By Agence France-Presse

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday said that “no match” is worth “risking a single human life” and that world football’s governing body would be able to help financially national federations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The majority of top football leagues and international competitions have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Infantino insisted that games would not resume until it was safe.

“Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first,” he said in a video message.

“I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life.”

The German Bundesliga reportedly could restart behind closed doors in May, with players already back in training, while other leagues could also resume in the summer.

“It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100% safe,” added Infantino.

“If we have to wait a little longer we must do so. It’s better to wait a little bit longer than to take any risks.”

Infantino said that national football associations which are struggling financially would receive help from FIFA’s emergency relief fund.

FIFA last week postponed all international matches scheduled for June.

“We are today in a very strong financial situation,” Infantino said.

“But our reserves are not FIFA’s money. It is football’s money. So when football is in need, we must think what we can do to help… It is our responsibility and our duty.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Horse racing is often seen as a preserve of the wealthy but charity Racing Welfare is working overtime to deal with huge demands from those working in an industry in dire financial straits.

The charity’s mission is to look after the British horse racing workforce and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put staff under immense pressure, with the sport in shutdown.

Racing Welfare, created in 2000, provides housing for working and retired staff at rates well below market value as well as occupational and mental health services.

They rely on charitable donations and fundraising. Funding also comes from the Racing Foundation, who are custodians of the charitable funds that the sport received from the government’s sale of the Tote (Horserace Totalisator Board) to betting company Betfred in 2011.

However, with a staff of just 48, chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said their resources had never been so stretched.

Racing Foundation trustees agreed a substantial donation on Wednesday which they can use to plug a financial gap for those who come to them in desperate need.

“We need a hardship grant for people with no access to funds and who need to put food on the table and pay utility bills,” she told AFP by phone.

Goodfellow said there had been an exponential rise in calls to their helpline since the outbreak of the pandemic, with both stable and stud staff laid off.

“Housing is an issue,” she said. “A fair amount of housing is tied to jobs in racing. So we are tackling the issue with staff being laid off by stud farms or trainers and having to find somewhere to live.”

‘Mental pressures’

Trainers are also suffering, according to Goodfellow — the reality of their jobs is often at odds with the glamorous image at high-profile race meetings such as Cheltenham or Royal Ascot.

“Trainers themselves are an area of big concern,” she said. “They are mainly micro-enterprises. They are under a great deal of pressure as they are already operating on marginal returns.

“The mental pressures are already big but will pile up.”

“It is a lonely role,” she added. “Either they or their wives are running the business side which involves financial management, horse welfare and personnel welfare.”

Racing in Britain is suspended until the end of April and this week the first four of England’s five annual Classic races, including the Epsom Derby, were postponed.

Goodfellow fears if there is no limited resumption of racing in May, the situation could spiral.

“May 1 is pivotal as already we have had genuine cases of hardship but if it does not resume it could become a torrent,” she said.

“There will be many more businesses in distress and that will impact on their employees who will also seek help from us.

“Owners may take their horses away from trainers to reduce their costs in training fees, and staff who are hanging on in there just for the moment may well be let go.”

The figures are stark.

“Those eligible to apply to us for help are 13,000 on the horse racing side. There are a further 7,000 from racecourse administration, more than half of whom have been placed on the government’s furlough assistance scheme,” she said.

“Eighty percent of those could be at risk, with 75 percent of them coming to us,” said Goodfellow.

At the moment the number one issue for those seeking help is financial problems followed by enquiries about benefits, with mental health sixth on the list.

“I would expect the mental health issue to grow in the coming weeks due to those other problems,” she said.

“We are in a bit of a lull at the moment.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

A large majority of Americans would be reluctant to attend future sporting events unless a vaccine for the coronavirus (COVID-19) is developed, a survey by Seton Hall University has found.

With every major sport across North America in shutdown for the past month since the COVID-19 crisis erupted, professional leagues are already exploring the practicalities of how and when competition may resume.

But the results of the Seton Hall Sports Poll revealed deep unease among Americans about returning to stadiums before a vaccine had been developed.

The survey of 762 people carried out between April 6-8 found that 72% would not feel safe attending a sports event without a vaccine. Among identified sports fans, 61% said they would not feel safe.

Twelve percent of Americans polled said they would feel safe only if social distancing measures were in force while only 13% said they would feel safe.

