bbc--2020-05-16--Plinofficial: Russian rapper who loved dollars arrested by FBI

A court in Pennsylvania this week took up the case against a 29-year-old Russian rapper , known as Plinofficial , accused of cybercrimes .
He once dreamt of becoming the biggest rap artist on the planet .
Where did it go wrong ?
`` Married to cash , high as a kite '' - this is how Maksim Boiko , a rapper originally from Siberia , formulated his credo in 2015 .
His track The Money is Flying came out in a collection called Killa Verse .
Plinofficial was never a household name .
MTV Russia fans voted him 74th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public .
But the redhead from northern Russia wanted to stand out among his fellow rappers .
Although he could n't have come from a more different world , Boiko identified with black hip-hop culture in the US and tried to emulate it in his own lifestyle , writing on social media that he lived and rapped like an African-American man .
Boiko learnt about the lives of American rappers during a trip to the US .
He adopted their habit of photographing himself with a stack of cash next to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' meme to resemble the `` brick '' mobile of the 1980s .
Boiko published a photo of the fat bricks of cash , held together tightly with elastic bands , on Instagram .
Awash with red bills portraying Chairman Mao , he made them into pyramids .
Greenbacks with US presidents looked good against a backdrop of luxury handbags .
Red and brown notes were only any use for `` phone calls '' inside Russia .
Boiko drove a white Mercedes , sported an expensive Hublot wristwatch and drank Moët champagne .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen playing crazy games with cash/you 'll blow off the roof with such a stash '' , and `` We youngsters are making huge loads/we 're making our 'Louis ' bags explode . ''
`` Clearly I 'm sick and addicted to the money/ since 16 I 'm independent from my papa and mommy . ''
`` I live in Russia , I 'm having a great time , I 'm confident , calm , I sleep well and do n't worry , '' the rapper said in an interview on TheMostRussia Youtube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't matter how much you earn ; the important thing is to sleep well at night . ''
Two and a half years later , still calm and confident , Boiko and his pregnant wife flew to the US .
He expected to become a father and release an album there .
In February 2020 the couple 's baby girl was born .
A few weeks later , on 28 March , just days before his album launch , Boiko fell into the hands of the FBI who had been studying his work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian trap Born in an oil-drilling town of Muravlenko , in the Yamal-Nenets district in the very north of Siberia , close to the Arctic circle , Boiko has not always been able to afford his extravagant lifestyle .
In an interview for a Russian music website , Boiko talked about his parents as ordinary working-class people .
The BBC has learnt that Boiko 's father went from being an electrician to a production manager at a Gazprom subsidiary in the north of Russia .
Before he left school , Boiko set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his breakdancing friends started performing at festivals in Muravlenko and the neighbouring town of Noyabrsk .
The tickets cost around 30 roubles ( $ 0.40 ) and sometimes the gigs were cancelled because of bad weather .
The average winter temperature in this part of Russia is -13F ( -25C ) below zero .
`` The beer keg would get cold while you carried it to the apartment block entrance , where you 'd be hanging out in the hallway with the lads , '' Boiko told TheMostRussia .
Aged 17 , Boiko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city in Western Siberia , to study journalism .
During his second year at university he wrote on VKontakte : `` Studying is light and not studying - loads of free time , alcohol and chicks . ''
Boiko spent the summer of 2010 in New York on a tourist visa .
After spending all his money in a week , he found a job as a porter , first for $ 12 , then $ 17-an-hour .
When he returned home , he quit his course and moved to St Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had visited several times and now began to call home .
He joined the Swagga Music collective , and the local Trap scene .
Trap is a genre of hip-hop which started in the US in the 1990s , but acquired a newer sound - with a deep echo and multilayered synthesizers - in the first half of the 2010s .
Swagga Music was one of the first to perform Trap in Russia - long before it was popular .
Boiko called Lev Twice ( Levon Papyan ) who founded the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves '' .
But in summer 2012 Papyan died .
The city rap-scene was dead for several months .
Many think that it still has n't recovered from the loss .
That autumn , Boiko headed for Paris with a friend and after that his life changed completely .
`` Two , strapping lads ( 21 & 22 years old ) in search of work in the European Union .
Currently we are in France but we 're prepared to go wherever there is a reasonable offer .
No bad habits .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Boiko wrote on job search websites .
A few months later Boiko showed up in Guangzhou , China 's light industry and financial services centre .
It was here he began to publish his still life compositions with the Renminbi - Chinese people 's currency on Instagram .
`` Lots of people ask me , what am I doing in China and where does all the money come from , '' Boiko wrote on VKontakte .
He explained he had become a trading rep for Bizazia , a company which for 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boiko assured his readers these commissions were the source of his limitless and legal `` hustle '' - slang for making a profit .
The company was founded by a Russian couple - Igor Tolokonnikov and Kristina Glukhovskaya - who Boiko had met in Guangzhou .
The rapper asked their permission to use their company 's legal status for negotiations .
They did n't oppose it although officially they had no formal relationship with Boiko .
`` He worked with his own clients but used our company '' , Igor explains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling , '' says Kristina .
`` For example , someone in Russia wanted wall plugs .
He would find a Chinese factory producing them , agreed a price and shipped the order . ''
The couple had difficulty answering just how profitable this business was for Boiko .
`` He did n't have to do a lot of work [ supplying the goods ] , it was pretty minimal , '' Igor recalls .
`` But he sharpened up his business acumen in China . ''
Nevertheless , it was in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - after he had `` messed about in Paris , messed about in New York , messed about in Russia , messed about in Siberia '' ( these are lines from his track , From The Very Bottom ) .
That was when he could afford a beautiful gesture which Boiko called , his `` first manly act '' .
He asked his father who was staying in St Petersburg to meet an acquaintance and receive a package from him .
In the package was 1.5m roubles ( £30,000 , $ 48,400 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astonished .
`` I just had some working moves , nothing criminal , '' Boiko told TheMostRussia .
`` I told my parents they could keep the cash and clear their debts . ''
Two years later Boiko went back to St Petersburg and stopped trying to find clients for Chinese goods .
But the hustle continued .
On 25 July , 2017 Plinofficial announced the release of his debut album Goldy .
Up until then Boiko had only recorded collections with other artists .
The rapper made a music video with night-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hacker steals a BMW from an underground carpark by putting a couple of commands into his notebook .
According to the FBI , shortly after his return to St Petersburg Boiko took up computer and banking fraud .
They believe the rapper , who complained on social media that he kept forgetting to log out of his accounts on other people 's computers , was turning into a significant cybercriminal .
A chain of events lead up to it .
The July day when Boiko announced his long-awaited solo album , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Vinnik .
American law-enforcement consider him one of the founders and administrators of the crypto-currency exchange BTC-e. Vinnik was the `` brain '' behind the illegal operations of a gang which is believed to have laundered some $ 4bn ( £3bn ) over several years .
That same day , the FBI removed the servers with information about BTC-e clients from a data centre in New Jersey .
The exchange went offline and soon re-opened under a new name - Wex .
Besides the USA , Russia and France were also demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him over to the French authorities .
Vinnik claimed he was only a consultant to BTC-e , nothing more .
• Cryptoqueen : How this woman scammed the world , then ran The FBI says it found Boiko 's email on BTC-e 's client list .
Another account , for 'gangass ' was connected to it .
In the record of grounds for his arrest , it says gangass invested $ 388,000 and withdrew 136 bitcoins .
He could be called a major client .
The most incriminating evidence against Boiko was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone : access to his Gmail and iCloud accounts have been sanctioned by an American court .
FBI Special agent Samantha Shelnick led the investigation into Boiko 's case .
The Western Pennsylvania district court published her evidence with the order for his arrest .
Shelnick is convinced from studying Boiko 's accounts that although he often experimented filming himself posing with large amounts of cash , he certainly did n't reveal all on Instagram .
In an unpublished photo of Boiko in a leopardskin hoody driving a BMW , a five-storey tower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the steering wheel , holding the whole structure from collapse .
The court studied all the evidence in taking the decision to arrest Boiko .
Maybe the money did n't belong to Boiko : the FBI believes the Russian was an intermediary in chains used in the legalisation of money stolen from banks all around the world .
Without revealing how they got access to it , they presented Boiko 's correspondence in the encrypted messaging service Jabber as proof .
The prosecution found photos in his email with one of the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FBI refer to him as `` Conspirator A '' .
With access to QQAAZZ 's iCloud they discovered a fragment of Conspirator A 's messaging where he mentions Boiko , his phone number and address .
Cybersecurity experts at Positive Technologies estimate QQAAZZ 's commission for servicing stolen money reached 50 % although an average rate on the market was 20 % in 2017 .
The FBI said that one of QQAAZZ 's clients was recently convicted in a Pittsburgh court .
Even though the investigators did not name them , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the leaders of an extended international hacking group GozNym which was exposed in 2016 , having stolen around $ 100m from 41,000 victims .
The members of the group were tried in Germany , Georgia , Moldova and Ukraine and five Russians are on the internationally wanted list .
As well as Conspirator A , the FBI asserts that Boiko had another regular business partner - a 24-year-old Alexei Trofimovich from the small Latvian town of Kraslava .
On 15 January a Latvian court decided to extradite Trofimovich to the USA where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's financial fraud .
He has since appeared in court in Pittsburgh .
According to the FBI , hackers tried to send thousands of US dollars to Trofimovich 's account between 2017 and 2018 , though some transfers failed .
The FBI also says Boiko and Trofimovich may have known one another as gangass and Atrofi95 in the messenger accounts .
Atrofi95 valued gangass ' services highly and called him a wizard , though it 's not known whether the two ever met offline .
Trofimovich 's appointed lawyer did n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC .
Boiko 's lawyer is Arkady Bukh who specialises in hackers extradited to the US .
He says his rapper client denies the charges .
`` Of course , my client says he is innocent .
Have you ever seen a rapper who did n't throw money around ?
It 's rap PR . ''
Bukh has n't yet received all the prosecution 's documents in this case - at the moment he is trying to improve the Boiko 's conditions in prison .
`` The municipal prison in Miami was appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreadful .
We 've managed to get him transferred to Pennsylvania where food and conditions are much better . ''
The trial was conducted by videoconferencing because of the coronavirus epidemic .
The fact-finding session was held on 11 May and the next hearing has n't been set .
Boiko 's brother Daniil told the BBC the rapper did n't do the things he is charged with but refused to answer any other questions .
Boiko 's wife was not available for comment and the BBC has not been able to determine her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracks have begun to appear on social media with the hashtag # freeplinofficial .
Pavel , a flashmob participant says , `` His music helps me understand in times of trouble when everything 's bad , that you must n't give up , that you have to try to find a way out of the situation . ''
His friend Igor Tolokonnikov says , `` I never saw Maksim downhearted .
He had something inside which stopped him from losing hope . ''
Although there are extensive grounds for arrest , the prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is actually Boiko , says his lawyer .
`` In these situations , there 's no DNA to follow and rarely any video recordings .
It 's not an armed bank robbery , '' says Bukh .
Additional reporting by Andrey Zakharov , edited by Jessy Kaner and Kateryna Khinkulova

