THE DATES THAT ROCKED SPORT
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought sport to a standstill. From the widespread transmission of the virus at a Champions League game in Milan to the first-ever postponement of the Olympics in peacetime, the outbreak has raised worrying issues. A look at 10 significant dates that tell a story of how sport succumbed globally
FEBRUARY 19 Spreading the virus
Atalanta met Valencia in Milan in the Champions League and thousands of Bergamo residents travelled to the game. “It’s clear that evening was a situation in which the virus was widely spread,” Bergamo mayor Giorgio Gori later said. Valencia later said 35% of its squad was infected.
FEBRUARY 27 Danger in the peloton
The first sportsmen to be infected were at cycling’s UAE Tour, which was abandoned after two Italian mechanics tested positive. MARCH 13 F1’s chequered flag
F1’s season-opening Melbourne GP was called off two days before the race. Since then, eight more races, including Monaco, have either been postponed or cancelled.
MARCH 15 The IPL declares
The Indian Premier League was postponed to April 15. With several states extending lockdown, it is likely to be postponed indefinitely.
MARCH 17 Euro 2020 postponed
UEFA postponed Euro 2020 until 2021. The big question which remains is: With club football halted, can UEFA finish this season and sort out relegation, promotion and Champions League qualification in time for next season?
MARCH 24 Tokyo Olympics off
After an uprising from athletes and federations, Tokyo became the first peacetime Games to be postponed. The Games, originally scheduled for July 24-August 9, will be held 12 months late.
APRIL 1 Wimbledon’s net loss
Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II. Wimbledon’s move contrasted the earlier decision by Roland Garros, to reschedule the French Open. Wimbledon’s insurance which is covered for pandemic, will be able to minimise losses. French Open could face losses of £230 million.
APRIL 2 Political football
British health minister Matt Hancock pointed at the highlypaid Premier League players saying they should take a pay cut. The players’ association said a pay cut would cost the govt around £200 million in taxes. However, the decision of top clubs to use a govt scheme to furlough staff has not amused fans.
APRIL 6 Open and shut for Majors
The British Open golf was cancelled for the first time since World War II. Within hours, the three other Majors were postponed.
APRIL 8 Bundesliga leads race
Most Bundesliga clubs returned to non-contact training. With talks over the Bundesliga resuming on May 2, the Germans are leading the race to become first top league to return to action.