Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed Friday to hold the Olympics as a symbol of unity and hope, despite growing doubts over the virus-postponed event's fate.
-Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer- Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.
-I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity.-
His strident tone echoed that of Tokyo Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee, both of whom insisted this week that the Games will go ahead safely.
But with many countries still paralysed by Covid-19 and large parts of Japan -- including Tokyo -- under a state of emergency, concern is growing over pushing ahead with the huge international event, due to start on July 23.
Tokyo's first Olympic test event of 2021, an artistic swimming competition scheduled for March, was postponed on Thursday for two months because of travel restrictions.
In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine.
But public support in Japan for holding the Games this year is low.
A poll conducted last weekend by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper showed only 11 percent of the 1,647 respondents said the Olympics should go ahead this summer.
In the survey, 51 percent supported postponement and 35 percent said it should be cancelled.

In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine

Suga's strident tone echoed that of Tokyo Olympics organisers and the IOC, who insist the Games will go ahead this summer

Japan PM says Olympics will unite world in hope

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that athletes and officials be vaccinated before they arrive in Japan for the summer games.
-The IOC will work with the NOCs (National Olympic Committees) to encourage and assist their athletes, officials and stakeholders to get vaccinated in their home countries, in line with national immunization guidelines, before they go to Japan- the IOC said in a statement late Tuesday.
-This is to contribute to the safe environment of the Games, but also out of respect for the Japanese people, who should be confident that everything is being done to protect not only the participants, but also the Japanese people themselves.-
IOC President Thomas Bach encouraged Olympic and Paralympic participants to get inoculated, but clarified it will not be obligatory.
Initially scheduled for last July, the 2020 Olympics were among a host of sports events postponed worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event is now due in the capital Tokyo from July 23 to Aug. 8, followed by the Paralympics from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
The Japanese government has categorically denied reports on the potential cancellation of the Olympic Games.

Games scheduled in Tokyo from July 23 to Aug. 8

In this photo illustration taken in Ankara, Turkey on December 30, 2020 a vaccine syringe with a drop on the needle's end is seen in front of a computer screen showing the flag of International Olympic Committee (IOC)

IOC suggests vaccination for athletes ahead of Olympics

Ivaylo Petev is the new selector of the B&amp;H national football team, it was decided today by the Executive Board of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As he emphasized in an exclusive statement for "Avaz", he refused invitations to over 15 journalists from Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
- I have seen some texts in your media that are not very kind to me, but I manage to work professionally and have such cooperation with everyone - said Petev, and then added:
- You have no idea how much I know about the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have been following everything with great attention for seven or eight years. I also know what was going on in the barrage. I must say that I have great sympathy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have a lot of friends here which are not known to public.
As he says, he still does not have the authority to go into details about the national team, but he certainly has his own vision. The truth is Petev, he was not a favorite of the public.
- It smells to me that there was little politics in everything. I don’t care about it, nor have I ever been interested in it. I am only interested in the result and nothing else. Only the field, the players, the national team and the result - Petev emphasized.