“This virus has the attention and respect of the nation,” said Rick Gentile, director of the Seton Hall Sports Poll, which is sponsored by the Sharkey Institute within the Stillman School of Business.

“Those who identify as sports fans, at all levels of interest, line up closely with the general population in regard to their own safety and that of the players.”

Support for shutdown

While 40% of those surveyed believed no sports should be played through the remainder of 2020, some 76% said they would have the same level of interest if competitions resumed and were broadcast with no spectators present.

Meanwhile, the survey revealed support for the decisions of professional sports leagues in the timing of their shutdown.

Some 76% percent said the shutdown came at the right time.

Eighty-four percent also backed the International Olympic Committee’s decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year.

The United States has more COVID-19 cases than any other country, with more than 473,000 infections and over 17,800 fatalities.

The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Soccer all suspended their respective seasons in mid-March while Major League Baseball also postponed the start of the 2020 season.

Golf, tennis, combat sports and motor racing have also been suspended because of the coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he hoped sports would resume “sooner rather than later” following a call with league commissioners but regional authorities have cast doubt on a swift reopening of stadiums.

“I want fans back in the arenas… whenever we’re ready,” Trump said.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose state is home to more than a dozen baseball, soccer, basketball, ice hockey and NFL teams, doubted stadiums would be open by September.

“I’m not anticipating that happening in this state,” Newsom said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Floyd Mayweather, who retired from boxing in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, said Friday he hopes emulate late uncle Roger by becoming a successful trainer.

Mayweather posted a message on his Instagram account along with video footage of him working with his 14-year-old nephew.

“I am new at training and so far I’ve been working with people with no boxing experience, therefore we are growing together,” Mayweather wrote.

“But I promise you, I will be one of the best trainers in the world.”

Roger Mayweather, who died last month at age 59, trained Floyd for much of the unbeaten champion’s career. Floyd Sr. also trained his son.

“Due to the recent passing of my Uncle Roger, I’ve felt inspired to help those around me the same way they have been there for me throughout my boxing career,” Mayweather wrote.

The coronavirus pandemic has kept Mayweather isolated and given him time to ponder his future in boxing.

“In a time where we must distance ourselves from others, it has allowed me to reflect on how I want to make a difference in people lives and help them achieve their goals,” he wrote.

“I want to leave an impression on those around me and allow them to see their potential.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Tom Brady hasn’t played a game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the six-time Super Bowl champion is already busy trying to safeguard money-making trademarks linked to his new club.

The 42-year-old NFL superstar’s company, TEB Capital Management, has filed for two new trademarks — “Tompa Bay” and “Tampa Brady” — trademark attorney Josh Gerben said Friday.

Brady, who spent the past 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and set a record for Super Bowl success, boosted the Bucs atop US sports merchandise sales thanks to purchases of his new Tampa Bay number 12 jersey.

Brady wants to use the two trademarks, which he applied for on Monday, and another he applied for last month, “TBxTB” for his initials and Tampa Bay, on clothings, footwear and headwear.

Last year, Brady tried to trademark the nickname “Tom Terrific” but it was rejected last August by the US Patent and Trademark Office, which ruled it was commonly associated with former New York Mets baseball pitcher Tom Seaver.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

One year after Tiger Woods reignited his chase for golf’s record 18 major wins with an amazing Masters victory, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become the latest obstacle to his historic chase.

Woods would have been defending his 15th career major title and seeking a record-tying sixth green jacket this week at Augusta National had the deadly virus outbreak not halted sports worldwide.

“Somehow it all came together for one magical week,” Woods said in February. “Just an amazing week.”

But this year’s 84th Masters was postponed to November 12-15, the British Open was canceled, the US Open was delayed from June to September and the PGA Championship was moved from May to August.

“There are a lot more important things in life than a golf tournament right now,” Woods tweeted last month. “We need to be safe, smart and do what is best for ourselves, our loved ones and our community.”

Woods electrified Augusta last April with his first final-round comeback major triumph, his first major title since 2008 putting him three shy of the all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus.

“He’s got me shaking in my boots,” Nicklaus said last April.

Woods, 44, will have plenty of rest time for his surgically repaired back before a November Masters and even a bit more rest from the PGA Championship to the US Open if both are played as now scheduled.

“I have to listen to my body and properly rest when needed,” Woods tweeted in March.

But Father Time is a growing factor. Only eight men have won a major beyond their 44th birthday, none more than once.

