Monthly Archive

Every day, SportBusiness.com brings you the latest news from the world of sport.

Follow the links below to view the news month-by-month, or use the links on the left to browse all the stories by category.

Channel 4 snaps up Copa Libertadores - 30 Jan 2004

Channel 4 will air weekly 30 to 60 minutes highlights programmes on Sunday mornings throughout the tournament from February 1 through to the final in July, and 22 live matches from the second round kn

Terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4 has acquired the UK TV rights to soccer tournament Copa Libertadores 2004, South America’s equivalent to Europe’s Champions League.

NFL exec joins licensing firm - 30 Jan 2004

Derrick Heggans, assistant counsel for broadcast operations and policy at the NFL, is quitting after this weekend’s Super Bowl to join Collegiate Images (CI), an agency specializing in the licensing

A leading NFL executive has quit to join a US licensing and rights-clearing agency.

United battle rages on - 30 Jan 2004

Racehorse millionaires JP McManus and John Magnier have demanded an independent audit into monies paid to agents for a number of deals – and submitted a list of 99 questions to the club.

The boardroom battle raging at English Premier League club Manchester United shows no signs of slowing after the club’s two major shareholders demanded answers to a list of questions over transfer deals.

Europe set for IOC TV tender - 30 Jan 2004

While the EBU is likely to be a strong bidder, there are concerns the European Commission may intervene to contest the way that the body negotiates for rights on behalf of its members.

The tender process for the European TV rights for future Olympic Games will be opened in March by the IOC – and with Paris and London leading the race to stage the 2012 Games, the price could reach record levels.

Owners approve Dodgers sale - 30 Jan 2004

In making the announcement of the finalisation of the deal, McCourt stated: "Welcome to a new era of Dodger baseball.

The $430million sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers from News Corp. to Boston real estate developer Frank McCourt has been unanimously approved by the Major League Baseball team owners.

adidas stays with Lions for 2005 - 30 Jan 2004

The deal marks the third successive tour that adidas has acted as the official kit supplier for the Lions.

Sportswear giant adidas has renewed its kit sponsorship deal with rugby's British & Irish Lions for the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Super Bowl to reach 1 billion - 29 Jan 2004

The Carolina Panthers take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII, in Houston, Texas on Sunday, February 1.

This weekend's Super Bowl will reach a potential worldwide television audience of 1 billion according to the National Football League (NFL).

Attheraces TV deal terminated - 29 Jan 2004

The firm, made up of a consortium which includes UK digital TV broadcaster BSkyB, terrestrial free-to-air Channel 4 and track operator Arena Leisure, will terminate its 10-year deal at the end of Marc

UK racing channel attheraces has ended its multi-million dollar TV deal with 49 domestic racecourses after failing to hit revenue targets.

Scoggins to weave his Magic - 29 Jan 2004

Scoggins, 43, was senior executive director of corporate sponsorships for the Los Angeles Lakers and the WNBA's Sparks and has been part of the Lakers' organization for 27 years.

Mark O. Scoggins has been hired as president of business development for Magic Johnson Enterprises by the company's eponymous basketball legend.

OWRS finally gets its CART - 29 Jan 2004

After months of uncertainty, the judge rejected the IRL’s $13.5m bid – and instead awarded the assets to the Open Wheel Racing Series, the group which since before Christmas has been handling the

A last minute bid by rival the Indy Racing League for CART’s assets has been thrown out by a federal judge in the US – paving the way for Gerry Forsythe and his partners to take over the series.

Goody's brings relief for NASCAR - 29 Jan 2004

The firm will continue to be the ‘official pain reliever’ of the sport – a deal it has had in place for the past 27 years, making it the longest serving non-automotive sponsor of NASCAR.

Headache power brand Goody’s has renewed its sponsorship deal with NASCAR.

Easynet surfs up for BOA - 29 Jan 2004

Easynet will support the BOA for the next three years, throughout the Olympic Games in Athens 2004 and the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has signed a deal with Easynet to be its official broadband network partner.

LTA's new marketing structure - 29 Jan 2004

The organisation says the new structure is focused on attracting and keeping young people from all backgrounds and abilities, in the sport.

The UK’s Lawn Tennis Association has a new marketing chief as it unveiled a new marketing strategy.

