http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/area/content_newsitem/358/feed Areas dynamic view http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167545/china-to-allow-protests-during-olympic-games China will allow demonstrations in three designated city parks during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, according to UK news reports. Events China Event Management Summer Olympics Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:18:42 +0100 mglendinning 167545 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167542/britain-recession-threat-to-uk-sport Recession fears have jeopardised efforts to raise £100 million to train Britain’s elite athletes. Events United Kingdom Sponsorship Summer Olympics Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:11:41 +0100 mglendinning 167542 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167540/rogge-s-role-dependant-upon-success-of-beijing International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, has said that the success of the Beijing Olympics will decide whether or not he will seek an extension of his term in 2009. Events Event Management Summer Olympics Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:46:38 +0100 mglendinning 167540 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167536/london-2012-bosses-cost-taxpayer-87m The consultants given the task of keeping down the bill for the 2012 London Olympics cost the taxpayer £87 million in the last financial year, a government report has revealed. Events United Kingdom Event Management Summer Olympics Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:30:00 +0100 mglendinning 167536 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167533/rfl-to-confirm-super-league-licenses The Rugby Football League (RFL), the sport’s governing body in the UK, will reveal today which 14 clubs have been granted a license to compete in the Super League for the next three seasons from 2009 to 2011. Events United Kingdom Rugby Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:39:49 +0100 mglendinning 167533 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167531/uka-announce-5m-sponsorship-deal Food manufacturer, McCain, has agreed a £5 million sponsorship deal with UK Athletics (UKA), the sport’s governing body in the UK, for five-years, until 2013. Events United Kingdom Sponsorship Track And Field Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:31:55 +0100 mglendinning 167531 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167530/gauteng-to-host-south-african-a1gp A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has entered into a partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government for the hosting rights for the South African A1GP event. Events South Africa Events Motor Racing Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:07 +0100 mglendinning 167530 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167525/italy-to-bid-for-rugby-world-cup Italy will bid to host either the 2015 or the 2019 Rugby World Cup, according to the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR). Events Italy Events Rugby Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:49:21 +0100 mglendinning 167525 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167524/kazakhstan-to-bid-for-2018-olympic-games Kazakhstan will bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, according to local press reports. Events Kazakhstan Events Winter Olympics Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:47:31 +0100 mglendinning 167524 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167522/icc-to-decide-on-fate-of-champions-trophy The International Cricket Council (ICC), cricket’s governing body, will decide this week whether September's Champions Trophy can take place in Pakistan. Events Pakistan Cricket Events Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:38:06 +0100 mglendinning 167522 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167511/super-14-playoffs-to-include-six-teams The Super 14 playoffs could increase to six teams from next season after the Sanzar unions agreed to revise the format in order potentially expand the competition. Events Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:45:30 +0100 msherlock 167511 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167503/mlb-to-allow-top-players-to-participate-in-olympics Major League Baseball (MLB) said that it would consider shutting down the league mid-season if Chicago or Tokyo were selected to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Events United States Baseball Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:33:25 +0100 msherlock 167503 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167502/ecb-to-launch-new-english-premier-league The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the sport’s governing body, is to launch a new English Premier League (EPL) cricket competition involving all 18 counties, two overseas teams and international players. Events United Kingdom Cricket Event Management Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:31:27 +0100 msherlock 167502 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167500/record-viewing-for-rugby-sevens-world-series Last season’s Rugby Sevens World Series reached a record 223 million homes – 10 million more than in 2006-07 - according to figures released by the International Rugby Board (IRB), the sport’s governing body. Events Audience Data Rugby Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:29:22 +0100 msherlock 167500 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167491/more-big-names-sign-up-for-leaders-in-football Ric Parry, Sir Trevor Brooking, Lord Mawhinney, Karen Brady, Frank Arnesen and more joined Leaders in Football, the two-day international conference and networking event. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:25:06 +0100 msherlock 167491 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167486/icc-conference-to-return-to-lords Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in 2009. Events United Kingdom Cricket Event Management Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:25:26 +0100 msherlock 167486 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167481/cricket-collaboration-to-help-combat-youth-crime StreetChance, a unique partnership to help tackle youth crime in London, supported by Barclays Spaces for Sports, launched today. Events United Kingdom Cricket Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:14:37 +0100 msherlock 167481 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167475/ferrari-drops-legal-action-against-mclaren Formula One team Ferrari, has ended its legal action against rival F1 team McLaren over last year's spying scandal for the good of the sport, according to press reports. Events Law Motor Racing Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:41:26 +0100 msherlock 167475 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167466/2012-tourism-to-provide-4bn-boost-for-uk The 2012 Olympic Games will generate over four billion dollars in tourism for the UK, according to research by Oxford Economics. Events United Kingdom Summer