Asia
Business

London's hopes of bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games have received a timely boost after new research revealed seven out of 10 Londoners believed there would be long-term social benefits to hosting the event.
Business

The FIFA Women's World Cup finals, due to take place in China in September, seem almost certain to be postponed or staged elsewhere, as concerns over the spread of the SARS virus continues to haunt sporting events in the region.

Squash is the latest sport to be impacted by the SARS virus after the Hong Kong Open was cancelled.

Fran Rooney, formerly chief of Baltimore Technologies, is to take over as chief executive officer of the Football Association of Ireland.

Pakistan cricket chiefs have confirmed plans to offer central contracts to players.
Business

Cycling's World Track Championships look set to become the latest sport to be disrupted by the SARS epidemic, after Cycling Australia threatened to pull its team out of the event if it continues to go ahead in China.

The continued medical threat of the SARS virus has affected two more sports bodies in China.
Events

Soccer governing body UEFA and its marketing partner TEAM have announced a clutch of TV rights deals for the new Champions League contract.
Business

Horse racing's Singapore Cup has been cancelled due to the continued health concerns over the spread of the deadly SARS virus.

Sailing's Clipper Race is the latest sports event to be hit by the deadly SARS virus that has caused chaos in Asia.
Events

World soccer governing body FIFA has signed a new deal with Italian firm Delta Tre Informatica for the provision of sports data services.
Business

Basketball governing body FIBA has been boosted by the signing of two major sponsorship renewal agreements.
Business

Media reports suggest that French president Jacques Chirac has officially confirmed Paris' intention to bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Business

English Premier League giant Manchester United has signed a five-year deal with Barclaycard to promote club-branded credit cards outside of the UK.
Sponsorship & Marketing

Aussie Rules club Richmond has appointed Ian Campbell - a well known industry figure - as its new CEO.

The FIFA World Youth Championships have been rescheduled.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has extended its partnership with the IEC in Sports for the 2003 World Grand Prix season.

The impact of the SARS virus in Asia has prompted another English soccer team to scrap plans to tour the Far East.