France

Orad and STATS, partners in the provision of sports analysis technology to broadcasters, have agreed a new deal with French pay-broadcaster Canal+.

A new deal will see telecommunications company Orange will sponsor all major competitions organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the next eight years.

Sports-broadcaster ESPN, events-producer Canal Plus Events and the Tignes Ski & Snowboard Resort has announced the first Winter X Games will be held in Europe in March 2010.

Lance Armstrong’s Tour de France rivalry against Astana teammate Alberto Contador will drive the American cyclist’s efforts to raise $20 million to start his own team.

Jean Todt, the former Ferrari Formula One team boss, has said he wants to succeed Max Mosley as president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Dubai-based airline, Emirates, extended its sponsorship agreement with French Ligue 1 club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), until 2014.

The Formula One Grand Prix final in Brazil registered record TV audiences worldwide.

Organisers of the 2009 Tour de France have revealed the route for next year’s race.

French Motorsports Federation (FFSA) withdrew financing for the 2009 French Formula One Grand Prix and cancelled the event.

Worldwide media coverage of The Artemis Transat 2008 was worth over €10 million, according to figures published by race organisers.

The AB Groupe and Eurosport France have agreed a three-year deal withcommercial rights holders, Dorna Sports, for the television rights forMotoGP across France, until 2011. 

The President of the French National Olympic Committee, Henri Serandour, has announced that France will bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

Worldsports Events has announced the creation of a speciality sports and media company based in Paris.

The Champions Hockey League (CHL), the premier European ice hockey club competition featuring ice hockey clubs from the IIHF’s European national associations, has agreed four new rights deals with broadcasters to show the CHL and the Victoria Cup.

Professional cycling team, Crédit Agricole, has failed to find a sponsor to replace the French bank and has released riders to sign for other teams for 2009.

Francis Graille will join the Strategy and Development department of Lagardere Sports, from July 1, 2008.

Magny-Cours looks set to host the French Grand Prix again in 2009 and possibly for longer, Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone has said.

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.