But the redhead from northern Russia wanted to stand out among his fellow rappers. Although he couldn't have come from a more different world, Boiko identified with black hip-hop culture in the US and tried to emulate it in his own lifestyle, writing on social media that he lived and rapped like an African-American man.


bbc--2020-05-17--Coronavirus could cost top-flight European clubs £3.5bn

Top-flight European clubs stand to lose more than £3.5bn because of Covid-19 even if the major domestic leagues and competitions reach their conclusion .
The figure , across this season and next , was outlined in a meeting of stakeholders within the game last week .
It is estimated if the competitions failed to reach their conclusions , the figure would rise to more than £6.2bn .
The German Bundesliga resumed on 16 May while the Premier League is aiming to restart on 12 June .
The eye-watering sums explain why so much work is going into plans to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season 's , including the logistical difficulty of organising 203 two-legged qualifying ties involving all 55 Uefa nations , to be completed before the middle of October .
Despite speculation to the contrary , BBC Sport understands that for sporting , political and financial reasons , Uefa is committed to retaining the inclusivity of its competitions and would only cut access as a last resort .
However , adjustments may have to be made , including the potential for one-off ties and regional qualifying , if the process is to be completed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the calendar for international football .
Uefa 's plan to normalise the situation is to arrange triple-header international windows in October and November .
However , while this might work in Europe , it would be difficult to implement in other confederations given the number of key players needing to make lengthy journeys 'home ' .
One of the major obstacles to the start of the 2020-21 international competitions are medical protocols .
Tim Meyer , who is in charge of Uefa 's medical committee , is also responsible for the protocols introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
While the 28 clubs from 12 countries still in this season 's Champions and Europa League should be able to adhere to the same protocols , expanding that across an entire continent for the enormous qualification series will prove a different challenge completely .
It has been noted the budgets of many clubs involved are far removed from those commonplace even in the mid-sized leagues .
The numerous committees and working groups that have been set up by Uefa are wrestling with ideas and problems , knowing that the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if leagues restart , for the foreseeable future there will be no spectators in grounds , a situation Borussia Dortmund estimate will cost them £2.6m per game .
Business analysts Vysyble estimate Premier League clubs will lose £878m if matches have to be played behind closed doors until the end of the 2020-21 season .
The bigger clubs suffer the heaviest losses , with Manchester United set to lose £140m and Arsenal £122m .
Bournemouth 's income would reduce by £6.7m .
This may be viewed by some as a positive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bigger clubs .
However , others see it as an inescapable fact that finance generated by the elite drives the game , through the transfer market and more valuable competitions .
`` The complete severing of matchday income is the big scare at the moment as these revenues have simply been switched off , '' said Charlie Marshall , chief executive of the European Clubs ' Association .
`` This is financially devastating for all clubs - particularly those who rely more proportionately on sheer numbers of fans .
`` The more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers of the transfer market and of collective media rights through their halo effect , on which the entire football ecosystem depends .
`` Economically speaking , the longer the crisis continues , the less the ability of the so-called bigger clubs to generate their full stack of income , the more serious the knock-on effects of suffering . ''

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Manchester United could lose £140m if matches are played behind closed doors until the end of the 2020-21 season
Top-flight European clubs stand to lose more than £3.5bn because of Covid-19 even if the major domestic leagues and competitions reach their conclusion.
The figure, across this season and next, was outlined in a meeting of stakeholders within the game last week.
It is estimated if the competitions failed to reach their conclusions, the figure would rise to more than £6.2bn.
The German Bundesliga resumed on 16 May while the Premier League is aiming to restart on 12 June.
The eye-watering sums explain why so much work is going into plans to complete all the competitions - and start next season's, including the logistical difficulty of organising 203 two-legged qualifying ties involving all 55 Uefa nations, to be completed before the middle of October.
Despite speculation to the contrary, BBC Sport understands that for sporting, political and financial reasons, Uefa is committed to retaining the inclusivity of its competitions and would only cut access as a last resort.
However, adjustments may have to be made, including the potential for one-off ties and regional qualifying, if the process is to be completed in time.
Logistical headaches also exist with the calendar for international football.
Uefa's plan to normalise the situation is to arrange triple-header international windows in October and November. However, while this might work in Europe, it would be difficult to implement in other confederations given the number of key players needing to make lengthy journeys 'home'.
One of the major obstacles to the start of the 2020-21 international competitions are medical protocols.
Tim Meyer, who is in charge of Uefa's medical committee, is also responsible for the protocols introduced by the Bundesliga for its return this weekend.
While the 28 clubs from 12 countries still in this season's Champions and Europa League should be able to adhere to the same protocols, expanding that across an entire continent for the enormous qualification series will prove a different challenge completely.
It has been noted the budgets of many clubs involved are far removed from those commonplace even in the mid-sized leagues.
Long-term issues
The numerous committees and working groups that have been set up by Uefa are wrestling with ideas and problems, knowing that the impact of Covid-19 is going to be long-lasting.
Even if leagues restart, for the foreseeable future there will be no spectators in grounds, a situation Borussia Dortmund estimate will cost them £2.6m per game.
Business analysts Vysyble estimate Premier League clubs will lose £878m if matches have to be played behind closed doors until the end of the 2020-21 season. The bigger clubs suffer the heaviest losses, with Manchester United set to lose £140m and Arsenal £122m. Bournemouth's income would reduce by £6.7m.
This may be viewed by some as a positive in levelling a playing field tilted heavily towards the bigger clubs.
However, others see it as an inescapable fact that finance generated by the elite drives the game, through the transfer market and more valuable competitions.
"The complete severing of matchday income is the big scare at the moment as these revenues have simply been switched off," said Charlie Marshall, chief executive of the European Clubs' Association.
"This is financially devastating for all clubs - particularly those who rely more proportionately on sheer numbers of fans.
"The more popular clubs across Europe are the main drivers of the transfer market and of collective media rights through their halo effect, on which the entire football ecosystem depends.
"Economically speaking, the longer the crisis continues, the less the ability of the so-called bigger clubs to generate their full stack of income, the more serious the knock-on effects of suffering."


bbc--2020-05-17--UFC in Jacksonville: Looking back at landmark week as MMA bounces back

