THE Premier League is in crisis with players facing a potential £100million-plus pay cut as the top-fight, EFL and PFA announced that "difficult decisions" would need to be taken to keep lower-league clubs from going under.
Elsewhere, eight West Ham stars are in self-isolation after showing symptoms of coronavirus, while the US Open golf is likely to be pushed back along with more boxing bouts.
But we have some good news with ITV set to air the entirety of Euro 96 and the BBC replaying England's 4-2 thumping of Croatia when a certain Wayne Rooney announced himself on the world stage this afternoon.
Follow all the latest news and updates as the sporting world deals with the threat of coronavirus…
GROWING SERIOUSNESS'
Premier League and EFL chiefs have admitted “difficult decisions will need to be made” about what to do with the rest of the season amid the coronavirus crisis.
A new statement has been released on behalf of the Prem, EFL and PFA indicating that leagues will not recommence until April 30 at the earliest.
And they said tough choices will need to be made with regards the economic impact on football of Covid-19.
The statement read: “The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their Clubs, players, staff and fans.”
VALENCIA VIRUS
Valencia have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic with ten players and 15 staff members reportedly testing positive for the deadly bug.
Defender Ezequiel Garay was the first LaLiga player to contract the deadly bug, two weeks ago.
Team-mates Eliaquim Mangala and Jose Gaya soon followed with positive tests of their own.
And by March 16 the club had nine confirmed cases, with 35 per cent of the squad catching the virus.
Now according to Radio Marca via Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, that figure has shot up to 25 across the players and staff.
IT'S COMING HOME
Football's coming home after all!
Although England fans were devastated that the coronavirus pandemic postponed this year’s European Championships, ITV will broadcast the famous 96 tournament in its entirety.
Archive footage of all 31 games in 1996, featuring England’s historic semi-final run on home soil, will be available to binge on the ITV Hub.
While ITV4 will air five of England’s matches as well as screen Germany’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at the Old Wembley in May.
HOMES UNDER THE HAMMERS
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady has revealed that EIGHT first-team stars are in self-isolation, following Government guidelines.
She wrote in her column for The Sun: “Players are currently not in training and housebound to comply with social distancing rules currently in place until April 13, when we expect training to restart.
“And following further Government guidelines, we have eight West Ham players in isolation.
“Although I am relieved to say they are all showing mild symptoms and, along with their families, seem to be well.
“But it is no more than a handshake, sneeze or cough away from any of us, so no one should be complacent.”
DAILY GRIND
Manchester United stars are being given daily fitness plans from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the coaching team via WhatsApp, according to Jesse Lingard.
The England star, 27, has revealed the Old Trafford boss has been in regular contact in a bid to ensure his stars stay as fit as possible.
All football has been cancelled until April 30 at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic – with further suspensions expected.
And teams across the country are doing whatever they can to not only limit the spread, but stay match-ready for whenever the season restarts.
Lingard told Sky Sports News: “[Man Utd players] have a WhatsApp group with the fitness coach.
“He’s giving us daily fitness plans to do all week, so we’re all keeping active.”
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