The sports world has suffered its first high-profile coronavirus death as former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died at the weekend.
Sanz died at the age of 76 at home after refusing hospital treatment and overwhelming the medical system in Spain, where Covid-19 fatalities surged past 1300 on Sunday.
Sanz was a director at Real from 1985 to 1995 before taking over as President, a position which he held until 2000.
He masterminded their European Cup victory in 1998, where they beat Juventus in the final, ending a 32-year drought before winning the title again in 2000.
Sanz’s son Lorenzo San Duran wrote on Twitter: “My father has just died.
“He did not deserve this end in this manner. One of the best, most courageous and hard working people I have seen in my life. His family and Real Madrid were his passion.”
Lorenzo Sanz: "My father's passion for Real Madrid was extraordinary". #RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 22, 2020
The news comes as more sports stars are testing positive.
Argentina striker Paulo Dybala became the third Juventus player to contract the virus after Daniele Rugani and Blaise Matuidi.
Dybala and his girlfriend have no symptoms and wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted just to inform you that we have received the results for the Covid-19 test and both Oriana and I have tested positive.
“Luckily we are in perfect conditions.”
Hi everyone, I just wanted just to inform you that we have received the results for the Covid-19 test and both Oriana and I have tested positive. Luckily we are in perfect conditions. Thanks for your messages.
— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) March 21, 2020
Italy is the country worst-affected by the coronavirus and the death toll went passed 5000 deaths on Sunday night.
Around a dozen Serie A players have been reported as testing positive with Sampdoria and Fiorentina the other clubs affected.
Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and his Rossoneri player son Daniele have also contracted the virus.
Meanwhile, self-isolating Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he will not test for the virus after being in contact with two people recently who have contracted the novel coronavirus.
Hamilton was at an event in London in early March where he was pictured with actor Idris Elba who has the virus, just as Sophie Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was also in attendance.
REFUSAL: Lewis Hamilton, Idris Alba
He said via Twitter: I have zero symptoms and it has now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris.
“I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test.
“But the truth is, there is a limited amount of tests available and there are people who need it more than I do, especially when I wasn’t showing any symptoms at all.”
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 21, 2020