Olympics Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:38:53 +0100 msherlock 167466 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167465/beijing-organisers-reach-broadcast-compromise Olympic broadcasters will be able to report live from Tiananmen Square, but only for six hours a day, according to reports from Beijing. Events China Broadcast Summer Olympics Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:36:56 +0100 msherlock 167465 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167459/construction-complete-on-first-vancouver-2010-indoor-competition-venue The Vancouver Organising Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games (VANOC) said the UBC Thunderbird Arena is the first indoor competition venue in the Host Region to complete construction. The venue will host the men’s and women’s ice hockey, as well as the men’s ice sledge hockey competitions during the 2010 Winter Games. Events Canada Ice Hockey Stadia & Facilities Winter Olympics Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:36:04 +0100 msherlock 167459 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167456/nba-to-reveal-best-practice-at-leaders-in-football The NBA, one of the most successful sports marketing organisations in the world, will address senior executives at Leaders in Football with Scott O’Neill, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing flying in to deliver a keynote presentation. Events United Kingdom United States Basketball Football Soccer Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:15:45 +0100 msherlock 167456 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167455/putin-to-remain-key-figure-for-sochi-2014 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will remain directly involved in the preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi according to the local organising committee. Events Russian Federation Event Management Winter Olympics Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:46:09 +0100 msherlock 167455 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167454/irb-to-allocate-two-rugby-world-cup-tournaments-in-2009 The International Rugby Board, owner of Rugby World Cup, said it will allocate the next two tournaments - Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2019 - at the same time in 2009 and will commence the tender process this month. Events Event Management Rugby Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:43:25 +0100 msherlock 167454 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167452/tokyo-2016-stresses-strong-bid-support-figures Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016 said that Japanese support for hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is currently over 70 per cent and rising every day. Events Japan Summer Olympics Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:32:17 +0100 msherlock 167452 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167450/isf-and-back-softball-now-on-facebook The International Softball Federation and the Back Softball campaign became part of one of the largest online social networking sites, Facebook in a bid to broaden the sport’s global footprint. Events Internet Softball Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:15:17 +0100 msherlock 167450 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167449/uefa-to-vote-on-proposal-to-rename-the-uefa-cup European football’s governing body, UEFA, is considering changing the name of its UEFA Cup competition to the UEFA Europa League, according to news reports. Events Europe Event Management Football Soccer Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:39:26 +0100 msherlock 167449 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167448/st-petersburg-to-bid-for-2020-olympics Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St Petersburg, said in a radio interview that St Petersburg will bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. St Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, bid for the 2004 Olympics but failed to be selected as one of the five candidate cities. Events Russian Federation Event Management Summer Olympics Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:34:42 +0100 msherlock 167448 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167437/houllier-and-white-confirmed-as-speakers-at-soccerex-2008 Soccerex confirmed that Gerard Houllier and former Springbok rugby coach Jake White will be bringing their wealth of experience to the 2008 Soccerex Conference programme. They will join Sir Clive Woodward on a panel that will look at the development and management of elite talent required to win a World Cup in different sporting spheres. Events Football Soccer Mon, 7 Jul 2008 07:58:33 +0100 msherlock 167437 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167431/sanzar-to-consider-expanding-tri-nations-series Argentina has held talks with leading southern hemisphere nations over the possibility of expanding rugby union’s Tri-Nation series, according to the BBC. Events Argentina Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Fri, 4 Jul 2008 10:34:38 +0100 msherlock 167431 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167418/poland-we-will-be-ready-for-euro-2012 The Prime Minister of Poland has said that construction projects needed to stage football’s 2012 European Championship will be completed on time. Events Poland Ukraine Event Management Football Soccer Stadia & Facilities Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:12:52 +0100 msherlock 167418 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167416/official-endorsement-for-australian-protour-team-bid Cycling Australia (CA) and Australia’s Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis gave their backing to a Melbourne-based cycling group’s plans to create a ProTour team, competing in the Tour de France, by 2010. Events Australia Cycling Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:07:26 +0100 msherlock 167416 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167414/10-million-sovereign-series-for-british-flat-racing Britain’s leading racecourses are to launch a landmark £10 million flat racing competition, The Sovereign Series, linking 10 of the most prestigious races in the UK racing calendar to crown the champion British racehorse. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Event Management Horse Racing Wed, 2 Jul 2008 11:29:53 +0100 msherlock 167414 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167410/england-expected-to-reach-world-twenty20-cup-deal England is likely to be confirmed as the host of next summer’s World Twenty20 Cup within the next 24 hours, according to the UK's The Guardian newspaper. Events United Kingdom Zimbabwe Administration Cricket Event Management Wed, 2 Jul 2008 11:15:46 +0100 msherlock 167410 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167406/motogp-secures-cbs-and-nbc-broadcasts-over-summer Dorna Sports agreed deals with US broadcasters CBS Sports and NBC to broadcast coverage of MotoGP across the United States this summer. Events United States Motorcycling TV Rights Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:56:20 +0100 mglendinning 167406 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167404/london-2012-organisers-deny-500m-media-centre-finance-problems The Olympic Delivery Authority, the UK public body responsible for London 2012 Olympics venues, infrastructure and legacy, has denied media reports of problems financing a $500 million media centre. Events United Kingdom Finance Summer Olympics Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:53:07 +0100 mglendinning 167404 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167403/olympic-softball-tickets-sell-out The International Softball Federation (ISF), softball’s governing body, says that tickets for games at this summer’s Olympics had sold out. Events China Softball Summer Olympics Ticketing Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:50:16 +0100 mglendinning 167403 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167398/euro-2008-final-to-generate-300-million A study conducted by EURO 2008 sponsor MasterCard into the financial effects of Euro 2008 has said the economic impact of Sunday's final could be worth €300 million. Events Austria Switzerland Event Management Finance Football Soccer Sponsorship TV Rights Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:15:45 +0100 msherlock 167398 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167395/isaf-to-launch-first-ever-world-cup The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) will launch its first World Cup at the end of 2008. Events Event Management Sailing Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:11:44 +0100 msherlock 167395 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167394/motogp-250cc-class-to-be-dropped The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), motorcycling’s governing body, said that it will eliminate the 250cc class from Grand Prix racing. Events Administration Motorcycling Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:11:00 +0100 msherlock 167394 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167393/india-tour-revenue-pays-off-sri-lanka-cricket-debt India’s forthcoming Test and one-day tour of Sri Lanka has enabled the Sri Lankan cricket board to pay off a $6 million debt. Events India Sri Lanka Broadcast Cricket Finance Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:09:57 +0100 msherlock 167393 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167386/a1gp-targets-south-american-race A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has received influential backing of Brazilian President, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, for the series to hold its first race in South America. Events Brazil Events Motor Racing Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:35:14 +0100 mglendinning 167386 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167380/leaders-in-football-2008-set-for-a-sell-out A list of highly influential speakers from world football has ensured that this year's Leaders in Football 2008 conference is already close to a sell out. Events United Kingdom Events Football Soccer Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:08:35 +0100 mglendinning 167380 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167378/correction-ioc-guidelines-to-non-rights-holders On Wednesday, June 25, newslines carried a story, suggesting that the IOC had issued ‘sweeping” new restrictions to non-rights holding media at Beijing 2008. It has been made clear to us that this is not the case. Events Switzerland Summer Olympics TV Rights Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:58:50 +0100 mglendinning 167378 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167374/2016-bidding-cities-highlight-green-credentials The leading candidate cities for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games have made fresh moves to highlight the green credentials of their respective bids. Events Japan United States Summer Olympics Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:04:52 +0100 mglendinning 167374 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167372/storms-knock-out-euro-2008-global-television-feed A violent thunderstorm in Austria caused a power cut at the Euro 2008 International Broadcast Centre in Vienna last night, resulting in television broadcasters worldwide losing their signal at several points during the Germany-Turkey semi-final. Events Broadcast Football Soccer Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:01:01 +0100 mglendinning 167372 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167371/government-to-plug-100m-hole-in-funding-for-british-olympic-athletes The British Government has given UK Sport, the agency with responsibility for funding elite sports training programmes in Britain, private assurances that the government will fill a £100 million gap in its funding. Events United Kingdom Finance Summer Olympics Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:48:27 +0100 mglendinning 167371 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167370/fia-postpones-150-per-cent-entry-fee-increase Formula One’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has postponed the proposed 150 per cent increase in entry fees for next year. Events Administration Motor Racing Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:04:47 +0100 mglendinning 167370 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167366/stadium-for-euro-2012-final-threatened Ukraine, the co-host of Euro 2012, has broken off talks with the Taiwanese firm renovating the stadium due to stage the final of the tournament, just days before a visit by UEFA President Michel Platini. Events Ukraine Football Soccer Stadia & Facilities Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:57:38 +0100 mglendinning 167366 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167361/champions-league-boosts-british-clubs-revenues British clubs made up 26 per cent of the £462 million total Champions League television and sponsorship revenues from the 2007-08 season. Events United Kingdom Finance Football Soccer Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:36:20 +0100 msherlock 167361 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167358/golfs-world-matchplay-to-move-to-spain Golf's World Match Play Championship is to move from Wentworth to Spain. Events Spain United Kingdom Event Management Golf Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:27:19 +0100 msherlock 167358 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167357/cricket-south-africa-cuts-ties-with-zimbabwe-cricket Cricket South Africa suspended its bi-lateral agreements with Zimbabwe Cricket, which included development and administrative programmes, and the participation of Zimbabwe teams in CSA's domestic competitions. Events South Africa Zimbabwe Cricket Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:24:52 +0100 msherlock 167357 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167354/french-gp-looks-set-to-remain-at-magny-cours Magny-Cours looks set to host the French Grand Prix again in 2009 and possibly for longer, Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone has said. Events France Event Management Motor Racing Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:51:49 +0100 msherlock 167354 