Tag Futebol

Arsenal kickstarted their Premier League campaign in the best way possible last weekend with a relatively comfortable 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mikel Arteta's side weren't at their very best, but a brilliant header from Kai Havertz in the first half and a spectacular strike from Bukayo Saka in the second was enough to see them pick up all three points.

However, while there is much to be optimistic about heading into the next ten months, some fans are still hesitant to get too carried away, as Edu Gaspar and Co have yet to make an attacking addition to the first team this summer, despite finishing last season with five goals fewer than Manchester City.

The good news is that recent reports have revealed that the Gunners are looking to reinforce the frontline in the next eight days, and the latest star touted for a move to the Emirates could even challenge Havertz for a place in the team.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now preparing a bid for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The report has revealed that the North Londoners are planning to make an offer of €50m, which is £42m, plus defender Jakub Kiwior to the Serie A side for their incredibly talented attacker.

However, the report also claims that the Bergamo-based outfit currently value the Nigerian superstar at between €65m to €70m, which would convert to between £55m and £59m.

Whether Atalanta are willing to accept the Gunners' cash plus player deal remains to be seen, but following his stellar campaign last season, Lookman would be a brilliant signing and might be able to challenge Havertz for a place in the lineup.

How Lookman compares to Havertz

So, the first thing to say is that one of the most significant benefits of signing Lookman this summer would be that he can play in any position across the frontline, including second striker.

However, considering that he started 15 matches in the centre-forward position last season and that there is still a belief that the Gunners need to strengthen there, he could move to the Emirates with the intention of operating at the top of the pitch.

If that ends up happening, then one of his biggest rivals for a place in the lineup would be Havertz, but how do the pair stack up to one another?

When it comes to their pure output from last season, it's advantage to the Atalanta man, well, sort of. In his 45 appearances, he scored 17 goals and provided ten assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.66 games.

In contrast, the German's haul of 21 goals and assists in 51 appearances comes to an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games, but when we look at the games in which the pair played up top, things get much closer.

Appearances

45

15

51

18

Goals

17

7

14

8

Games

10

6

7

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.86

0.41

0.83

For example, the former Chelsea ace's haul of 15 goals and assists in 18 appearances equates to a goal involvement on average every 1.2 games, while the former Everton star's 13 goals and assists in 15 matches comes to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.15 games.

So, while the "unbelievable" Wandsworth-born ace, as dubbed by former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac, does still maintain a slightly better average than the Gunners' number 29, it's not enough to draw conclusions about who would come out on top were they competing for a spot in Arteta's team.

This is a good thing, though, as if Lookman does end up joining Arsenal in the coming days, he'd have to compete with the likes of Havertz for a chance to be the team's starting nine, which in turn would hopefully see both players strive to be the best they can be, while also giving the manager another attacking option when the team are struggling to break down a stubborn defence.

Therefore, Edu and Co should do what they can to get this transfer sewn up as soon as possible.

A right-footed Saka: Arsenal target unreal £51m Trossard rival

The “blistering” attacker would be an excellent signing for the Gunners.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo vive uma sina de empates nesta edição do Campeonato Brasileiro. Já são cinco igualdades seguidas na competição, o que compromete a briga do time para chegar aos primeiros dez colocados do torneio e sair da incômoda zona dos times ameaçados pelo rebaixamento.

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Desde a vitória por 2 a 1 sobre o Atlético-GO, no dia 19 de setembro, o Tricolor só sabe empatar. Foi assim contra América-MG (0 a 0), Atlético-MG (0 a 0), Chapecoense (1 a 1), Santos (1 a 1) e agora Cuiabá (0 a 0).

Com tantos empates, clube do Morumbi é o segundo time com mais igualdades no Brasileirão, com 12, somente um a menos que o Cuiabá, que já empatou 13 vezes na competição.

VEJA A TABELA E SIMULE O CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO!

Para se ter uma ideia, no Brasileiro do ano passado, em que o São Paulo terminou na quarta colocação, foram 12 empates em toda campanha. Com 13 jogos a menos o time de Hernán Crespo já igualou a marca.