Sales boost adidas figures - 29 Jan 2004

Parent group adidas-Salomon showed sales in 2003 reached EUR6.27 billion, with increases for all brands and regions, except North America.

Sports brand adidas has reported a 5 percent sales improvement in its latest financial figures.

Evian Masters raises the bar - 29 Jan 2004

The ladies golf tournament, now in its fifth year on the LPGA Tour schedule, is the latest event on the tour to raise the financial rewards on offer following a growing interest in the property.

LPGA tour event the Evian Masters has increased its prize money by $400,000 from $2.1 to $2.5 million.

IOC's Kim arrested in Korea - 28 Jan 2004

The 72-year old was arrested shortly after the Seoul District Court approved his pre-trial detention.

Kim Un-yong, the International Olympic Committee vice president currently serving a suspension from duty, has been arrested on corruption charges in South Korea.

Becks brand top of the class - 28 Jan 2004

We asked readers to vote from a list of the biggest names in world sport and say who they believed represented the best endorsement value in 2003 – on a global scale.

It was the year he switched agents and clubs – but nothing was to detract from Brand Beckham as the soccer sensation was voted the best global endorsement property for 2003, in a record-breaking sportbusiness.com poll.

Visa signs up for more NFL - 28 Jan 2004

The six-year agreement extends Visa's nine-year sponsorship of the NFL. The deal will continue to help Visa differentiate its brand and drive consumer preference and usage at the point of sale.

Visa has extended its sponsorship of the National Football League (NFL) through until 2010 after agreeing new contract terms.

Channel 4 extends skiing show - 28 Jan 2004

The Sunday morning edition of 'Skiing on 4', produced by Hothouse Productions, will double in length from 30 minutes to one hour and run from 08:00 - 09:00 each Sunday morning until the end of the sea

UK terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4 is boosting its skiing coverage by extending its weekly highlights show.

IRL goes for safety sponsor - 28 Jan 2004

The Indy Racing League has reached a safety team sponsorship agreement with Delphi Corp., a company that makes automotive safety systems.

US motor racing series the Indy Racing League has created a new sponsorship category for team safety with the announcement of a new commercial partner.

BBC and ITV set Euro schedule - 28 Jan 2004

In the first round of games, ITV will show two of England's matches (Switzerland and France) whereas the BBC will get just one (Croatia).

UK broadcasters the BBC and ITV have reached an agreement on how to divide up the coverage of this year's European Championships.

Telstra renews AOC deal - 28 Jan 2004

The new sponsorship agreement includes the 2004 Athens Olympics, the 2006 Winter Games in Turin and the Beijing Games in 2008.

Telstra has renewed its sponsorship deal with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), extending the association to 16 years.

Scott supports Open date switch - 27 Jan 2004

The women's tennis tour chief has backed the proposals for the Australian Open which could be implemented in time for the 2007 tournament.

Proposals to move tennis' Australian Open from January to March have won the support of WTA chief executive Larry Scott.

Jones quits Scottish cricket - 27 Jan 2004

Jones played a leading role in Scotland's entry into the one-day cricket National League last summer.

Gwynne Jones has parted company with Scottish cricket after two years as its chief executive.

Extreme adds million more - 27 Jan 2004

The UPC networks in Czech Republic and Slovakia, RCS TerraSat in Romania and three cable operators in Bialystock/Poland are among the systems that have added the action sports and lifestyle channel to

The Extreme Sports Channel has added nearly one million extra households to its reach through a series of deals across Central Europe.

Leeds takeover talks - 27 Jan 2004

The club – with debts of £80m – had originally been given until January 19 to find a new buyer or investor to ensure they could survive until the end of the season.

The on-going saga at troubled English Premier League club Leeds United will drag on for a further four-days after the club was granted an extension to a deadline which could have led them to administration.

Which delivers the best value? - 27 Jan 2004

With our last poll smashing all previous records, receiving close to 1,000 votes, now we want you to tell us which of the big events this year delivers the best to the value hungry sponsor – on a GL

Which of this year’s big three events delivers the best value? Make your views known in the latest online sportbusiness.com poll.

Octagon sells Gravity Games - 26 Jan 2004

While the financial elements of the deal are not known, Octagon has been retained in an event management capacity for the Gravity Games in a separate multi-year contract.