The UFC has concluded its triple header of events in Jacksonville , Florida , as it became the first sporting organisation to return to action in the United States since the cornavirus shutdown .
There was one notable scare before 9 May 's UFC 249 event when Brazilian fighter Ronaldo 'Jacare ' Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive for Covid-19 upon their arrival in Jacksonville .
But , rather than cancel the event , the UFC instead moved to isolate the three men and provided immediate medical support while continuing with the shows , which delivered a hat-trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels good , '' UFC president Dana White told reporters at the post-fight news conference .
`` I 'm happy to have it behind me .
It was successful in every way it could be successful .
I feel great about it .
More importantly , nobody is sick .
Nobody has gotten sick .
There 's no guarantees in life , but hopefully that 's the case and we all go home .
It was a great event .
It was a great week . ''
'It 's like having 77 coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were held behind closed doors at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena .
It made for an eerie , yet compelling viewing experience , with the roar of the crowd replaced by the sound of punches and kicks echoing around the empty arena , with the voices of the cornermen clearly audible during the fights .
One fighter who said he relished the experience was UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy , who explained that he directly benefited from the lack of crowd noise as he reacted to hearing co-commentator - and former two-division UFC champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the punishing leg kicks he was receiving from opponent Yorgan de Castro .
`` It 's like having 77 coaches , '' he laughed .
`` You 've got Daniel Cormier back there , like , 'Hey , if he does n't check that leg , he 's going to lose that front leg . '
I heard everything .
`` I could hear my individual coaches .
I could hear individual instructions .
I could hear De Castro 's coaches , so it was super sweet . ''
Hardy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his coronavirus concerns heading into fight week , and admitted after his victory that hearing about Souza 's failed test left him in a slight panic before his fight .
But he leaned on his prior experience as an NFL player to help him stay focused during the build-up .
He said : `` We 're quarantining , panicking all the way up until the fight , and as soon as I found out that I did n't have it , but 'Jacare ' has it , I was , like , 'Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What do I do ? '
`` So I freaked out a little bit , but like I said , the main thing about this camp was keeping composure because we knew it was going to be crazy .
It was about being a professional , using what I learned in the NFL , transitioning into MMA and making sure I was a pro this week . ''
What next for the UFC ?
While the lack of a crowd may have offered a different ambience to the Jacksonville shows , long-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent-finding reality show , The Ultimate Fighter , and midweek fight-night programme Dana White 's Contender Series , will be familiar with seeing fighters compete in near-empty rooms , with both shows featuring prospects fighting on closed sets at the UFC 's purpose-built facilities .
It is hoped the newest of those facilities , the UFC Apex , will form the temporary home for the organisation 's Las Vegas shows in the near future .
The multi-million-dollar facility was built specifically for the UFC to hold small-scale events for broadcast on its live-streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the Apex could come into its own as the UFC 's home for US-based shows over the coming months , with restrictions expected to be eased in Nevada in the coming weeks .

Claudia Gadelha (left) celebrates after her victory over Angela Hill (right) in their strawweight fight
The UFC has concluded its triple header of events in Jacksonville, Florida, as it became the first sporting organisation to return to action in the United States since the cornavirus shutdown.
With the health of fighters and support staff a concern, the UFC sought to reduce the risk by employing multiple measures, including Covid-19 and antibody testing, and daily medical check-ups.
There was one notable scare before 9 May's UFC 249 event when Brazilian fighter Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive for Covid-19 upon their arrival in Jacksonville. But, rather than cancel the event, the UFC instead moved to isolate the three men and provided immediate medical support while continuing with the shows, which delivered a hat-trick of spectacular fight nights.
"It feels good," UFC president Dana White told reporters at the post-fight news conference.
"I'm happy to have it behind me. It was successful in every way it could be successful. I feel great about it. More importantly, nobody is sick. Nobody has gotten sick. There's no guarantees in life, but hopefully that's the case and we all go home. It was a great event. It was a great week."
'It's like having 77 coaches - I heard everything'
Greg Hardy defeated Yorgan de Castro in Jacksonville
The events themselves were held behind closed doors at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. It made for an eerie, yet compelling viewing experience, with the roar of the crowd replaced by the sound of punches and kicks echoing around the empty arena, with the voices of the cornermen clearly audible during the fights.
One fighter who said he relished the experience was UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy, who explained that he directly benefited from the lack of crowd noise as he reacted to hearing co-commentator - and former two-division UFC champion - Daniel Cormier describing how he should deal with the punishing leg kicks he was receiving from opponent Yorgan de Castro.
"It's like having 77 coaches," he laughed.
"You've got Daniel Cormier back there, like, 'Hey, if he doesn't check that leg, he's going to lose that front leg.' I heard everything.
"I could hear my individual coaches. I could hear individual instructions. I could hear De Castro's coaches, so it was super sweet."
Hardy, who has asthma, was open about his coronavirus concerns heading into fight week, and admitted after his victory that hearing about Souza's failed test left him in a slight panic before his fight. But he leaned on his prior experience as an NFL player to help him stay focused during the build-up.
He said: "We're quarantining, panicking all the way up until the fight, and as soon as I found out that I didn't have it, but 'Jacare' has it, I was, like, 'Oh my god. Do I get retested? What do I do?'
"So I freaked out a little bit, but like I said, the main thing about this camp was keeping composure because we knew it was going to be crazy. It was about being a professional, using what I learned in the NFL, transitioning into MMA and making sure I was a pro this week."
What next for the UFC?
Dana White says he has secured the use of a private island, dubbed 'Fight Island', where he plans to host international events
While the lack of a crowd may have offered a different ambience to the Jacksonville shows, long-time fans who have watched the UFC's talent-finding reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, and midweek fight-night programme Dana White's Contender Series, will be familiar with seeing fighters compete in near-empty rooms, with both shows featuring prospects fighting on closed sets at the UFC's purpose-built facilities.
It is hoped the newest of those facilities, the UFC Apex, will form the temporary home for the organisation's Las Vegas shows in the near future. The multi-million-dollar facility was built specifically for the UFC to hold small-scale events for broadcast on its live-streaming platform, UFC Fight Pass. But now the Apex could come into its own as the UFC's home for US-based shows over the coming months, with restrictions expected to be eased in Nevada in the coming weeks.
But, with travel restrictions into, and out of, the United States meaning a large portion of the UFC roster is still unable to travel to America to compete, White and the UFC need an additional solution to ensure their full international roster can return to action. Remarkably, White has addressed the problem by securing the use of an unspecified private island, where he plans to host international events in the coming months.
Dubbed 'Fight Island', the mystery location could, according to White, stage the returns to action of undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Irish superstar Conor McGregor, as well as the UFC's UK fighters, including Darren Till, Leon Edwards and Molly McCann.
It seems unlikely we'll see fans inside a UFC arena until much later, after travel restrictions and social distancing measures have been significantly eased. But, after successfully hosting three events in quick succession, White and the UFC head home to Las Vegas and are preparing to start hosting regular events - albeit behind closed doors - once again.
"We worked hard to pull this thing off," said White, whose team has shared its operational documentation with other US sporting leagues and executives.
"Nothing means more to me than the safety of everybody that was involved in the event. Not just with Covid-19, but the fight that wasn't stopped soon enough - all these type of things. Anytime we finish an event, I want everybody to go home safe. It's not any different now with the Covid-19 thing.
"We will do everything in our power. We will spend the money. We will get the best, the brightest. We'll talk to doctors and experts in the field to figure out how to beat it. One of the things I always do is I believe nothing is impossible. Everything can be done, especially in 2020. You just have to be willing to work hard enough, spend some money and come up with solutions."


