United Kingdom

The European Triathlon Union (ETU) has appointed the London-based television production company, Hothouse Productions, as its television and distribution partner.

MVi Total Sponsorship, the sponsorship division of global media communications giant CIA, is set for a major expansion programme into Europe.

ZOO Digital, the UK-based company that helps brands optimise financial returns for their sponsoring rights, has bought digital marketing firm Startle Digital for an undisclosed sum.

A row between the England Cricket Board (ECB) and the First Class Forum (FCF), one of its constituent bodies, over the sale of online and wireless rights for up to #100 million ($142m) for the next 10 years is expected to resurface at Lord?s cricket ground this afternoon.

Racecourse and media group Arena Leisure Plc said today its Go Racing consortium had signed sufficient UK racecourses to advance with its plans to control TV rights for horse racing in Britain.

England?s Football Association could be asked to give a #120m ($172m) National Lottery grant back if plans to reconstruct Wembley Stadium cannot be saved.

A new umpiring system to be introduced by the International Cricket Council next year is likely to offer substantial pay increases for umpires.

The loss of tobacco companies as sponsors of Formula One will have a major financial effect on motor sport as a whole, Jaguar team boss Bobby Rahal has warned.

English Premier League and Nationwide soccer clubs are seeking legal advice on the European Commission?s reformed transfer system amid fears it is now unworkable.

The organisers of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester have come under fire for failing to promote the event enough.

Properties veteran Jim Connelly is returning to the NFL to head up NFL Europe in London.

Next month's European Cup semi-finals will go ahead as planned despite Britain's foot-and-mouth crisis, tournament organisers said.

International brand consultancy Design Bridge has been commissioned by The Football Association to create ?a living characterisation? of the England national soccer team?s Three Lions crest.

The English Rugby Football Union said it expected profits and cash reserves to double by 2007-2008, as it outlined an eight-year strategic plan to increase investment in the game.

Players' representatives have reacted angrily to new rules governing soccer transfers agreed in their absence and hinted at court action.

Britain's Olympic chief Craig Reedie has accused his native Scotland of using national lottery money to "go shopping" for medals at next year's Commonwealth Games to the detriment of home-grown talent.