The cascade of cancellations and postponements of events to protect athletes and the public from the coronavirus continues, especially in Italy, the European country most affected by the epidemic with more than 2,500 confirmed cases and more than 100 deaths this Wednesday. The second return semi-final of the Italian Cup, Naples-Inter Milan, was postponed, the day after the postponement of the first, Juventus-AC Milan. And the Italian government has decided that all Serie A matches will be played behind closed doors until April 3.
And in France ? Still no general lock-up for League and League 2 games. Only on a case-by-case basis and a modification of the pre-match protocol. This is the main measure taken this Wednesday morning by the board of directors of the Professional Football League (LFP).
The LFP Board of Directors met on March 4, 2020 regarding the situation of the coronavirus
Press Release → https://t.co/HjP2ytYXKA pic.twitter.com/BMkct3aa3I
“In constant contact with the public authorities (Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Health), the LFP will work on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the prefectures, the clubs concerned and the broadcasters, in each situation that arises. would present by scrupulously respecting the recommendations of the government and by applying the decisions of the local prefects ", explains the authority in a press release.
In order to "promote barrier gestures", the protocol espouses three precautionary principles: "the players and the central referee will carry the escort kids by the shoulder at the entrance to the teams"; "After the alignment of the players, they will disperse on the field"; "The handshakes between coaches, referees and delegate" are deleted. This new device “will apply until further notice” stipulates the League.
"Legitimate to have concerns for the Euro", says Deschamps
Concerning the Euro, which must take place in twelve countries from June 12 to July 12, including Italy, in an unprecedented traveling formula with the resulting population mix, there is also concern. UEFA remains cautious and its president Aleksander Ceferin vows not to "think of the worst-case scenario".
Didier Deschamps, the French coach, seemed more cautious Tuesday evening on the sidelines of the draw for the League of Nations: “Obviously, sports competitions, and in this case football and the Euro, are concerned. There is no fear to be had, but that can evolve and it is legitimate to have worries ”, indicated the selector of the world champions.
There are also concerns for the organization of the Tokyo Olympic Games (July 24-August 9) even if the steering committee tries every day to reassure. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ensures that a possible cancellation is not on the agenda. “We are facing challenges but I don't want to add to the speculation. The IOC reaffirms its total commitment to ensuring the success of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Neither the word cancellation nor the word postponement were mentioned today during the meeting of the Executive Board, ”said Thomas Bach, the IOC President.
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However, the first symbol of the Games, the Olympic flame, has already been touched. The traditional torch route, which should start at the end of March from Fukushima for a relay across Japan, will be under close surveillance. "The organizing committee will take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infection among runners, spectators and the technical team, as well as limiting the number of spectators," said the local organizing committee on Wednesday.
On the road to the Games, events are also disrupted due to the coronavirus. Thus, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) decided on Wednesday to postpone the organization of the Olympic qualification tournaments (TQO) to 3 to 3 basketball scheduled in Bangalore, India, from March 18 to 22. The French men's and women's teams were to participate.
For the time being, the competition is announced as "postponed". No date or possible change of location is mentioned for the time being but the tournaments must be held before April 24. It is the first time that 3 x 3 basketball has been invited to the Olympic High Mass. This discipline is a good hope of a medal for the tricolor delegation expected in Japan. Africa is not immune to chaos: the inaugural season of the African Basketball League has been postponed. And in Asia, home of the virus, cancellations are increasing with Wednesday that of the rugby VII tournament scheduled in Japan.
The International Amateur Boxing Association has postponed until June its congress which was to be held in Budapest (Hungary) in March.
The bicycle also fears for its future. Italy will host several races in March: Strade Bianche near Siena on March 7, Tirreno-Adriatico from 11 to 17 and especially Milan-San Remo on 21. Australian team Mitchelton-Scott, including the British Adam and Simon Yates announced on Wednesday that he would skip all Italian races, as well as Paris-Nice (March 8-15), justifying it by his “duty to protect the health and well-being of our runners and our members. " The Dutch team Jumbo also announced that it would give up participating in the Strade Bianche.
On another continent, three teams (Gazprom, Cofidis, Groupama-FDJ) were officially placed in quarantine in the United Arab Emirates until March 14. The illness had caused the cancellation of the last two stages of the Tour of the Emirates.
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The news fell this morning. We are officially in our forties with a probable return on March 14, hoping for medical repatriation to effect this confinement at home. We learn that people who are positive for Coronavirus were on the same floor as us. By ourselves we apply health regulations now and understand the situation a little better even if we are all negative in the team and confronted with potential contaminated on this floor. Still waiting for bikes, 6th day without being able to train. However, the priority for us today is no longer to resume physical activity but to be isolated on another floor of the hotel.
A post shared by Arnaud Démare (@ arnaud.demare) on Mar 4, 2020 at 2:31 am PST
