France

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said he is confident of getting the Bosman Rule changed, possibly by the end of this year.
Events

China has launched Beijing's bid for the 2008 Summer Games under the slogan "New Beijing, Great Olympics."
Events

Australia has put forward Perth as its choice to host the IAAF?s 2005 World Championship. Perth, like bidding rivals London, does not yet have a suitable venue. But, while London has the promise of government backing, the Perth challenge has no such guarantees.

Organisers of the 2000 Tour de France have unveiled plans to stage an entire leg within Paris ? the first time it would take place in the event?s history.

FIFA vice-president David Will, has cautioned Celtic and Rangers against setting up a proposed Atlantic League without authorisation from the world's governing body.

Britain's tabloid newspapers have been warned to beware of inciting violence during next month's World Cup.
Business

Traffic has been nearly entirely crippled at the French state airline Air France as pilots began a strike likely to affect the World Cup soccer tournament.
Business

A bruising strike by Air France pilots entered its second week on Monday with no end in sight just two days ahead of the start of the World Cup soccer championships.

Bangladesh soccer fans, angry over power failures that have stopped them viewing World Cup soccer matches, have called for a half-day general strike
Events

A record-breaking 26 million people in Britain watched England crash out of the World Cup in a penalty shoot-out against Argentina, broadcasters said on Wednesday.
Media

Spanish-language broadcaster Univision has turned out to be biggest U.S. beneficiary in this years World Cup.

The Tour de France drug scandal snared a third team Tuesday when police seized suspect medication from a van during a border check.

Olympic leaders are to meet to discuss drug cheating in world sport.
Business

Former Brazil coach Mario Zagallo will appear in court next month to explain why he played Ronaldo in the World Cup Final.

Business

Vyacheslav Koloskov faces a serious challenge from an unlikely source when he stands for re-election as president of the Russian Football Union on December 8.

Business

Canada has defeated the United States in the battle to become the first north American city to stage the world track and field championships.
Sponsorship & Marketing

European soccer's governing body UEFA has said it would propose a joint meeting with world body FIFA in March to coordinate efforts to combat drugs.

The Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, France's showcase horse race, has had its purse increased by about 20 percent.