The new selector spoke for our portal

Ivaylo Petev for "Avaz": I am not interested in politics, only the result

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 760th career goal in Juventus' 2-0 Italian Super Cup win over Napoli on Wednesday, prompting claims he is the top scorer of all time. However, doubts persist as to who actually holds the record.
With five goals for Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, 85 for Juventus and 102 for Portugal, there is little debate over Ronaldo's own tally.
The Portuguese forward, who turns 36 next month, is the undisputed holder of several records, easily the leading scorer for Real Madrid and his country, and above Lionel Messi in the Champions League goalscoring charts.
But uncertainty arises from the totals of his rivals from previous eras, with the likes of Brazilian duo Pele and Romario both claiming to have netted more than 1,000 goals.
Last month Barcelona's Messi surpassed Pele's recognised total of 643 goals for a single club, but Santos swiftly countered saying the three-time World Cup winner racked up 1,091 goals for them including those in friendlies.
Pele's own Instagram bio notes he is the "Leading Goal Scorer of All Time (1,283)". 
However, if just official matches are the measuring stick, the Brazilian is apparently still behind Josef Bican, who football historians calculated scored 805 goals between 1931 and 1955 playing for half a dozen clubs as well as Austria and Czechoslovakia.
-'Pepi', as he was known, is credited with scoring 805 goals in 530 games, giving him a career average of 1.52 goals per game- FIFA.com said in an article devoted to him last year. 
Included in that number though are 27 goals for Rapid Vienna's reserve and amateur sides, in addition to some that were scored not in official international matches.
Discounting those strikes puts Bican on 759 goals from just 495 games, although international football research website RSSSF (Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation) says data is partially missing from the 1952 season in the Czech second division.
Pele is credited with between 757 and 767 goals in competitive matches over his career, which included 92 Brazil internationals and two seasons with the New York Cosmos.
He is listed third (767) by RSSSF behind Romario, who helped Brazil to the 1994 World Cup and ended with 772 goals.
Romario celebrated reaching a "personal count" of 1,000 goals in 2007, a total comprising strikes at youth level and in friendlies and testimonials.
Other reports and statisticians suggest Romario's official haul is just under 750 following a globetrotting career that included spells at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Flamengo, Miami FC and Adelaide United.
As for Messi, who at 33 is two years Ronaldo's junior, he is on 719 goals for Barcelona and Argentina and will undoubtedly factor into the equation before he is done. 
What is certain is that even if Ronaldo did not break the all-time record, the mark appears well within reach for a player who continues to score at a remarkable rate as he approaches his 36th birthday.

The Portuguese forward, who turns 36 next month, is the undisputed holder of several records

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 760th career goal in Juventus' 2-0 Italian Super Cup win over Napoli on Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021.

Ronaldo scores 760th career goal, but is it a world record?

Serie A leaders AC Milan announced on Tuesday the arrival of former Croatia striker Mario Mandžukić on a six-month contract.
Free agent Mandžukić, 34, who retired from international football after losing the 2018 World Cup final, returns to the Italian top-flight after four years with Juventus.
Mandžukić left Juve for Al-Duhail in 2019 but departed the Qatari side by mutual consent last July.
-The club and the striker have agreed on a deal until the end of the current season with an option to extend the contract for the next one- Milan said.
Coach Stefano Pioli said the transfer underlined the 18-time league champions' aspirations.
-I'm happy, he's an extra arm in attack. The club is ambitious again, the arrival of Mandžukić goes in that direction," Pioli said after Monday's win at Cagliari which allowed his outfit to retain top spot.
Ex-Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimović will compete with Mandžukić for a starting spot in the side.
-We will be two to scare the opposition. Now the most difficult matches start, with more players, the coach will be able to make changes- he said after the victory.
They have a three-point advantage over local rivals Inter Milan before hosting Atalanta this Saturday.

He signed a six-month contract

Mario Mandžukić won Serie A four times with Juventus

Mandžukić joins AC Milan on short-term deal

The assembly of the Željezničar Football Club will be held on January 23rd in Konjic, and the members of the Assembly have already received the materials. The club will need a new leadership at this session, but something will be discussed that, if all goes well, could determine the future of the popular B&amp;H club.

Namely, a letter of intent from Samir Cerić, as it was said, an entrepreneur from B&amp;H who has been living and working in London for thirty years, also arrived in the materials.
- As a businessman whose career so far has been related to investments in various fields, and in recent years to projects in the field of sports (among other things, he initiated Sarajevo's candidacy for the Formula E race), Mr. Cerić presented an ambitious strategic cooperation plan and help to FC Željezničar because together with his associates he recognized the sports, business and marketing potential that FC Željezničar Sarajevo brings with its history, tradition and number of fans. This initiative and Mr. Cerić's proposals will be discussed at the Assembly session - it was written from the club to the members of the Assembly.
"Avaz" exclusively publishes the plan that Cerić offered to the Assembly.