VEJA TODOS OS EMPATES DO SÃO PAULO NESSE BRASILEIRÃO
​1ª rodada – São Paulo 0 x 0 Fluminense
​4ª rodada – São Paulo 1 x 1 Chapecoense
​6ª rodada – São Paulo 2 x 2 Cuiabá
​7ª rodada – Ceará 1 x 1 São Paulo
​8ª rodada – Corinthians 0 x 0 São Paulo
​14ª rodada – São Paulo 0 x 0 Palmeiras
​18ª rodada – Juventude 1 x 1 São Paulo
​19ª rodada – São Paulo 0 x 0 América-MG
​22ª rodada – São Paulo 0 x 0 Atlético-MG
​23ª rodada – Chapecoense 1 x 1 São Paulo
24ª rodada – São Paulo 1 x 1 Santos
25ª rodada – Cuiabá 0 x 0 São Paulo

Cole Palmer single-handedly catapulted Chelsea to a sixth-place Premier League finish last season, saving the club from an embarrassing campaign.

His 22 goals in the league ranked him third in the goalscoring charts, with his impact at Stamford Bridge nothing short of remarkable.

The 2023/24 campaign was his first in west London after his £40m move from Manchester City – a bargain fee after his huge impact for the Blues.

At only 22, he has a huge future ahead of him, with the ability to develop further and play a huge role under new boss Enzo Maresca, as the Italian aims to push the club back towards the top end of the Premier League table.

Palmer could be helped out in the attacking third by one talent who has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after his impressive displays during the off-season.

Chelsea could sign international star this summer

In recent weeks, Chelsea have shown concrete interest in signing RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder Dani Olmo this summer.

The Spaniard, who has registered three goals and two assists at this summer’s European Championships, also has admirers from Manchester City and Manchester United, with the Blues needing to act quickly if they are to secure his services.

His displays at Euro 2024 have spring-boarded him into the limelight, with the Spanish talent finally getting the recognition that he deserves.

Olmo’s stats in the Bundesliga last season were just as impressive, registering nine goal contributions in his 21 appearances – an average of 0.4 goals and assists per 90.

His stats would massively improve Maresca’s attacking options in the final third, with the Spaniard currently compared to one of the best young talents in Europe.

Why Olmo has been compared to Jude Bellingham

The rise of English midfielder Jude Bellingham has been phenomenal, moving from Birmingham City to Real Madrid just over four years after his professional debut at just 16.

In his debut campaign for the LaLiga outfit, the 21-year-old made 28 appearances, scoring 19 goals and contributing with six assists for his teammates as they claimed the league title and the Champions League.

Whilst the Blues would be unable to afford the English international, they could sign a very similar player in Olmo – with FBref stating the RB Leipzig talent is comparable based on his stats.

When analysing their respective figures, the comparison is understandable, with Olmo matching or even bettering Bellingham in numerous key areas.

How Olmo & Bellingham compare in 2023/24

Statistics

Olmo

Bellingham

Games

21

28

Goals + assists

9

25

Shots per 90

2.8

2.4

Progressive carries per 90

3.7

3.3

Tackles won

1.6

1.6

Blocks per 90

1.3

1

Stats via FBref

The “world-class” Olmo, as dubbed by journalist Victor Catalina, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he was more of a threat, averaging more progressive carries and more shots per 90.

Despite being a more attacking-minded player than the Real Madrid ace, he’s registered the same amount of tackles per 90, whilst making more blocks during his latest season in the Bundesliga.

While his main responsibility is to create chances in the final third, Olmo has demonstrated the ability to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – making him the perfect fit for Maresca’s system.

The £152k-per-week star may cost a pretty penny this summer, but his talent is undeniable, taking the Blues to the next level in their hunt for Champions League football.

Olmo’s talent in the final third could fall perfectly into the hands of Palmer, who could further bolster his impressive tally in front of goal should the 26-year-old arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Related He's like Mbappe: Chelsea could repeat Palmer deal in move for £77m star

The talent is looking for a move this summer.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2024

Chelsea are willing to make a near-£50 million bid for one player who Joe Cole said made history, as Enzo Maresca's side scour the market for squad upgrades ahead of the Italian's debut campaign.

