IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, announced today that it has signed NHL New York Rangers All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist exclusively for representation in marketing, speaking and broadcasting.

This past season, the 30-year-old Swedish born Lundqvist won his first Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best goaltender, became the only goaltender in NHL history to record 30 wins in each of his first seven seasons, led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals and was named First Team NHL All-Star.

“Henrik is a very special athlete and we are honored that he has selected IMG to manage the business side of his incredibly successful NHL career,” said Sandy Montag, Senior Corporate Vice President, Managing Director of Clients at IMG. “His reputation far exceeds the boundaries of hockey and his potential off the ice is as great as his accomplishments on it. He helped Sweden win Olympic Gold in 2006 and has established himself as one of the all time New York Rangers greats. He’s a genuinely terrific human being whose interests from rock and roll to fashion and now fatherhood have made him popular in New York and around the world.”

“I’m very pleased to be working with IMG,” Lundqvist said. “Their reputation of handling the business aspects of the careers of some of the greatest athletes in the world is legendary. Their presence in Sweden and key markets around the globe will present me with opportunities that I might never have otherwise had.”

Prior to joining the New York Rangers, Henrik, and his twin brother Joel, played for the Frolunda Hockey Club in the Swedish Elitserin from 2000 to 2005. During his time in Sweden he won the Honken Trophy three consecutive seasons (2003-05) and in 2005 he won the two most prestigious awards in Swedish hockey, the Golden Puck and the Golden Helmut. During the 2005 season, Lundqvist broke four Swedish National records: lowest goals against average (1.05), highest save percentage (.962), longest goalless streak (172 min 29 sec) and most shutouts in a season (6). He was also named Best Goaltender, Best Player and the league’s MVP by fellow players.

Lundqvist made his NHL debut in October 2005 with the Rangers. In his Rookie year he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and he won the 2005-2006 MetLife/Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, a New York Rangers’ team award. As a reflection of his outstanding athletic ability, work ethic and dominating play in his rookie season, the New York media gave him the nickname “The King.” Lundqvist was a member of the Swedish Olympic ice hockey team that won the Gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin where he went 5-1, allowing only 12 goals with a .907 percentage.

Lundqvist was named to the NHL All-Star Team in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and is the first Rangers player to be named the team’s MVP as voted by the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association five consecutive times.

IMG’s Sandy Montag and David Abrutyn, who also manages Alex Ovechkin, star left winger of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, will lead the team at IMG that will manage Lundquist.

Poland and Sweden have been granted the rights to host the 2016 EHF EURO Championships.

The final session of the European Handball Federation’s 11 Congress in Monte Carlo in Monaco on Saturday 23 June 2012 saw the awarding of the men’s and women’s editions of the federation’s flagship national team events, ambulance the EHF EUROs.

The Polish Handball Federation fought off strong competition from bids from Croatia and Norway, two nations with a long history of hosting major European and international handball events.

Poland will host the men’s event from 17 to 31 January 2016 in the Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Spodek in Katowice, Atlas Arena in Lodz, Czyzyny Hall in Krakow, Centennial Hall in Wroclaw.

The Polish presentation was given a boost by the presence in Monaco of the Polish Sports Minister, Joanna Mucha, who took time out of her busy schedule and responsibilities at the UEFA European Championship in Poland to support the bid.

Sweden’s bid, which went uncontested following the withdrawal of a rival bid from the Turkish Handball Federation, was confirmed by a vote of the Congress.

The Women’s European Championship will be held in the cities of Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Kristianstad and Helsingborg from 4 to 18 December 2016.

London’s Olympic Stadium has been labelled “not fit for football” by one of the chairman’s bidding to become tenants there after the 2012 Games.

Barry Hearn, chairman of third-tier Leyton Orient, has long wanted his club, whose current Brisbane Road ground is the closest to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, to play at the 468 million pounds ($734 million) venue after the Games.

He even launched a legal challenge when nearby West Ham were chosen as tenants ahead of north London Premier League highflyers Tottenham Hotspur.

