayern game in spurts. Ah was cooking. Man hav too eet. Overall, the games were good. The players were serious and put on a display of good football. Like I had said before, we may have to get use to seeing football in empty stadiums until everybody is comfortable in large cramp crowds. At times it felt like watching the very first game at a Sunday morning match. Hardly anybody until the big game at 12:00 noon. You could hear the coaches giving commands even though some of them wore masks. And the players shouting for the ball. But for a starved football fan, beggars cyah be choosers. I go take that in the short term.
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(https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/newsV2/images/202005/76eb33611c5d42038bedcb7a1ad76dc5.jpg/dims/resize/740/optimize)
Football league to discuss discipline for club over sex dolls in stands
The Korea Times
The South Korean football league will open disciplinary proceedings against a top-division club for putting sex dolls in the stands for a recent match.
The Korea Professional Football League (K League) said late Tuesday it will soon convene a disciplinary meeting over FC Seoul's use of lifesize dolls in place of spectators for Sunday's match against Gwangju FC at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
K League matches are being played without fans due to coronavirus concerns. In an ill-advised attempt to create a match-like atmosphere, FC Seoul brought in over a dozen mannequins that turned out to be sex dolls.
During the match, fans took to social media to raise suspicions that those mannequins, some dressed in FC Seoul kits and all wearing masks, weren't what they first seemed to be. Those dolls held up signs in support of FC Seoul, but one banner showed the names of an adult toy manufacturer and of models who'd inspired those dolls.
The controversy overshadowed FC Seoul's 1-0 victory, and the club later apologized for the mishap.
FC Seoul claimed they didn't know they were getting sex dolls, made by a company whose CEO was a FC Seoul fan. The club is contemplating legal action against the company.
The K League's disciplinary committee will review if the presence of these inappropriate mannequins violated the league rules on placing prohibited advertisements or promotional materials, or if these dolls damaged the league's image and integrity.
In such cases, clubs could face a deduction of at least five points or a fine of 5 million won ($4,080) or more.
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That's a story about how good intentions can get blown out of proportion. :rotfl:
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That's a story about how good intentions can get blown out of proportion. :rotfl:
I wonder why they had on masks :devil:
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That's a story about how good intentions can get blown out of proportion. :rotfl:
I wonder why they had on masks :devil:
Fantasy and playing a role gone clear oui. Yuh know, given the COVID new normal reset that we are on, I watched that and didn't even think about it.
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Don’t forget Trini footballers in Barbados
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
“Our appeal to Minister Stuart Young is to please, please assist the footballers. Don’t forget them.”
That is the request from the president of Paradise FC Adrian Donovan, who is asking the T&T Government to help the quartet of T&T footballers stranded in Barbados return home.
Shackiel Henry, Garnet Diaz, Dwight Pope and Shirlo Johnson were all playing for Paradise FC in the Barbados Football Association’s 2020 Premier League competition before covid19 stopped the league in March. The players arrived in Barbados between January 23 and February 15 to represent the club.
A number of T&T footballers have been trying to return home since March, some more fortunate than others. The trio of Darrion Williams, Haile Beckles and Kazim Donald returned home from Suriname along with 69 other T&T nationals on May 1.
Jomal Williams, Jamal Jack and Jomoul Francois are currently stuck in El Salvador.
President of the Caribbean Football Union Randolph Harris is also trying to help the T&T players return. Harris, in a letter dated April 17 to Young, said, “At this time their current upkeep is threatened as their finances run out. I am therefore inquiring as to if there can be any consideration given by your kind office to arrange for them to travel to their homes in Trinidad at the earliest possible and suitable time.” Harris sent a similar letter on the same day to the Barbados Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports John King.
In an interview with Newsday, Donavon said, “It has been a very frustrating experience for four young men.”
The Paradise FC president said they have been trying to help the T&T players get home. “The situation is that we have been trying desperately with all angles, talking to all authorities in T&T to try and get these young fellas back home with their respective families and it has proven a very difficult and frustrating experience.”
At a covid19 media conference on June 6, Young said efforts are being made to bring all T&T nationals home. “We are very sympathetic and we have a lot of empathy for all our nationals who are outside of T&T, believe me. We are getting thousands of requests, and we as a Government understand the difficulty that each family is facing as they try to get their family member who is outside back in.” Newsday called Young on Saturday but was unsuccessful.
Donovan said Paradise FC tried to get the players on the flight along with the other 33 T&T nationals who returned home from Barbados on April 21, but their attempts proved futile. “There was space on the flight and our sponsors were prepared to pay for the airfare, so that was not an issue.”
The 33 nationals left T&T to go on a cruise in Dubai but were stranded in Barbados when the T&T borders were closed on March 23. Over 50 T&T students in Barbados are scheduled to return home on Sunday.
