SOCCER

Messi urges fans to 'be responsible' over virus

Lionel Messi has called for people to "stay at home" and heed the advice of authorities in a bid to counter the coronavirus epidemic.

The Barcelona and Argentina forward's message came as the global death toll from the outbreak surpassed 5,000 on Saturday.

Messi said he is currently spending time with his family after the suspension of all major domestic and continental soccer competitions in Europe, as well as the postponement of the first two rounds of South America's 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

"Health must always come first," Messi said in an Instagram post.

"It is an exceptional time and we must follow the instructions of health organizations and public authorities. Only by doing this can we effectively combat it.

"It is the time to be responsible and stay at home. It is also a perfect opportunity to enjoy family time, something that's not always possible."

Atalanta hero donates ball to Italian hospital

Josip Ilicic

Atalanta forward Josip Ilicic has donated the ball with which he scored four goals in the Champions League last week to a hospital in Bergamo, a city at the center of Italy's coronavirus drama.

Ilicic scored four times in a 4-3 win over Valencia to power Bergamo-based Champions League newcomer Atalanta into the quarterfinals. As is custom for hat-trick scorers, the Slovenian got to keep the match ball.

"We too are by your side, our angels, to win the most important match of all," said Ilicic, who gifted the ball to the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has appealed for funds for the hospital to purchase medical equipment.

Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne donated 100,000 euros ($112,000) to a Naples hospital, with Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci donating 120,000 euros to a Turin hospital.

RUGBY

Australia presses on with new league season

Australia's new rugby league season will continue for the time being but with games played behind closed doors, officials said on Sunday, despite the growing coronavirus pandemic.

There would be massive financial implications if one of the country's most popular sports was forced to shut down a season that only began this weekend.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys called it "one of the toughest challenges for us to stay viable in the history of the game".

"It could have catastrophic effects on us moving forward. Our money will only last so long, and once it's extinguished we are in big trouble," he said on Sunday.

"An Australia without rugby league is not Australia," added V'landys. "Rugby league has been a fabric of our society for hundreds of years. It's people's escape, their relaxation and we need to do everything to continue that great tradition."

Fans were allowed into games this weekend and round two will go ahead in a week's time, but without spectators.

BASKETBALL

Infected Gobert helps out with relief effort

Rudy Gobert

Frenchman Rudy Gobert, the first NBA player known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, is donating more than $500,000 to support both the employee relief fund at the Utah Jazz's home arena and COVID-19-related social services relief in Utah, Oklahoma City and the French healthcare system, the NBA team said on Saturday.

"These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others," Gobert said in a statement.

The pledged donation will provide $200,000 in aid to part-time employees at the Jazz home arena who are not able to work due to the postponement of NBA games and other entertainment events, in conjunction with employee assistance efforts already being undertaken by team owners, the Jazz said. Additionally, Gobert will contribute $100,000 each to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah and Oklahoma City.

MARATHON

Kipchoge 'respects' London postponement

Four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge "fully respects" the decision to postpone this year's London Marathon over the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers have moved the event from April 5 to Oct 4. Olympic champion and marathon world-record holder Kipchoge was informed of the decision by organizers minutes before they made the news public last Friday.

"It is unfortunate news that the London Marathon has been postponed but I fully respect the decision made by the organization as safeguarding the health of the world always takes our top priority," the 35-year-old Kenyan icon wrote on Twitter.

"To the thousands of runners who, with me, have devoted the last months of our lives towards this goal, I would like to say: Be proud of the work you have put into this journey, keep smiling and seek your next goal on the horizon to continue running in a smooth and positive way!"

Kipchoge will now turn his attention to defending his Olympic title at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

GYMNASTICS

Biles riled by governing body's birthday tweet

Simone Biles

Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles fired back at USA Gymnastics on Saturday after the sport's governing body used its Twitter account to wish her happy birthday.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time," the organization tweeted to its 226,000 followers as Biles turned 23.

"We know you will only continue to amaze us and make history!"

USA Gymnastics did not stick the landing, however, tagging the wrong account rather than Biles' verified account.

Three hours later, Biles issued a tweet of her own.

"How about you amaze me and do the right thing... have an independent investigation."

She was referring to the case of former team doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in 2018 after more than 300 women accused him of sexual abuse.

USA Gymnastics in January offered the group of gymnasts abused by Nassar a $215 million settlement.

Xinhua - Agencies