Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, World Athletics has postponed the bidding processes for 2023 World Athletics Series events.
The bidding processes for the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships and the 2023 World Athletics Relays will now open in November 2020.
Bidding processes for future World Athletics Series events beyond 2023 remain unchanged.
More information can be found in the hosting section of the World Athletics website.
Liverpool FC have opted to reverse the decision to use the government’s furlough scheme for a number of their workforce following a backlash from their supporters.
A statement read:
First and foremost on behalf of our ownership, Fenway Sports Group, we would like to emphasise the thoughts and concerns of everyone are with those suffering from the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic and the families of those affected.
We would also recognise and pay tribute to the heroism of the incredible health service and key workers locally, nationally and internationally. All other worries should be placed in that context first.
Allowing for perspective in these unprecedented and harrowing times, it is important to address an issue we, as an organisation, have been involved in since the weekend.
We have consulted with a range of key stakeholders as part of a process aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for all concerned. A range of possible scenarios were considered, including but not restricted to: applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which pays 80 per cent of salary and guaranteeing the 20 per cent payment; applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme with a guarantee to reimburse monies received at a later date; and, thirdly, finding an alternative means to cover our furlough costs.
It is as a direct result of this extensive consultation and our own internal deliberations at various levels throughout the club that we have opted to find alternative means despite our eligibility to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
We believe we came to the wrong conclusion last week to announce that we intended to apply to the Coronavirus Retention Scheme and furlough staff due to the suspension of the Premier League football calendar, and are truly sorry for that.
Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period.
We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme.
We would like to acknowledge the great army of staff and casual workers who work tirelessly to ensure Liverpool is a club that operates to the highest of standards.
But in the spirit of transparency we must also be clear, despite the fact we were in a healthy position prior to this crisis, our revenues have been shut off yet our outgoings remain. And like almost every sector of society, there is great uncertainty and concern over our present and future.
Like any responsible employer concerned for its workers in the current situation, the club continues to prepare for a range of different scenarios, around when football can return to operating as it did before the pandemic. These scenarios range from best case to worst and everything in between.
It is an unavoidable truth that several of these scenarios involve a massive downturn in revenue, with correspondingly unprecedented operating losses. Having these vital financial resources so profoundly impacted would obviously negatively affect our ability to operate as we previously have.
We are engaged in the process of exploring all avenues within our scope to limit the inevitable damage. We thank the many amazing people in our club, at all levels, who are committed to helping us do just that, despite the complexity and unpredictability in the world and our industry.
Two french broadcasters, TF1 and M6 have both contacted UEFA in a bid to push back paying their remaining fees to broadcast the EURO 2020 competition, which has been pushed back to summer 2021.
Both have written to European Football’s governing body asking for the payments to be put on hold, in a similar manner to the competition, until a time closer to when it will go ahead, say French newspaper L’Equipe.
Each has currently paid 35% of the full fee they were due to fulfil for the summer’s competition, which was forced to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly so as it was meant to be hosted in numerous countries around Europe, which would have been extremely problematic even towards the possible back end of this current period.
It is understood that UEFA have yet to respond to the request.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters has defended Premier League clubs for using the government’s furlough scheme, after a number of teams have come under criticism.
Responding in a letter to MP Julian Knight, a high-profile opponent, Masters admitted that the coronavirus pandemic could cause over a billion pound loss if the season cannot be concluded, and warned of even greater losses if it continues further.
“We face a £1billion loss, at least, if we fail to complete season 2019-20, and further losses going forward if the seriousness of the pandemic deepens and extends into the future,” Masters wrote.
“The furlough scheme announced by Government is meant for the whole economy, including many enterprises which might be regarded as providing entertainment or otherwise dependent on elite talent.
“Not only is our industry facing losses now, but to be realistic, we must also base our plans on full recovery being some distance away.
“Ultimately, the very heavy losses that we face will have to be dealt with or else clubs or other enterprises who depend on football for income will go out of business.”
The world of esports governance has reached a significant milestone with a landmark agreement between the International Esports Federation (IESF) and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF).
On 31st March, 2020, the IESF President Mr. Colin Webster and the AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok both signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of forming a formal collaborative relationship to promote and advance esports globally as well as across the Asian continent. Under this MOU, the IESF recognises and acknowledges the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia while the AESF recognises and acknowledges the IESF as the sole international federation for esports.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the signing ceremony was conducted remotely and digitally in the home nations of all signatories of this important partnership, including Hong Kong, Johannesburg and the Abu Dhabi, as well as messages from other parts of the World. A significant step for Asian esports that will also have an impact globally. It is expected that other continental federations will also be part of this alliance working collectively in the the interests of esports, the safeguarding and protection of players being a top priority. This MOU unites under one umbrella all Member Associations and Federations, thereby confirming a clear and transparent structure of esports globally.
