Week Ahead: Coronavirus pandemic expected to lead to postponement of Euro 2020

England manager Gareth Southgate during the Euro 2020 Draw in November. The tournament is expected to be postponed this week due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS

We cannot predict with any certainty what exactly will transpire given the fast-moving events of the past few weeks, but there is only likely to be one issue in the headlines this week across the world as the deadly coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.

With the peak of cases in the UK not expected for several months and Boris Johnson warning “this is the worst public health crisis for a generation” and that “many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time”, a difficult time for all undoubtedly lies ahead.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking at a news conference inside 10 Downing Street, London, after the latest COBRA meeting to discuss the government's response to coronavirus crisis. Picture: Simon Dawson/PA Wire

BAPTISM OF FIRE

Andrew Bailey becomes the new Governor of the Bank of England today, taking over from Mark Carney in what represents a baptism of fire following the emergency cut to interest rates and plummeting stock markets in response to concerns about the global economy as a result of coronavirus.

Mr Bailey takes on his new job having been chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority.

When he was appointed in December, Mr Carney said of his successor: “Andrew is widely and deeply respected for his leadership managing the financial crisis, developing the new regulatory frameworks, and supporting financial innovation to better serve UK households and businesses.”

His experience will hopefully serve him well in the months to come.

EURO 2020 DECISION

With professional football matches being suspended in England until at least April 4 and international leagues also being put on hold, on Tuesday members of Uefa are expected to postpone the Euro 2020 championships until next year.  European football’s governing body is to hold video conference meetings to discuss its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Euro 2020 had been due to take place from June 12 to July 12 at venues across Europe, including in England.

Uefa has invited representatives of its 55 member associations, plus the boards of the European Club Association, the European leagues and a representative of world players’ union Fifpro.

STREAMING SERVICE

The Royal Television Society Programme awards – one of the flagship industry awards in the calendar – are still due to take place tomorrow in London but with a slimmed-down guest list.

Nominees and RTS representatives will now be invited to the event with the broader industry able to watch via a live link.

Theresa Wise, chief executive officer of the Royal Television Society, said last week: “While adapting as necessary to the current situation, we aim to continue celebrating the past year of television and excellence in our industry in the best way possible – by honouring nominees and winners through a streamlined event.”

Fleabag and Chernobyl lead the nominations for this year’s awards, with three nominations each.

TROPHY TOUR

With the Tour de Yorkshire still currently scheduled to take place from April 30, one event still going ahead this week subject to events is a 2020 Trophy Tour taking place around the locations on the race route.

The trophies which will be presented to the winners of both the men’s and women’s races are being brought to all the host locations so the public can see the coveted prizes up close. It will start today in Monday in Leyburn.

The tour then continues in Skipton on Wednesday, Redcar on Thursday and visiting East Riding primary schools on Friday, finishing the day in Beverley.