The decision in favour of West Ham was overturned last year and the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) have re-opened bidding.

There are fears the stadium — which is due to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships — will become an expensive “white elephant” without a footballing tenant, as it won`t be able to stage enough athletics events to cover its costs.

Hearn, while still interested in a move, said if the running track remained in place the Olympic Stadium would be unsuitable for football.

“We`re looking at it but, I have to say, after my tour of the stadium, I become more and more convinced that this stadium is not fit for football purposes,” Hearn said. 

Hearn added that a lack of foresight had left the OPLC without a post-Games tenant just months before the start of the Olympics.

“No one is actually taking responsibility for admitting they`ve built a wrong stadium,” he said.

“They didn`t listen to advice five years ago when everyone was saying what type of stadium can work.”

“Legacy is absolutely vital. This is taxpayers` money we`re talking about –600 million pounds of taxpayers` money. We can`t just sweep this under the counter.”

“We have to face these problems and be honest. Let`s use some common sense but most of all let`s be honest with where we`re going to go.”

“Otherwise it`s going to be a horrendous `white elephant`. We`ve seen it around the world. Let`s not let it happen to London.”

“Four years ago the OPLC announced they were going to have their tenants lined up in a matter of months — that was four years ago and we`re no closer.”

by Ismail Uddin

The International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to reduce the powers enjoyed by its president and covert it to an ambassadorial role.

The ICC board is also planning to create a new position of chairman. The proposal to split the job was backed collectively by the board during its two-day meeting in Dubai, which ended on Wednesday.

While speaking to the media, ICC Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat said that every member would fill the presidential role in the ICC on a rotational basis.

“The presidential role is one that will be filled on a rotational basis by every one of the members and the best man will be elected to lead the board (as chairman),” Sport24 quoted Lorgat, as saying.

The proposal would be talked about further at the next board meeting in April before being deciding to espouse it at the ICC’s annual conference in June

The recommendation is likely to be implemented in 2014. The proposal of splitting the presidency was one of the recommendations of an independent governance review of the ICC.

Lorgat also rejected the notion that the new proposed system would amplify the influence of the stronger countries within the ICC, such as India and England, which are the financial powerhouses of the game.

“There’s every chance it could be the case (that the chairman could come from within the current board) but there’s every chance it could come from outside. There will be a nominations committee that will determine a process to elect the best man for the job,” he added.

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Have your say on the ICC reforms here

Japan’s budget plans for the 2019 Rugby World Cup have been approved by the International Rugby Board (IRB) after receiving financial guarantees from the country’s government.

The Japanese government has pledged US$43.9m in operating costs to the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), a sum that will cover any financial shortfall for the event, reportedly costing approximately $219.4m to stage.

JRFU chairman Tatsuzo Yabe told Reuters: “I am relieved that final approval for the financial guarantee for the World Cup in 2019 was met. We are firmly committed at the JRFU and the 2019 organising committee to firmly prepare and produce a strong and exciting tournament.”

The JRFU also stated that it has the full backing of the IRB to host the tournament in the wake of concerns following the devastating effects of March’s earthquake and tsunami, with president Yoshiro Mori adding: “Some countries were saying the 2019 tournament should be held elsewhere. But I believe we have managed to forge a closer understanding on the matter with the IRB.”

Officially launching a new era for Atlanta Braves baseball, clinic the organization will host a groundbreaking for its new ballpark on Sept. 16, doctor 2014 at 11 a.m. The ceremony begins the construction phase of the project, putting it on schedule to host fans for Opening Day, 2017.

“This new ballpark will be a world-class venue that will give Braves Country the ultimate fan experience, both inside the park and out,” said Terry McGuirk, Chairman and CEO of the Braves. “We look forward to continuing to build great memories for our fans at this wonderful new location.”

