FIFA postpones The Best awards ceremony
Lausanne: FIFA’s The Best awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in Milan on September 21, has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus crisis, world football’s governing body confirmed on Friday.It is unclear if or when the ceremony will be rearranged, with a FIFA spokesperson saying that “the consequences and different alternatives are being considered”. Lionel Messi and Megan Rapinoe won the best male and female prizes last year. The duo also took the honours at the 2019 Ballon d’Or. Milan and the Lombardy region have been the epicentre of Italy’s coronavirus outbreak, one of the worst in Europe in terms of deaths and infections. (AFP)
Silverstone to stage two grands prix
London:Britain’s Silverstone racetrack will stage two grands prix during the Formula One season, subject to UK government approval, circuit chiefs said on Friday.The coronavirus outbreak has caused huge disruption to the F1 calendar, with 10 races either cancelled or postponed. Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle told the BBC that an agreement in principle had been reached with Formula One to hold the races at the central England circuit, immediately after the season begins in Austria. “I am delighted to confirm that Silverstone and Formula One have reached an agreement in principle to host two races behind closed doors this summer,” he said. “However these races will be subject to government approval, as our priority is the safety of all involved and strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations. “I would like to thank all our fans who have been so supportive throughout this and to assure them we are determined to do all we can to help Formula One put on a show this summer.” (AFP)
Hasan Ali battling back injury
Karachi: Dropped from the list of centrally contracted players, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali is now staring at the possibility of being sidelined because of a back injury which might require surgery abroad. According to a reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Hasan, who has been battling injury problems since last year’s World Cup, is now suffering from a back pain after he appeared in the Pakistan Super League matches in February-March. “He has developed a back problem since late April and the PCB has sent his medical reports to medical experts in Australia and some other countries for advice,” the source said. He said the board was prepared to send Hasan to Australia or any other country if the experts advised he undergo surgery for his back problem. “There are two options available for Hasan, either he undergoes a long-term therapy treatment or has surgery but everything will depend on the advice by the foreign experts,” the source said. (PTI)