Chelsea undergoing busy summer transfer window

Having already sealed the signings of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham and Omari Kelleyman in a £19 million move from Aston Villa, alongside Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, it has already been a quick start to this summer window for Chelsea.

Todd Boehly now willing to make significant Chelsea bid for £85 million PSG star

The Ligue 1 champions are demanding a premium.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 26, 2024

Todd Boehly is expected to make multiple attacking signings on top of this, with Chelsea in advanced talks over a deal for Barcelona forward Marc Guiu.

They've missed out on a move for Michael Olise, who has chosen to join Bayern Munich instead, but the Blues have wasted no time in identifying alternatives to the 22-year-old.

Cole Palmer

25

Nicolas Jackson

17

Raheem Sterling

10

Noni Madueke

8

Conor Gallagher

7

One of them is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, coming after an excellent campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini. There have been reports that Chelsea are prepared to bid for Lookman, and now another report explains how much they could offer for the Nigerian.

Chelsea prepared to bid nearly £50 million for Lookman

Calciomercato explains that Chelsea are willing to offer nearly £50 million to sign Lookman, but are not alone, with Liverpool and Man United also in the chase.

The 26-year-old, who can operate as a second striker, racked up 17 goals and 10 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side last season.

Lookman also ended Bayer Leverkusen's incredible unbeaten run last season in dramatic style, bagging a hat-trick against Xabi Alonso's side as Atalanta beat Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final.

“Honestly, this is why you play football,” said former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch on TNT Sports.

“Somebody like Lookman, who’s been around, a footballing nomad at times, somebody who’s been Sunday League, to Charlton, to Fulham on loan, Leicester, Leipzig, he’s gone around the houses to get to the moment where he’s found a home today and scored a hat-trick in a European final. It’s an amazing story. Those fans will never forget the name of Ademola Lookman. It’s absolutely sensational.

"It’s really emotional for him. Obviously his family, I’m sure. It was a footballing masterclass from Gasperini. They were brilliant as a team, but I’m so pleased for Lookman.”

Meanwhile, fellow TNT pundit Joe Cole claimed he made history with his Europa League final heroics.

“For Lookman, a kid from Wandsworth, who played in the cages, playing street football, going around the houses, not finding a place where he’s at home, he’s found a home here,” Cole said.

“They will love him forever. His name will be etched into the club’s history. This is what the moments are all about. A kid, who couldn’t find a club, couldn’t find a home, super talented, he’s gone and done it. Fair play to him and his family. Enjoy the moment.”

The Mumbai Indians finally broke their Dubai hoodoo, and how!First, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult combined to take 6 for 38 in eight overs to strangle Delhi Capitals to 110 for 9. Then Ishan Kishan struck an unbeaten 72 off 47, taking the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje apart on his way, to take his side home with nine wickets and 36 balls to spare.The win has ensured the Mumbai Indians a top-two finish in the league stage. On the other hand, the Capitals have now lost four games on the trot, and while they can still finish second on the points table, their net run rate, for now, has slipped below the Kings XI Punjab’s.Boult removes Dhawan, Shaw earlyHow fickle form can be in T20s was evident once again on Saturday. After scoring back-to-back hundreds, Shikhar Dhawan has now two ducks in his last two outings. He was out for a golden duck against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and here he lasted two balls as he failed to keep down a cut against Boult and Suryakumar Yadav took a low catch at point. It was referred to third umpire and there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field soft signal of out.Shaw, who replaced Ajinkya Rahane in the playing XI, didn’t last long either as Boult cut short his stay in his next over. Backing away to a short-of-length delivery, Shaw went for a pull only to slice it high to the wicketkeeper’s left.From the other end, spinners Krunal Pandya and Jayant Yadav hit the hard lengths to keep things quiet as the Capitals finished the powerplay on 22 for 2, the second-lowest powerplay total in IPL 2020.Trent Boult sent back Shikhar Dhawan in the first over•BCCI