bbc--2020-05-16--Haaland scores in Dortmund win as Bundesliga returns

Erling Braut Haaland scored for Borussia Dortmund as they marked the return of the Bundesliga during the coronavirus outbreak with a convincing derby win over Schalke .
The game will mostly be remembered for the surreal circumstances in which it was played , as Germany became the first major league in Europe to resume action behind closed doors .
There was an eerie atmosphere at Dortmund 's iconic Signal Iduna Park stadium , with every shout by players or coaches audible , and social distancing protocol followed by substitutes and during goal celebrations .
Haaland opened the scoring with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hazard 's cross to continue his sensational season , albeit after an enforced break of almost 10 weeks .
Raphael Guerreiro added two more goals and Hazard also found the net as Dortmund went on to claim a comfortable win over their near neighbours and move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich , who play on Sunday .
• Relive Germany 's return to football as Dortmund hit four Elite-level football might be back in Europe , but it certainly has a different feel about it than it did two months ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Schalke players arrive on multiple buses , use several changing rooms and then enter the pitch by different routes .
Warm-ups were staggered and the coaching staff and substitutes wore masks and were all separated by two metres as they took their place on the sidelines .
Once the balls had been disinfected by the ball-boys , the game began in total silence , only pierced by the referee 's whistle for kick-off , before being played out to the sound of echoed applause or yelled instructions from the dug-outs .
Fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that did not stop the Dortmund players performing their trademark salute to the empty stands at the final whistle - standing apart rather than holding hands of course .
The backdrop to the game made for a strange spectacle , but it did nothing to disrupt Haaland 's fine form even if it was 70 days on from his last Bundesliga appearance .
With the rest of Europe watching on , Dortmund 's 19-year-old Norwegian wonderkid reminded everyone of his precocious talent as he scored one goal , and helped make another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his first nine Bundesliga appearances - and 13 in 12 games in all competitions - since his January move from Red Bull Salzburg and his prolific scoring rate shows no sign of slowing up .
Another of Dortmund 's highly-rated young talents , England forward Jadon Sancho , was restricted to an 11-minute cameo off the bench , because of a calf injury .
On-loan Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny started for Schalke , who brought on Wales winger Rabbi Matondo as one of their five substitutes - two more than usual are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga 's restart .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Dortmund players observed social distancing protocol as they celebrated Haaland's goal
Erling Braut Haaland scored for Borussia Dortmund as they marked the return of the Bundesliga during the coronavirus outbreak with a convincing derby win over Schalke.
The game will mostly be remembered for the surreal circumstances in which it was played, as Germany became the first major league in Europe to resume action behind closed doors.
There was an eerie atmosphere at Dortmund's iconic Signal Iduna Park stadium, with every shout by players or coaches audible, and social distancing protocol followed by substitutes and during goal celebrations.
Haaland opened the scoring with a trademark cool finish, flicking home Thorgen Hazard's cross to continue his sensational season, albeit after an enforced break of almost 10 weeks.
Raphael Guerreiro added two more goals and Hazard also found the net as Dortmund went on to claim a comfortable win over their near neighbours and move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich, who play on Sunday.
A strange feeling as football resumes
The Schalke substitutes were all separated by two metres
Elite-level football might be back in Europe, but it certainly has a different feel about it than it did two months ago.
Strict hygiene protocols saw the Dortmund and Schalke players arrive on multiple buses, use several changing rooms and then enter the pitch by different routes.
Warm-ups were staggered and the coaching staff and substitutes wore masks and were all separated by two metres as they took their place on the sidelines.
Once the balls had been disinfected by the ball-boys, the game began in total silence, only pierced by the referee's whistle for kick-off, before being played out to the sound of echoed applause or yelled instructions from the dug-outs.
Fans were completely absent from the 80,000-capacity stadium but that did not stop the Dortmund players performing their trademark salute to the empty stands at the final whistle - standing apart rather than holding hands of course.
Dortmund's players applauded their absent fans at the final whistle
Haaland reminds Europe of his talent
The backdrop to the game made for a strange spectacle, but it did nothing to disrupt Haaland's fine form even if it was 70 days on from his last Bundesliga appearance.
With the rest of Europe watching on, Dortmund's 19-year-old Norwegian wonderkid reminded everyone of his precocious talent as he scored one goal, and helped make another.
Haaland's goal means he now has a total of 37 in club competition for the season - before joining Dortmund he scored 14 goals in Austra's top division for Red Bull Salzburg, and eight more in the Champions League
Haaland now has hit 10 goals in his first nine Bundesliga appearances - and 13 in 12 games in all competitions - since his January move from Red Bull Salzburg and his prolific scoring rate shows no sign of slowing up.
Another of Dortmund's highly-rated young talents, England forward Jadon Sancho, was restricted to an 11-minute cameo off the bench, because of a calf injury.
On-loan Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny started for Schalke, who brought on Wales winger Rabbi Matondo as one of their five substitutes - two more than usual are permitted under the new regulations for the Bundesliga's restart.
There were 30 match balls placed around the stadium, each of them disinfected by ball-boys who placed them on special spots rather than giving them directly to the players
The South Stand at Signal Iduna Park holds 25,000 fans and is the biggest free-standing grandstand in Europe. It is famed for its 'Yellow Wall' of Dortmund supporters, but was completely empty on Saturday
Some journalists were permitted to attend, but counting players, staff and officials, there were only about 300 people in and around the stadium


bbc--2020-05-17--Sebastian Vettel: How much do you know about his time at Ferrari?

They say all good things must come to an end .
For Sebastian Vettel , that means waving 'bye , @ @ @ @ @ the end of 2020 .
Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , whether we will @ @ @ @ @ in the red of the Scuderia again remains to be seen .
For now , @ @ @ @ @ on Vettel 's time at Ferrari with some quiz action .
There are 10 questions @ @ @ @ @ in your quest to become the ultimate Seb at Ferrari champion .

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
They say all good things must come to an end.
For Sebastian Vettel, that means waving 'bye, bye" to Ferrari at the end of 2020.
Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, whether we will see the four-time world champion in the red of the Scuderia again remains to be seen.
For now, though, let's reflect on Vettel's time at Ferrari with some quiz action.
There are 10 questions to have a go at in your quest to become the ultimate Seb at Ferrari champion.


bbc--2020-05-17--Sunday's gossip: Mbappe will stay one more season at PSG

France striker Kylian Mbappe will not push to leave Paris St-Germain this summer because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic , and the 21-year-old will stay with the Ligue 1 champions for one more season .
( L'Equipe , via AS ) Juventus are close to a deal to re-sign France midfielder Paul Pogba , 27 , from Manchester United and will try to use fellow French midfielder Adrien Rabiot , 25 , as a makeweight to bring the price down .
( L'Equipe , via Sunday Express ) But Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane remains determined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Mundo Deportivo , via Daily Star Sunday ) Newcastle could bid for Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast winger Wilfried Zaha , 27 if their proposed takeover goes through .
( Sun on Sunday ) Meanwhile Chelsea are set to receive £48.5m from Atletico Madrid for 27-year-old Spain striker Alvaro Morata this summer - and could use those funds to make a move for Sancho .
( Sun on Sunday ) Manchester City are aiming to win the race with rivals Manchester United for Velez Sarsfield 's 19-year-old Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Watford have both registered their interest in 19-year-old Sporting Lisbon and Ecuador winger Gonzalo Plata .
( Record , via Sport Witness ) Inter Milan are close to signing Napoli and Belgium playmaker Dries Mertens , 33 .
( La Repubblica - in Italian ) Club Bruges manager Philippe Clement says he expects 22-year-old Nigeria striker Emmanuel Dennis , who has been linked with Arsenal , Newcastle United and Wolves , to leave the club .
( La Derniere Heure , via Birmingham Mail ) Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 28 , and 30-year-old Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , who plays for Arsenal , could fit in with the football the Nou Camp club play .
( Metro ) Veteran Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has said Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos ' challenge on Liverpool 's Mohamed Salah that forced the Reds striker off injured in the 2018 Champions League final was a `` masterstroke '' .
( Marca ) Salah rejected an offer from Real Madrid in order to remain at Liverpool in 2018 , according to former Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports - in Egyptian ) Chelsea believe they have moved ahead of Tottenham in their attempts to sign 16-year-old Dutch midfielder Lamare Bogarde , who plays for Feyenoord .
( Football Insider )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
France striker Kylian Mbappe will not push to leave Paris St-Germain this summer because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and the 21-year-old will stay with the Ligue 1 champions for one more season. (L'Equipe, via AS) external-link
Juventus are close to a deal to re-sign France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27, from Manchester United and will try to use fellow French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 25, as a makeweight to bring the price down. (L'Equipe, via Sunday Express) external-link
But Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane remains determined to sign compatriot Pogba from Manchester United. (Mundo Deportivo, via Daily Star Sunday) external-link
Newcastle could bid for Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast winger Wilfried Zaha, 27 if their proposed takeover goes through. (Sun on Sunday) external-link
Meanwhile Chelsea are set to receive £48.5m from Atletico Madrid for 27-year-old Spain striker Alvaro Morata this summer - and could use those funds to make a move for Sancho. (Sun on Sunday) external-link
Manchester City are aiming to win the race with rivals Manchester United for Velez Sarsfield's 19-year-old Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada. (Sun on Sunday) external-link
Arsenal want to sign Barcelona's Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, 30. (Sunday Express) external-link
Leicester City and Watford have both registered their interest in 19-year-old Sporting Lisbon and Ecuador winger Gonzalo Plata. (Record, via Sport Witness) external-link
Inter Milan are close to signing Napoli and Belgium playmaker Dries Mertens, 33. (La Repubblica - in Italian) external-link
Club Bruges manager Philippe Clement says he expects 22-year-old Nigeria striker Emmanuel Dennis, who has been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Wolves, to leave the club. (La Derniere Heure, via Birmingham Mail) external-link
Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi doubts whether Liverpool's Senegal forward Sadio Mane, 28, and 30-year-old Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who plays for Arsenal, could fit in with the football the Nou Camp club play. (Metro) external-link
Veteran Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has said Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos' challenge on Liverpool's Mohamed Salah that forced the Reds striker off injured in the 2018 Champions League final was a "masterstroke". (Marca) external-link
Salah rejected an offer from Real Madrid in order to remain at Liverpool in 2018, according to former Egypt assistant Hany Ramzy. (On Time Sports - in Egyptian) external-link