Nicklaus is the most recent with his 1986 Masters triumph at 46 while the late Julius Boros was the oldest major winner at 48 at the 1968 PGA.

“One of the hardest things to accept as an older athlete is that you’re not going to be as consistent as you were at 23,” Woods said in July.

“I’m going to have my hot weeks. I’m going to be there in contention with a chance to win and I will win. But there are times when I’m just not going to be there.”

Tiger yearns for Tokyo

Meanwhile, a host of rivals are in their prime, including Rory McIlroy, who can complete a career Grand Slam at an autumn Masters.

“I think this scheduling will be to Rory’s favor,” Nicklaus told Golf Channel. “He seems to play better in the fall. He has won the Tour Championship a couple times, played in (nearby) Atlanta, very similar conditions.”

Woods is 11th in the world golf rankings, and just seventh among Americans. Only the top four will qualify for the US 2021 Tokyo Olympics squad.

“Olympic gold medal would be a hell of a feat,” Woods has said. “First I need to qualify. It would be exciting if I got a chance to represent the United States in the Olympic Games.”

In coming years, Woods would see courses besides Augusta National where he has won majors before, including the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines, a layout where his eight titles include the 2008 US Open, and the British Open in 2022 at St. Andrews, where Woods has twice won the Claret Jug.

His first chance to pass Boros as the oldest major winner could be the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, where Woods won the 2000 PGA.

Woods’s fifth Masters green jacket completed a fairy-tale comeback for the superstar who underwent spinal fusion surgery in April of 2017.

“I could barely walk. I couldn’t sit. Couldn’t lay down. I really couldn’t do much of anything,” Woods said of the decision to have surgery. “I had the procedure on my back, which gave me a chance at having a normal life. Then all of a sudden, I realized I could actually swing a golf club again.”

– ‘Took a lot out of me’ –
But after his Masters win Woods missed the cut at the PGA and British and was 21st at the US Open.

“Getting myself into position to win the Masters, it took a lot out of me,” Woods acknowledged.

By November, Woods was on form again, winning the Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd career US PGA Tour title, matching Sam Snead’s all-time record.

In December, player-captain Woods led a US victory at the Presidents Cup in Australia. A month later he shared ninth at Torrey Pines.

But he slid to 68th at Riviera in February in his most recent start, back pain preventing him from playing in the Players Championship, which was halted after 18 holes by virus concerns.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Manny Pacquiao wore several hats during the commemoration of Good Friday, acting as a field commander, boxing disciple, gardener and later in the day, a father to five kids and husband to Jinkee.

His schedule at his Dasmariñas Village residence while on quarantine the last three weeks has largely revolved around these.

But after making some calls relative to efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and help those in dire need of assistance, Pacquiao got dressed for training.

Pacquiao then wrapped his hands as if he was getting ready to work out at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

After banging the heavy bag, Pacquiao did some sit-ups as one of his aides, Choi Garcia Ascue, wandered around recording his boss’s every move from shadowboxing down to doing plyometrics.

Then came the most interesting part of the day.

After his brief training session, Pacquiao picked up the water hose and began drenching the plants, something he’s never done in a long time owing to his busy schedule as a politician and elite fighter.

But owing to the absence of household staff—all of them quartered in his other property at nearby Forbes Park—Pacquiao is the one attending to some of the responsibilities.

And when darkness fell, Pacquiao, 41, took care of feeding youngest son Israel, showing the Manila Bulletin in a video call how the family spends dinnertime in the COVID-19 era.

As the thought of uncertainty lurks in every corner, Pacquiao is doing everything to keep himself active and busy as a public servant, athlete and family man.

The good thing about the lockdown is that Pacquiao gets to spend precious time with his wife and kids, something that was a luxury when the term ‘coronavirus’ was still unheard of to all mankind.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Facing the camera is just a regular thing for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel mentor Tim Cone.

But six months ago, Cone was in front of a different camera – one that is known with the line – “lights, camera, action!”

Cone did a cameo role in a family-oriented film “Kaibigan” that premiered in cinemas nationwide last Dec 4, 2019, and last Friday, it was shown by local TV network GMA 7 as part of its Holy Week presentation.

It was Cone’s first venture in doing a movie, and the record holder for most championships in the PBA with 22 titles agreed to it for two reasons – friendship and purpose.

“I did the movie because I was a friend of one of the producers,” said Cone in a message to Manila Bulletin. “Also because it was a good cause with an important theme.”