Chahar, Bumrah dent Capitals’ recoveryShreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant tried to stage a recovery but the runs were not coming freely. After the third over, the Capitals hit only one boundary – a six by Iyer off Jayant – till the tenth. They limped to 49 for 2 at the halfway mark of their innings, but the silver lining was the eight wickets in hand.Rahul Chahar and Bumrah though shattered any hopes of a revival. Chahar lured forward Iyer with a flighted legbreak before beating him with the turn; Quinton de Kock effected the stumping with Iyer’s foot centimetres off the ground.After that Bumrah breathed fire. He sent back both Marcus Stoinis – a thick outside edge to de Kock – and Pant – lbw from around the wicket – in the same over to leave the Capitals 62 for 5 in the 12th over. Harshal Patel though was unlucky to become Bumrah’s third victim. He was deemed lbw by umpire Paul Reiffel but replays showed the ball hit him high on the back thigh and would have gone over the stumps. The wicket though took Bumrah’s tally for the season to 23, helping him draw level with the purple-cap holder Rabada.Nathan Coulter-Nile then dismissed Shimron Hetmyer to reduce the Capitals to 78 for 7 before R Ashwin and Rabada dragged the score past 100.A straightforward chaseIt was never going to be a tough ask for Mumbai Indians, even though they were without Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. The Capitals needed early wickets to make something out of it and once they didn’t get those, it was just a matter of time.Despite the ball not coming on to the bat early in the innings, Kishan pulled Nortje for two fours in the fourth over, while de Kock kept playing risk-free cricket at the other end. The duo took the Mumbai Indians to 68 in 10.1 overs, and another ten-wicket win was almost on the horizon before de Kock played on Nortje.Iyer brought back Rabada as a last throw of the dice but Kishan hit his first ball over cover for six and brought up his fifty – off 37 balls – on the next. The winning shot, Kishan hitting Nortje over deep midwicket for six, was symbolic of the Mumbai Indians’ dominance.

This summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will look to bolster their Manchester United side, with a particular focus on the attack.

The perfect stage for the Red Devils to find talent is the current European Championship, with plenty of quality on display.

Two individuals who’ve already excelled at the tournament are Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who both scored against Scotland.

With the two attacking midfielders in mind, let’s take a look at a United target who’s somewhat of a hybrid of the duo.

Man Utd’s search for a new attacking star

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man Utd have 'major interest' in making a move for the talented Xavi Simons.

Simons spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, but he will return to Paris Saint-Germain after the Euros.

It’s mentioned that United have made contact with Simons’ agency recently, but as of right now, it seems a deal would be a straight loan due to the French team’s refusal of a sale.

Furthermore, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on his signature, which may become a problem for the Red Devils.

How Simons compares to Musiala and Wirtz

Ever since his days as a youngster at Barcelona, Simons has been tipped to become a world-class player who has the potential to become one of the very best.

His development hasn’t happened quite as quickly as anticipated, but he finally started to show his true quality in the Bundesliga last season.

The 21-year-old started 32 times in the league, mainly operating as a winger who had the freedom to drift inside to find pockets of space.

The Dutchman became the main creative outlet in the side, producing 11 league assists, while also netting on eight occasions himself.

Goals

0.27

0.51

0.42

Assists

0.37

0.26

0.42

Key passes

2.68

2.15

2.77

Shot-creating actions

5.97

5.44

6.30

Touches

61.64

55.90

85.45

Progressive carries

5.12

5.28

5.24

Progressive passes

6.34

5.13

8.50

Successful take-ons

2.85

4.46

3.00

As you can see from Simons’ Bundesliga stats, it’s no surprise that FBref have classified him as a ‘similar player’ to Musiala and Wirtz over the last year.

Although he doesn't come out on top in any area, Simons has the same unpredictability to his game that enables him to create moments of magic from absolutely nothing, as displayed by his key passes and shot-creating actions.

The former PSV star can score and assist, and he’s the type of player that can win a game on his own, which is exactly what United need given they ended the campaign with a -1 goal difference.

