AIFF Approves League Committee Recommendations; Remaining I-League Games Cancelled, Real Kashmir FC Distributes Essential Equipment to Fight Covid-19 and More (Football Round-up)

Following the League Committee’s recommendations the AIFF has called off the I-League season, declaring Mohun Bagan, champions.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) approved recommendations made by the League committee to call off the remaining 28 I-League matches and crowned Mohun Bagan champions, following the national lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The AIFF also said that it awaits discussions with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the possibility of organising a tournament of a shorter duration next season for 2nd Division clubs for qualification to the Hero I-league 2020-21.

Although there will be no regulation or any individual prize money awarded this season, the remaining prize money in the league (apart from that awarded to the champions) will be equally divided among the remaining 10 participating clubs.

"All youth leagues in the current season -- the Hero Sub-Junior League, the Hero Junior League, the Hero Elite League, and the U-17 Khelo India Girls League stay concluded, and will start afresh from 2020-21 season," the AIFF said in a statement.

Real Kashmir FC distributes essential equipment in the fight against COVID-19

As India continues to fight coronavirus pandemic under a strict lockdown, Srinagar based Real Kashmir FC stepped up to make a small contribution to frontline medical professionals and sanitation workers in the city as well as those part of Jammu & Kashmir. RKFC has donated 500 PPE kits, 50,000 masks, 3,000 sanitizers and 8,000 gloves due to severe shortage of these extremely essential equipment. The club conducted the distribution drive with help from the district administration and the local army of Jammu & Kashmir to the hospitals directly.

“This is a small token of gesture to the massive efforts being undertaken by the Srinagar district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary under the able guidance of Chief Secretary Mr. BVR Subrahmanyam and overall supervision of Hon'ble Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. G. C. Murmu.” Sandeep Chattoo, the club’s co-founder said. “I am aware of the fact that this humble offer of contribution in our fight against the pandemic may be a drop in the ocean but at this critical period we all should come forward and help in whatever way we can.”

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Chinese FA proposes minimum 30% pay cut because of COVID-19

The Chinese Football Association expects clubs to cut wages of players and coaches by 30 percent to cut costs due to the coronavirus crisis.

According to the People’s Daily, CFA is awaiting feedback from teams in the top-tier Chinese Super League (CSL) and the two divisions below.

The CSL season scheduled for February 22 was indefinitely postponed earlier this year, much before other leagues followed suit. “After the opinions are collected and revised, the Chinese Football Association will report to FIFA and other relevant departments,” the state-run People’s Daily newspaper said.

The newspaper also clarified that the target of the Chinese Football Association’s wage cuts does not include youth players and ordinary employees with relatively low salaries.

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Rashford says he planned a return for Euro 2020

England forward Marcus Rashford says he was preparing to get back from injury quickly to play at the European Championship this summer before its eventual postponement to 2021.

Back in February, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Rashford could be a doubtful pick in the England squad because of a stress fracture in his back. Former England skipper Wayne Rooney advised Rashford not to go to a major tournament unless 100% fit but the 22-year-old said it was going to be difficult to miss it out.

"I was probably going to go back (to training) mid or end of April," Rashford told the club's UTD podcast. "That would have been a push because I didn't want to miss the summer, so I doubt I would have been 100% fit going into that tournament. Since then a lot has happened (but) for my body it's been good to give it its full duration to rest.”

"I pay attention (to what Rooney says) but at the same time it's tough to say no to something where you could give it a good go. You want to try to play every game you can," Rashford added.

Barcelona to give away Camp Nou naming rights to raise money for Covid-19

FC Barcelona will give away the naming rights of Camp Nou stadium for one year with the objective of raising money in the fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Europe with over 99,000 seats but has never had a sponsor since 1957.

"We want to send a universal message. For the first time someone will have the opportunity to put their name on Camp Nou and the revenues will go to all of humanity, not just Barca," club vice president Jordi Cardoner said in an announcement on Tuesday.

"The initiative arose in an emergency situation. We think that we have to have a very quick response, putting our crown jewel at the service (of the fight)."

The title rights of the stadium will be given on a one-year deal, with the Camp Nou set to be renamed for the entire 2020-21 season. Discussions will take place in the next few weeks to find a sponsor who wishes to acquire the title rights.