admin
The Shanghai Sports Federation wants the Chinese Grand Prix to be cancelled as the coronavirus death toll continues to rise.
This has led to the cancellation of several sporting events in the country, including March’s World Indoor Athletics Championships and next month’s Formula E race in Sanya. Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto admits he is increasingly concerned about the coronavirus situation with regards to the staging of the summer Games in Japan.
In a statement made to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Shanghai Sports Federation proposed the “suspension of all sports events (sports events, performances, forums, foreign exchange and other activities), until the end of the epidemic situation.”
That will put pressure on the FIA to suspend the Chinese Grand Prix with an extension of the quarantine period likely to take place. Reports also say that the Formula One chiefs will meet on Wednesday to discuss whether this year’s race in China will go ahead. The possibility of the Shanghai event being moved to a later date was dealt a blow after Russia said that they would not consider swapping dates with their race in September.
“The date for the 2020 Russian GP was set in October last year and it isn’t changing,” said race officials.
Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 organisers told the International Paralympic Committee that the risk of the coronavirus disease spreading could impact and influence the running of the Games in the Japanese capital.
“I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum towards the games,” Tokyo 2020 CEO Muto said.
“I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.”
Online Reporter