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167353/birmingham-alabama-to-bid-for-2020-olympic-games The Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama has said that he is putting together a committee to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. Events United States Event Management Summer Olympics Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:47:57 +0100 msherlock 167353 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167025/mbo-at-limelight-sports The senior team at Limelight Sports have led a Management Buy Out (MBO) of the UK's leading grassroots sports and physical activity participation agency. Events United Kingdom Agencies Finance Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:46:03 +0100 msherlock 167025 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167015/afl-considers-possibility-of-twilight-grand-final The Australian Football League said that a twilight Grand Final could take place as soon as next year. Events Australia Australian Rules Football Broadcast Event Management Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:43:54 +0100 msherlock 167015 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167014/women-spending-140m-on-uefa-euro-2008-says-mastercard-study Women are playing a key role in UEFA EURO 2008™, contributing at least €140million to commerce around the tournament, according to a comprehensive economic study commissioned by MasterCard, Official Sponsor of the UEFA European Football Championship™ since 1992. Events Europe Football Soccer Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:34:54 +0100 msherlock 167014 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167013/football-rights-market-launched-at-leaders-in-football-2008 With 1000 international Football Clubs, Leagues, Federations and sponsors gathering over two days at Chelsea FC on October 7 and 8, 2008, the event will incorporate a global media rights market for buyers and sellers. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:30:12 +0100 msherlock 167013 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167006/filiol-appointed-md-of-eurosport-events The Eurosport Group announced today that Jacques Béhar has left his role as Chairman and CEO, Eurosport Events, the group's event organisation and promotion subsidiary. Géraldine Filiol, currently Deputy Managing Director in charge of Rights Acquisitions, succeeds Jacques Béhar at the helm of Eurosport Events as Managing Director. Events Europe Event Management Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:44:23 +0100 msherlock 167006 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167005/bnp-paribas-signs-as-title-sponsor-of-2008-taste-of-tennis BNP Paribas agreed a deal to title sponsor the 2008 Taste of Tennis, an event produced by AYS Sports Marketing. Events United States Sponsorship Tennis Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:11:35 +0100 msherlock 167005 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166996/ten-sports-renews-wwe-rights-deal Asian television sports broadcaster Ten Sports has acquired exclusive broadcast rights to first-run, WWE-branded content in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives, in a deal renewing an existing contract until 2014. Events Asia TV Rights Wrestling Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:50:52 +0100 mglendinning 166996 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166993/uae-minister-joins-sports-peace-initiative HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, has become the first Founding Partner of Generations for Peace, a global initiative which runs peace programmes using sport to bring together young people from communities divided by conflict. Events UAE Events Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:26:25 +0100 mglendinning 166993 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166985/f1-generates-more-money-per-event-than-any-other-sport Formula One Grand Prixs generate more revenue per event than any other sport in the world, according to research carried out by Formula Money, the organisation which monitors the financial health of F1 motor racing and the Deloitte Sport Business Group. Events Finance Motor Racing Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:47:10 +0100 msherlock 166985 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166982/football-fans-could-lose-up-to-24-million-cash-in-austria-and-switzerland Football fans across Europe travelling to Austria and Switzerland for UEFA EURO 2008™ could lose up to £24,000,000 in cash during the tournament, according to new research by Maestro® , the debit brand of MasterCard Worldwide, Official Sponsor of UEFA EURO 2008™. Events Austria Switzerland Finance Football Soccer Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:43:40 +0100 msherlock 166982 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166981/tokyo-2016-launches-emblem-and-athletes-commission The Governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara unveiled a highly symbolic new TOKYO 2016 emblem and launched the TOKYO 2016 athletes' commission, headed by renowned Olympic medallist, Ms Mikako Kotani. Events Japan Summer Olympics Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:42:16 +0100 msherlock 166981 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166980/madrid-2016-launches-new-web-portal-in-arabic-and-chinese The Madrid 2016 Olympic bid launched various parts of its website in two new languages, Arabic and Chinese. The website is already available in English, French, and Spanish. Events Spain Internet Summer Olympics Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:41:20 +0100 msherlock 166980 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166975/england-v-west-indies-twenty20-for-20m-series-confirmed Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford and the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that England XI and West Indian ‘All-star’ cricket teams will compete in annual Twenty20 cricket matches with a prize purse of $20 million, beginning this November. Events United Kingdom Cricket Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:50:35 +0100 msherlock 166975 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166966/soccerex-adds-new-signings Soccerex 2008 latest signings include Aston Villa, Juventus FC, Real Madrid CF and the Urawa Red Diamonds. Events South Africa Football Soccer Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:49:04 +0100 msherlock 166966 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166954/cricket-twenty20-champions-league-on-the-cards A Twenty20 club tournament is set to take place during a 10-day period in late September and early October, either in India or the Middle East, according to UK press reports. Events Australia India South Africa United Kingdom Cricket Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:31:37 +0100 msherlock 166954 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166953/qatar-determined-to-host-major-global-sports-event Qatar is set to announce its candidature for 2018 World Cup according to UK media reports, following its controversial failure to proceed to candidate city status for the 2016 Olympic Games. Events Qatar