Octagon has given further proof of a willingness to offload its assets after it announced the sale of action sports franchise the Gravity Games to US broadcaster Outdoor Life Network.

Connexus to review National account - 26 Jan 2004

Martell Cognac, part of Pernod Ricard, recently announced that its sponsorship of the event, an association dating back over twenty years, will end after this year's meeting in April.

UK racecourse Aintree has appointed sponsorship consultants Connexus PreciSion to identify the value that sponsorship of the Grand National race meeting will deliver to potential partners.

Bonallack takes over golf rankings - 26 Jan 2004

McCormack's IMG had been responsible for managing and producing the weekly Ranking, which is now endorsed by the four Major Championships and the six Professional Tours making up the International Fed

In a move that removes IMG from its operations, Sir Michael Bonallack has been named as the new chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking, succeeding the late Mark McCormack.

Rugby League World Cup in 2008? - 26 Jan 2004

The Rugby League International Federation's decision to revive the World Cup is the highlight of a programme of events planned to promote the game across the world over the next few years.

The Rugby League World Cup looks set to be revived after the sport's governing body announced its intention to stage the tournament in Australia in 2008.

Indian cities battle for F1 - 26 Jan 2004

According to reports, Mumbai is poised to snatch the F1 Grand Prix, set for 2007, from under the nose of much-hyped potential host Hyderabad.

A battle is heating up between two Indian cities as to which will stage the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in the region.

Infront clinches Irish deal - 26 Jan 2004

Infront has secured an exclusive deal with RTE for the Irish broadcast rights for the event. The national broadcaster also held the TV rights for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.

FIFA World Cup TV rights holder Infront Sports & Media has signed a new deal for the 2006 tournament in Germany.

The Week Ahead - 26 Jan 2004

Mon 26

Catch up with all the latest events scheduled for the next seven days with sportbusiness.com's regular look at the Week Ahead.

Renault sign sponsor deal - 26 Jan 2004

The deal with the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team and Guru, allows the team to tap into the potentially lucrative youth casual wear market.

Formula One team Renault has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with an Italian clothing firm.

Nike keeps USOC smiling - 23 Jan 2004

The sports apparel giant and the US Olympic Committee reached a four-year deal that will take effect after this summer's Athens Games with Nike becoming an official sponsor of the US Olympic Team.

Sports giant Nike has signed a sponsorship deal with the US Olympic Committee - a major fillip to the governing body following recent scandals.

Sri Lanka to host Asia Cup - 23 Jan 2004

The six-nation tournament, not held since May 2000 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, will be organised between July 15 and August 1, according to Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman Mohan

Sri Lanka has been chosen as the host nation for the revival of the sub continent's flagship limited-over cricket tournament the Asia Cup.

Mosley and EC clash again - 23 Jan 2004

Mosley and the EC have clashed after the introduction of a new European Union-wide law relating to deaths on the track which could see F1 team chiefs issued with arrest warrants in such cases.

The war of words between Formula One chiefs and the European Commission has flared up once more, with FIA chief Max Mosley calling recent comments ‘unacceptable’ – heightening the prospect of a boycott of European races.

Milan Channel hits target - 23 Jan 2004

After reaching the landmark today, it has already surpassed its target of 45,000 subscribers – and in doing so making it the most successful channel for an Italian club.

The TV channel of Italian soccer giants AC Milan has reached its subscriber goal after chalking after 1500 days of programming.

Hayatou wins CAF vote - 22 Jan 2004

Hayatou – who hit the headlines two years ago when he stood as the sole candidate against FIFA president Sepp Blatter in the FIFA presidential election race – easily beat off the challenge of Bots

Issa Hayatou has won a landslide victory to remain as president of the African Football Confederation (CAF) – and will lead the build-up to the first FIFA World Cup to be staged on the continent in 2010.

Pava joins the speedway circuit - 22 Jan 2004

The deal was struck by Benfield Sports International, rights holders of the motorcycling series.

The FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series has unveiled anti-corrosion specialists Pava as the new title sponsor of the 2004 FIM Norwegian Speedway Grand Prix.

Best foot forward for LET - 22 Jan 2004

Within the agreement, ecco will become the official footwear supplier to the European Solheim Cup team, both on and off course in 2005 at Crooked Stick GC, Indiana and in 2007 when the biennial event

Footwear brand ecco has agreed a four-year deal with the Ladies European Tour (LET) to become the official footwear supplier to the golf series until 2007.

