South African Rugby announced significant pay cuts on Friday in its efforts to save up to 1.2-billion rand (USD 62 million) from its budget for a year in which rugby fixtures have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, said the sport's salary bill for employees, players and officials had been reduced by 25 percent, with those on the highest pay scales losing up to 43 percent of their income.
Those earning less than 20,000 rand (about USD 1,025) a month would not be affected.
Some players opted to cancel their contracts after being given a window which expired on Thursday.
SA Rugby did not reveal how many players had taken this option but Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is among them, according to local reports.
But Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi, who scored South Africa's first try in their World Cup final win over England last year, has turned down an estimated USD 460,000 a year offer from a Japanese club, according to the Sport24 ...

South Africa rugby cuts pay to save USD 60 million

PTI Automatic

The Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation on Friday directed Mumbai Cricket Association  (MCA) to hand over some facilities of Wankhede Stadium in the  southern part of the metropolis to the civic body to create  facilities in connection with the novel coronavirus outbreak.
In a letter, A Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner  Chanda Jadhav said the "hotel/lodge/clubs/college/exhibition  centres/dormitories/marriage hall/gymkhana/banquet hall" must  be handed over "with immediate effect".
"The said premises will be used for emergency staff of  'A' Ward and quarantine the person whoever is in contact with  a positive COVID-19 patient and are not symptomatic," the  letter, a copy of which is with PTI, stated.
The civic body said the acquisition was of a temporary  nature and payments for use of facilities would be done at a  later date.
It warned the MCA that refusal to cooperate could  invite police action for disobedience to official order.
An MCA apex council member said there was no  ..

COVID-19: BMC asks MCA to hand over Wankhede Stadium premises

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel on Friday suggested the Under-17 women World Cup squad members to inspire each other and also asked the national teams to stay patient as the players wait for action to begin.
Patel interacted with the national teams across age-groups, enquiring about the well-being of the players amid the COVID-19 enforced lockdown.
The players, in a video conference, briefed Patel about how they have been spending the lockdown and Patel wished the U-17 women's World Cup squad luck.
"Give it your best shot, and never be under pressure. I am confident you will do well. The new dates have been announced and all of you need to stay knitted together as a team, and raise each other's morale."
The Women's U-17 World Cup, slated to be held in November this year, has been postponed to February next year.
Senior men's captain Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan and Anirudh Thapa alongside women's team members Bala Devi, Aditi Chauhan and Dangmei Grace ...

AIFF President Praful Patel interacts with national teams

Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla on Friday ruled out any track and field athlete taking part in any international event this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic as their safety is paramount.
It is therefore implied that no Indian will take part in the prestigious Diamond League meets, starting from August 14. The likes of Tokyo Olympics-bound javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Shivpal Singh will miss them.
"We are not interested in sending our athletes abroad before 2021 till we have a far better idea. The safety of our athletes is paramount. So, no Diamond League for our athletes. The athletes who are now in national camps will also preferably be there for the next three months," Sumariwalla said at an online interaction in the presence of World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe.
"The plan is the athletes will compete in five events in Indian circuit starting on September 12 and they will have some sort of off-season after October. Next year, we plan to have ..

No Indian athlete to compete abroad this year: AFI chief Sumariwalla

Britain's Silverstone racetrack will stage two grands prix during the Formula One season, subject to UK government approval, circuit chiefs said on Friday.
The coronavirus outbreak has caused huge disruption to the F1 calendar, with 10 races either cancelled or postponed.
Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle told the BBC that an agreement in principle had been reached with Formula One to hold the races at the central England circuit, immediately after the season begins in Austria.
"I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and Formula One have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer," he said.
"However these races will be subject to government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
"I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help Formula One put on a show this summer."
The BBC 

Britain's Silverstone 'to stage two grands prix'

