SPORTS

Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Joe Burrow, who had a season for the ages in 2019 and was the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1, was snapped up by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL’s first ever “virtual draft” on Thursday. Burrow was the massive odds-on favorite to go …

Madrid, Spain | AFP |  Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says there should be no rush to restart La Liga during the coronavirus lockdown as the Spanish football federation plans tests and a return to training. Testing players is being discussed with a view to completing the Liga season and thereby …

Paris, France | AFP | Qualification for the next Champions League should be “on sporting merit” if domestic leagues cannot be completed but countries should “explore all possible options” to finish seasons suspended because of the coronavirus crisis, UEFA said on Thursday. “If a domestic competition is prematurely terminated for legitimate …

Berlin, Germany | AFP | German league football is ready to resume without spectators on May 9 but the final say rests with political leaders, the Bundesliga’s chief executive said Thursday. Following a meeting with Germany’s top clubs, Christian Seifert said the league was “ready” to return next month, which would …

  London, United Kingdom | AFP | Newcastle United’s sale to a Saudi-backed consortium appears to be close to completion — a deal that could turn the long-time underachievers into a major Premier League power. The potential £300 million ($370 million) takeover will reportedly see Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund take …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Jurgen Klopp believes there is still room for improvement from Liverpool despite their incredible Premier League campaign, which is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Reds were 25 points clear of second-placed Manchester City and on the verge of their first top-flight title since 1990 when football …

Doha, Qatar | AFP | A key Premier League broadcast partner has called on club bosses to probe a Saudi Arabian bid to buy Newcastle United over piracy allegations, it said on Wednesday. The Magpies are on the verge of being sold to a Saudi-backed consortium that involves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for around …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Amnesty International has warned the Premier League that it “risks becoming a patsy” unless it takes a serious look at Saudi Arabia’s human rights record in connection with the proposed takeover of Newcastle. The Magpies are on the verge of being sold to a Saudi-backed …

Paris, France | AFP | As European countries take steps towards easing lockdown measures imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, UEFA will meet with the continent’s football clubs and associations this week to try to mark out a pathway towards resuming the season. European football’s governing body is eager to steer …

Paris, France | AFP | Increasing numbers of professional footballers are struggling with anxiety and depression having been forced out of action with the sport suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by global players’ union FIFPro released on Monday. FIFPro surveyed 1,602 players across 16 countries, including …