In an interview with Milan based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Giovanni Malago, the president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has discussed the current Coronavirus crisis Italy is facing and its impact on sports across the country.
CONI recently ordered all sporting events must be banned until at least April 3 in a bid to contain the virus and prevent it spreading any further.
Malago started the interview by admitting he is aware no sports has been hard for many to get used to and is problematic but says there are far bigger problems needing dealt with at the moment.
“Getting used to the absence of sport is a problem for many but this is marginal, and this word is even reductive compared to what we are experiencing. We almost feel ashamed to deal with all this,” he explained in the interview which appeared in today’s print edition.
“There are other emergencies now, other problems, other situations, and all the indications that could help stop the virus needs to be respected.
“Then of course, we can help people live better during this period. I’m thinking, for example, of a campaign that could invite people to do physical activity in their homes.”
He then went on to reveal that his phone has been ringing non-stop amid the current situation from concerned presidents of clubs.
“I can tell you what happened on Sunday, I had to charge the battery on my phone three times to answer all the calls from the presidents of all the teams.
“What do we do, do we stop? There were sports, just look at volleyball, which stopped for women and played for men, or others who made different choices according to the division.
“I said: ‘Gentlemen, it’s not possible’. There’s only one choice to make and we have to do it together.
Next he discussed the possibility of the Serie A season not even being completed: “We must proceed in stages. At this moment, no answers can be given.”
He was also asked what will happen with competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League and this Summer’s European Championship’s.
“I am not involved in decisions that belong to international federations or those of a single sport. I hope things will change for the better soon.“