The French MotoGP, originally scheduled to take place this weekend but postponed due to the coronavirus could be held in October, the race's organiser said on Friday.
"We continue to work towards being able to organise the Grand Prix de France 2020 in the first half of October," Claude Michy said in a statement.
"This option needs to be confirmed in the coming weeks and we hope that the health situation improves despite the uncertainty surrounding events with big crowds."
MotoGP promoter Dorna and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) are working on a new schedule for the 2020 season which could begin on July 19 in Jerez in Spain, with a race behind closed doors and with a reduced number of people in the paddock.
Organisers are planning on between 10-12 races in Europe before the end of November, then races outside Europe if possible.
The first 11 races of the 2020 MotoGP season have either been postponed or cancelled, while the Moto2 and Moto3 categories haven't raced since 

French MotoGP could take place in October, says organiser

Many soccer clubs in Europe are still contemplating how to reimburse their season ticket holders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With most European leagues likely finishing the season in empty stadiums, clubs have decisions to make regarding fans who paid for tickets but won't be allowed to attend matches.
Though few clubs in Spain have announced options for their ticket holders, Madrid-based club Getafe is taking the forefront by giving fans a free season of league matches in 2020-21.
Getafe president ngel Torres said the more than 13,000 fans who are up to date with their ticket payments won't have to pay for La Liga games next season. though they will still have to purchase tickets for non-league matches.
The club said the move was a way to give back to fans for the damages caused by the coronavirus health crisis. With this measure Getafe wants to compensate the fans and thank them for their support in these difficult times, the club said.
Getafe was in the round of 16 of the Europa 

Soccer clubs contemplating options for season ticket holders S

The LPGA's Great Lakes Bay Invitational will not be staged in July, becoming the ninth women's golf tour event to be called off this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The LPGA announced Friday the cancellation of the planned July 15-18 event in Midland, Michigan, adding the tournament would return in 2021 and that sponsors have extended their contract with the tour.
"As I've said since this pandemic started, while we will do all we can to play safely in 2020, the most important thing is to ensure the long-term health of our tour," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said.
The next event remaining on the LPGA schedule is the Marathon Classic on July 23-26 at Sylvania, Ohio. The Shoprite LPGA Classic at Galloway, New Jersey, follows July 31-August 2 before the tour is scheduled to play three events in Europe.
Only four LPGA tournaments have been played this season due to the outbreak of the deadly virus, two Florida events in January and two in Australia in February.

LPGA cancels Great Lakes event in July due to coronavirus

Young Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan, who had a dream  domestic season last year, is playing a good samaritan during the ongoing nationwide lockdown by distributing food packets to migrant workers.
Sarfaraz, his younger brother Mushir and his father-cum-coach Naushad are  distributing the food packets in their native village in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh to the migrant workers, who are travelling back to their respective homes.
Sarfaraz, who plays for Mumbai in domestic circuit, is stuck at his native village.
"When we used to go to the market, we use to see scores of people travelling on the roads. And hence we decide to help them. It was my father's idea to help the migrant workers," Sarfaraz told PTI.
He said that local boys from the village are also helping him and his family in their endeavour.
His father Naushad said that they were able to distribute around 1,000 food packets so far. Each packet has an apple, banana, cake, biscuits and a water bottle.
Sarfaraz has ...

Sarfaraz distributes food packets to migrant workers in native UP

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick admitted on Friday that he is unsure whether his players are match fit ahead of the Bundesliga restart this weekend.
Defending champions Bayern hold a four-point lead ahead of Sunday's game at Union Berlin, as German football returns behind closed doors following a two-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Bayern, like Germany's other clubs, only received the go-ahead to resume full team training last week.
"We don't know if the team can hold out over 90 minutes," said Flick.
"We have trained well and played three matches of 20 minutes each last Sunday.
"They were played at a very high intensity, but we don't know clearly where we stand.
"We have to just deal with the situation."
Flick welcomed the decision by the German league to approve plans to allow five substitutions instead of the usual three, but hopes teams do not abuse the temporary rule change.
"I have two more options, so I'm very happy, especially in this situation," Flick said. ..