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Trump taking unproven drug hydroxychloroquine

US President Donald Trump has said he is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus , even though health officials have warned it may be unsafe .
Speaking at the White House , he told reporters he started taking the malaria and lupus medication recently .
`` I 'm taking it for about a week and a half now and I 'm still here , I 'm still here , '' was his surprise announcement .
There is no evidence hydroxychloroquine can fight off coronavirus , though clinical trials are under way .
What did Trump say ?
The 73-year-old president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling restaurant industry on Monday , when he caught reporters unawares by revealing he was taking the drug .
`` You 'd be surprised at how many people are taking it , especially the frontline workers before you catch it , the frontline workers , many , many are taking it , '' he told reporters .
`` I happen to be taking it . ''
Asked what was his evidence of hydroxychloroquine 's positive benefits , Mr Trump said : `` Here 's my evidence : I get a lot of positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's known about anti-malarial drugs and Covid-19 ?
• The unproven 'corona drug ' US is threatening India for When asked whether the White House physician recommended he start taking the disputed remedy , Mr Trump said he himself had requested it .
`` I asked him , 'what do you think ? '
He said , 'well , if you 'd like it . '
I said , 'yeah , I 'd like it . '
'' Though some people in the White House have tested positive for coronavirus , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero symptoms '' and was being tested frequently .
He added that he has been taking a daily zinc supplement and received a single dose of azithromycin , an antibiotic meant to prevent infection .
Mr Trump also told reporters : `` It seems to have an impact and maybe it does , maybe it does n't , but if it does n't , you 're not going to get sick and die . ''
He added : `` I 've heard a lot of good stories and if it 's not good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not going to get hurt by it . ''
What have US health officials said ?
The US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) last month issued an advisory saying that hydroxychloroquine has `` not been shown to be safe and effective '' .
It cited reports that the drug can cause serious heart rhythm problems in Covid-19 patients .
The FDA warned against use of the medication outside hospitals , where the agency has granted temporary authorisation for its use in some cases .
The Centers for Disease Control ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs or therapeutics to prevent or treat Covid-19 .
Donald Trump knows how to drive a news cycle .
Going into his meeting with restaurant businesses , there were a lot of threads to the day 's events , including the stock market surging based on positive news about a possible coronavirus vaccine .
Coming out of the meeting , all anyone in the media could talk about was Mr Trump 's announcement that he has been taking the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine for more than a week now .
Some of the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a nefarious effort to distract from bad news elsewhere .
Some will see this as another instance of the president stepping on what should have been a good news day .
Or perhaps he was simply unwilling to acknowledge that his past trumpeting of the drug as a miracle cure was n't just premature , it was ill-advised .
Whatever the reason , Mr Trump has once again made himself the centre of attention - and there 's no doubt he 's perfectly happy with that .
What else did Trump say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hydroxychloroquine , the president said : `` All I can tell you is , so far I seem to be OK. '' He said the `` only negative '' he had heard was from a `` very unscientific report '' conducted by `` people that are n't big Trump fans '' .
Mr Trump was apparently referring to a preliminary study from April of Covid-19 patients in US government-run hospitals for military veterans that suggested hydroxychloroquine had no benefit and may have even caused a greater rate of deaths .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the hydroxy , and I say ... what do you have to lose ? ''
the president told reporters .
`` At some point , I 'll stop . ''
According to doctors , the drug has the potential to cause symptoms including heart failure , suicidal thoughts and signs of liver disease .
What have other medical experts said ?
Two recent studies , each involving around 1,400 Covid-19 patients in New York , did not find any benefits from hydroxychloroquine .
Another study by French researchers involved 84 hospital patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received standard care .
It concluded hydroxychloroquine had no impact for better or worse .
Last month , the American Medical Association , American Pharmacists Association and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists issued a joint statement opposing the use of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 prevention .
Also in April , the former director of a federal vaccine agency claimed in a whistleblower complaint that he was removed for refusing to promote the drug .
• Dr Rick Bright : US risks its 'darkest winter in modern history' The health department has rejected Dr Rick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has called him a `` disgruntled '' employee .

The UK government has been stockpiling some medicines that might be useful against coronavirus. That includes 16m hydroxychloroquine tablets. Clinical trials are under way in the UK and the US to assess the drug's worth. The human guinea pigs taking part include frontline healthcare workers at high risk of exposure to the virus, as well as patients.


bbc--2020-05-18--Promising early results in US vaccine trial

The first hints that a vaccine can train people 's immune system to fight coronavirus have been reported by a company in the US .
Moderna said neutralising antibodies were found in the first eight people who took part in their safety trials .
It also said the immune response was similar to people infected with the actual virus .
Larger trials to see whether the jab actually protects against infection are expected to start in July .
Work on a coronavirus vaccine has been taking place at unprecedented speed , with around 80 groups around the world working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test an experimental vaccine , called mRNA-1273 , in people .
The vaccine is a small snippet of the coronavirus 's genetic code , which is injected into the patient .
It is not capable of causing an infection or the symptoms of Covid-19 , but is enough to provoke a response from the immune system .
The vaccine trials , run by the US government 's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , showed the vaccine led to the production of antibodies which can neutralise the coronavirus .
However , testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on the first eight , out of 45 , people on the trial .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
The people on the trial were taking either a low , middle or high dose .
The highest dose was linked to most side-effects .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest dose had antibodies at the same levels seen in patients who recover from Covid-19 .
And antibodies `` significantly exceeded '' those in recovered patients for people on the middle dose .
The study is known as a phase 1 trial as it is designed to test whether the vaccine is safe , rather then whether it is effective .
It will take larger trials to see if people are protected against the virus .
However , experiments on mice showed the vaccine could prevent the virus replicating in their lungs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while early , demonstrate that vaccination with mRNA-1273 elicits an immune response of the magnitude caused by natural infection , '' said Dr Tal Zaks , chief medical officer at Moderna .
`` These data substantiate our belief that mRNA-1273 has the potential to prevent Covid-19 disease and advance our ability to select a dose for pivotal trials . ''
Moderna said it was hoping to start a large-scale trial in July , and that it was already investigating how to manufacture the vaccine at scale .
A vaccine pioneered by the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , but there are no results from those trials yet .
However , concerns have been raised about the results of experiments in monkeys .
Tests showed vaccinated animals had less severe symptoms and did not get pneumonia .
However , they were not completely protected from the virus and signs of it were detected at the same level in the monkeys ' noses as in unvaccinated animals .
Prof Eleanor Riley , from the University of Edinburgh , said : `` If similar results were obtained in humans , the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the vaccine recipient but would be unlikely to reduce transmission in the wider community . ''
However , until human trials have been performed it is impossible to know how the vaccine will perform in people .

Tests showed vaccinated animals had less severe symptoms and did not get pneumonia. However, they were not completely protected from the virus and signs of it were detected at the same level in the monkeys' noses as in unvaccinated animals.


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: France and Germany propose €500bn recovery fund

France and Germany are proposing a €500bn ( $ 545bn ; £448bn ) European recovery fund to be distributed to EU countries worst affected by Covid-19 .
In talks on Monday , French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed that the funds should be provided as grants .
Mr Macron said it was a major step forward and was `` what the eurozone needs to remain united '' .
`` I believe this is a very deep transformation and that 's what the European Union and the single market needed to remain coherent , '' Mr Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs Merkel , who had previously rejected the idea of nations sharing debt , said the European Commission would raise money for the fund by borrowing on the markets , which would be repaid gradually from the EU 's overall budget .
Grants provided by the proposed recovery fund should also be used to help finance the bloc 's investment in a greener future , the two leaders said .
• Politics and PR : Behind the scenes of the plan European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the proposal `` acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic challenge that Europe faces '' .
European Central Bank ( ECB ) President Christine Lagarde said the plan was `` ambitious , targeted and welcome '' .
Other EU countries must agree with the proposal , however , and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz later insisted that his country backed providing loans to member nations hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , rather than grants .
`` Our position remains unchanged , '' Mr Kurz wrote in a tweet , adding : `` We expect the updated [ EU budget ] to reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceiling . ''
In EU political terms this is huge .
Chancellor Merkel has conceded a lot .
She openly agreed with the French that any money from this fund , allocated to a needy EU country , should be a grant , not a loan .
Importantly , this means not increasing the debts of economies already weak before the pandemic .
President Macron gave ground , too .
He had wanted a huge fund of a trillion or more euros .
But a trillion euros of grants was probably too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fellow German taxpayers .
The resulting compromise : a win-win for the two leaders .
They hope .
They got to demonstrate that the famed Franco-German motor of Europe still has some va-va-voom .
Mr Macron badly needs to polish his European credentials at home .
He already has an eye on his re-election bid and so far the self-styled Mr Europe 's attempt at European reform has failed rather spectacularly to take off .
Chancellor Merkel , meanwhile , is in her last term of office .
She 's clocked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of the bickering and a lack of EU solidarity during the pandemic .
She has her political legacy in mind .
Italy and Spain had previously urged their partners in the 27-member bloc , especially the richer countries of northern Europe , to show more solidarity by sharing debt that all EU nations would help to pay off .
The two countries are among a number of European nations to further ease their coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Monday .
But while businesses reopen following more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies hard .
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

They got to demonstrate that the famed Franco-German motor of Europe still has some va-va-voom. Mr Macron badly needs to polish his European credentials at home. He already has an eye on his re-election bid and so far the self-styled Mr Europe's attempt at European reform has failed rather spectacularly to take off.


