The National Football League Players’ Association (NFLPA) cancelled a meeting scheduled with a group of player agents at the National Football League (NFL) Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 22, due to the ongoing NFL collective bargaining agreement (CBA) mediation, raising some hope in the industry that the league and union could work out a deal.

The NFLPA has routinely held a small group meeting for powerful agents on the Thursday during Combine week in Indianapolis before the larger agent meeting Friday, which most of the about 800 NFLPA-certified agents attend.

The NFL and the NFLPA, at the request of federal mediator George Cohen, have adhered to keeping a tight lid on the mediation’s and have committed to seven days. Thursday would mark the seventh day of talks under the auspices of Cohen, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Atos, a global IT services company and a key technology provider for the Olympic Movement since 1989, has been appointed by the Singapore Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) to lead the technology effort to stage the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, to be held in June 2015 in Singapore.

In addition to designing, building and operating the technology infrastructure and IT systems for the Games, Atos will also manage and integrate the contributions of all technology partners to deliver the Games in a seamless and secure manner. This will encompass operations, services and communications to athletes, spectators, organisers, officials, media, viewers, spectators and Internet users inS outheast Asia.

Herbert Leung, CEO of Atos in APAC said: “For the past 20 years, Atos has been serving the world’s most demanding reference customer — the IOC. There is no other sports IT project of this magnitude and complexity. Each Game has been a steep but rewarding learning curve for Atos as we overcame the myriad of challenges unique to each new location and deliver on an extraordinary scale as the entire world watched on.

“For the 28th SEA Games, our team of Business Technologists will apply the same blend of specialist skills and experience backed by a complete understanding of just what the organisers, competitors and audience expect.” He further added, “We also look forward to working closely with SINGSOC again to deliver a seamless regional sporting event against the backdrop of Singapore’s brand new Sports Hub in Kallang whilst showcasing our expertise.”

Mr Toh Boon Yi, Chief of Community & Corporate Outreach, Singapore Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) said: “We are pleased to be working with Atos Information Technology in hosting a major multi-sport event for Singapore once again. They delivered the IT infrastructure and systems during the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010 contributing to its success. As we prepare for the upcoming SEA Games in 2015 we are confident that Atos has the specialist skills to raise the bar and help us deliver an extraordinary regional sporting event.”

Vietnam will no longer host the 2019 Asian Games after citing concerns that the event would not prove financially viable.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said Vietnam was suffering the effects of global recession and the state was unable to foot the bill for facilities and venues that would not be profitable in the years after the Games.

Following an emergency meeting, Dung concluded it was better to opt out now, because poor preparation could damage Vietnam’s reputation.

“Hosting this could help us promote our economy, society and the country’s image, however, if we did not prepare carefully and successfully, it could have the opposite effect,” Dung said in a statement posted on the government’s website on Thursday.

“State budget is limited and has to be focused on investing in other very urgent tasks.”

Olympic Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua MBE will now be managed by The Sports Partnership after agreeing a deal..

World Number 1 in the AIBA rankings at 91+kg and with a career record of 40 wins from 43 bouts, 23 year-old Anthony is one of the most sought-after signings in the business.

On taking up the sport in 2007, Anthony quickly rose through the ranks. He became Senior ABAE Champion at 91+kg in May 2010 and was added to GB Boxing’s Development Squad.  In November that year he became Champion of Great Britain, defeating Amin Isa.

Anthony said: “Ever since the Olympics I’ve been looking at my options and having the right management team behind me is a key part of that. I’m confident I’ve found that in James and his team at The Sports Partnership and can’t wait to get started.” 

James Williamson at The Sports Partnership added: “Anthony is clearly a star of the future and it’s incredibly exciting to be working with him at such an early stage. The interest in him is testament to what he’s already achieved at such a young age and most people will agree when I say it’s only the beginning.”

Rugby World Cup organisers for the 2015 tournament have announced a decision on whether the Olympic Stadium in London is to be one of the venues will be delayed an extra month.

England Rugby 2015 had expected to agree a final list of venues with the International Rugby Board on Friday but have secured an extension.

The uncertainty over who will be permanent tenants has prevented tournament organisers from making a decision but they are keen to include the stadium if possible.

A RWC statement said: “Both parties agreed that appropriate time should be given to allow every possible opportunity to include the Olympic Stadium, one of the world’s most recognisable venues.

“The additional time will enable England Rugby 2015 to finalise negotiations and scheduling with other venues.”

England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans said: “We are determined to select the best venues and deliver the optimum schedule for the Rugby World Cup, and are delighted to have received such strong support from the RWC Limited board for our proposals.

“Our plans are on track and we are confident that we will finalise the schedule and the venues in the next few weeks.”

Superleague team Bradford Bulls have added to their growing portfolio by launching a Recruitment Agency.

Bradford Bulls Recruitment has been set up to provide permanent and temporary workers throughout industry both in Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire area.

Omar Khan, anesthetist the Bulls Chairman said: “It has been set up to provide another revenue stream for the club. We saw an opportunity within the industry to provide this service, which will work in the Commercial, Logistics and Building Services sectors. It will provide temporary and permanent contracted staff to businesses in Bradford and across West Yorkshire.”

Ryan Whitcut, Bradford Bulls General Manager added: “We are confident this new venture will add to what we are already achieving at the Provident Stadium. We are continuing to look at ways to generate income streams for the club and this is another arm to our already expanding business.”

Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing has announced it has been selected by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to manage Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol Resort near Tucson, Ariz.

The golf course, named “Sewailo,” meaning “flower world” in the Yaqui language, is scheduled to open in 2013. The championship-style course, designed by Ty Butler and Notah Begay III, will resemble a desert oasis with impressive water features incorporated into the surrounding landscape. The entire property, including the luxurious, 215-room Casino Del Sol Resort, takes full advantage of the natural setting and surrounding mountain views.

“Sewailo Golf Club is a wonderful addition to our portfolio,” stated John Easterbrook, executive vice president of operations, Troon. “We are pleased to have been selected by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and are confident that our experience operating resort and casino courses will contribute positively to the overall facility’s success.”

Sewailo Golf Club joins Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, Southern Dunes Golf Club and Talking Stick Golf Club, also located in Arizona, as well as Yocha-De-He Golf Club at Cache Creek Casino Resort in California,Sequoyah National in North Carolina and Lake of Isles in Connecticut to become one of seven Troon Golf properties owned by a Native American Tribe. These unique destinations have received a myriad of awards for setting the standard in combining luxurious accommodations, casino gaming, and championship golf. Accolades include top rankings on both Golf Digest’s and Golfweek’s lists of the best casino courses in the United States. Sewailo Golf Club is sure to experience the same success.

“Our tribe welcomes Troon to the Sewailo Golf Club project as a valued partner,” said Peter S. Yucupicio, chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council. “Championship-style golf combined with the spectacular amenities at Casino Del Sol Resort brings us closer to realizing our vision of creating a world-class destination in southern Arizona and Troon will ensure this venture is a success.”

Other amenities at Casino Del Sol Resort include rejuvenating services at Hiapsi Spa and Fitness Center; exceptional dinning at PY Steakhouse and An Del Sol Asian Sushi Bar; expansive pool area featuring the Oasis Pool Bar; brand new High Limit Lounge; and more than 65,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function space ideal for weddings, receptions, and special events.