ICC strikes TV show deal - 22 Jan 2004

The three year agreement will see SportsBrand produce and distribute on a worldwide basis a cricket news programme called ‘ICC Cricket World’.

ICC Development International, the commercial arm of the International Cricket Council, has reached an agreement with marketing firm Sportsbrand Media Group to distribute a TV magazine show.

Sportsmedia Rio 2004 postponed - 22 Jan 2004

The Sportsmedia event in Rio de Janeiro had been scheduled for February 12-13 this year but the market will now take place between February 24-25, 2005.

The organisers of the Sportsmedia Rio conference, scheduled for next month, have issued a statement postponing the event by a year.

GEM's Spence goes it alone - 22 Jan 2004

Spence's new consultancy based in London, Johnno Spence Consulting Ltd, will be concentrating initially on his extensive involvement in horseracing.

Johnno Spence has left agency The GEM Group to launch his own sports media relations and sponsorship consultancy.

Team renews Kellogg's deal - 22 Jan 2004

The deal ensures the Kellogg Company as primary sponsor of the No.5 Chevrolet Monte Carlos in the Nextel Cup Series.

Kellogg’s has extended its existing relationship with NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports with a new multi-year deal.

Book now for Action Sports seminar - 22 Jan 2004

The Business of Action Sports in Europe

Time is running out to attend a half-day interactive seminar focusing on the fast-growing business side of action sports, taking place in London next week – with sportbusiness.com subscribers able to benefit from a 20 percent discount.

Spurs agree shares scheme - 21 Jan 2004

ENIC, the company that owns the club, won the required percentage of the votes on the proposals to go ahead with the scheme which should raise £15m for the club, which has spent recent months flirtin

Shareholders in English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a new share issue scheme, designed to raise millions for player purchases.

McKellar's PR deal - 21 Jan 2004

In 2003, McKellar was the BTCC's media officer on-event and prior to that, he filled the same role full-time for six years with Renault UK Motorsport, overseeing its Formula Renault and Clio Cup race

MPA Media has appointed Carl McKellar to head up its handling of media and PR for the 2004 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Infront skates to new deal - 21 Jan 2004

Infront, worldwide marketing partner of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has signed a deal with the Swiss-based Ochsner Eishockey and Inline AG, granting the company licensed merchandis

Swiss marketing agency Infront Sports & Media has signed an exclusive merchandising deal for the IIHF World Championship.

ICC hunts for regional manager - 21 Jan 2004

The vacancy has arisen due to the recent appointment of Matthew Kennedy, who previously held the position, as ICC global development manager.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched its search for a regional development manager for the East Asia-Pacific region.

European Tour dresses up - 21 Jan 2004

During the 2004 season, all the field staff on the European Tour international schedule and the European Challenge Tour will be wearing Oscar Jacobson clothing.

Swedish clothing company Oscar Jacobson has signed a two-year deal to become official clothing supplier to the European Tour.

Suzuki extends BSI deal - 21 Jan 2004

The London-based marketing agency has been Suzuki's exclusive sponsorship representatives since 1997 and responsible for sourcing a number of major commercial deals including title sponsors Telefonica

Japanese giant Suzuki has extended its relationship with Benfield Sports International (BSI) to act as its exclusive sponsorship agents for its MotoGP racing team, for the seventh consecutive year.

Ricoh keeps on running - 21 Jan 2004

The digital office copier-printers suppliers have committed a ‘substantial cash plus value-in-kind package’ to support the major UK events over the next three years.

UK Athletics has signed a deal with business supplies brand Ricoh – enhancing its existing deal for televised events.

Greeks prefer Olympics on TV - 21 Jan 2004

According to a poll by GfK Market Analysts, 62 percent of respondents will watch the Athens 2004 Summer Games on television.

A new domestic poll has revealed that the majority of Greeks will watch this year's Athens Olympics on television rather than attend the various competitions.

LPGA promotes from within - 21 Jan 2004

Four existing LPGA staff members were handed promotions in the reshuffle.

The LPGA has announced a batch of internal promotions in response to the growing success of the ladies golf governing body in the US.