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: US woman, 96, speaks Welsh for first time in 40 years

An elderly Welsh woman now living in the United States has spoken Welsh for the first time in 40 years after a lockdown social media appeal .
Ray McDermott , 96 , who is originally from Carmarthenshire but who has lived in the US for 70 years , was worried she would never speak it again .
But Ray , of Ohio , has now been able to connect with Welsh speakers after her son , Keith , asked for help online .
`` It actually brought tears to my eyes , '' she said .
Ray spent her childhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pembrokeshire , and Aberystwyth in Ceredigion , before marrying an American soldier , Jim McDermott , when she was 18 and later setting sail for a new life in the US .
• Why do Welsh place names appear around the world ?
• How to homeschool in a language you do n't speak The mother-of-two has not spoken Welsh since her mother died nearly four decades ago and recently told her son : `` I do n't think I 'll ever have a chance to speak Welsh again . ''
Keith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City , said he was desperate to help his mother speak her mother tongue as she has started to suffer short-term memory loss .
`` The pandemic imposes the greatest loneliness on people .
My mom is feeling that loneliness , '' he said .
`` As her short-term memory gets worse , her long-term memory comes into focus .
`` When we get in to discussions of the past and Wales , her memory is totally sharp and she has been yearning to speak Welsh . ''
So he put a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very cool , great-humoured '' mother in the New York Welsh area and , within 30 minutes , he was deluged with responses .
He said he was `` touched '' and `` a little overwhelmed '' .
`` She was shocked , since she does n't have a computer the whole world of internet is shocking to her , '' he added .
`` I read each comment to her and she was very responsive when people included what part of Wales they are from . ''
Keith went one step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director and playwright originally from Cardiff but living in New York - to give Ray a call .
`` I saw Keith 's post and thought 'that 's something easy for me to do ' , '' she said .
`` It 's a very hard time at the moment and we are all feeling a little bit isolated and especially if you are older .
I thought 'why not reach out ? '
I am a fluent Welsh speaker and very pro the Welsh language .
`` It was a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think . ''
Ray said it was lovely to speak to someone who had visited the same places as her when she was a child and that speaking Welsh again was a very special moment .
Her first words were : `` I used to talk in Welsh with my mum . ''
She told BBC Wales : `` My mother was the last person who spoke Welsh to me and she has been dead 40 years so it has been a long time .
`` I did n't think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It actually brought tears to my eyes .
I do n't cry very often .
It was lovely , it really was . ''
Keith hopes to set up more Welsh phone conversations for Ray and Melisa has promised to send Ray some short stories in Welsh to remind her of her life in Wales .

"It's a very hard time at the moment and we are all feeling a little bit isolated and especially if you are older. I thought 'why not reach out?' I am a fluent Welsh speaker and very pro the Welsh language.


bbc--2020-05-18--Leonardo DiCaprio joins DR Congo gorilla park campaign after attack

Leonardo DiCaprio has joined a campaign to support Africa 's oldest nature reserve after it came under a deadly attack last month .
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its endangered mountain gorilla population .
In April , 12 rangers at the park were killed in an ambush by a suspected Rwandan rebel group .
DiCaprio has now contributed to a new fund which aims to support the park .
Earth Alliance , a group co-founded by the actor , has donated part of the initial $ 2m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not clear exactly how much .
`` I had the great honour of meeting and supporting Virunga 's courageous team in their fight against illegal oil drilling in 2013 , '' DiCaprio said in a statement to BBC News .
The actor was an executive producer on the documentary Virunga , which was nominated for an Oscar in 2014 .
`` Virunga urgently needs funds to protect the endangered mountain gorilla population , to provide support to the rangers and the families of rangers who have fallen in the line of duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevention efforts , '' he said .
`` It 's critical that we rally together during this time of incredible crisis . ''
The park , a Unesco World Heritage site , is one of the most biologically diverse in the world , and his home to several hundred species of birds , reptiles and mammals .
On Monday , the park launched the Virunga Fund , made up of donations from groups including Earth Alliance , which was co-founded by DiCaprio , Emerson Collective and Global Wildlife Conservation .
The European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns and guerrillas - a deadly mix in an African park Virunga Park said it was facing a `` series of unprecedented threats '' .
In addition to the recent attack on rangers , the coronavirus outbreak has forced it to close to tourists , resulting in a significant loss of revenue .
Scientists have also said Covid-19 poses an `` existential threat '' to the gorillas themselves .
The World Wide Fund For Nature has warned that mountain gorillas are at risk of catching coronavirus because they share 98 % of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virunga stopped all tourism activities , 12 park rangers , a driver and four members of the local community were killed in a violent attack by around 60 militiamen .
The group ambushed a convoy of civilians that was being protected by the rangers .
A statement from the park at the time described it as an attack on the local civilian population , adding that the rangers were not the target .
Kidnappers have previously been known to target tourists in the park .
In 2018 attackers killed park ranger Rachel Masika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British tourists and their driver .
National Virunga Park director Emmanuel De Merode said he had `` never been more worried '' about the future of the park in light of the outbreaks of Ebola and Covid-19 .
`` Virunga 's rangers are racing against the clock to protect both the local communities that surround the park and the endangered mountain gorilla population from these twin threats , '' he said .
The park said money raised would provide urgent support for staff on the ground to deliver critical disease prevention efforts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DiCaprio has become well known for his activism in recent years , particularly on environmental issues .
In 2016 he appeared in Before The Flood , a documentary that saw him meet scientists and world leaders to discuss the dangers of climate change .
Last month he helped launch America 's Food Fund , a fundraising initiative that aims to ensure all US citizens have access to a reliable supply of food .
It has raised $ 26m ( £21.4m ) so far .
The 45-year-old became one of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing in Titanic and Romeo + Juliet .
He has since starred in The Wolf of Wall Street , The Departed and Once Upon A Time in Hollywood .
He won the Oscar for best actor in 2016 for The Revenant .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

The group ambushed a convoy of civilians that was being protected by the rangers. A statement from the park at the time described it as an attack on the local civilian population, adding that the rangers were not the target.


bbc--2020-05-18--Flowing mud does strange things on Mars

Flowing mud does strange things on Mars

Scientists have made a surprising discovery about Mars by playing with mucky fluids in the laboratory .
An international team @ @ @ @ @ that spew mud instead of molten rock might look on the Red Planet compared with @ @ @ @ @ .
In these chamber experiments , the simulated Martian mud flows are seen to behave @ @ @ @ @ .

Scientists have made a surprising discovery about Mars by playing with mucky fluids in the laboratory.
An international team of researchers wondered how volcanoes that spew mud instead of molten rock might look on the Red Planet compared with their counterparts here on Earth.
In these chamber experiments, the simulated Martian mud flows are seen to behave a bit like boiling toothpaste.


bbc--2020-05-18--Pompeo denies inspector general fired as payback for investigation