Football scout Jacek Kulig even mentioned that Simons is 'a bit of both' Musiala and Wirtz, with the former being 'more of a dribbler' and the latter being 'more of a creator'. The stats certainly serve as evidence for that comparison.

Simons is the heartbeat of the team, someone who’s involved throughout, whether that be dropping deep to progress the play or receiving between the lines and causing chaos, as shown by his touches, and progressive stats.

The Netherlands ace is the definition of a "superstar,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, who will do anything to ensure his side is victorious, which is the type of mentality Ratcliffe will desire from his players.

Simons and Bruno Fernandes would be a deadly duo, and it’d be almost guaranteed that the output of Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford would skyrocket with their service.

Overall, even if United can’t secure a permanent deal just yet, signing Simons on loan would be a huge boost to the side, especially considering he’s putting up numbers similar to Wirtz and Musiala.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Leeds United went into the Championship play-off final having to start a goal-shy Joel Piroe up top, with Patrick Bamford sidelined through yet another injury.

Piroe barely left a lasting impression on the Leeds masses nervously watching on at Wembley, failing to have a single shot on Alex McCarthy's net as the Southampton defenders contained the Dutchman with ease all afternoon.

It's not as if Bamford would have done any better when you look at the barren sequence of games he had endured before injury troubles got the better of him again, only managing to ripple an opponent's goal with one strike in his last seven clashes before the treatment room inevitably beckoned.

The focus, therefore, could be on getting a new lethal striker in through the door in West Yorkshire this summer, as Leeds eye up a promising attacker who has had difficulties in the treatment room himself as of late.

Leeds looking at in-demand youngster

Still only 20 years of age, it does, however, feel like a lifetime ago since Daniel Jebbison was first making waves at Sheffield United across in neighbouring South Yorkshire.

Bumped up to the senior mix after six goals from six in the U18 ranks, Jebbison has had his struggles since with the entirety of this season – minus the final game – curtailed owing to a serious blood clot.

Yet, that hasn't stopped a number of suitors from beginning to sniff around for the unlucky young striker this summer, with Leeds notably interested according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The likes of Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City are all further credited with being keen on the attacker, who could leave the Blades on a free in the off-season, as his contract begins to run out at Bramall Lane even after such a promising start to his career at the club.

Player

Age when they scored

1. Regan Slater

17 years, 1 month, 29 days

2. Simon Stainrod

17 years, 2 months, 2 days

3. Daniel Jebbison

17 years, 10 months, 5 days

4. Mick Jones

18 years

5. Jonathan Forte

18 years, 1 month, 24 days

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Third in the esteemed list above, after instinctively scoring for United away at Goodison Park, Leeds will hope they can turn back the clock and get this Jebbison back if he signs, finally ditching Bamford in the process.

What this move could mean for Bamford

Although Bamford did have moments of magic last campaign for the Whites, with that first-time screamer against Peterborough United in the FA Cup etched into every Leeds' fans brain, he also very visibly struggled to keep up with the pace at points.

His final full outing at Elland Road before a knee injury struck saw Leeds frustratingly draw 0-0 with Sunderland, with Bamford only managing a meagre 31 touches and one off-target effort to try and win his lacklustre team all three points.

In the grand scheme of things, results like that one at home and a further 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers after this killed Daniel Farke's men and their hopes of gatecrashing the top two in the division.

Therefore, injecting the squad with a fresher option in Jebbison wouldn't be the most out-there shout, considering the former teenage starlet for the Blades only needed two men's appearances before bagging away in Merseyside.

Described as being "fantastic" when it came to his physical strength by then Sheffield United coach Jack Lester, even when United had dropped down a division and he struggled for fitness once more, Jebbison would be able to give the likes of Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt a run for their money to add spice to the competition for places up top.

It would, no doubt, be risky swapping out the injury-prone Bamford for a man who missed nearly all of last season, but a risk worth taking if Leeds can get the former England U20 international back up to speed quickly and firing on all cylinders again.

Leeds hit gold with in-demand star who could leave for more than Phillips

Leeds United could be set to cash in a hefty amount on this unbelievable star.

