Industry Shorts: ECB, French Open, Ineos
The government has given the green light for a return to recreational cricket in England from 11th July.
The ECB says the government update means it will progress from Step 3 to Step 4 of its roadmap for a return, with competitive cricket matches in England – subject to adjustments in social distancing – permitted.
It has also confirmed that new guidelines have already been prepared for the return of the sport, and will be published in the coming days.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has announced that the French Open – which is due to take place at the end of September – will do so with up to 60% capacity in the stands.
The tournament is set to take place between 27th September and 11th October, and is scheduled to be played in ‘50% to 60% of its usual capacity’ according to organisers.
Government guidelines in France mean the tournament’s three show courts will be allowed to seat groups of up to four people together, with one seat left empty between each group.
On the other courts, every other seat will be taken out of action.
The INEOS-owned Ligue 1 football club OGC Nice has signed a new partnership with another INEOS-owned property – the fashion brand Belstaff.
The clothing brand, which was founded in 1924, will become the club’s Official Outfitting Partner, and will provide the club’s players and staff with non-playing apparel for official events.
The Belstaff logo will also feature on the sleeve of the club’s playing shirt, and the pair say they will present a co-branded fashion collection in the autumn.
The 2022 Tour of Britain will end in Isle of Wight following an agreement between race organisers and the Isle of Wight Council.
It will mark the first time that the Tour of Britain has visited the island, which will see the tour’s winner crowned at the end of the race.
The 2022 edition of the tour is due to begin in Aberdeen, with the exact details of the routes and stages to be announced following publication of the UCI’s 2022 race calendar.
The MCC has launched its first ever Twitter account, giving the club a direct presence on social media.
It will sit alongside the existing Lord’s @HomeOfCricket account, which will focus on amplifying the status of the cricket ground, while the new @MCCOfficial will include MCC-specific updates such as the club’s local community work and international tours.