Colin Webster, President of IESF: “The MOU between the IESF and the AESF further reinforces IESF’s position as the only true international federation for esports. The IESF was founded in 2008 and today is the largest international federation of its kind and is acknowledged to be the leader in its field. The MOU thus solidifies the IESF’s position, as well as that of the AESF. Together, the two federations will ensure a greater degree of delivery and expertise, as well as ensuring the development and recognition of esports as a sport.”
Kenneth Fok, President of AESF: “I am sure that the partnership today is strong enough to unite the esports community, including publishers, organisations, and most importantly our esports players. It is also groundbreaking as it paves way for better collaboration and cooperation between the
International Esports Federation, IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, AESF. This is an exciting day for us and we look forward to new initiatives from this partnership. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Board Member of IESF: “Esports is becoming ever more prominent in mainstream culture, the need for relevant governance structures, education programmes and development pathways to support the growth globally is essential to ensure the welfare and integrity of all that participate, fostering healthy and positive behaviours. The spirit of the games must be first and foremost. The closer relationship between both the IESF and AESF will provide the credibility and legitimacy of these activities and we encourage other continental federations to be part of this growing family.”
Vlad Marinescu, Vice President of IESF: “Today marks a significant and momentous milestone in the evolution and development of esports. The unity between the IESF and the AESF will reinforce the foundation of the Asian Continent – from the national associations to all stakeholders including athletes, publishers and event organizers. Moreover it will send the message globally that esports is united, and united we can, with respect and inclusion, further develop for the benefit of the people playing. I’m honoured to formally join forces with Mr. Fok, Mr. Lau and the AESF team, people who share our passion and professionalism. Great things are coming.”
Sebastian Lau, Director General of AESF: “This partnership with the IESF is a key milestone as part of our strategic master plan to develop and support the growth of esports. We have a strong belief that it has to be sustainable and should be able to create a sound ecosystem where our esports community can grow collectively. I truly believe that with the help from our partners at IESF who share the same vision, these goals are absolutely within our reach.”
President of GAISF, Rasffele Chiulli, stated: “Despite the extremely difficult situation sport is facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we still need to plan for the future of sport development. That is why I welcome this landmark announcement; it shows that esports really is making progress and becoming more unified and organised with higher standards of governance…..These type of initiatives will make it much easier for our international sports federation members to collaborate with esports which in turn will result in exciting and dynamic developments for all involved.”
iSportconnect Insights, powered by Goodform, have released a new snap survey which seeks to find out the impact coronavirus is having on businesses working within the sports industry.
During these unprecedented times, with the sports industry being hit hard by the impact of COVID-19, we are keen to understand the challenges being faced across all areas of the industry.
We would love to get your valuable insight into the experiences coming from this current crisis and want a wide variety sports business professionals to help create the most definitive results.
Thank you for your time and let’s hope that the industry is back up and running as quickly as possible!
iSportconnect Insights, powered by Goodform, is a global research panel for sports business professionals, exploring key trends within the sports industry.
Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, reaffirms its whole-hearted commitment to its clients, consumers, suppliers and employees in the 67 countries in which the company operates, to combat the health, economic and social fallout from COVID-19.
Everywhere, the health and safety of employees and consumers is Sodexo’s top priority.
From the very first signs of the December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China, Sodexo began mobilising its resources to ensure its consumers stay safe and healthy and that its business continues to operate for its clients:
Sodexo is extremely proud of its employees who do a great job in often tough circumstances, and in locations that are on the front line. Sodexo recognises their dedication and professionalism and extends its heartfelt thanks.
Sodexo immediately responded to the pandemic’s economic impact by adapting its operational management. This included closing down sites, lowering service frequency and cancelling or postponing some services.
Despite all our efforts, we know that this once-in-a-lifetime crisis currently confronting us will regrettably result in a reduction in our workforce and for this reason we have decided to establish a global Sodexo Employee Relief Program to help on-site staff impacted by this.
Sean Haley, region chair, Sodexo UK & Ireland said, “As we navigate the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus is on the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues. Many continue to work supporting critical sites, delivering vital services that support the national effort, and they all have our utmost respect and support for their continued commitment.
“We want to support our employees through these extraordinary times and we are clear in our commitment to this. The new Sodexo Employee Relief Program will be used to do just that – support those who are most affected by the Covid-19 crisis. It is the right thing to do.”
The global programme will be administered locally according to the specific needs of each country and support provided will depend on various factors, including the existence of government social protection schemes.
This €30 million programme will be funded by senior executives and the company as follows:
Sodexo Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Sophie Bellon said: “Our teams are our most precious asset. In adversity, they demonstrate the strength of our values and their professionalism without fail. I want to highlight my support and express my gratitude to them during these particularly difficult times.”
Sodexo CEO, Denis Machuel said: “Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, our employees have been exemplary under often difficult conditions serving our clients and consumers around the world, and I want to pay a huge tribute to them. This unprecedented crisis highlights the major role played by the service industry and our people in the global campaign to fight the virus. We are making every effort to support our employees, clients, consumers and suppliers as much as possible. The Employee Relief Program allows us to address the individual needs of the most vulnerable affected by this once-in-a-lifetime global crisis.”
