The latest on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting sports around the globe:
- Former Olympic minister says March is possible deadline for Tokyo decision
- MLB players holding firm on prorated pay
- National Rugby League set to allow fans back
Possible March deadline for decision on Olympics
Next spring has been set as a possible deadline by a local lawmaker for deciding if the postponed Tokyo Olympics can go ahead.
That’s the judgment of former Japanese Olympic minister Toshikai Endo. Japanese television NHK quoted him at a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The Tokyo Olympics are to open on July 23, 2021. They were postponed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Endo is the latest powerful politician to speak out this week about the games, bracing the Japanese public for possible changes and costs.
Tokyo Governor Yurkio Koike said Thursday the games were likely to be downsized and undergo many changes.
MLB players reaffirm stance for full prorated pay
Major League Baseball is no closer to framing an agreement for starting the season.
Players have reaffirmed their stance for full prorated pay, leaving a huge gap with teams that could scuttle plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season around the Fourth of July and may leave owners focusing on a schedule as short as 50 games.
More than 100 players, including the union’s executive board, held a two-hour digital meeting with officials of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Thursday, a day after the union’s offer was rejected by Major League Baseball.
Management on Sunday pitched an 82-game schedule that included a sliding scale for prorated salaries, with the richer players receiving a reduced share. The union countered on Tuesday with a 114-game schedule with prorated salaries and no adjusted scale.
National Rugby League set to allow small groups of fans
Small groups of fans will be allowed to attend National Rugby League games at some venues from next weekend to keep sports in line with the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in New South Wales state.
Gatherings of 50 or fewer will be allowed to watch games, but only in corporate suites, and only at the three venues in and around Sydney in Round 5, providing distancing rules that require people to stay 1.5 metres (5 feet) apart are observed. Seating in regular stands will remain closed to spectators.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said a bid for a similar crowd return in Queensland and Victoria states will be put to those governments.
A July 1 target for more fans to return to stadiums in regular grandstand seating remains a target.
www.cbc.ca 2020-06-05 13:54:16