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has denied seeking to oust the state department 's independent watchdog in `` retaliation '' for an investigation .
He had been investigating Mr Pompeo 's alleged use of government staff for personal errands , US media reported .
It emerged on Monday he was also scrutinising a Trump administration Saudi arms deal .
He is the fourth inspector general ( IG ) to be fired by Mr Trump in four weeks , and the move sparked outcry from Democrats , who claimed Mr Linick was fired for political reasons .
Mr Pompeo confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said he did not know that the inspector general was investigating him .
`` I 'm not briefed on it .
I usually see these investigations in final draft form 24 hours , 48 hours before the IG is prepared to release them , '' he told the Washington Post on Monday .
`` So it 's simply not possible for this to be an act of retaliation .
End of story . ''
The secretary of state said Mr Linick was sacked for `` undermining '' the state department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick was n't performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to , that was additive for the state department , very consistent with what the statute says he 's supposed to be doing , '' he said .
Mr Linick , a former prosecutor , was appointed by Mr Trump 's predecessor , Barack Obama , to oversee spending and detect mismanagement at the state department .
Democrats say Mr Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold his administration to account .
On Friday , Mr Trump said he no longer had the `` fullest confidence '' in Mr Linick and that he would be terminated in 30 days .
Mr Linick was said to be investigating complaints that Mr Pompeo had improperly used tax-payer provided staff for personal tasks , such as picking up dry cleaning and walking his dog .
Mr Trump on Monday dismissed the investigation as unimportant .
`` I do n't know anything about the investigation but you 're just telling me about walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's terrible .
It 's so stupid .
You know how stupid that sounds to the world ?
Unbelievable . ''
He added : `` I 'd rather have him on the phone with some world leader than have him wash dishes because maybe his wife is n't there or his kids are n't there . ''
Eliot Engel , the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs committee said over the weekend that he believed Mr Linick 's sacking was an act of `` retaliation '' and that he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible that this decision , or my recommendation rather , to the president rather , was based on any effort to retaliate for any investigation that was going on , or is currently going on , '' he told the Post .
On Monday , Mr Engel said he suspected `` another reason for Mr Linick 's firing '' .
`` His office was investigating - at my request - Trump 's phony declaration of an emergency so he could send weapons to Saudi Arabia , '' Mr Engel said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full picture yet , but it 's troubling that Secretary Pompeo wanted Mr Linick pushed out before this work could be completed . ''
Last May , Mr Trump angered both Republicans and Democrats when he declared a national emergency to sidestep a congressional review of over $ 7bn ( £5.7bn ) in arms sales to Saudi Arabia .
The rarely used loophole in the Arms Export Control Act was invoked by Mr Trump to approve the sale to Saudi Arabia , Jordan and and the UAE - over the objection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , Mr Pompeo said `` an emergency exists which requires the immediate sale '' of the weapons `` in order to deter further the malign influence of the government of Iran throughout the Middle East region . ''
He said the arms shipments `` must occur as quickly as possible in order to deter further Iranian adventurism in the Gulf and throughout the Middle East . ''
Human rights groups have found instances when US-made weapons have been used by Saudi Arabia to kill civilians in neighbouring Yemen during that country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest in a series of dismissals of independent government watchdogs .
Last month , Mr Trump dismissed Michael Atkinson , the inspector general of the intelligence community .
Mr Atkinson first alerted Congress to a whistleblower complaint that led to Mr Trump 's impeachment trial .

"I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick wasn't performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to, that was additive for the state department, very consistent with what the statute says he's supposed to be doing," he said.


bbc--2020-05-18--FBI: US naval base attack 'motivated by Al-Qaeda'

A Saudi Air Force officer who went on a deadly gun rampage at a US naval base in December 2019 worked with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula ( AQAP ) to plan the attack , US officials say .
The gunman 's phone revealed the terror link , the FBI and Department of Justice said .
The attack in Pensacola , Florida killed three US sailors and injured eight .
Prosecutors criticised Apple for refusing to unlock the gunman 's phones , which authorities took months to hack .
The attack led to the expulsion of 21 Saudi military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base with the attacker .
According to the FBI , the gunman , who was killed by authorities after shooting 11 people , had been radicalised before arriving Florida for a three-year aviation course the US navy hosts for allied foreign servicemen .
Records revealed that he had been in active contact with AQAP , an off-shoot of al-Qaeda based in Yemen , up to the shooting , including talking about plans to carry out a `` special operation '' for them .
The group 's leader , Qasim al-Raymi , was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a US operation .
AQAP had released an audio message earlier that month with Raymi 's voice , in which he said the group was behind the naval base shooting .
• Al-Qaeda leader in Yemen killed by US strike FBI Director Christopher Wray said that gunman was `` more than inspired '' by AQAP , sharing tactics and `` co-ordinating '' with the group on plans for attack .
The attack strained US-Saudi relations and led the Defence department to pause all international military training in the US until further vetting measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did nothing to help' In disclosing details of the terror investigation on Monday , the Trump administration criticised Apple for refusing to help unlock the gunman 's phones , which he had attempted to destroy before he was shot dead following the attack .
Hacking into his two phones four months after the attack diverted attention from other important work and gave conspirators time to evade justice , Mr Wray and Attorney General William Barr said .
`` Apple has made a business and marketing decision to allow only the user to unlock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Mr Barr , adding that the company had ignored a personal request from President Donald Trump .
`` Apple 's decision has dangerous consequences for public safety and the national security , and is in my judgement , unacceptable , '' he added , calling on new laws to mandate Apple 's future co-operation .
Mr Wray told reporters that the phones had already yielded valuable intelligence , which led directly to a US counter-terror operation in Yemen .
Apple has denied FBI requests to unlock its iPhone devices in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing larger concerns over privacy .
Who was the attacker ?
Mohammed Alshamrani had been speaking regularly with a contact with AQAP and was `` certainly more than just inspired '' by the terror group , Mr Wray said when asked if the attacker had been `` directed '' from abroad .
He was frequently `` sharing plans and tactics with them '' , including video he made of the campus , said Mr Wray .
He was `` co-ordinating with them and providing them an opportunity to take credit , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alshamrani 's will after his death .
He was radicalised in 2015 , officials said , and his communications with the terror group `` continued right up until the end , the very night before he started shooting '' .
The expelled Saudi students were found to have had jihadist material and indecent images of children in their possession , investigators have said , but none were accused of aiding the killer .
US Attorney General William Barr vowed that Saudi Arabia would conduct a review to determine if any soldiers should face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
The investigation continues .

The group's leader, Qasim al-Raymi, was confirmed in February to have been killed during a US operation. AQAP had released an audio message earlier that month with Raymi's voice, in which he said the group was behind the naval base shooting.


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Trump accuses WHO of being a 'puppet of China'

President Donald Trump has lashed out again at the UN 's health body by labelling it a `` puppet of China '' .
The comment came hours after the US said the World Health Organization ( WHO ) had let Covid-19 spin `` out of control '' at the cost of `` many lives '' .
`` There was a failure by this organisation to obtain the information that the world needed , '' US Health Secretary Alex Azar said on Monday .
Mr Azar made the comments in an address to the UN 's World Health Assembly .
WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a review over the agency 's handling of the pandemic .
Dr Tedros said an independent evaluation , which would look at what lessons could be learned and put forward any recommendations , would take place `` at the earliest opportunity '' .
The two-day assembly - an annual meeting involving 194 member states of the WHO that reviews the work of the UN 's health agency - comes amid recriminations between the US and China over the virus .
US President Donald Trump , who faces re-election this year and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has blamed China for trying to cover up the outbreak and has accused the WHO of failing to hold Beijing to account .
`` I chose not to make a statement today , '' Mr Trump said on Monday about the event , while describing the body as `` China-centric '' and `` a puppet of China '' .
He said the WHO had `` gave us a lot of very bad advice , terrible advice '' and were `` wrong so much and always on the side of China '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat at meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping , who has defended China 's actions during the outbreak , said at Monday 's virtual meeting that his country had acted `` with openness and transparency '' and insisted that any investigation should happen after the pandemic was brought under control .
He added that China would provide $ 2bn ( £1.6bn ; €1.8bn ) over two years in aid to nations around the world in the wake of the pandemic and offered to share any vaccine as soon as one became available .
White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described the move as `` a token to distract from calls ... demanding accountability for the Chinese government 's failure to meet its obligations '' .
Meanwhile , South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the WHO must be given more legal powers to ensure that countries report outbreaks and share data .
`` A novel infectious disease could emerge at any time and we must be able to respond more quickly and effectively , '' he said .
More than 4.5 million people have been infected and more than 300,000 have died since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a good four hours of countries pledging their support for the WHO , the US took just three minutes to launch a scathing attack on the UN 's health agency .
The US did n't specifically name China , but talked about `` at least one member state 's apparent attempt '' to `` conceal this outbreak '' , and said the WHO `` must become far more transparent and far more accountable '' .
Meanwhile , South Korea and Australia said the assembly should consider giving the WHO more powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` inspection powers '' .
There have been calls for the agency to be mandated to go into countries very early in outbreaks , to carry out independent investigations .
China has said it supports a `` comprehensive evaluation '' of the global response , but only after the virus is contained .
That could take months - or even years .
What is being discussed at the assembly ?
The European Union , alongside countries including the UK , Australia and New Zealand , has been pushing for an inquiry into how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons can be learned .
EU spokeswoman Virginie Battu-Henriksson said several key questions needed to be answered as part of any review .
`` How did this pandemic spread ?
What is the epidemiology behind it ?
All this is absolutely crucial for us going forward to avoid another pandemic of this kind , '' she said .
However , she added that now was not the time for `` any sort of blame game '' .
A draft resolution calling for a review , to be put to a vote on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last month , an EU report accused China of spreading disinformation about the crisis .
The bloc 's External Action Service said Russia , and to a lesser extent China , had promoted `` conspiracy narratives '' .
Separately , member states agreed on Monday to delay discussions over granting Taiwan observer status for assembly meetings , with Taipei saying that it would defer its demand until later in the year .
China , which says Taiwan is part of its territory , has blocked Taiwan 's attendance since 2016 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Japan and several other nations have backed Taiwan 's bid to attend the meeting .
During Monday 's talks , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said excluding Taiwan `` further damages '' the credibility of the WHO .
What are the accusations against China ?
The outbreak first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and was widely reported to have originated in a food market .
Since then , however , some senior US politicians have suggested that the source was a research facility in Wuhan that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronaviruses .
China has dismissed the idea .
Mr Pompeo said earlier this month that there was `` a significant amount of evidence '' that the virus came from a laboratory in Wuhan .
However , in a TV interview with Breitbart on Saturday he appeared to step back , saying `` we know it began in Wuhan , but we do n't know from where or from whom '' .
The draft resolution mentions identifying `` the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Last month , senior Chinese diplomat Chen Wen told the BBC that demands for an investigation were politically motivated and that such a move would only divert attention and resources away from fighting the virus .
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