Football Soccer Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:23:03 +0100 msherlock 166953 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166952/euro-2008-set-for-record-revenue The 2008 European Championship will generate a record income of around €1.3 billion, according to European football’s governing body, Uefa. Events Austria Switzerland Finance Football Soccer Sponsorship TV Rights Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:45:33 +0100 msherlock 166952 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166951/ernst-young-to-be-consultant-partner-of-sochi-2014 The Sochi 2014 Organising Committee appointed international audit and consulting company Ernst & Young as consultant partner for the selection of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Events Russian Federation Event Management Winter Olympics Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:30:31 +0100 msherlock 166951 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166950/only-10-places-remain-for-sport-and-technology-the-conference-2008 The fourth edition of Sport and Technology: The Conference, in association with BT Media and Broadcast, is on course to being a sell-out once again. The event will be held on 13 June 2008 at the high-tech BT Centre in London and places are strictly limited to 172. Potential delegates are therefore urged to book now to avoid disappointment. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Technology Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:00:11 +0100 msherlock 166950 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166948/tennis-is-australia-s-most-popular-sport-says-survey Tennis has overtaken cricket as Australia’s most popular spectator sport, according to a new survey by Australian research agency Sweeney Research. Events Australia Tennis Fri, 6 Jun 2008 11:12:21 +0100 msherlock 166948 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166946/iraq-to-appeal-ioc-suspension Iraq will appeal its suspension by the International Olympic Committee and will send a high-level delegation to present its case. Events Iraq Administration Summer Olympics Winter Olympics Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:06:50 +0100 msherlock 166946 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166933/ioc-chooses-four-cities-for-2016-olympics-doha-loses-out The International Olympic Committee selected Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo as candidate cities for the 2016 Olympic Games. Doha missed out on selection, while Madrid and Tokyo appear the cities to beat in the early running. Events Azerbaijan Brazil Czech Republic Japan Qatar Spain United States Summer Olympics Thu, 5 Jun 2008 10:58:14 +0100 msherlock 166933 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166930/uci-outrage-as-tour-put-under-french-jurisdiction The International Cycling Union threatened sanctions against riders and teams competing in this year's Tour de France after organisers announced that the race will take place under the jurisdiction of the French Cycling Federation. Events France Administration Cycling Law Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:14:31 +0100 msherlock 166930 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166920/uefa-launches-online-video-service-for-euro-2008 UEFA, European football’s governing body, has launched an online video service for the upcoming European Football Championship. Events Football Soccer Internet Tue, 3 Jun 2008 11:07:47 +0100 mglendinning 166920 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166916/renault-to-stay-in-f1 Formula One team, Renault, has moved to quell speculation that it will walk away from the championship if its performance does not improve soon. Events Motor Racing Tue, 3 Jun 2008 10:40:15 +0100 mglendinning 166916 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166913/euro-2008-sold-out Tickets for Euro 2008 have sold out. All 1.05 million tickets for the 31-match tournament in Austria and Switzerland that starts on Saturday have been bought, meaning that anyone now buying a ticket is doing so illegally. Events Switzerland Football Soccer Ticketing Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:48:43 +0100 mglendinning 166913 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166912/rbs-to-sponsor-usga Financial services group, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), has signed as a corporate partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA). Events United States Golf Sponsorship Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:46:30 +0100 mglendinning 166912 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166911/david-haye-s-next-four-fights-on-setanta UK and Ireland sports broadcaster Setanta Sports has agreed a deal to screen British boxer David Haye’s next four fights exclusively live. Events United Kingdom Boxing TV Rights Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:39:44 +0100 mglendinning 166911 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166910/7m-watch-england-v-us The BBC’s coverage of the England national football team’s 2-0 victory over the United States on Wednesday drew seven million viewers. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Football Soccer Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:38:20 +0100 mglendinning 166910 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166908/prince-feisal-launches-generations-for-peace His Royal Highness, Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, the founder and chairman of the global initiative ‘Peace Through Sport’, has changed the name of his flagship project to ‘Generations For Peace'. Events Jordan Sports Governance Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:00:58 +0100 mglendinning 166908 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166904/nfl-sells-40-000-wembley-tickets-in-90-minutes American Football’s NFL said it has sold the first 40,000 tickets for its second regular-season match in London in 90 minutes. Events United Kingdom United States American Football Event Management Ticketing Fri, 30 May 2008 11:04:26 +0100 msherlock 166904 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166903/lack-of-tv-coverage-stops-england-ipl-match A proposed match between Indian Premier League sides to be staged in England has been called off because of a lack of TV coverage. Events India United Kingdom Broadcast Cricket TV Rights Fri, 30 May 2008 11:03:17 +0100 msherlock 166903 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166902/russian-businessmen-pledge-bonuses-for-olympic-medallists Leading Russian businessmen have pledged just over £7 million in bonuses to the country's medal winners at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Events Russian Federation Summer Olympics Fri, 30 May 2008 11:01:32 +0100 msherlock 166902 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166905/americans-sign-up-for-hospitality-at-the-2010-ryder-cup The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales looks set to attract a large number of business visitors from North America. Events United Kingdom Golf Hospitality Fri, 30 May 2008 10:08:04 +0100 msherlock 166905 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166900/european-professional-football-league-at-leadersinfootball-2008 Following confirmation of the European Professional Football Leagues' (EPFL) presence at LeadersinFootball 2008 which is taking place at Chelsea FC on 7th and 8th October 2008, The EPFL is considering holding its General Assembly simultaneously to this prestigious event. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Fri, 30 May 2008 09:22:54 +0100 msherlock 166900 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166884/us-looks-set-to-bid-against-england-for-2018-world-cup The United States looks set to bid against England for the 2018 World Cup with US Soccer President, Sunil Gulati, saying: “We will be making a decision in the next two or three months, but we are looking very seriously at it.I can't think of any reasons why we wouldn't bid for the tournament.” Events United States Football Soccer Thu, 29 May 2008 09:40:58 +0100 msherlock 166884 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166875/uae-to-host-fifa-s-world-club-cup The United Arab Emirates will host Fifa’s World Club Cup in 2009 and 2010, after beating rival bids to host the tournament from Japan, Australia and Portugal. Events UAE Event Management Football Soccer Wed, 28 May 2008 09:55:24 +0100 msherlock 166875 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166871/isc-profits-fall-as-interest-in-world-rally-falls The profits of International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), the commercial rights holders of motorsport's World Rally Championships have fallen according to UK press reports. Events Wed, 28 May 2008 09:19:46 +0100 msherlock 166871 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166865/digital-olympics-debated-at-sport-and-technology-the-conference-2008 The Olympic Games will be under the spotlight at the fourth edition of Sport and Technology: The Conference 2008, in association with BT Media and Broadcast, which will be held on 13 June 2008 at BT Centre in London. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Summer Olympics Technology Tue, 27 May 2008 09:41:49 +0100 msherlock 166865 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166863/lord-triesman-mohammed-bin-hammam-and-richard-scudamore-kick-start-leaders-in-football-2008 1000 Clubs, federations, leagues and sponsors are gathering together on October 7 and 8 at Chelsea FC for LeadersinFootball 2008, the new, international event for the business of football. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Tue, 27 May 2008 09:33:52 +0100 msherlock 166863 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166859/russia-to-launch-new-ice-hockey-league Russia is to launch a new Continental Ice Hockey League with 24 teams in September. Events Russian Federation Event Management Ice Hockey Fri, 23 May 2008 10:30:46 +0100 msherlock 166859 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166855/ecclestone-reiterates-challenge-to-british-gp Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone, has raised further doubts over the future of the British Grand Prix after 2009. Events United Kingdom Event Management Motor Racing Fri, 23 May 2008 10:15:56 +0100 msherlock 166855 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166854/ioc-greatly-impressed-by-london-2012-progress The organisers of the London 2012 Olympic Games have received a resounding endorsement from the International Olympic Committee at the end of their three day visit. Events United Kingdom Event Management Summer Olympics Fri, 23 May 2008 10:12:41 +0100 msherlock 166854 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166843/sfa-announces-record-turnover The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has announced a record turnover of £25.3 million for 2007, but remains no closer to repairing the hole in their finances. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Thu, 22 May 2008 09:07:50 +0100 mglendinning 166843 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166838/setanta-and-fox-acquire-england-fa-football-rights-in-us Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) and Setanta Sports have acquired broadcast rights in the United States for the English FA Cup and England’s national football team matches in a four-year deal with the English FA. Events United States Football Soccer TV Rights Wed, 21 May 2008 10:19:43 +0100 mglendinning 166838 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166837/mayor-johnson-appoints-ross-as-loc-nominee The London Mayor, Boris Johnson, has appointed David Ross, non-executive deputy chairman of Carphone Warehouse, as his nominee to represent him on the board of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games, with a roving brief to monitor costs. Events United Kingdom Administration Summer Olympics Wed, 21 May 2008 09:38:34 +0100 mglendinning 166837 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166836/coca-cola-renews-partnership-with-special-olympics Soft drink manufacturer, the Coca-Cola Company, has renewed its partnership with the Special Olympics in a four-year deal, from 2008 to 2011. Events United States Sponsorship Summer Olympics Wed, 21 May 2008 09:24:53 +0100 mglendinning 166836 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166832/pittsburgh-to-host-first-marathon-since-2005 American city Pittsburgh is to host a marathon in 2009, five years after the city’s marathon, which had been run since 1985, was discontinued. Events United States Events Tue, 20 May 2008 10:45:29 +0100 mglendinning 166832 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166831/new-international-conference-for-football-industry-leaders A new two-day international conference and networking event, LeadersinFootball 08, will bring together up to 1,000 senior figures from football clubs, leagues, federations, sponsors, and suppliers in London this autumn. Events United Kingdom Events Football Soccer Tue, 20 May 2008 10:40:18 +0100 mglendinning 166831 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166829/murrayfield-to-host-2009-heineken-cup-final Scotland's Murrayfield Stadium will host the rugby union 2009 Heineken Cup final. Events United Kingdom Events Rugby Tue, 20 May 2008 10:34:53 +0100 mglendinning 166829 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166828/ioc-to-check-on-london-2012-progress The International Olympic Committee's monitoring team will today begin a three-day visit to London to check on progress for the 2012 Games. Events United Kingdom Event Management Summer Olympics Tue, 20 May 2008 10:32:46 +0100 mglendinning 166828 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166823/virgin-group-to-sponsor-london-marathon Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has signed a five-year, £17 million deal to become the official sponsor of the London marathon from 2010. Virgin Money, the Group’s financial services arm, will be the lead brand in the sponsorship. Events United Kingdom Sponsorship Track And Field Mon, 19 May 2008 11:57:13 +0100 mglendinning 166823 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166814/london-businesses-and-academics-to-partner-to-take-on-challenge-of-olympics London’s businesses will be