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.
⚠️ Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations
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?
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.
Following that, the next race scheduled is the Dutch Grand Prix on May 3, which is currently slated to go ahead.
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 is holding firm for the time being, with Super League continuing as there are fears a long delay could potentially 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, pending further review.
With such a changeable outlook, chiefs are reluctant to say at this point whether action will definitely resume on that date.
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 continue 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 this weekend, although clubs face financial ruin with insurance companies unable to bail them out if the competition is suspended.
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
- 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.
- This summer’s boat race between Cambridge and Oxford has been scrapped.
Will the Olympics and Euro 2020 be affected?
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has insisted this summer’s Olympic games will go ahead “as planned”.
He said: “We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned.”
The 65-year-old said he will be working alongside the International Olympic Committee to ensure the right decision is made.
International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound spoke to Associated Press, telling athletes: “As far as we all know, you’re going to be in Tokyo.”
But the Canadian added that a decision does not need to be made until May, yet will be out of their hands.
Pound told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We’re pretty good at dealing with sport problems, but a pandemic is beyond our pay grade.
“It will depend on the WHO (World Health Organisation) to make a call with respect to international travel and the places that should be avoided.”
Yet, Pound also said they are looking into contingency plans, including holding the Olympics later in the year or even in various unaffected countries around the world.
He added: “Everything is on the table. You could disperse the Games, for example have some events in Canada, some in Britain, etc.”
IOC member Dick Pound reveals they are looking into alternatives should Tokyo be unable to host the OlympicsCredit: christinne muschi
As for Euro 2020, the competition is set to be held across 12 different countries with the semis and final ending up at Wembley in London.
The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is set host four matches, and the Italian FA are set to ask for the tournament to be postponed.
Uefa executive committee member, Michele Uva, told RAI: “We are at the waiting stage.
“We are monitoring country by country, and football must follow the orders of the individual countries.
“The sporting path will only be closed if the situation gets worse.”
A further update on the competition is expected on Tuesday, March 17.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