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bbc--2020-05-18--Sir Frederick Barclay's nephew 'caught with bugging device' at Ritz hotel

CCTV footage allegedly showing Sir Frederick Barclay 's nephew handling a bugging device at London 's Ritz hotel has been released .
The footage is at the centre of a bitter legal row between the families of the billionaire Barclay twins .
Sir Frederick , 85 , and his daughter Amanda are suing three of Sir David Barclay 's sons for invasion of privacy .
They claim the surveillance gave the men commercial advantage and they sold the Ritz for half its market value .
The Barclay brothers ' businesses include the Telegraph Media Group , the online retailer Very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and - at the time of the bugging - the Ritz hotel in London .
• Who are the Barclay brothers ?
• Telegraph owners to put paper up for sale Sir Frederick , the elder twin by 10 minutes , and his daughter Amanda are suing Sir David Barclay 's sons - Alistair , Aidan and Howard , Aidan 's son Andrew , and Philip Peters , a board director of the Barclay group for invasion of privacy , breach of confidence and data protection laws .
The claim stems from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famously private twins .
Substantial parts of the brothers ' empire are now owned by trusts in which their children are beneficiaries .
That means Sir David 's three sons exercise a controlling interest as compared with Sir Frederick 's daughter Amanda .
The CCTV footage allegedly shows Alistair Barclay handling a bugging device at the Ritz hotel on 13 January this year .
The recording shows Mr Barclay inserting a plug adaptor , which is claimed to contain a listening device , into a socket .
In court documents lodged by Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the bug - which was placed in the hotel 's conservatory where Sir Frederick liked to conduct business meetings and smoke cigars - captured more than 1,000 separate conversations amounting to some 94 hours of recordings The pair claim the recordings amount to `` commercial espionage on a vast scale '' .
Last week the high court declined to order the release of the footage to the media in part because `` the material is in the hands of the claimants , and available to them to provide to the media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCTV footage has now been released by Sir Frederick .
In a statement he said : `` The decision to release this video of this deliberate and premeditated invasion of my privacy is in the public interest .
`` I do not want anyone else to go through the awful experience of having their personal and private conversations listened to by scores of strangers .
`` It is surely in everyone 's interests for the law to be changed to prevent people outside the authorities using sophisticated spying devices that have such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case documents allege that the defendants obtained knowledge of his `` conversations with Sidra Capital , which at the time had made an initial offer of some £1.3bn for the acquisition of the Ritz hotel '' .
`` Despite this , the defendants sold the Ritz hotel to another buyer from Qatar at a price that appears to be half the market price .
One is left to speculate why . ''
The hotel was sold by Sir David 's side of the family in March to the Qatari businessman Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the Ritz was sold for less than £1bn .
The once inseparable brothers , who used to live together in a mock gothic castle on the Channel island of Brecqhou , purchased the five star hotel for £75m in 1995 .
Shortly after Alistair Barclay , a former racing car driver , was caught on film handling the alleged bugging device , Amanda was removed as a director of the Ritz .
On the same day , two of David 's other sons , Aidan and Howard were made directors of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate Wi-Fi bug was supplied by private investigation firm Quest Global .
Its chairman is former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Stevens .
The claimants ' documents say that Quest invoiced for 405 hours of listening and transcribing .
The recordings , it is alleged , captured `` private , confidential , personal and Sir Frederick 's privileged conversations with his lawyers , and with his daughter 's trustees , bankers and businesspeople '' .
The business conversations also touched on details of Sir Frederick 's divorce and his granddaughter 's special needs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimants ' documents , the recordings took place `` when there were significant ongoing commercial disputes between the parties concerning - among other things - the sale of the Ritz hotel , the financial performance and management of the group , C2 ( Amanda Barclay 's ) continuing financial interests in the group , and C1 ( Sir Frederick 's ) divorce proceedings '' .
It is said that the defendants were able to `` anticipate ( Sir Frederick 's ) every move in advance , plan their business strategy around that… at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal relationships had broken down , and the respective interests of the claimants and the defendants were in conflict '' .
Late last year , Sir David 's side of the family tightened its hold on the Barclay empire .
His sons Aidan and Howard were appointed as `` persons with significant control '' of Ellerman Holdings , the holding company for the Barclays ' UK interests .
Aidan Barclay is also the chairman of Telegraph Media Group - publishers of the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph .
Ellerman holdings has previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best value for its shareholders in relation to the sale of the Ritz .
Sir Frederick is described in the court documents as `` a man now left to contemplate his nephews ' betrayal and a father who 's witnessed the prejudicial treatment of his daughter '' .
Heather Rogers , the lawyer for the defendants , told the hearing on 6 May that Sir Frederick and Amanda 's claims had been put in an `` eye-catching and emotive '' way .
She said : `` This is a dispute about family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of view , it is unfortunate that they are being canvassed in public rather than resolved in the family . ''
A defence to the action has yet to be filed and a trial will take place at a later date .

It is said that the defendants were able to "anticipate (Sir Frederick's) every move in advance, plan their business strategy around that… at this crucial time when their business and personal relationships had broken down, and the respective interests of the claimants and the defendants were in conflict".


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus football: FC Seoul apologises for 'sex dolls' in stands

It is a challenge for sports leagues across the world - if play can only resume in empty stadiums , how can the atmosphere be improved ?
However , not many clubs will be rushing to follow the example of FC Seoul .
The top-flight South Korean side has apologised after fans accused them of using sex dolls in the stands .
FC Seoul insisted they were `` premium mannequins '' rather than sex dolls - but did admit they came from a supplier that produces sex toys .
And some of the dolls were holding signs advertising x-rated websites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea .
The mannequins ' manufacturer told the BBC they had apologised to FC Seoul .
But they also reiterated that the dolls were merely `` premium mannequins '' .
What happened at the match ?
On Sunday , FC Seoul played their first home match of the K League season .
The ground was empty - one of many measures designed to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak .
So before the match , a company called Dalcom offered to fill some of the empty seats , and the club agreed .
In total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them female , and two of them male .
However , fans watching online noticed that some of the mannequins looked more like sex dolls - and some were advertising x-rated websites - leading to the club apologising on Instagram and Facebook .
Dalcom said the adverts came from a sex toy company who placed orders with Dalcom , and wanted to take pictures of the mannequins before the game .
`` They were supposed to take all the logos down before the game started , '' Dalcom director Cho Young-june told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several hairbands and logos left to be caught by public eye . ''
FC Seoul official Lee Ji-hoon told the BBC it did n't do a background check on Dalcom , and did n't realise they worked in the sex industry .
Mr Lee admitted he thought the dolls looked `` very human '' - but said it did n't even enter his mind that they could be sex toys .
When did football resume in South Korea ?
The 2020 K League season was supposed to begin in February but was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korea 's success in fighting the virus allowed football to resume sooner than almost everywhere else .
And , when the season began on 8 May , the K League was one of the few places for sports fans to get their fix - leading to increased global attention .
• K-League to begin new season on Saturday The opening match - Jeonbuk Motors versus Suwon Bluewings - was even streamed live by the BBC .
As well as empty stands , handshakes are banned , and coaches have to wear facemasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nose is prohibited and players should refrain from close conversations , '' said a K League official before the first match .
Which other football leagues have resumed ?
The Bundesliga in Germany resumed at the weekend , but , like South Korea , with no fans present .
The Premier League in England has a tentative return date of 12 June - but there is a `` growing feeling '' this will need to be pushed back .
Other leagues , such as France 's Ligue 1 , have cancelled their @ @ @

"They were supposed to take all the logos down before the game started," Dalcom director Cho Young-june told the BBC. "But there were several hairbands and logos left to be caught by public eye."