Flick doubts Bayern's fitness ahead of Bundesliga restart

"No athlete would prefer to compete without spectators", World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe said on Friday but left it on organisers to decide whether to let in fans or keep them out when the sport resumes in August.
The WA on Tuesday announced the commencement of Diamond League one-day meetings from August 14 in Monaco, pushed from the original May start in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It earlier froze Olympic qualifying period till the end of November due to the health crisis.
"No athlete would prefer to compete without spectators. They will want to compete in front of fans in stadia. But some cities may just bring the athletes and do not want to have large crowds. We have to respect both (organisers and athletes)," Coe said in a video conference with select Indian journalists.
He said the organisers of the prestigious 12-legged Diamond League meetings will decide the number of events and safety guidelines to be followed according to the local conditions.
Coe said WA is 

No athlete would like competing without fans but organisers can make their choice: WA chief Coe

Atltico Madrid defender Renan Lodi has returned to training after having reportedly been cleared following a previous positive test for the coronavirus.
The Spanish soccer club says Renan trained on his own.
Spanish media reported that Lodi had tested negative after spending several days confined following an initial positive result.
Spanish teams have returned to training at club facilities but players must respect social distancing.

Atltico defender Lodi returns to training

Charlton midfielder Darren Pratley says black and ethnic minority players have fears over restarting football because they are more at risk from coronavirus.
English clubs, including Championship side Charlton, are working towards a resumption of the season in June.
But Pratley, whose father is Jamaican, is concerned by statistics that show black men and women face twice the risk of dying from the virus as white people.
"We've been told that BAME footballers are at higher risk, which is concerning being mixed-race," he told BBC Sport on Friday.
"I know a lot of people from my dad's side have struggled with diabetes and high blood pressure, which is an underlying issue that a lot of them and others probably didn't know that they had.
"This could be something that if infected by one of the players who hasn't been tested, could be passed back to them if they are living in the same household."
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer recently admitted his cash-strapped club, who were in the relegation 

Charlton player voices fears over virus risk to black footballers

Amid the nationwide lockdown, Subhash Bhowmick on Friday was back in ding what he knows best -- coaching, albeit on an online platform.
The revered Indian football coach, who spearheaded East Bengal's ASEAN Cup triumph in 2003, was seen training the coaches in a six-session module concluding on Saturday.
"I've goosebumps, whenever there's a talk about football. I can talk hours on football, it's my passion," Bhowmick, who coached East Bengal to successive National league titles and replicated the success with Churchill Brothers, told PTI.
"So the idea (of online coaching) really touched me and I thought this is the way forward in this challenging times."
Budding coaches from across the districts and the city had applied for the coaching and each class had a strength of 30 participants.
"In our country, most of the coaching camps stress on running, running and running. They are preparing runners. They rarely teaching ball skills. I shared whatever material I had on how to dribble and ..

Amid lockdown, Bhowmick back to coaching -- online

The option of shifting the upcoming T20 World Cup to 2022 is expected to be put on the table when the ICC Board meets on May 28, a member of world governing body's influential Board told PTI on Friday.
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the T20 World Cup in the wake of coronavirus pandemic and shifting it may find favours with Cricket Australia, feels the Board member.
The ICC flagship event is scheduled in Australia from October 18 to November 15.
The ICC Board Meeting will be preceded by the Cricket Committee meeting to discuss playing conditions including applying sweat and saliva on the ball.
It is expected that ICC's Events Committee headed by Chris Tetley will present multiple options.
"We are expecting three options from the ICC Events Committee. First option is having World T20 as per schedule with 14-day quarantine with crowd being allowed. The back-up for this option could be tournament in-front of empty stadium. The third option could be shifting the tournament to 2022," a ..

ICC Board members may discuss shifting T20 World Cup to 2022

Talent identification and exposure at a young age are crucial to the growth of basketball in India, says Roy Rana, assistant coach of NBA team Sacramento Kings.
"Talent identification is going to become hugely critical and that has to happen probably at an earlier age. I don't know when it starts in India but I think we should look at 13 and 14-year-old kids and try to see who has potential. Giving them more exposure to the sport at a younger age would be helpful," he said in an interaction.
"I think there needs to be a coordinated effort that there's alignment in teaching the game across the country. Then, you know, coach development, the better you develop your coaches, the better you develop your talent. So post-development will be a huge part of helping the sport grow and thrive as we move into the future," said Rana, a Canadian with Indian roots.
He also felt there is a lot of talent in Indians who are settled abroad.
"So, you know, if we look at what's being done internationally 