His letter of intent will be discussed at the upcoming Assembly

"Avaz" reveals: Who is the man who wants to invest in FC Željezničar and what does he offer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to the AC Milan squad after seven weeks out injured for Saturday's Serie A match against Torino.
The 39-year-old, who has missed the Serie A leaders' last eight league games, had not been expected to return until next weekend against Cagliari.
Ibrahimovic scored 10 goals in six league games before picking up a thigh injury after scoring a double in a 3-1 win over Napoli on November 22, and later had problems with his calf.
Stefano Pioli's side have numerous injuries as they try and hold top spot against lowly Torino, with Inter Milan just one point behind in second.
Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has also been included despite hurting his ankle in last weekend's 3-1 defeat to champions Juventus.
But Matteo Gabbia, Ismael Bennacer and Alexis Saelemaekers remain out injured with midfielder Rade Krunic and forward Ante Rebic recovering from coronavirus.&nbsp;

The 39-year-old, who has missed the Serie A leaders' last eight league games, had not been expected to return until next weekend against Cagliari

Ibrahimovic scored 10 goals in six league games before picking up a thigh injury after scoring a double in a 3-1 win over Napoli on November 22nd

Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan squad against Torino

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho -- one win away from a fifth League Cup win in his career -- says the recipe for his success is respect for the competition.
The 57-year-old could deliver Spurs' first piece of silverware since 2008 if they win the final in April at Wembley.
Mourinho became just the third manager to reach the final with three different clubs following the late Ron Saunders and Ron Atkinson after Spurs beat spirited Championship side Brentford 2-0 on Tuesday.
They will play the winners of Wednesday's semi-final between holders Manchester City and Manchester United, with whom Mourinho won the trophy in 2017.
Mourinho's first taste of success in English football came when Chelsea won the 2005 League Cup.
-I came to England in 2004 and I remember that in that period I had to learn the meaning of the cups here and I always took it seriously- he said.
-If there is any secret, it's to take it seriously.-
Mourinho has fielded strong sides in the League Cup this season even though many managers see it as a distraction from other challenges and put out weakened teams.
The Portuguese said it was important "to respect what English football is, what English clubs are, what English lower divisions are, and try to not be surprised in any of the games from smaller quality".
-When you have, like we had this season, a game against Chelsea (in the fourth round), (you have) to go seriously and with ambition- he said.
-What I sense in the team is exactly that desire. I'm not saying winning mentality, I'm not saying we are this or that.
--I just say we are honest people. The guys since the first game against Chelsea, then Stoke, and now the guys took it seriously.-
Mourinho said he was approaching Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash away at eighth-tier Marine in the same way.
-Try to be serious, respect the opponents, and try to progress- he said.
He said big clubs still wanted to win the League Cup even though they might have other priorities -- only City, United and Chelsea have won it in the past seven seasons.
-If you see the winners you realise the big clubs want to win it- he said.
-The big clubs care about it," he added. -The final says a lot. Tottenham against Manchester City or Tottenham against Manchester United.-

The 57-year-old could deliver Spurs' first piece of silverware since 2008 if they win the final in April at Wembley