England tour of Zimbabwe in doubt - 21 Jan 2004

The England and Wales Cricket Board will decide whether the tour, which is scheduled for October of this year, should go ahead at a meeting next week.

The England cricket team's proposed tour of Zimbabwe later this year is looking increasingly under threat as the political pressure on the England and Wales Cricket Board grows.

'Serious' risk of F1 boycott - 21 Jan 2004

Mosley spoke out after the introduction of a new European Union-wide law relating to death on the track which could see F1 team chiefs issued with arrest warrants in such cases.

Max Mosley, president of motorsport governing body the FIA says he is hopeful a resolve will be reached after new EU regulations cast a shadow over a number of European races – but confirmed there was a ‘serious’ risk of races being boycott.

Renault F1 signs up new supplier - 21 Jan 2004

The new machines, deployed both at Enstone and Viry-ChC"tillon, will provide the Renault F1 Team with advanced internal machine shop technology.

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team has announced a new official supplier agreement with DMG for use of the company's machine tools for milling and turning.

Ross swings in to IMG - 20 Jan 2004

Ross, who is associate publisher of Golf Digest South Africa

IMG has contracted Craig Ross as a golf consultant to its South Africa arm to advise on commercial activity in the region.

Sportvision expands NASCAR tie-up - 20 Jan 2004

Backed by their proprietary 'SportsEditor' technology, Sportvision will develop three password protected extranets sites, enabling NASCAR executives the ability to communicate with important partners

Broadcast technology firm Sportvision has expanded its partnership with NASCAR to include the design, development and maintenance of three extranet sites.

CBS happy to be patriotic - 20 Jan 2004

The New England Patriots' 24-14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday got a 26.6 rating on CBS.

The progression of the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl through their victory in the AFC championship game was a major boost for host broadcaster CBS which registered the highest overnight rating of any TV programme since last year's Super Bowl.

OCA to hold Doha meetings - 20 Jan 2004

"QSi is the Asian sports industry event of 2004, held in the host city of the 2006 Asian Games," said Muttaleb Ahmad, director general of OCA.

The Olympic Council of Asia has announced that it will hold its major council meetings to coincide with the Qatar Sports International (QSi) event in Doha on April 5-7.

New EU law threatens F1 - 20 Jan 2004

The move comes after the introduction of a new European Union-wide law relating to death on the track which could see F1 team chiefs issued with arrest warrants in such cases.

Formula One has lurched into another administrative crisis after team bosses threatened to boycott European races due to a new European Union legislation.

SMS launches quick online fix - 19 Jan 2004

The World Sponsorship Monitor online product sources sponsorship deals from around the globe.

Research consultancy Sports Marketing Surveys has launched an internet tool designed to help brand owners, agencies and properties seeking sponsorship to significantly speed up their research process.

F3000 to be replaced in 2005 - 19 Jan 2004

Races for the new Formula GP2 series beginning in 2005 will be held at the European Formula One events, and provide a stepping stone into Formula One.

Motor racing's F3000 Championship, the feeder series for Formula One, is to be replaced next year by Formula GP2.

United gets even more Irish - 19 Jan 2004

The Irish duo's Cubic Expression company announced to the Stock Exchange they have bought another 3.26m shares, which takes their holding to over 66.5m.

Racing owners John Magnier and JP McManus have again increased their stakeholding in Manchester United.

Extreme's building blocks - 19 Jan 2004

The agreement will allow for the transmission of Extreme Sports Channel ‘branded blocks’ across 13 countries where the channel has never previously had carriage.

Extreme Entertainment, formerly Extreme International, has signed a new deal with broadcasters in India and West Africa.

Just the ticket for Euroleague - 19 Jan 2004

The workshop is designed to help clubs boost attendances and ensure TV revenues are supplemented by healthy ticket sales.

A major marketing workshop to enhance ticket sales for European basketball’s Euroleague concludes today – with participating teams saying the effort is paying off.

Energy boost for European Tour - 19 Jan 2004

Red Bull has already been involved with the European Tour after two-years of grassroots involvement, both with the professional and amateur game.

Golf’s European Tour has signed a new three-year partnership with energy drink Red Bull.

Panthers bank on naming rights - 19 Jan 2004

The Panthers, who won through to their first-ever Super Bowl final at the weekend, signed an agreement with the Bank of America which begins at the start of next season.