Donovan said the four players are staying together in a house just outside of Bridgetown. Donovan said on weekends the captain of Paradise FC tries to help the T&T players with meals. “The four young men are good ambassadors of T&T, they are treated like family here among the Paradise team.”
Donovan said the players are getting support from their families, but those funds have been used.
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Big up yuh chest, Marcus Rashford! Another footballer who gets it! BOOM! :applause:
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Big up yuh chest, Marcus Rashford! Another footballer who gets it! BOOM! :applause:
:beermug:
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T&T footballers return from Barbados.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).
FOUR T&T footballers returned home from Barbados on Monday. The players returned on a flight with students from UWI, Cave Hill.
Shackiel Henry, Garnet Diaz, Dwight Pope and Shirlo Johnson were all playing for Paradise FC in the Barbados Football Association’s 2020 Premier League competition, before covid19 stopped the league in March. The players arrived in Barbados between January 23 and February 15 to represent the club.
Paradise FC president Adrian Donovan, in an interview with Newsday on Saturday, asked the Government to help the four footballers.
A number of T&T footballers have been trying to return home, some more fortunate than others. Darrion Williams, Haile Beckles and Kazim Donald returned home from Suriname along with 69 other T&T nationals on May 1.
Jomal Williams, Jamal Jack and Jomoul Francois are currently stuck in El Salvador.
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T&T footballers eager to return from India
By Narissa Fraser (T&T Newsday)
NINE professional T&T footballers, who play in the Hero I-League in India, say they are eager to return home. They say being away from their families has “taken a toll” on them “psychologically, emotionally and financially.”
The players include Churchill Brothers FC defenders Radanfah Abu Bakr and Robert Primus, and striker Willis Plaza; Gokulam Kerala players Marcus Joseph (forward), Nathaniel Garcia (midfield) and defender Andre Ettienne; Neroca FC defender Taryk Sampson and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip; and Mohun Bagan AC defender Daneil Cyrus.
All players have represented T&T at the international level. Sampson, however, played at the Under-20 level while the others played at the senior level.
On March 13, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially suspended the league until March 31 owing to the covid19 pandemic. But as lockdown measures began being implemented in the country, the remaining league matches were cancelled and table-toppers Mohun Bagan were crowned champions.
Speaking with Newsday on Saturday morning, Abu Bakr said while he is somewhat worried, he has not been panicking. He said the situation in his city – Goa – is not as bad as others. Up to press time, there were 725 confirmed cases of covid19 in Goa, with 118 recoveries and no deaths. The city’s population is approximately 1.5 million.
“There’s no reason to panic but I’m generally cautious about what I’m doing. Unfortunately, in the bigger cities, it’s getting worse,” he said.
The clubs all implemented a force majeure clause because of the pandemic, which means players were not paid for the final month of their contracts.
Asked what the general mood has been for the players, he said, “It’s one of frustration more than anything else, anxiety to get home…Even if the league was going on, it would have been finished by now and we would have been back with our families. (There are) guys who have kids and that kinda thing, so everyone is just eager to get home.
“We’re here, we’re bleeding money and a lot of us have families to take care of and what not. Technically, you’re double-spending ‘cause you’re not even supposed to be here. But time – you could get back money but your actual time with your family and what you would have planned, missing your kids’ birthdays, anniversaries…that supersedes whatever money you may be losing over here as well.”
On March 21, he met with his club’s officials and was granted permission to return home. T&T’s borders, however, were declared closed the following day.
Abu Bakr has written to the Ministry of National Security on behalf of the group but he said it feels like he has “reached a dead end.” He said he understands that their situation, compared to that of other nationals who have been granted exemptions, is a bit more tricky owing to the distance and flight arrangements.
In the e-mail, he suggested what he called a “possible route home.” He said the Indian government was providing repatriation flights for its nationals stuck in the Caribbean.
The e-mail said, “That, of course, would require a level of diplomatic coordination that we are not able to access. We therefore humbly request the relevant authority’s assistance in this regard. Because of our lack of proximity and the limitations and complications (health risks, connections) of commercial travel, this may represent our only feasible way home for the foreseeable future.”
He said their proximity may be working against them since they would have to first fly to other countries to get a flight to directly reach to TT. But without an official exemption from the Ministry, venturing to these places may be pointless.
“That’s risky business…That’s not very clever, I think,” he said. “We have a very complicated trip home.”
The only communication from the Ministry thus far has been a reiteration that TT’s borders are closed and to “shelter in place”.
But the players are hoping an arrangement can be worked out so they can soon be reunited with their families.