Jose Mourinho has reached a fifth League Cup final

Mourinho says 'respect' is key to League Cup success

The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that 40 players and staff tested positive for coronavirus in two rounds of testing over the past week but insisted the season would continue as planned.
That figure is more than double the previous record of 18 positive cases and comes as England enters a nationwide lockdown to halt soaring infection rates.
Three matches were postponed last week due to outbreaks of Covid-19 at Manchester City and Fulham.
However, the British government has given the go-ahead for elite sport to continue despite the tighter restrictions.
Twice-weekly testing, used during the Project Restart plan to complete last season, has resumed in the Premier League after being scaled down to once-a-week at the start of the season.
In the first round of testing last week, 28 positive cases were detected from 1,311 tests, with a further 12 positives from 984 tests in the second round of testing.
Despite the postponements, rising case numbers and calls from some within the game for a circuit breaker to buy time and bring infection rates down, the Premier League said it remained confident the season could proceed as planned.
-With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the league continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols, fully backed by the government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled- the league said in a statement on Tuesday.
The packed fixture schedule, with domestic leagues, cup and European competitions having to be finished before the delayed Euro 2020 starting on June 11, leaves little room for manoeuvre in the calendar.
A number of embarrassing incidents have come to light in which which prominent players have flouted coronavirus restrictions.
Pictures of Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso and West Ham's Manuel Lanzini attending a Christmas party with family and friends emerged over the weekend, prompting Spurs to promise internal disciplinary proceedings.
City have also launched an investigation after left-back Benjamin Mendy admitted to breaching Covid protocols by hosting a New Year's Eve party.
Reguilon and Mendy were included on the bench for Tottenham and City over the weekend, leading to calls for stricter sanctions against players who put the future of the season at risk by breaking the rules.
Despite City's issues with the virus, which left them without four first-team regulars for Sunday's 3-1 victory at Chelsea, manager Pep Guardiola called for more understanding for players.
-It would be better if, before we judge others, we judge ourselves- said Guardiola. -I'm not justifying that, he broke the rules. But don't give too many lessons to others.
--I don't think footballers are more important than doctors, architects or teachers for my kids. So, they only have the same responsibility as everyone else in the world.
--Mendy knows he made a big mistake, but it finishes here.-

That figure is more than double the previous record of 18 positive cases and comes as England enters a nationwide lockdown to halt soaring infection rates

18 positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in the latest weekly round of Premier League testing

Premier League records 40 positive coronavirus cases

Tyson Fury said on Monday he can knock out fellow British world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua inside two rounds due to his recent form.
WBC belt holder Fury said following Joshua's past two bouts -- a unanimous points decision over Andy Ruiz Junior in December 2019 and a ninth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev last month -- the fight would be a no contest.
Fury gained a unanimous points decision over Swede Otto Wallin in September 2019 before an impressive seventh-round knock-out to take the WBC title off Deontay Wilder last February.
-I don't believe he's (Joshua) as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn't believe he is in his own self- Fury told Sky Sports.
-He's got a confidence issue. He's coming off two shaky performances and boxing is all about who is in form and who isn't. On his last two fights, he's not in form.-
-On mine, I am, so momentum is with me and I just believe take him out early, very early, maybe even one round or two rounds.-
Fury is optimistic the fight, which would be one of the biggest in British boxing history, will take place as soon as possible.
Potential hurdles in the way of the super-fight include Joshua's WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk and another possible meeting between Fury and Wilder.

Fury, 32, said now was the time for Joshua to back up his words by finally fighting him. 
-Whenever the world gets back to normal, whatever normal may consist of after this pandemic, then that's when this fight is going to happen- he said.
-This fight has been brewing for a long time. They've been avoiding me for a long time and now it's finally got to happen.
--They either run away from the fight and announce it publicly or they take the fight. Either way it's a lose-lose situation for him.-
Fury believes there is an imperative for the fight to happen sooner rather than later, comparing the bout to the one between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao that finally took place in 2015.
Mayweather won it on a unanimous decision.
-Boxing is one of those sports where rarely do you see the best fight the best- said Fury.
-It's always the champion picks his opponents and you never get the two top guys fighting each other.
--We saw the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, we were waiting for that fight for 10 years. When it finally happened, I believe Pacquiao was past his best. It maybe should have happened four or five years earlier.
--So hopefully we get to go one-on-one combat with not only the two best heavyweights out there but two heavyweights who are in their prime and not past it.-

Fury: I don't believe he's (Joshua) as good as people crack him up to be, or he doesn't believe he is in his own self

Fury says he is confident he can beat Joshua inside two rounds

Confident Fury says he will knock out Joshua inside two rounds

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.
The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, Australian John Millman, South African Kevin Anderson, Briton Andy Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares.
In addition, France's Gilles Simon returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers Pablo Andujar of Spain and New Zealander Marcus Daniell will serve their first term.
Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively.
The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021.
It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic.
But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making.
Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are ranked second and fifth in the world respectively.

