Latest - The 2020 New Zealand Rally Championship has been cancelled with MotorSport New Zealand and the championship promoters opting to future-proof the sport in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ben Hunt Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The first two rounds of the championship at Otago and Whangarei were already postponed because of the virus and the government-imposed isolation rules.
Long lead-in times needed to organise events coupled with the need for the country to tighten its belts due to the economic impact of Covid-19 means entry numbers cannot be guaranteed, rally New Zealand said in a statement.
After robust discussions the regrettable decision was made to indefinitely postpone the New Zealand Rally Championship so that the sport can reset and be in a better position to return to normal in 2021 rather than risk incurring a financial hit that could carry on into the future.
EPL bleeding money
English Premier League football clubs are bleeding money and their finances would be entering "uncharted waters" if the season that was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic is not finished, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has said.
Professional football has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak which has killed more than 28,100 people in the United Kingdom, and the league is no closer to a return after a meeting with all 20 clubs at the weekend.
The loss in revenue has forced some clubs to furlough their employees while others have agreed wage cuts with their players.
Parish said he was convinced the proposals laid out for the restart would protect players, staff and officials and that the financial plight of clubs across the country was a factor that could not be ignored when making a decision to return.
-Reuters
Froome has doubts fans will stay away from Tour
English cyclist Chris Froome believes the Tour de France can work without spectators - but questioned how organisers can prevent large crowds converging along the course.
Chris Froome Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Initially due to start on June 27, the coronavirus pandemic has seen the Tour pushed back until August 29 and doubts remain given the differing Covid-19 situations across the world.
The French government says no mass gatherings can take place before September, but have clarified the Tour could still go ahead on its new dates if the opening stages are managed correctly.
That is one of the main things four-time champion Froome believes will be hard to manage as he continues to prepare for a tilt at another victory.
"In theory, we can put the race on but I think the bigger question is would the organisers be able to keep people from actually coming out and gathering in large crowds? "
-BBC
Houllier says give title to Reds
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes his old club should be awarded the English Premier League football title even if the season is not completed because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top with nine games left to play in the Premier League, which has been on hold since March 9 as the novel coronavirus spread across the globe.
According to Houllier, who led Liverpool to FA Cup and UEFA Cup glory in 2001 during his six-year spell at Anfield, Juergen Klopp's team would be deserved champions.
Asked if they should be awarded their first top-flight title since 1990, the former France coach said "Yeah. That's what they did in France. They gave it to Paris St Germain. They had a 12-point lead and I think Liverpool needed just two games to win the title.
-Reuters
Dalton heading home
Quarterback Andy Dalton has signed with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.
Andy Dalton Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Dalton, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals last week, agreed to a one-year deal with the Cowboys, with a base salary of $5 million.
Before being selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft, Dalton played at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.
He lives in Dallas and will not have to move his family during an offseason that has been made uncertain by the coronavirus pandemic.
32 year old Dalton will be backup quarterback to Dak Prescott.
-ESPN