Mindful of the difficulties encountered by its suppliers, Sodexo has also adopted support measures:
At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.
It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.
The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.
With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.
However, any return to play will only be with the full support of the Government and when medical guidance allows.
The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.
In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.
This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.
The League will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union and the LMA will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.
Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.
Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.
Further to that assistance, the League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.
The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.
In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.
This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.
In response to COVID-19, Premier League clubs have been supporting tens of thousands of people in their communities each and every day through targeted activity including donations to foodbanks, telephone calls to the elderly, food parcels delivered to the vulnerable and a wide range of free resources to support wellbeing and education.
Many Premier League clubs are also working closely with their local NHS Trusts to provide valuable support through the provision of resources, volunteers and facilities.
Now, more than ever, clubs are playing a vital role to support the wellbeing of those in their communities and alleviate pressure on critical health services.
Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and the NHS, the wide reach and appeal of the Premier League and our clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis.
The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19.
The New England Patriots and Fanatics, the leader for officially licensed sports merchandise, today announced a 10-year e-commerce partnership that will have Fanatics operate the online and mobile retail merchandise business for the six-time Super Bowl champions. The team will continue to operate their Patriots Pro Shop stores at Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place.
The partnership is highlighted by a new technology-laced e-commerce platform, ProShop.Patriots.com, that can be accessed by fans starting today. This state-of-art destination will provide Patriots fans around the world with a seamless, secure online and mobile shopping experience with access to the widest assortment of high-quality products ever offered for all members of the family.
Fanatics’ industry leading technology and mobile capabilities, powered by its Cloud Commerce Platform, will provide rapid navigation for shoppers across online and mobile sites, including larger, hi-resolution product displays, frictionless checkout and the quickest access to new product offerings.
“Fanatics has established themselves as our industry’s preeminent sports retail company, and their scale across e-commerce and mobile shopping will create an incredible new offering for our passionate fanbase worldwide,” said Jennifer Ferron, Chief Marketing Officer, Kraft Sports and Entertainment. “With their world-class technology platform and commitment to e-commerce innovation, our fans will have around the clock access to a premier shopping destination featuring the widest assortment of merchandise we’ve ever offered.”
An expanded product assortment featuring Nike-branded Patriots NFL gear – which includes all jersey categories, women’s apparel and lifestyle gear – will be manufactured by Fanatics and distributed across all retail channels, including the Patriots online store, beginning with the 2020 season.
“We are proud to partner with the New England Patriots, widely recognized as one of the most innovative and successful teams in all of sports,” said Gary Gertzog, Fanatics President of Business Affairs. “We look forward to working closely with the team and harnessing Fanatics’ comprehensive data and analytics platform to create an elevated, personalized shopping experience of real-time products for fans.”
With the agreement of the FIM and the full commitment from shareholders Bridgepoint Capital and CPP Investments, Dorna Sports is proud to be able to assure help for MotoGP™Class Independent Teams through this difficult moment in the history of our sport, as well as teams in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes.
Through the International Road-Racing Teams Association, MotoGP™ Independent Teams will each receive considerable advance payments during the months of April, May and June, irrespective of whether activity is restarted or not. This is in order to guarantee the economic well-being of the Independent Teams and their staff, as well as to secure their subsistence for the future.
In addition, IRTA has already made payments to all Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams to support them during this difficult period. Further measures for the intermediate and lightweight class teams will be considered in due course.
Conversely, MotoGP recently held and broadcast a world first: a Virtual Race. With the likes of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) lining up against each other and a stellar cast of rivals from the MotoGP™ grid, the event was raced around Mugello and broadcast on Sunday the 29th of March.
Feedback from the MotoGP™ community, fans, partners and more has been unprecedented. 28 broadcast partners showed the event, with giants of sports broadcasting beaming the race to audiences around the world. Across Europe, partners such as Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany and many more showed the event, with the Americas receiving coverage thanks to the likes of NBC in the USA and ESPN in Latin America. Fans further east could enjoy coverage from partners including Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India and Fox Asia, with fans Down Under covered by Fox Australia and TEN. SuperSport also broadcast the event in South Africa, meaning the MotoGP™ Virtual Race reached every inhabited continent on Earth!
Reach was also incredible across social media and online. 400 pieces of digital content were created around the event – including the full broadcast – for a total of 60 million impressions and more than 13 million video views, including 3 million views of the race itself. In addition, more than 2.5 million interactions were made with content related to the Virtual Race as fans flocked to weigh in! In total, that all adds up to 7 million minutes of Virtual Race content that were viewed – the equivalent of 13 years non-stop.
Fans won’t have to wait quite that long for more, however. On Sunday the 12th of April Virtual Race 2 will be broadcast, once again going live at 3pm (GMT +2). Some competitors will be returning and some fresh faces are also slated to take part – guaranteeing another rollercoaster showdown as this time, they take on the Red Bull Ring in Austria.