Qatar Reports Three New Covid-19 Cases at FIFA World Cup Sites, Gokulam Kerala Organises Online Training Program for Kids and More (Football Round-up)
The construction work for stadiums (in pic: Al Thumama venue) and infrastructure to stage the World Cup has resumed even during the ongoing pandemic even while non-essential retail has been halted and public spaces remain closed (Pic: Twitter, SportStar).
Qatar detected three more Covid-19 cases among workers at FIFA World Cup stadium sites, taking the number of infections among those involved in construction work for the tournament to eight. Two positive cases were detected amongst the workforce of an SC contractor at Al Thumama Stadium. The six other patients are construction workers at Al Bayt and Al Rayyan Stadium projects.
The country has reported seven deaths from the virus and 4,103 total cases. The first infections contracted among stadium workers were announced on April 15.
The construction work for the stadium and infrastructure to stage the World Cup has resumed even during the ongoing pandemic even while non-essential retail has been halted and mosques, parks and restaurants remain closed.
"The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has confirmed that two staff members who work for a contractor have tested positive for Covid-19," the organisers said in a statement. "In addition, six workers on SC projects have tested positive."
The statement further said that the SC was following health ministry guidance to respond to the cases and all those affected would continue to be paid and receive free healthcare.
The dates for the FIFA World Cup, scheduled for November and December 2022, currently remain unchanged by the coronavirus pandemic which has enforced postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and the Men’s European football championships which are now scheduled for 2021.
Gokulam Kerala Organises Training for Kids
Pic: Gokulam Kerala FC
Gokulam Kerala’s technical director Bino George began an initiative to train kids below the age of 14 online. Various other coaches from around the world: Michael Matricciani (Australia), James McAloon (England), Simone Quintieri (Italy) and George Lopez (Spain) are going to help George in this project. Brazilian team’s fitness trainer Miranda Garcia Djair is also going to help the kids.
Also Read | FIFA Braced for Player Contract Extension Challenges
“Several kids have already signed up for the programme and they have been given a few sessions by our coaches from various countries,” Bino was quoted in the media.
“I know these coaches personally and they were glad to be part of the project, as they, like us here in India, are forced to stay indoors following the outbreak of the coronavirus.”
George explained how there are many aspects of football that could be explained online. “The trainees are given various tasks, which they can accomplish at home. We also tell them about the importance of having the proper diet for football.”
English Football League Broadcast Plan
All English Football League (EFL) games are going to be broadcast live on television and/or online after the league confirmed matches are going to resume behind closed doors.
Also Read: India Receives Direct Berth, Qualifies for 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand
Chairman Rick Parry, in an open letter to the fans, confirmed that no one cannot put a date on the return of football across the country due to the on-going coronavirus crisis, and reminded fans that the country is in a three week long lockdown, till May 7.
Parry confirmed that when games eventually resume, the EFL matches would take place without spectators. To make up for the absence of attendable matches, the EFL also promised spectators that they will try to make every match across various leagues available to watch from home after they talked with their broadcast partners.
Arsenal Players Agree to Pay Cuts
Arsenal FC players (Pic: Twitter, London Football)
Arsenal players agreed to a 12.5 percent pay cut after being offered a profitable bonus plan, making them the first Premier League club to agree to a pay cut, rather than deferrals.
Reports suggest head coach Mikel Arteta and PFA representative Hector Bellerin played important roles in persuading the first team to sign-off on a 12.5% cut that will last for 12 months. If the team succeeds in qualifying for the next season’s Champions League then they will be rewarded with a $1,25,054 bonus.
The clubs have also offered players $6,25,047 each if they win the Champions League in 2021 or $1,25,054 each if they lift the Europa League.
The agreement states that if they qualify for the Champions League in the next two seasons they will get their money back.
Scotland Football Clubs Get Funds
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has released $2.2 million to lower-league clubs after the season for divisions outside of the Premiership were ended.
Clubs decided to conclude the Championship, League One and League Two campaigns and the SPFL has sent end-of-season payments to clubs in the lower three divisions after the controversial vote was passed.
“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Scottish football has been devastating, with no club left untouched or undamaged by the restrictions placed on our everyday life," said SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster. "This unprecedented situation has left clubs facing the stark reality of an extremely challenging financial landscape that could have seen a number of our clubs simply cease to exist.
"These funds will help bridge the gap and support clubs through this incredibly difficult period," he added.
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