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

The men's World Cup super-G race at Bormio has been rescheduled for Tuesday after heavy snow made the fearsome Stelvio piste unmanageable on Monday.
The much awaited men's downhill race scheduled for Tuesday has also been pushed back by a single day to Wednesday.
The relentless heavy snow falling in the Italian Alps Monday is expected to give way Tuesday to light snowfall.
Reigning World Cup slalom and giant slalom champion Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen is the man to watch Tuesday after his slalom win at Madonna di Campiglio last Tuesday.

Race has been rescheduled for Tuesday after heavy snow

Switzerland's Carlo Janka speeds down the course during an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill training, in Bormio, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020.

Ski World Cup super-G at Bormio postponed

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp moved to dismiss speculation over Egypt forward Mohamed Salah's future saying on Thursday he is happy at the Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old gave an interview in Spain last week in which he said Barcelona and Real Madrid were top clubs and "who knows what will happen in the future".
This led to speculation over whether he was seeking a new longer-term contract beyond 2023 or he was upset Trent Alexander-Arnold had been given the captain's armband for the Champions League group match with Midtjylland.
-We do not speak about deals -- well, not with you (the media). Why should we start now?- said Klopp at his press conference ahead of Sunday's game with struggling West Brom.
-Mo is in a good mood, always a good moment. He is in really good shape and that is the most important thing for me.
--We did not have pictures (from the training ground) this morning but if we did you would have seen him laughing, he enjoyed the session.
--All the rest is nice for all of you to write about but internally, no, nothing really.-
If Salah is unsettled it has not been reflected by his performances on the pitch this season.
He has scored 13 goals in as many league games, missing just one because of Covid-19 isolation.
It is his best start to a Premier League term, even better than his debut campaign when he went on to score 32 in 38 appearances having registered 12 goals at the same 14-match stage.
He came off the bench last Saturday to score a brace in the 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
-I think there are all these things to talk about: he didn't start the last game, all the things I heard after about what could be the reason and then he came on and scored two- said Klopp.
-I think in his first season he didn't start against Stoke, came on and scored two. He obviously doesn't need a long time.-
Klopp said he hoped his players would build on their lead over their rivals -- they presently have a four point advantage over Leicester.
The Reds have a hectic schedule over the festive period with a home game with Newcastle next Wednesday and Southampton the following Monday. 
-All the boys were in a good moment, that is why we have the points we have so far- he said.
-Now it is much more important we really keep going. Everyone knows the toughest point of the season is now ahead of us.-
-The Christmas period is always tough so we have to make sure we get through this with the right results.-

The 28-year-old gave an interview in Spain last week in which he said Barcelona and Real Madrid were top clubs and "who knows what will happen in the future"

Mohamed Salah has scored five goals in his past four Premier League appearances

Salah is happy at Liverpool, says Klopp

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning.
All the world's top players have signed on, led by world number ones Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty.
There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery.
But he has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park as he targets a seventh title.
US superstar Williams, who like Federer turns 40 next year, is also committed as she once again attempts to pull level with Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Her last triumph at the majors came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant.
-There are so many great storylines for AO 2021- said Tiley. 
-Serena is gunning for her eighth title while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is going for a record ninth title.-"Our own world No.1 Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer as he comes back from injury."
The opening Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8.
All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, during which they will constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble.
-Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority- said Tiley. 
-We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year.-
The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights.
A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation.
Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7.
Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely.
Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney last week has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

All the world's top players have signed on

Roger Federer and Serena Williams are among the entries for the delayed Australian Open, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on February 8

