THE world is fighting to nullify the threat of coronavirus – and the sporting calendar has been ravaged in the process.
Having originated in Wuhan, China, governments are now taking extreme measures to halt the spread of the bug – and that includes bans on mass gatherings.
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Gremio players protested at having to play this weekend by wearing face masksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sporting events have therefore been shelved around the world, with more seemingly to follow.
What sporting events have been cancelled so far?
Olympics
Tokyo 2020 announced on March 24 that it would postpone until next year, despite attempting to continue with preparations.
The IOC had been reluctant to call off the July event, which would have seen over 200 nations head for the Japanese capital.
But the country’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed they would reschedule for it to take place in 12 months’ time.
F1
Formula One was among the first to react in sport, as it cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix – held in Shanghai – on February 12.
The race is not due until April 19, but with the virus continuing to spread, it was not in the interest of safety to retain it at that date.
FIA, the sport’s governing body, are looking into holding it later in the year, but with a record-breaking 22-race calendar, that looks unlikely.
Chinese F1 Grand Prix has already been postponed due to the virus outbreakCredit: AFP or licensors
Lewis Hamilton has been one of the most outspoken critics of F1’s response, saying ‘cash is king’ after chiefs dallied on whether to axe the Australian GP after a Mercedes crew member tested positive.
A decision was made shortly after to postpone the season opener in Melbourne, along with THREE other scheduled races.
Bahrain, the second race on the calendar, was already taking place behind closed doors but has now been axed entirely.
The inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix also won’t take place, while races in Holland, Spain, Monaco and Azerbaijan have also been given the boot.
Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton told fans to ‘stay safe’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Rugby
Following Coronavirus’ spread to Italy, the Six Nations clash between the Azzurri and Ireland was been called off – a full ten days before it was due to be played.
It was meant to take place in Dublin, but with the outbreak affecting many Italian cities, the decision was made to cancel.
This is along with an under-20s game and women’s international that were due to be played on the same day.
England’s trip to Italy was also postponed with a new date yet to be arranged.
And all sporting events in Italy have now been cancelled with the country on lockdown.
Wales vs Scotland on Saturday, March 14 was on until the day before, when chiefs u-turned and cancelled the clash at the Principality Stadium.
Rugby League had tried to hold firm, but was eventually suspended despite the potential to kill off clubs through a lack of income.
Football
Almost all professional football in Europe has now been suspended.
The Premier League and EFL announced on Friday, March 14 that football in the top four leagues would be halted until April 4 – before a review extended this to April 30.
Major leagues across the continent such as the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 are all suspended.
But over in South America, games in Argentina and Brazil continued behind closed doors, with Gremio players protesting about the decision by wearing masks in their clash again Sao Luiz.
Some National League games were also held before being postponed – with clubs worried about financial ruin with insurance companies unable to bail them out.
And in a huge move on March 17, Uefa announced that they were postponing Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021.
Premier League fixtures have been suspended until April 4Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Other
- Tennis’ French Open will now take place between September 20 and October 4 after being cancelled.
- The Cheltenham Festival went ahead as planned, but the Grand National will not be run in April.
- All horse racing will be suspended until the end April from Wednesday, March 18.
- Meanwhile, the World Indoor Athletics Championships were postponed, having been scheduled to be held in Nanjing between March 13-15 – with it now set to be held in 2021.
- The Tokyo Marathon on March 1 was run by elite athletes and closed to the public.
- In cycling, the UAE Tour has been cancelled after two Italian staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
- They were a part of one of the participating teams, with all riders – including Britain’s Chris Froome – subsequently tested.
- WrestleMania 36 is also in doubt, with WWE saying they are constantly monitoring ahead of the event on April 5.
- UFC London has also fallen victim to the bug, although it currently could go ahead in America.
- In the world of golf, The Masters in Augusta has fallen victim to the coronavirus, while the NBA is suspended after Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert tested positive.
- While cricket is not immune, with England’s tour of Sri Lanka canned and New Zealand’s side returning early from Australia. The IPL was initially put back three weeks but now may not take place at all after India was placed on lockdown.
- This spring’s boat race between Cambridge and Oxford has been scrapped.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