ByKelan Sarson May 31, 2024

Manchester United have told one player he is free to find a new club this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd manager rumours

Erik ten Hag appears to be under big pressure at Old Trafford after a disappointing Premier League campaign, with the Red Devils potentially missing out on European football next season.

The Dutchman said after Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace when asked if he was still the right man for the job: "Absolutely. If the right players are available, we have a good squad. We miss almost the whole backline and then we have problems. I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday's game."

Man Utd plot £60m Onana replacement available way below his release clause

They could be ready to part ways with Onana after just 12 months.

By
Ben Browning

May 8, 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS already have candidates lined up to possibly replace Ten Hag, with England manager Gareth Southgate thought to be a top target. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is seemingly on course to leave the German giants over the summer and finds a return to England, and specifically a move to Old Trafford, “appealing”.

Most of the spotlight may well be on Ten Hag’s future over the coming weeks, but United officials are also planning for the first transfer window under Ratcliffe as co-owner. A number of high-profile departures could be on the cards, with speculation over the futures of Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Harry Maguire in recent weeks, but the new Red Devils chief has seemingly already told one player he is free to leave.

Brandon Williams to leave Man Utd this summer

According to Football Insider, left-back Brandon Williams has been told by Man Utd, and by extension Ratcliffe, that he is free to find a new club over the coming months.

The 23-year-old is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, and a permanent move to Ipswich Town, where he spent last season on loan, is looking unlikely, the report adds.

Williams, on £65,000-a-week, has actually only played one game under Ten Hag, so it comes as no surprise that United are happy for him to depart for nothing over the coming weeks.

He did come in for praise from Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna during the 2023/24 campaign, with the former Red Devils assistant saying: "For Brandon to take the game and the moment by the scruff of the neck and produce a great goal was a big moment.

"He's getting stronger game-by-game, getting back into good habits as a football player on and off the ball. "He's getting back towards the levels that I know he's capable of, but more importantly it's about pushing him past those levels."

It will be interesting to see where Williams ends up next, with the full-back missing large parts of the latest Championship season through injury.

كشفت تقارير صحفية أزمة مرتقبة تخص موعد بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2034، والتي ستستضيفها المملكة العربية السعودية.

وسيؤكد ممثلو الاتحادات الأعضاء في فيفا، البالغ عددهم 211 اتحادًا، على الدول المضيفة لنسختي 2030 و2034 من كأس العالم في مؤتمر الأسبوع المقبل.

ولم يتقدم أحد سوى السعودية لاستضافة نسخة 2034 من كأس العالم، ومن ثم فإنها ستكون الدولة صاحبة الحق في الاستضافة (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وذكرت صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية أن هناك أزمة مرتقبة تخص نسخة كأس العالم 2034 بسبب ميعادها المُحتمل.

وأوضحت أن درجات الحرارة تصل في شهر يونيو، التوقيت المعتاد لكأس العالم، إلى 45 درجة في السعودية، وهو ما يجعل إقامة المونديال في ذلك التوقيت أمر مستحيل.

وأشارت إلى أن تلك المشكلة تشبه ما كانت عليه نسخة مونديال 2022 في قطر عندما تمت في شهري نوفمبر وديسمبر.

وأفادت بأنه على الرغم من ذلك، فإن إقامة كأس العالم 2034 في السعودية خلال الشتاء هو أمر صعب بسبب شهر رمضان المُعظم، ومن ثم فإن إقامته في يناير من العام نفسه هو الحل الأكثر احتمالية الآن.

وذكرت أنه ما لم توافق السلطات السعودية على السماح بعدم مراعاة طقوس شهر رمضان، وهو أمر يُعتقد بكونه غير مرجح، فإن استضافة البطولة في شهر يناير قيد المناقشة.

وسيؤثر ذلك على جدول الدوري الإنجليزي، وخاصة مرحلة البوكسينج داي الشهيرة، كما ستتأثر المراحل الأولى من المسابقات الأوروبية الثلاثة (دوري أبطال أوروبا، الدوري الأوروبي ودوري المؤتمر الأوروبي)، حيث من المحتمل أن يُضغط جدول المباريات.