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is returning to the club to take up a role within its foundation, the 13-times European champions announced in a statement on Tuesday.
Casillas came through the club's youth ranks and went on to play in the first team from 1999 to 2015, winning 19 titles including three Champions Leagues and five Spanish championships. 
-Real Madrid CF have announced that Iker Casillas has joined the Real Madrid Foundation as assistant to the general director- the club announced without detailing the extent of Casillas' new role.
-Iker Casillas is a Real Madrid legend who represents the values of our club and is the best goalkeeper in our history.-
The foundation carries out football-related actions, such as recently funding internships for young players in China and organising workshops on sports psychology. 
Capped 167 times by Spain with whom he won the World Cup in 2010 as well as the 2008 and 2012 Euros, Casillas returns to the club five years after leaving it to end his career at Porto.
-Proud to come home. I face this new challenge with all the desire and all the enthusiasm possible, thank you for the welcome!- Casillas said on Twitter.
He suffered a heart attack in training in May 2019 and officially retired from playing on August 4 at the age of 39. 
-We know the person he is, what he has accomplished, what he represents for Real Madrid supporters- said coach Zinedine Zidane on Tuesday. 
-It is good news that he is coming back to his favourite club, to work and bring everything he knows.-

Zinedine Zidane: We know the person he is, what he has accomplished, what he represents for Real Madrid supporters

Casillas returns to Real Madrid in foundation role

All the world's top players, including 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, are expected to be in Melbourne for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, tournament organiser Craig Tiley said.
The opening Grand Slam of the year, in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8 with all players to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival.
The delay could be pivotal for Federer, who admitted last week he was in a "race against time" to be fit as his recovery from two rounds of knee surgery takes longer than expected.
Tiley said he had been in touch with the 39-year-old and he was going through his normal pre-season training routine in Dubai.
-Every player, including Roger, has made a commitment to travel to Melbourne to play- he said after confirming the new start date on Saturday.
-We have been in touch with him and his team and it's been three days now, he's hit for the first time in Dubai. He's in his normal pre-season training routine.
--He did say to us that February 8 was a more suitable date for him in terms of preparing for the Australian Open- Tiley added. -But a lot will depend on how he responds to his surgery in the next two to three weeks of training."
Federer has won the Australian Open six times. But after losing in the semi-finals to Novak Djokovic, missed the rest of the Covid-interrupted 2020 season following surgery and could only watch as Rafael Nadal matched his record 20 Grand Slam titles with a 13th victory at the French Open.
The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights for their quarantine.
Tiley said they would constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble, although with just one other player.
They will be shuttled between designated hotels and Melbourne Park, where the tournament is held and if anyone tests positive, they will need to isolate in their room.
-If there are any breaches (of quarantine) the player will be immediately removed from the country as well as being fined- Tiley warned. 
A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation.
Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7.
Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely.
Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney over recent days has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

Craig Tiley: If there are any breaches (of quarantine) the player will be immediately removed from the country as well as being fined

Roger Federer (right) was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals this year

Japan PM says Olympics will unite world in hope

IOC suggests vaccination for athletes ahead of Olympics

Ivaylo Petev for "Avaz": I am not interested in politics, only the result

Ronaldo scores 760th career goal, but is it a world record?

Mandžukić joins AC Milan on short-term deal

"Avaz" reveals: Who is the man who wants to invest in FC Željezničar and what does he offer

Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan squad against Torino

Mourinho says 'respect' is key to League Cup success

Premier League records 40 positive coronavirus cases

Confident Fury says he will knock out Joshua inside two rounds

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

Ski World Cup super-G at Bormio postponed

Salah is happy at Liverpool, says Klopp

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

Casillas returns to Real Madrid in foundation role

Federer training, committed to playing Australian Open

Sports

Japan PM says Olympics will unite world in hope

IOC suggests vaccination for athletes ahead of Olympics

Ivaylo Petev for "Avaz": I am not interested in politics, only the result

Ronaldo scores 760th career goal, but is it a world record?

Mandžukić joins AC Milan on short-term deal

"Avaz" reveals: Who is the man who wants to invest in FC Željezničar and what does he offer

Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan squad against Torino

Mourinho says 'respect' is key to League Cup success

Premier League records 40 positive coronavirus cases

Confident Fury says he will knock out Joshua inside two rounds

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

Ski World Cup super-G at Bormio postponed

Salah is happy at Liverpool, says Klopp

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

Casillas returns to Real Madrid in foundation role

Federer training, committed to playing Australian Open