Queen Elizabeth II is dead. The sports world is also mourning. Professional football is on hold in England. Numerous sports stars such as Lewis Hamilton or Pelé find touching words to say goodbye.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the sports world also paused, and numerous stars and associations publicly expressed their sympathy. In the UK, competitions have been canceled and events suspended. In England, football in the Premier League is suspended up to and including Monday and the three leagues below, in Northern Ireland completely. "As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves an incredible legacy after a lifetime of dedication," said Premier League boss Richard Masters.
The golf pros had already interrupted their BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth in the opening round on Thursday. There was no play on Friday and flags were flown at half-staff. "We remain hopeful of resuming the tournament over the course of the weekend," the organizer said. The professional cyclists' Tour of Britain was canceled after five out of eight stages. Cricket and horse racing also paused.
National and international sports stars showed their sympathy, as did clubs and associations worldwide. The Queen, who died on Thursday at the age of 96, was honored as a great figure in world history and a supporter of sport. At the same time, they expressed their condolences to the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II was "a great supporter of sport and the Olympic movement," said IOC President Thomas Bach. She was the only head of state to open two Olympic Games - in 1976 in Montreal, Canada, and in 2012 in London.
World governing body FIFA commemorated the greatest moment in English football when Queen Elizabeth II presented the 1966 World Cup to selection captain Bobby Moore. "The football community around the world mourns the loss of a global leader who moved and encouraged everyone she met," wrote FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter described the Queen as "an extraordinary person, a rock for Britain over the past 70 years".
The European Cup games with British participation began on Thursday evening with a minute's silence. "UEFA and European football are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most respected figures in the world," said FA President Aleksander Čeferin.
The Queen will always be associated with one of the most memorable moments in English football - including handing over the World Cup to the winning team in 1966, the English national teams wrote. "We join the nation in mourning their loss," said the FA. International player Jadon Sancho wrote on Twitter: "Thoughts and prayers are with the royal family at this sad time." Fellow selection officer Harry Kane stated: "The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country."
Former and current football stars also expressed their condolences. "I've been a huge fan of Queen Elizabeth II since I first saw her in person in 1968 when she came to Brazil to discover our love for football and experience the magic of the packed Maracanã (stadium)" wrote Brazil's legend Pelé. Manchester United's Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: "I pay tribute to her memory and mourn this irreplaceable loss with the country I have come to call home."
Former England international turned TV pundit Gary Lineker said: "A truly remarkable woman who has served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace." While ex-world champion Bastian Schweinsteiger and England's Jude Bellingham responded with a simple "rest in peace", Mesut Özil called the Queen's death "sad news from my former homeland". Welshman Gareth Bale respectfully condoled: "Rest in peace, Your Highness."
Spain's record Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal wrote on Twitter: "My most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences to the Royal Family of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and to the British people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." His longtime rival on the pitch, Roger Federer, followed suit. "I am deeply saddened by the death of Her Royal Majesty. Her elegance, grace and loyalty to her duty will live on in history," said the Swiss.
World Federation President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Elizabeth II as "undoubtedly one of the most respected heads of state who ever lived". And further: “Motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular, has its heart in the UK and the Royal Family have given great support and encouragement to the sport over the years.”
Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton commemorated the Queen with emotional words. "She was truly like no other and I am grateful to have lived during her time," wrote the Brit on Instagram: "She was a symbol of hope for so many and she served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness." Before the first free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, Formula 1 commemorated the late queen with a minute's silence.
World Association chief Sebastian Coe bowed verbally to the Queen's lifetime achievement. She has been such a beloved constant in the lives of so many people over so many years that it is difficult to understand that she is no longer with them. "In the most challenging of roles, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom and steadfastness, touching us throughout society, including sport," said the two-time 1500m Olympic champion, who organized the 2012 London Olympics. He will never forget their full commitment to the success of the games.
Four-time Olympic long-distance champion Mo Farah, who was knighted by the Queen for his achievements, also offered his condolences. "The Queen was loved all over the world and meant a lot to so many people. Meeting her has been one of the greatest honors of my life. We will remember her warmth and devotion to the British people beyond her reign," he said native Somalis.
Former fencing world champion Claudia Bokel wished the Queen to rest in peace and posted a video on Twitter from the games in London, in which Elizabeth II ultimately parachuted into the stadium through a Queen double with James Bond seemed. British boxing champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua also expressed their condolences. "Thoughts and prayers are with my Queen tonight may God be with her," Fury wrote, while Joshua wished her rest in peace.