The film – according to its Twitter page @KaibiganMovie – is an “inspiring movie about high school life and family interaction” and “will encourage the youth to do what is right and turn away from worldly influences”.

The movie featured talented Fil-Am twins Christian and Jesse Perkins, who were members of their school’s basketball team, and that was were Cone appeared in the film watching games.

Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin was also in the film together with local artists Tirso Cruz III, Cesar Montano, Jean Garcia, Lani Mercado, Victor Basa, Emmanuelle Vera and Janina Vela.

Danica Sotto and former pro Vince Hizon also made guest appearances.

For the veteran coach Cone, he said that after his ‘film debut’ he would rather stick with what he does best – coaching.

“Would I do another? I doubt after seeing my performance in this movie anyone would ever want me again,” said Cone, who has won championships with Alaska, B-Meg Derby Llamados/San Mig Super Coffee and Ginebra.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

How do you like the idea of world welterweight champion and Sen. Manny Pacquiao signing up Tokyo Olympics gold medal bet Eumir Felix Marcial to a promotional contract?

Sounds great, isn’t it?

Well, Pacquiao told the Manila Bulletin on Black Saturday that he has been keeping an eye on the 24-year-old middleweight.

“Tell him to fight for the country in the Olympics and we’ll work together when he decides to turn professional,” said Pacquiao, who owns MP Promotions, the outfit that also handles the affairs of the country’s three other world champions.

Currently, MP Promotions has control over Jerwin Ancajas, John Riel Casimero and Pedro Taduran, the Philippines’ reigning world champions.

The past year, MP Promotions also gave title opportunities to a number of Filipino world title challengers. When boxing resumes after the COVID-19 epidemic, several Filipino fighters are on line to vie for honors.

MP Promotion president Sean Gibbons is in charge of all the fighters under Pacquiao’s wings.

“He can be assured that I will do everything to look after his welfare and make him a world champion,” added Pacquiao.

Marcial has been approached by US boxing groups and one from the UK, including New Yorker Shelly Finkel, who was Pacquiao’s manager for two fights in 2006.

Marcial hasn’t committed to anyone but is planning to enter the pro ranks leaving the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) deeply disturbed that the hard-hitter might go straight into the pros without fighting in the Olympics.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas, who is backed by telecom tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, has come out with a statement appealing that Marcial be allowed to fulfill his Olympic aspirations.

With Pacquiao expressing his thoughts, Vargas can now heave a sigh of relief.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Admitting that he has been receiving offers left and right to turn pro, Eumir Felix Marcial on Saturday insists that he remains committed to the Tokyo Olympics.

“Wala naman ako pinipirmahang kontrata. Focused pa rin sa Olympics,” Marcial told the Manila Bulletin amid reports that illustrious promotional outfits have expressed their desire to sign up the heavy-handed Filipino middleweight.

Marcial’s stock grew further last month when he topped the Asia-Oceania Qualifying Tournament in Amman, Jordan.

It didn’t require that Marcial win the tournament to earn a berth to Tokyo as he had already done so when he reached the quarterfinals.

But Marcial, the 2009 World Junior champion, wasn’t obviously content by just booking a berth.

Among those who have reportedly made their move are New Yorker Shelly Finkel, who used to manage Manny Pacquiao back in the mid-80s, a London-based group and another boxing manager also from New York.

Marcial, who hails from Zamboanga, said he has been consulting with about three individuals about the offers he’s been getting.

“Hindi naman ako basta-basta pipirma kasi pinag-aaralan ang mga bagay na ito ng mabuti,” said the 24-year-Marcial.

Last Thursday, the leadership of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) appealed to those vying for Marcial’s signature to allow the country’s premier Olympic gold medal hopeful to focus on next year’s Tokyo Games.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas, in a strongly-worded letter addressed to “certain individuals and entities” appealed to leave Marcial alone so the fighter and his father fulfill their dreams of winning the gold.

Finkel came to the country in July 2006 when Pacquiao defended the world super-featherweight crown against Mexican Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum.

A week before the Larios clash, Pacquiao tagged along Finkel when he trained at the ABAP gym.

Finkel’s only other stint as Pacquiao’s manager was during the third Morales fight in Las Vegas in November 2006.

Apart from Pacquiao, Finkel’s other marquee names include Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and the Klitschko brothers Vitaly and Vladimir.

In 2010, Finkel was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.

Source: Manila Bulletin