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(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/as-graphic-behind-closed-doors-v2.jpg?strip=all&w=786)
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It's tempting to think that football has found a way to normalize COVID-19, but the path to stability is still rough going. For instance, this is playing out in Spain's second tier as the season is wrapping up. In my view, it's conceivable that teams could face point deductions for taking COVID-19-related decisions that ultimately jeopardize league functions. Let's see how it plays out.
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seems like football shut down now for 28 days
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Grateful for the love, but former National Youth Football Coach Nigel "Grovey" Grosvenor is in the fight of his life after both he and his wife tested Positive for COVID-19.
https://www.youtube.com/v/372305Vw8Co
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It’s a huge number': Fifa believes football has lost £11.1bn to Covid
By Paul MacInnes, The Guardian
Football across the world lost $14.4bn (£11.1bn) during the coronavirus crisis, analysis conducted by Fifa suggests. The governing body of the global game has revealed that 150 of its 211 member associations have applied for emergency Covid grants, with one executive describing the situation as “impossible” for Fifa to mitigate alone.
The effect of the pandemic is estimated to have wiped $14.4bn from club and international football, even with restarts taken into account. “It’s a huge number and it covers the football economy in its entirety,” said Olli Rehn, the chairman of the Fifa Covid-19 relief plan steering committee. “It cannot be an exact figure, but it is an estimate of losses in 211 member associations.”
Fifa estimates that the club game generates $40-45bn annually. Rehn says that whereas European clubs have lost the most money in total, the relative losses incurred elsewhere are much greater, with Latin America and Brazil in particular seriously affected. These estimates are Fifa’s baseline scenario.
“If you look at the breakdown of losses in absolute and relative terms, European clubs and member associations were most impacted in absolute figures,” he said. “But relatively those outside Europe have struggled more, especially in Latin America, mainly as a result of revenue mix and season timing. Smaller countries that are dependent on Fifa will actually be hit least.”
Rehn, a former European commissioner and head of the bank of Finland, said: “The loss under any scenario was too great for Fifa to mitigate alone. We are working very intensively with confederations to improve the situation.”
This summer Fifa announced a $1.5bn programme of grants and loans designed to help its members. Each association was entitled to $1.5m in grants, with a third of that figure ringfenced for the development of the women’s game.
Rehn said the majority of associations had applied for the women’s game grants, which he insisted would be subject to strict regulations that would stop the money being spent on other purposes. “Conditions are constructed so that you cannot use it, for example, for building new pitches,” he said. “Fifa’s funding flows are transparent. All beneficiaries have to account for ever single cent to auditors … We have learned our lesson and we are improving our actions.”
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Add CR7 to the list.
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Add Giovanni Infantino.
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Infantino in quarantine after positive covid test
Insideworldfootball.com.
Gianni Infantino has had to clear his diary for the next few days after becoming latest high-profile figure to test positive for Covid-19.
FIFA said its president, whose last public appearances was reportedly at FIFA’s Compliance Summit which ended on October 16 when all attendees were present via video, had reported mild symptoms, is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days.
“All people who came into contact with the FIFA President during the last few days have been informed accordingly and they are being requested to take the necessary steps,” a statement said.
No information has been forthcoming about where and when Infantino caught the virus but he attended a signing ceremony at the White House last month to mark the US-brokered diplomatic pact between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Three weeks ago he also went to Qatar to inspect preparations for the 2022 World Cup. FIFA are not saying which, if any, engagements he has had to cancel.
FIFA also did not outline who would lead the organisation should the illness prevent him from carrying out any duties for any prolonged length of thime. AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is FIFA’s first vice president and would be the next in line to step in if an interim president were required.
His case comes amid a surge in second wave infections in Switzerland where authorities are set to announce new measures to control the spread of the virus.
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Sporting leagues must continue to wait
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
SPORTING leagues and competitions in T&T have not received the green light yet to resume.
On Wednesday, at the covid19 media briefing, Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram was asked if sporting leagues will be allowed to resume. He said, "We will continue to make our recommendations from time to time based on the numbers, based on the occupancy to the honourable Prime Minister and honourable Minister of Health (Terrance Deyalsingh) and then ultimately the decision will lie with them in the coming weeks.
I am sure we will review certain aspects of what is still being viewed as closed in terms of sectors and we will make our recommendations as per usual, but nothing concrete has been made."
At a covid19 briefing on February 20, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe said that sporting enthusiasts would be allowed to participate in outdoor recreational activities from February 22.
"I am here to simply announce that we are going to continue our roll back measures and today we are opening up to be able to have sporting activity taking place for recreational purposes."
Sports such as football and cricket can be held because Cudjoe said activities involving 22 people or less can take place.
Cudjoe added, "We are not going to open up yet for leagues and that type of large activity that may attract larger crowds, so I am pleased (about) this roll back feature and that we are getting ready to go out and play once again."