Super Bowl finalists the Carolina Panthers have signed a 20-year stadium naming rights deal with Bank of America Corporation.

BOA lands Blue Arrow deal - 19 Jan 2004

The deal will see Blue Arrow dedicate an in-house team charged with placing athletes and coaches in jobs that give them the flexibility to continue with their careers whilst achieving their sporting a

The British Olympic Association has announced a three-year collaboration with recruitment agency Blue Arrow.

ICC signs Betfair agreement - 19 Jan 2004

The aim of the agreement is to help protect and maintain the integrity of international cricket.

The International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the betting exchange company Betfair.

The Week Ahead - 19 Jan 2004

Mon 19

Find out what's going on over the next seven days in the world of sport with sportbusiness.com's regular look at the Week Ahead.

Bahrain hire big-hitter - 19 Jan 2004

Philippe Gurdjian, who has already presided over 19 other Formula One races around the world, will become ‘F1 executive consultant’ for both the Bahrain International Circuit and the 2004 Gulf Air

Organisers of the first Formula One Grand Prix to be staged in the Middle East have appointed one of the sport’s best-known names to ensure the project is delivered on time and is a success.

CBS rejects Super Bowl ads - 19 Jan 2004

One of the banned ads was prepared by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and asserts that meat-eating causes impotence.

Host broadcaster CBS has rejected two adverts lined up for next month's Super Bowl as they go against the network's advocacy rules.

Puma extends F1 team deal - 19 Jan 2004

Both new drivers will now wear Puma fireproof racewear and footwear for the 2004 season – a similar extension to that agreed with the Ford RS Team signed last week.

Sportswear firm Puma has further added to its motorsports portfolio after extending its existing supplier deal with the Sauber Petronas Formula One team.

Adu gets fizzy - 16 Jan 2004

Adu, the youngest player in Major League Soccer, has teamed up with the brand – already official soft drink of the league – and will become a spokesman for its youth programme initiatives, as well

US teen soccer sensation Freddy Adu has signed a two-year endorsement deal with Sierra Mist, one of Pepsi-Cola’s brands.

AFC mourns death - 16 Jan 2004

He had been suffering from illness for the last couple of years.

Nabon Noor, former senior vice president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has died. He was 74.

IraqiSport signs development deal - 16 Jan 2004

As part of the deal IraqiSport will be entrusted with the exclusive responsibility for the commercial interests of Olympic sport in Iraq.

Sport marketing consultancy IraqiSport has signed an agreement with ICTAS, the precursor administration to the National Olympic Committee of Iraq (NOCI), to assist in the development of sport and the management of rights and other commercial interests.

Puma teams up with Ford - 16 Jan 2004

Sportswear firm Puma has reinforced its deal with Ford’s World Rally Championship team, after extending its existing supplier contract.

Gay sports plan think tank - 16 Jan 2004

After a row between the local organising committee in Montreal and the event’s rights holders – the Federation of Gay Games – plans for the event collapsed, with the FGG revoking Montreal’s ri

Leading figures from the gay and lesbian sports sector will meet in Montreal this weekend for a ‘think tank’ on the future of their sports, following the debacle surrounding the 2006 Gay Games.

All nine stay in 2012 race - 16 Jan 2004

With many of the cities officially unveiling their bid details to an expectant public today, Paris, London and New York remain the favourites among a strong field.

All nine cities bidding to host the 2012 Olympic Games have returned their questionnaires to the IOC, setting the scene for what is set to become one of the most hotly contested battles in recent history.

Leeds deadline pushed back? - 16 Jan 2004

The club had been given a deadline of January 19 – next Monday – to find a new buyer or substantial new investment, or face the threat of calling in the administrators.

Financially troubled English Premier League soccer club Leeds United may be able to extend a crunch deadline in its bid to avoid going into administration.

Eurosport revs up WRC - 15 Jan 2004

The new deal with International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC) will see British Eurosport carry a 30-minute daily highlight programme in prime time, starting with the Monte Carlo rally on January 23.

Eurosport has signed a new two-year deal with the rights holders to the World Rally Championship to carry coverage of the event on both British Eurosport and Eurosport News.