partnered with the capital’s top academics to produce technological solutions to the problems posed by hosting the 2012 Olympics under a new scheme sponsored by the London Development Agency (LDA). Events United Kingdom Event Management Summer Olympics Fri, 16 May 2008 09:58:26 +0100 mglendinning 166814 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166813/city-financial-expert-to-scrutinize-london-2012-costs Boris Johnson is to appoint a financial expert to scrutinize the budget for the London Olympics. Events United Kingdom Event Management Summer Olympics Fri, 16 May 2008 09:55:49 +0100 mglendinning 166813 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166805/fia-to-go-for-three-stage-budget-cap Formula One’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, is proposing a three-stage imposition of the annual teams' budget cap, beginning next year. Events Federations Motor Racing Fri, 16 May 2008 09:30:19 +0100 mglendinning 166805 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166803/uk-government-to-review-police-powers-after-uefa-cup-clashes Britain’s Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is to review police powers to stop violent public drunkenness after fears that clashes like those surrounding Wednesday’s UEFA Cup final in Manchester, may hinder England’s chances of hosting a major football event. Events United Kingdom Event Management Football Soccer Fri, 16 May 2008 09:27:12 +0100 mglendinning 166803 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166798/reebok-reduces-olympic-hospitality Sportswear manufacturer, Reebok International and its corporate parent, Adidas Group, one of the Olympic sponsors, are dropping plans for a hospitality facility to host athletes, guests, and the media at the summer games in Beijing because of logistical demands made by the Chinese government. Events China Events Summer Olympics Thu, 15 May 2008 10:41:13 +0100 mglendinning 166798 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166797/pcb-expects-100m-from-rights-sale The Pakistan Cricket Board is hoping that the sale of their media rights will earn the board at least $100 million. Events Pakistan Cricket TV Rights Thu, 15 May 2008 10:39:34 +0100 mglendinning 166797 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166795/tokyo-2016-appoints-olympic-hero-to-bid-committee The Tokyo 2016 Bid Committee appointed Tomoko Yoshihara, former Japanese national volleyball captain and three-time Olympian, to the Committee as an integral member of its communication team. Events Japan Summer Olympics Volleyball Thu, 15 May 2008 10:34:58 +0100 msherlock 166795 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166799/rio-2016-olympics-bid-backed-by-south-american-olympic-committees Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games has received the backing of the 15 National Olympic Committees represented by the South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR). Events Brazil Events Summer Olympics Thu, 15 May 2008 10:09:45 +0100 mglendinning 166799 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166801/usc-agree-25-year-lease-with-los-angeles-memorial-coliseum The University of South California (USC) has signed a lease that will keep the USC Trojans college American Football team playing at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum stadium for at least the next 25 years. Events United States American Football Events Thu, 15 May 2008 10:04:27 +0100 mglendinning 166801 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166792/disney-sports-complex-to-become-espn-branded Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN are joining forces to re-brand Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand. Events United States Broadcast Event Management Wed, 14 May 2008 10:54:46 +0100 msherlock 166792 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166794/thailand-offers-money-for-medals Thailand is to offer its athletes cash incentives for medals at the Beijing Olympics – but will pay out in instalments to stop medallists squandering the money. Events Thailand Events Summer Olympics Wed, 14 May 2008 10:41:29 +0100 mglendinning 166794 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166790/sport-18-to-market-volvo-ocean-race-india-stopover Sport 18 a division of Network 18 acquired the marketing rights of the Volvo Ocean Race India stopover to be held at Kochi from December 3-13, 2008. Events India Agencies Sailing Wed, 14 May 2008 10:36:28 +0100 msherlock 166790 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166788/ecclestone-scraps-magny-cours-wants-paris-street-race Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone said he would like to introduce a grand prix on the streets of Paris to replace the French grand prix at Magny-Cours. Events France Event Management Motor Racing Tue, 13 May 2008 10:40:44 +0100 msherlock 166788 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166787/wembley-bid-to-host-2011-champions-league-final-on The UK's Wembley stadium could be a strong contender to host the 2011 Champions League final after the UK government agreed to relax tax charges on overseas footballers' earnings. Events United Kingdom Event Management Finance Football Soccer Tue, 13 May 2008 10:34:51 +0100 msherlock 166787 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166783/rushmans-appoints-new-chief-executive Glen Kirton has been appointed Chief Executive of international major events company, Rushmans. Events United Kingdom Recruitment Tue, 13 May 2008 10:14:44 +0100 msherlock 166783 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166781/pro-golf-tour-of-india-signs-exclusive-partnership-deal Sport 18, the sport’s marketing division of Indian media conglomerate Network 18, and US-based network, CNBC-TV18, have agreed an exclusive partnership deal with the Professional Golf Tour of India. Events India Golf TV Rights Mon, 12 May 2008 10:47:17 +0100 mglendinning 166781 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166780/olympic-channel-won-t-debut-before-beijing A new 24-hour television channel run by the US Olympic Committee won't debut before the 2008 Beijing Games in August. Events United States Broadcast Summer Olympics Mon, 12 May 2008 10:45:05 +0100 mglendinning 166780 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166779/japan-to-host-irb-junior-world-championship The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that Japan will host the IRB Junior World Championship in 2009. Events Japan Events Rugby Mon, 12 May 2008 10:42:20 +0100 mglendinning 166779 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166777/pcb-looks-to-shorten-tv-rights-deals The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering shorter term contract periods for its television rights deals. Events Pakistan Cricket TV Rights Mon, 12 May 2008 10:33:23 +0100 mglendinning 166777 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166774/european-parliament-votes-against-player-quotas The European Parliament voted yesterday in favour of a report, which opposes the introduction of rules such as Sepp Blatter’s proposed ‘6+5’ limit on the number foreign players at football clubs. Events Belgium Football Soccer Law Fri, 9 May 2008 10:31:51 +0100 mglendinning 166774 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166771/british-company-installs-champions-league-pitch The first all-England UEFA Champions League final will be played on a Moscow pitch installed by a British company. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Stadia & Facilities Fri, 9 May 2008 09:51:06 +0100 mglendinning 166771 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166768/pro-tv-secures-uefa-cup-rights UEFA, European football’s governing body, has awarded the live and highlights rights for the 2009-2012 UEFA Cup in Romania to free-to-air broadcaster Pro TV – one of UEFA’s current media partners for the UEFA Cup. Events Romania Football Soccer TV Rights Fri, 9 May 2008 09:26:49 +0100 mglendinning 166768 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166758/vodafone-agrees-to-sponsor-ipl Mobile network operator, Vodafone Essar, has agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with the Indian Premier League to become the IPL’s Official Telecom Partner and Official Ground Sponsor until 2013. Events India Cricket Sponsorship Thu, 8 May 2008 11:27:32 +0100 mglendinning 166758 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166757/minister-endorses-iberian-world-cup-2018-bid Portuguese Secretary of State for Youth and Sport Laurentino Dias has become the latest prominent figure to endorse a joint 2018 World Cup bid by Portugal and Spain. Events Portugal Events Football Soccer Thu, 8 May 2008 11:24:32 +0100 mglendinning 166757 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166756/manchester-sets-up-fan-zones-for-uefa-cup-final The UEFA Cup final will be shown on big screens in the centre of Manchester on the evening of the match to cater for thousands of expected ticketless fans. Events United Kingdom Event Management Football Soccer Thu, 8 May 2008 10:29:10 +0100 mglendinning 166756 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166755/cricket-is-australias-number-one-tv-sport-says-poll Cricket is the most-watched sport on television in Australia, according to a poll by Melbourne-based market research company, Roy Morgan. Events Australia Broadcast Cricket Thu, 8 May 2008 10:11:06 +0100 mglendinning 166755 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166751/further-ticket-problem-for-beijing-olympics Ticket sales for the Beijing Olympics have once again encountered severe problems, despite assurances from organisers that the online system had been repaired. Problems last year led to the dismissal of the ticket centre's director. Events China Summer Olympics Ticketing Wed, 7 May 2008 09:34:18 +0100 msherlock 166751 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166750/lords-to-consider-hosting-neutral-test-matches Marylebone Cricket Club is considering hosting neutral Test matches at Lords to fund its £200 million ground-redevelopment project. Events United Kingdom Cricket Event Management Wed, 7 May 2008 09:31:50 +0100 msherlock 166750 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166749/ioc-toughens-olympic-charter The International Olympic Committee toughened its interpretation of the Olympic Charter, informing potential Beijing Games athletes that their actions, reactions and attitudes will be scrutinised at the coming Olympics. Events China Summer Olympics Wed, 7 May 2008 09:30:48 +0100 msherlock 166749 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166748/spain-s-leading-sports-associations-back-madrid-2016-olympic-bid Associations for six of the most popular sports in Spain joined together to pledge their support for the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid. A manifesto outlining their commitment was signed by representatives from the Spanish football, basketball, handball, futsal, athletics and cycling associations. Events Spain Basketball Cycling Football Soccer Handball Track And Field Wed, 7 May 2008 09:29:03 +0100 msherlock 166748 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166746/octagon-s-global-head-of-football-joins-leading-football-forum Phil Carling, Global Head of Football at Octagon will join an elite line-up of speakers on stage at the European Sponsorship Association’s forthcoming Football Fever forum which takes place in London on May 23. Events United Kingdom Football Soccer Sponsorship Wed, 7 May 2008 09:22:39 +0100 msherlock 166746 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166743/super-aguri-pull-out-of-formula-one The Super Aguri team withdrew from the Formula One World Championship with immediate effect because of a lack of funding. Events Japan Finance Motor Racing Tue, 6 May 2008 10:50:53 +0100 msherlock 166743 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166739/irb-unveils-new-rwc-and-exco-boards The International Rugby Board, owner of Rugby World Cup, announced the structure of the Board that will oversee the delivery of all Rugby World Cup tournaments over the next four years. This includes Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 and Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. Events Administration Rugby Tue, 6 May 2008 10:37:01 +0100 msherlock 166739 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166734/sport-industry-awards-2008-the-winners At a sellout ceremony at Battersea Revolution in London, the winners of the Sport Industry Awards 2008 were unveiled to a packed house of industry ambassadors and sport and entertainment celebrities. Events Fri, 2 May 2008 10:15:25 +0100 msherlock 166734 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166731/madrid-2016-appoints-bell-pottinger-as-global-pr The Madrid 2016 Olympic bid team has appointed leading international PR agency Bell Pottinger to support their bid to bring the Olympics back to Spain. Events Spain Sponsorship Summer Olympics Fri, 2 May 2008 10:00:10 +0100 mglendinning 166731 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166719/anti-doping-laws-stepped-up-for-tour-de-france The French government has moved to toughen anti-doping legislation ahead of the Tour de France. Events France Cycling Law Thu, 1 May 2008 10:21:42 +0100 msherlock 166719 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166717/sportsworld-acquires-mango Sportsworld Group, the event services company, acquired the full share capital of Mango Event Management. Events Event Management Hospitality Thu, 1 May 2008 09:54:11 +0100 msherlock 166717 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166712/rise-in-prize-money-for-wimbledon Total prize money for this year’s Wimbledon will increase by 4.7 per cent, from £11,282,710 to £11,812,000, according to the All England Club’s chief executive, Ian Ritchie. Events United Kingdom Events Tennis Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:05:25 +0100 mglendinning 166712 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166701/rugbys-super-14-set-for-revamp The 2009 edition of Rugby’s Super 14 competition is likely to be the last to be played under the existing 13 match format. Events Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:37:00 +0100 msherlock 166701 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166700/sydney-considers-f1-hosting-plan A leading Aust