Turkey

Celta Vigo's Russian international Valery Karpin is hoping to finish the season with the status of a European Union national after taking his case to a Madrid court this week.

Beijing is eyeing the 2008 Olympics as a cure for problems ranging from choking smog to taxi-clogged streets, and as an image boost for the Communist capital.

British fans are set to bet more than #100 million pounds ($149m) on Euro 2000, making it the world's biggest single sports betting event, bookmakers Ladbrokes said on Friday.

Japan has thrown its hat into the ring to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, officially entering Osaka as its candidate and vowing a "clean" campaign to win the right to hold the games.

Turkey said today it had taken all necessary security measures ahead of next week's European swimming championships.

A U.S. congressional committee has approved a resolution urging Olympics organisers to reject China's bid to host the Games in 2008, citing concerns about Beijing's human rights record.

The five cities bidding to host the 2008 Summer Olympics have all submitted their official candidature files ahead of the deadline, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday.

Turkish soccer club Galatasaray Sport Club AS has clarified the terms of the proposed public listing for its media, merchandising rights and advertising businesses.

Thailand has said it would pursue its dream of hosting the Olympics despite rejection of its bid for the 2008 Summer Games.

British Home Secretary Jack Straw has said a move by Belgium and the Netherlands to reimpose border controls to prevent trouble at the Euro 2000 soccer tournament was a good idea.

SAR-AN International, the Turkish sports marketing company, has bought the exclusive worldwide television marketing rights of the Galatasaray Football Club for an undisclosed sum for the next four years.

IOC inspectors have begun a visit to Istanbul to evaluate the Turkish city's bid to stage the 2008 Games.

A Toronto city councillor has warned that taxpayers may drown in debt if the city emerges as the host of 2008 Olympics.

Istanbul-based soccer club Galatasaray is planning an initial public offering of between 10 and 15 per cent of Galatasaray Sportif, its marketing arm.

The race to host the Olympic Games in 2008 has now begun in earnest following the announcement of the shortlist by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

UEFA Cup champions Galatasaray may receive a multi-million dollar grant from a state fund, club officials said on Thursday.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has dismissed claims New York should be automatically handed the 2012 Olympic Games in the wake of the suicide plane attacks in America.

IOC president Jacques Rogge has dismissed claims New York should be automatically handed the 2012 Olympic Games in the wake of the suicide plane attacks in America.