Canon's Champions deal? - 15 Jan 2004

Marketing Week

Electronics firm Canon is set to sign up as the latest major sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, according to reports – with talks well advanced to fill the other remaining sponsorship slot.

Rio signs to new agent - 15 Jan 2004

Ferdinand has signed an exclusive deal with Jerome Anderson’s Sport Entertainment & Media Group (SEM) - ending his association with SFX.

England and Manchester United Rio Ferdinand – currently facing an eight-month ban from the game for failing to take a drugs test – has signed a new management deal.

Change afoot at the RFL - 15 Jan 2004

Marketing director Chris Green has resigned and will be leaving the Rugby Football League (RFL) at the end of February 2004 while Gary Hetherington has been appointed as president of the RFL.

There is a changing of the guard at the UK's Rugby Football League with the appointment of a new president dovetailed by the resignation of the governing body's marketing director.

MotoGP eyes US return - 15 Jan 2004

Amid mounting speculation it would race in the US, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta – rights holder of the series – says talks were underway and a deal could be signed within months.

MotoGP could be returning to the US next year, as negotiations continue with local promoters.

QSi returns for 2004 - 15 Jan 2004

QSi was established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as president of the QNOC, to assist international sports industry suppliers to meet and do business with Asian sports event

The Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC) is to repeat its successful business event Qatar Sports International (QSi) in April.

Scarborough's big pay day - 15 Jan 2004

Semi-professional Scarborough are set for the biggest pay day in the club's 125-year history after winning through to the FA Cup 4th round and a glamour tie against big spending Premier League giants

Critics of English soccer's FA Cup have long complained the competition has lost its sparkle - but the financial rewards for the lower leagues are proving more crucial than ever - especially for non-league Scarborough.

Duo join GEM Group - 15 Jan 2004

They will work out of the London and Guildford offices of the sports marketing and entertainment specialists, one of the CSS Stellar plc group of companies, and formerly Craigie Taylor International.

Rob Pope and Andy Dwyer, former heads of sponsorship agency the TSW Consultancy, have joined the GEM Group.

Saints sign kit deals - 15 Jan 2004

The deal is with sports retailer all:sports and will be further enhanced by Puma extending its initial three-year deal as ‘technical partners’ to a new five-year agreement.

English Rugby League Club St Helens has signed a major sponsorship deal for the 2004 Tetley’s Super League season.

Turin's 2006 'tight' timetable - 15 Jan 2004

But overall the sixth IOC Co-ordination Commission visit produced a good response to work so far carried out.

The IOC has warned organisers of the Turin 2006 Winter Games not to be ‘complacent’ and warned some construction deadlines were ‘very tight’.

Curtis signs Reebok NFL deal - 15 Jan 2004

US golfer Curtis will debut the NFL apparel when he tees off this week at the Sony Open.

Reigning British Open golf champion Ben Curtis signed an endorsement contract with Reebok to wear its NFL apparel at PGA Tour events this year.

Bernie speaks out for Bahrain - 15 Jan 2004

Organisers of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the newly constructed Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) have been dogged in recent weeks with claims the race could become a major terrorist target

Bernie Ecclestone has once again spoke out in defence of the first Formula One Grand Prix to be staged in the Middle East – and played down reported terrorist threats to the event.

Walk this way for Super Bowl - 14 Jan 2004

Fellow pop stars Janet Jackson and Beyonce Knowles have also been confirmed as performers at next month's event.

The NFL has announced that rock band Aerosmith, will headline the Super Bowl XXXVIII pre-game show at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, February 1.

WWE clamps down on Canada - 14 Jan 2004

In a case against 37 bars across Canada, Justice Beaudry issued an injunction against the bars from continuing their illegal use of WWE pay-per-views.

The Federal Court of Canada has issued an injunction that will prohibit bars in Canada from illegally showing World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view events.

LA7 secures Superbikes - 14 Jan 2004

The broadcast deal between FGSport, international rights holders of the Superbike World Championship, and LA7 will start at the end of February in time for the start of the 2004 season.

Italian terrestrial TV channel LA7 has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the Superbike World Championship in Italy for the next three years.

Bahamas bowls up for CWC - 14 Jan 2004

It joins 12 other countries with registered bid committees, namely: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.

The Bahamas has become the latest country to officially enter the race to stage matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.

Email Newsletter