Sports
London can host 2020 Olympic Games if moved over coronavirus, Mayor candidate says
London will be ready to host the 2020 Olympics if the outbreak of the coronavirus forced the Games to be moved from Tokyo in Japan, a political figure said on Thursday.
Shaun Bailey, the Conservative candidate for the position of mayor of the British capital, said this on social media.
London had last hosted the Games in 2012.
The flu-like coronavirus, which has killed more than 2,000 people in China and infected over 74,000 globally, has had a major impact on the sports calendar in Asia.
Already, a host of events have been cancelled and postponed.
With the Tokyo Games due to begin on July 24, organisers have set up a task force to coordinate with public health authorities over the epidemic.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it had been advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that there is no case for contingency plans to cancel or relocate the Games.
In Japan, hundreds have been infected by the virus with two deaths confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama port.
This has sparked concerns that the world’s top sports event may not take place.
Bailey said London was well placed to step in for Tokyo if needed and urged the Olympic Committee to consider the city as an alternative.
“London can host the #Olympics in 2020,” he said on Twitter.
“Given the ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, I urge the Olympic Committee to seriously consider how London could stand ready to host the Olympics should the need arise,” Bailey said in a statement.
“We have the infrastructure and the experience, and if I am elected I will make sure London is ready to host the biggest sports celebration again, if we are called on in an hour of need,” Bailey said.
The London mayoral election is due to take place on May 7, and Bailey is trailing in opinion polls behind incumbent Sadiq Khan.
Bailey’s comments, carried by several major Japanese media outlets, became a top trending topic on Twitter in the country with nearly 50,000 tweets on the subject.
“How dare you! Don’t deprive the Olympics from Japan! In the first place, the UK didn’t take any remedies for the `Diamond Princess’ owned by your country!” Twitter user @Gelsomi47388050 said in English.
The Diamond Princess is a UK-flagged vessel owned by Carnival Corp.
Another user said London would be the best back-up option.
“Probably the only major city that could, facilities, hotels et cetera all ready and the weather would be more conducive to both competitions/spectators than Tokyo,” @twose_brian also tweeted in English in reply to Bailey, tagging #LondonOlympics2020.
The Tokyo 2020 organising committee did not comment on Bailey’s remarks.
It said in an e-mailed statement that they were taking the necessary steps over the coronavirus.
“Tokyo 2020 will continue to collaborate with all relevant organisations which carefully monitor any incidence of infectious diseases and we will review any counter-measure that may be necessary with all relevant organisations,” it said.
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have been drawn against Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
Nurudeen Aweroro’s side will host the first leg at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne before travelling to Sfax for the return fixture.
The winner of the tie will face either Côte d’Ivoire’s AF Amadou Diallo or Sierra Leone’s East End Lions in the second preliminary round.
Nigeria’s other representative, El-Kanemi Warriors, will begin their campaign against Guinea-Bissau’s União Desportiva Internacional (UDIB).
If the Maiduguri-based club progresses, it will face Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the second preliminary round. Raja Casablanca are among the clubs exempted from the opening round of the competition.
The first-leg matches of the preliminary round are scheduled to take place between September 4 and 6, while the return fixtures will be played between September 11 and 13.
Both Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will be aiming to progress through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has expressed confidence that Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães would improve Arsenal if his reported move to the club is completed.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal are close to finalising a deal worth £75 million for the Newcastle United midfielder, with an official announcement expected after negotiations between the two clubs.
Reacting to the reported transfer, Shearer described Guimarães as a top-quality player capable of adding creativity and composure to Mikel Arteta’s side.
“Arsenal have signed a top player in Guimarães, there is no doubt about that. They have signed a player who is comfortable on the ball under pressure and can deliver a killer pass,” Shearer told Betfair.
The former England striker also praised the midfielder’s character and professionalism during his time at Newcastle.
“His attitude is also excellent, as we have seen at Newcastle United. So, there is no doubt he will improve the team,” he said.
Shearer added that a midfield comprising Guimarães, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard would be among the strongest in the Premier League.
“I think with Rice, Ødegaard and Guimarães, it is hard to find a better midfield combination,” he added.
Arsenal have yet to officially confirm the signing of Guimarães.
Nigerian champions Rangers International have been drawn against Benin Republic’s AS Sobemap in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
The Flying Antelopes will host the first leg before travelling for the return fixture.
If Rangers advance, they will face either Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian champions MC Alger in the second preliminary round for a place in the next stage of the competition.
Rivers United were also handed a difficult opening fixture after being drawn against Côte d’Ivoire’s San Pedro in the first preliminary round.
Finidi George’s side will take on either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round if they eliminate the Ivorian club.
The first-leg matches of the opening preliminary round are scheduled to be played between September 4 and 6, while the return fixtures will take place between September 11 and 13, 2026.
The second preliminary round will be played from October 16 to 18 for the first-leg matches, with the return legs scheduled for October 23 to 25, 2026.
Both Rangers and Rivers United will be aiming to progress through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
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