ومع الأخذ في الاعتبار تطبيق النظام الجديد لكأس العالم بتواجد 48 فريقًا بدءًا من نسخة 2026، أي أن هناك حاجة إلى خوض 104 مباريات، فإن ذلك يعني 38 يومًا لإكمال البطولة.

في حين يمكن تقليص ذلك قليلاً، يُنظر إلى 35 يومًا على أنها الحد الأدنى للإطار الزمني الممكن، وهو ما يعني توقف الدوري الإنجليزي لمدة تبلغ 7 أسابيع.

Even as COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to cripple all walks of life across the world, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said the IPL is “on” and that the board is taking all necessary precautions for the smooth conduct of cricket’s most lucrative tournament, which begins on March 29. Some of those precautionary measures are likely to involve asking players to avoid physical contact as far as possible including shaking hands with fans, considering the coronavirus is highly contagious.”It’s on…and BCCI will take all protection (against coronavirus),” Ganguly told ESPNcricinfo when asked how the board was dealing with the outbreak that is threatening to bring daily life to a standstill. Spectator sport is seen as particularly vulnerable, given it brings a large crowd together in a confined space. The IPL has an added complication: its global profile, with players, support staff and vast administrative and broadcast services being drawn from across the world.The novel coronavirus is a respiratory illness, which originated in China, and, has no cure yet, forcing the shutting down of towns, cities, schools across the world. Global medical experts have been anxious about how India, the world’s second-most populous nation, would respond to the outbreak. The official figures released by the Indian Ministry of Health so far has put the count of those infected closer to 30.The outbreak has already begun affecting sporting events. In Italy, one of the worst affected countries, the government ordered all Serie A matches to be played behind closed doors with no fans allowed at any football ground until April 3. The March 14 Six Nations rugby game between Italy and England, scheduled in Rome, has been postponed. It was the second game involving Italy to be postponed after the contest against Ireland in Dublin scheduled for Saturday. The Premier League in England is also talking to the clubs to have matches played behind closed doors as the UK government’s chief medical officer today said the country was moving from containment to delaying the spread of the coronavirus, which claimed its first victim on Thursday.ALSO READ: Coronavirus impact on Indian sportsAlthough there has been no official update put out by the BCCI or the IPL on the respective websites (a norm followed by global sporting organisations), ESPNcricinfo understands that the top officials have been internally discussing the outbreak and its potential impact on the T20 tournament. It is believed that the BCCI has been following the guidelines and updates put out by the Health Ministry on coronavirus.A senior BCCI official confirmed that the board would replicate the precautionary guidelines recommended by the Health Ministry and send them to all the stakeholders: players, franchises, airlines, team hotels, broadcast crews and everyone else involved in the running of the tournament.As far as the players go, the BCCI would ask them to be proactive and report to the concerned medical authority in case they detect any of the symptoms associated with the coronavirus, which include cough, fever or difficulty in breathing. Also if the person has travelled in or via high-risk areas across the world, he/she would need to report that.It is understood that the BCCI would also advise the players not to shake hands with fans or even possibly take pictures with devices that are not their own. All these measures are already being followed globally by athletes. Recently England captain Joe Root said that England players would not be shaking hands with one another on their tour of Sri Lanka to ensure germs and bacteria are not spread. The England players would instead resort to fist bumps, something even the National Basketball League (NBA) in the USA advised its players to use instead of the high-fives. The NBA also asked the players not to use the pens/markers fans provide them to sign autographs.The BCCI has not yet discussed whether it would recommend fist bumps over handshakes, but the official said that as things evolve, the board would be open to take all measures that would keep everyone safe.Many top sporting events including the Tokyo Olympics have come under threat with countries warning against mass congregations in light of how contagious the virus is.Cricket, too, has been affected with a women’s quadrangular in Thailand being the first tournament to be postponed last week. On Thursday, the Everest Premier League, a domestic T20 tournament scheduled to start from March 14 in Nepal, was postponed indefinitely even though the country has reported just one case of the outbreak yet. The ICC World Cup Challenge League due to be hosted by Malaysia on March 16 has also been postponed