Identify young talent and develop coaches to grow basketball in India: NBA coach

"No athlete would prefer to compete without spectators", World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe said on Friday but left it on organisers to decide whether to let in fans or keep them out when the sport resumes in August.
The WA on Tuesday announced the commencement of Diamond League one-day meetings from August 14 in Monaco, pushed from the original May start in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It earlier froze Olympic qualifying period till the end of November due to the health crisis.
"No athlete would prefer to compete without spectators. They will want to compete in front of fans in stadia. But some cities may just bring the athletes and do not want to have large crowds. We have to respect both (organisers and athletes)," Coe said in a viedo conference with select Indian journalists.
He said the organisers of the prestigious 12-legged Diamond League meetings will decide the number of events and safety guidelines to be followed according to the local conditions.
Coe said WA is 

No athlete would like competing without fans but organisers can make their choice: World Athletics chief Coe

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has joked that his biggest lesson from the coronavirus lockdown is just how outspoken former Manchester United defender Gary Neville can be.
In his role as a television pundit, Neville has vented on a range of issues related to the Premier League and the health crisis.
The former England international has criticised Premier League chiefs for being slow to give updates on their restart plans.
He also took issue with the government's call for players to take wage cuts during the pandemic and let rip on a host of other subjects.
Klopp could not resist a good-natured jibe at Neville when asked what his lockdown experience had been like.
"I didn't learn a lot in lockdown, other than Gary Neville has an opinion about absolutely everything. It is incredible," Klopp told the BBC's Football Focus programme.
Liverpool were two wins away from winning the English title for the first time in 30 years when the Premier League was postponed on March 13.
The league hopes 

Liverpool boss Klopp pokes fun at Neville over lockdown rants

The German league takes the spotlight on Saturday as the first top European league to resume during the coronavirus pandemic, with one coach admitting it feels like "flying blind".
After a two-month break, the German Football League (DFL) had to submit an extraordinarily detailed plan of measures to gain approval for the restart from Chancellor Angela Merkel and the 16 state leaders.
With league football still at least a month away in England, Italy and Spain, and France having already decided to end its season, the Bundesliga games this weekend will be beamed around the world.
Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert has warned the matches, played in empty stadiums because of the risk of infection, will "look and feel different".
- Elbow taps, face masks -
==========================
The shouts of players will echo around the empty stands and goals will have to be celebrated with elbow or foot taps because players have been ordered to avoid hugs or handshakes.
Substitutes and coaches on the ..

'Flying blind' - German football returns and takes step into unknown

The Russian Premier League will restart its season next month despite rising coronavirus infections, but behind closed doors, its governing body said Friday.
The Russian football association said in a statement that matches, suspended since March 17 because of the outbreak, would resume from June 21.
The Russian Premier League, the country's top football division, has eight rounds of matches remaining in the season.
"Unfortunately the remaining matches will be held without spectators," league president Sergei Pryadkin said.
He said resuming in late June would give players time to prepare to return to action.
"We will do everything to ensure the safety of all participants," Pryadkin added, noting that many players and coaches would have to return to Russia from abroad.
"We are sure that fans will support their teams from home." Russia has registered 262,843 cases of the virus, the second-highest total in the world after the United States, and 2,418 deaths.
The country has been easing ..

Russian football league to restart despite rising infections

Swashbuckling India opener Smriti Mandhana feels a full-fledged women's Indian Premier League (IPL) can make a difference in tapping the talent which would help the national team do well at the global level.
The 23-year-old opener also acknowledged the efforts the BCCI is putting in to make it a reality.
"The BCCI has put in a lot of effort, first we had an exhibition match kind of women's IPL two years ago then there was a very successful IPL with three teams. And this year it was supposed to be four teams," Mandhana said on the BBC podcast 'The Doosra'.
"I'm sure a lot of IPL style matches will take place for a year or two. A  five or six-team IPL for women will be great for Indian women's cricket specially for the World Cups," she added.
The southpaw hopes the gap between the domestic and international cricket that exists in women's cricket in the country right now will be bridged soon.
"Women's cricket in Indian is growing massively, specially the domestic circuit. But there's ...

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