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Supporters of Montpellier and Toulon must exercise patience. Their Top 14 match, scheduled for Sunday (matchday 14), has been delayed. The postponement stems from a significant COVID-19 outbreak. The Var club reported nineteen positive tests, rendering participation impossible. This disruption is not an isolated incident; the virus’s impact is widespread.
The Gambian national team‘s Africa Cup of Nations preparatory match versus Algeria, slated for Saturday, was also canceled. Sixteen Gambian players tested positive. The Algerian Football Federation expressed its displeasure, asserting that The Gambia could have fielded a team, especially as the excuse given was the lack of a goalkeeper! This viral surge also forced the postponement of the Real Madrid-FC Barcelona basketball classic and nine NHL games.
Games Proceed Despite Roster Issues
English Premier League enthusiasts can breathe easy: the Chelsea versus Liverpool showdown will commence as planned this Sunday. However, Liverpool faces challenges; three players tested positive on Friday, and manager Jürgen Klopp, considered a close contact, will be absent from the bench. In France, AS Monaco is navigating similar issues ahead of its Coupe de France match against Quevilly-Rouen. Despite seven positive cases, the Normandy match remains undisturbed. The club issued a statement confirming the players’ well-being, indicating no serious health concerns.
Girondins de Bordeaux will proceed with their Coupe de France match against Brest, despite a limited squad. The club only has seven players available from its professional roster. The French Football Federation has amended its regulations to mitigate widespread postponements. Consequently, Vladimir Petkovic has called up reserve and under-19 players for their Brittany trip.
Stade Rennais and Olympique de Marseille have also reported some COVID-19 cases. Olympique Lyonnais’s situation is different; their Coupe de France participation ended prematurely due to prior incidents during a match against Paris FC. Their planned Spanish training camp was also scrapped due to a surge in positive tests.
Raducanu Withdraws from Season’s First Tournament
The world of tennis is also affected. US Open champion Emma Raducanu pulled out of the Melbourne WTA tournament, a precursor to the Australian Open. Her participation in the Grand Slam remains uncertain. The ATP Cup, a prelude to the Australian Open, is grappling with numerous withdrawals. Denis Shapovalov and Andrey Rublev will not participate. Austria’s withdrawal necessitated a last-minute replacement by France.
