This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Global Sports Calendar ¶
Paris, France, May 10, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the sports world to a standstill, with several high-profile events being cancelled or postponed.
However, there are signs of recovery as sports organizations worldwide make plans to return to action.
Football ¶
The English Premier League is set to meet with clubs to discuss a plan to complete the season behind closed doors at neutral venues.
The plan aims to restart the season in June and play the remaining 92 fixtures by August.
However, the plan has been put to the test after Brighton chief executive Paul Barber revealed that a third player at the club had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is set to be the first major European league to resume on May 16, with the aim of completing the last nine rounds of matches before June 30 to secure around 300 million euros ($325 million) in television money.
Cricket ¶
The English cricket season will not start until July 1 at the earliest and likely behind closed doors.
The new Hundred tournament has been scrapped until 2021, but England could begin their rescheduled three-Test series against the West Indies on July 8.
Tennis ¶
The ATP and WTA will not resume tournament play until July 13 at the earliest.
The French Open at Roland Garros has already been moved to September 20-October 4, although there are suggestions that it may be put back by a further week.
Motor Sport ¶
Formula One hopes to open its season in Austria with back-to-back races on July 5 and 12.
F1 boss Chase Carey insists that a 15-18 race season is still possible and that new venues could be used.
Other Sports ¶
The Tour de France has been rescheduled for August 29 from its original June 27 start date.
The Giro d'Italia will take place from October 3-25 with a six-day overlap with the Vuelta a Espana and will be raced at the same time as three 'Monument' classics.
