Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu at a meeting with French sports stakeholders regarding the coronavirus epidemic, March 3, 2020. – Philippe LOPEZ / AFP
Maintain the continuity of the sports calendar, at all costs, until April 15 and later if necessary. This is in essence the proactive speech of Roxana Maracineanu after a meeting at the Ministry of Sports, with many representatives of the sporting sector: leagues, federations, partner companies, or even organizers.
New meeting on the impacts of #coronavirus in the sporting world with professional and amateur sport actors, rights holders and organizers of sporting events in @Sports_gouv. pic.twitter.com/nRRZLmQUto
– Roxana Maracineanu (@RoxaMaracineanu) March 10, 2020
450 events concerned by April 15
The Minister has targeted 450 national sporting events that would be directly affected by the closed-door measures until April 15, it being understood that the date may change depending on the progression of the epidemic in the territory. No final decision has yet been made for the final of the League Cup between PSG and OL on April 4, or for the two friendly matches of the French team at the Stade de France and at the Groupama Stadium. A postponement is not ruled out, even if for reasons of sporting continuity, the ministry “will push with the prefectures for the maintenance of the camera, as long as the gauge of the 1,000 people is respected”.
Warning to Parisian supporters
Roxana Maracineanu had a little thought on this subject for PSG supporters, invited not to meet en masse in front of the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening. “I have empathy for all the supporters who will have to put their fervor aside, but we appeal to their collective responsibility. If they’re denied access to the stadium, it’s not for fun. Come together, why not, but pay attention to the safety rules ”. The former swimming champion also confirmed that she had asked the rights holders for a clear broadcast of the round of 16 return from C1, to no avail. RMC did not respond to his request.
Roxana Maracineanu has a thought for Parisian supporters before Dormtund: “I have empathy for all those who have to put their fervor aside. We know very well that it will not be easy for PSG to play without their audience”
– J.Laloye (@Zonemixte) March 10, 2020
Federations in danger?
The loss of profits of clubs and federations, which promises to be considerable, has also been at the center of discussions with players in the sector. Few figures advanced, but a balance sheet in progress to bring needs up to the highest level. Clearly, a range intended to mobilize for the creation, ultimately, of a compensation fund for the sports movement. “What we have been asked to do is have a comprehensive view of the economic impact of the virus on future events. The most fragile structures are in danger of being put in difficulty. “
We think less of the Accor Hotel Arena in Bercy, whose director was invited to the meeting, than of the karate federation, which is to organize its pre-Olympic qualification tournament in early May, just after the hand, for the moment in the green (April 15 to 17). “The large economic entities must not endanger the treasury of the smallest,” said the minister, who therefore calls for the solidarity of the players in a delicate period. Pending a possible gesture on the part of the State when the health crisis is over.
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