Macron also backs calls for debt relief as he seeks to be seen as champion of continent’s interests

Finance minister also says companies cannot pay dividends while receiving government money 

Stimulant given as ‘likely’ reason for lower infections but authorities stress health risks

Airline forecasts capacity will be almost wiped out in the second quarter

The Nobel laureate talks to Anjana Ahuja

When Britain leaves, the power imbalance between Berlin and Paris will be laid bare

His imperious manner and lack of emotional intelligence make him vulnerable

MATT SPIRO IN FRANCE: Simply put, France's boy-wonder - who could do no wrong during his first three seasons as a professional - is beginning to divide opinion in his homeland.

A hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, the second an incredible driving run from deep inside his own half, sealed a comfortable win for PSG over 10-man Lyon in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France.

Neymar has 'exiled himself' in his native Brazil, fleeing Paris before the city was put on lockdown due to coronavirus. The talented forward is now self-isolating in his homeland.

ESPN report that an agreement has been reached to recommend a temporary reduction of salaries to players and clubs in Ligue 1 to help French football deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tour de France's organisers are focusing on a postponement of this year's race rather than a cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic. 'Le Tour' was set to roll out of Nice on June 27th.

The legendary road race is scheduled to start in Nice on June 27 but it will now either be postponed or scrapped altogether, with a decision expected later this week.

The Tour de France is in doubt once again after French prime minister Edouard Philippe said there could be no mass sporting events in the country until September.

UEFA are facing up to the prospect of another huge Champions League headache after the Ligue 1 season was cancelled and all sporting events were banned in France until at least September.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson admits to a struggle learning French but says a new life in Montpellier and mentoring from Jessica Ennis-Hill could translate into gold-winning performances.

MATT LAWTON IN PARIS: Europe held off a US comeback on the final day to reclaim the Ryder Cup. Here, Sportsmail reflect on some of the best and worst action from a fascinating day's play.

Many had underestimated Europe's chances heading into the Ryder Cup but this only fuelled their motivation even further, with Thomas Bjorn's side delivering a knockout punch on Sunday.

DEREK LAWRENSON - WORLD OF GOLF: There could be no more appropriate venue than Walton Heath as the Ryder Cup golfers keep their celebratory vibe going at the British Masters.

Francesco Molinari has revealed he had to overcome a back injury to produce his record-breaking Ryder Cup heroics. The back problem left him unable to tie his shoes the day after.

It would have to be Tommy Fleetwood standing in his way, wouldn’t it?  Seven weeks on from their bromance at the Ryder Cup, the skinny Scouser is the only man who can stop Francesco Molinari.

Francesco Molinari is European Tour’s Golfer of the Year following his historic season that saw him become the first Italian to win the Open and first European to win a full five points at the Ryder Cup.

INTERVIEW: After a few years of the weird and wonderful, you won't be too surprised to learn that the Claret Jug has been on a rather more sedate journey in the safe hands of Francesco Molinari.

IAN LADYMAN AT PORTRUSH: Outgoing champion Francesco Molinari admitted he hadn't particularly enjoyed the experience of defending his title this week.

Les Bleus boss Fabien Galthie responded by saying: 'It's a lack of respect towards our scrum, towards our team, towards French rugby, towards our nation.'

As the third weekend of Six Nations action draws to a close, Sportsmail's Chris Foy digests the best of the offerings around the grounds...

The match between Scotland and France in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday has been postponed as a player has contracted coronavirus. The identity of the player has not been revealed.

Big crowds are expected to watch the game at Glastonbury Festival this year after a plea from midfielder Georgia Stanway, whose brother JP (pictured) is among the revellers.

CHRIS FOY IN TOKYO: England's match against France is in danger of being cancelled, as Typhoon Hagibis has changed course and is now due to tear through Tokyo and Yokohama.

Saracens' case for their defence fell at La Defense as the besieged Barnet bashers were battered by Racing 92. The reigning Champions Cup holders took their biggest continental loss in two years.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: Finn Russell is loving the different life in France, and he has emerged as Europe's in-form No 10 this season.

United States take on Netherlands for ultimate glory in the Women's World Cup final in France today. Sportsmail will provide you live updates as it happens from the Lyon Olympic Stadium.

They were taken by French photographer Romain Veillon inside the city of Autun jail, which has a design much-dreaded among prisoners - panopticon. It has been abandoned since 1956.

Sportsmail brings you all the news as England go for a place in the World Cup semi-finals at the expense of France at Auckland's Eden Park.

Relive the action as France secured their place in the World Cup final with a tense 9-8 victory over Wales at Eden Park.

Joanne Harris's bestselling novel Chocolat, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, was inspired by France's picturesque south west.

Stars of the silver screen have today paid tribute to the actor Max Von Sydow, who passed away at his home in France, at the age of 90.

WILL KELLEHER IN KUMAMOTO: The 31-year-old centre and star man in the Welsh side, knocked his knee when setting up Josh Adams' hat-trick try against Fiji.

The Scottish Rugby Union have insisted that the Six Nations clash with France will go ahead as planned - despite a female Scotland player contracting coronavirus.

To Sonny Bill Williams, the All Blacks' stunning loss to France in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup is ancient history. 'I didn't even watch the game, I was playing rugby league,' Williams said.

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams revealed on Friday that the surgery he undertook for a knee injury that ruled him out of this month's test series against France had been successful.

Sportsmail's Chris Foy gives his thoughts on the Six Nations with England now sitting top of the table following their win over Wales and France's defeat to Scotland on Sunday.

France's Six Nations clash against Ireland joins England v Italy in being pushed back, although RFU chief Bill Sweeney says he sees no reason why Wales v Scotland can't go ahead.

Eddie Jones is poised to stay in his role as England head coach through to the 2023 World Cup, after agreeing terms with the RFU to extend his contract.

KIT HOLDEN: In the end, Renato Sanches felt he was left with no other option but to pack his bags and leave Bayern Munich. He joined Ligue 1 side Lille this summer in a move worth £23million.

The Real Madrid stalwart had netted his 21st international goal against Romania from the penalty spot despite plying his trade as a centre back.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has threatened to switch his international allegiance after not being called up to the French squad again.

The Holiday Guru is always on call to answer your questions. This week's topics also include visiting Carcassonne in France and tips on sharing a cabin with a snorer on a cruise.

Head coach Joe Schmidt will give British and Irish Lions star Henshaw every chance to prove his fitness, while fly-half Joey Carbery is still inching back to full tilt after hamstring trouble.

The 25-year-old Henshaw has not played since being deployed at fullback in Ireland's 32-20 defeat by England in the first round and 'is improving more slowly than hoped,' the IRFU said in a statement,