Designed by Populous, the new home of the Braves will bring together a classic ballpark feel, modern amenities, and southern hospitality, creating a fan experience unlike any other. An intimate setting of 41,500 seats will be designed to maximize sightlines. The ballpark will feature a three “deck” design with the middle and upper decks cantilevered over each lower deck to ensure all seats are closer to the action.  An extensive canopy – approximately three times larger than most ballparks – along with several indoor spaces and clubs will ensure the most comfortable environment during any type of weather.  Wider concourses, most with direct views to the field, will allow easy access around the ballpark to specialty food and beverage areas.

The venue’s architecture will pay tribute to the natural environment while integrating into the existing topography of the site, which features a gently sloping terrain, allowing the home plate side of the park to nestle into the hillside.

The project will be the first of its kind – a lifestyle destination that will seamlessly integrate a state-of-the-art baseball stadium with an engaging multi-use community. This will create a vibrant atmosphere with unique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that is accessible 365 days a year.

Located at the intersection of I-75 and I-285, the new ballpark will feature greater accessibility, with 14 access points to the site and ample parking evenly distributed throughout the destination.

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Board of Directors have elected Eric Winston President of the NFLPA. 

A third-round pick in the 2006 Draft, the University of Miami alum has started 112 consecutive games for the Texans, Chiefs and Cardinals. Winston, a free agent, has been active with the NFLPA since being elected as a Co-Alternate by the Houston Texans in 2010, including being a voice for players during the 2011 lockout and serving on the union’s committees for finance and agent discipline. Winston does community work on behalf of Shriners Hospital for Children and local charities in his hometown and team cities.

Winston takes over for outgoing NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth was unanimously elected to the post in 2012 following four years of service on the executive committee. In 2007, he was elected by the Broncos as a Player Representative and was named the Broncos’ Walter Payton Man of the Year. In 2008, he ran and was elected as the youngest Vice President of the NFLPA Executive Committee.

Additionally, Lorenzo Alexander (Arizona Cardinals), Ryan Clark (Free Agent), Zak DeOssie (New York Giants), Jay Feely (Arizona Cardinals), Mark Herzlich (New York Giants), Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts) and Scott Wells (St. Louis Rams) have been elected to the NFLPA Executive Committee by the Board of Representatives during the annual meetings in Orlando.

They join current Executive Committee members Matt Hasselbeck (Indianapolis Colts), Brian Waters (Free Agent) and Benjamin Watson (New Orleans Saints), who were re-elected by unanimous affirmation.

With the 2014 election, Charlie Batch, Brian Dawkins, Domonique Foxworth, Scott Fujita, Matt Light, Brandon Moore and Jeff Saturday cycle off the NFLPA Executive Committee.

The 2014 NFLPA Board of Player Representatives Meeting continues through March 21.

The European Handball Federation (EHF) has announced it will test out a new goal line technology system at the EHF Cup Finals in Nantes, story France on 18 / 19 May 2013.

The system developed by the Handvision Association, troche in collaboration with the French Handball Federation (FFHB), health uses a special wide-angle camera fixed to the crossbar to give a complete picture of the goal line.

At the request of the referees it will now be possible for decisions on the awarding of goal to be checked on a video replay – and to answer the question as to whether the whole of the ball has crossed the line.

Fans following the game in the arena will not have to wait long for the decision, if the referees ask for assistance from the goal line technology, the game will be halted and the referees will watch the video reply provided to them by technicians next to the timekeepers table.

The system is designed to provide the referees with more complete information in certain goal line situations, the final decision on the awarding of the goal remains with the referees.

Video replays will not be used for any other match situation by the referees.

The system has been successfully tested at international matches in France, including the women’s cup final in France and will also at the Coupe de France in Bercy, Paris on 25 May 2013.

NASCAR have selected Ogilvy & Mather as Agency of Record (AOR) to handle the sport’s evolving advertising and marketing needs.

The agency will help NASCAR and the industry to execute a five-year industry action plan to engage and excite existing fans, while creating new ones.

NASCAR embarked on a review to secure a class-leading, full-service advertising agency in early 2012 in order to expand the sport’s marketing efforts and provide an integrated solution to help NASCAR grow its audience in Youth, Gen Y and Hispanic. As AOR, Ogilvy & Mather’s responsibilities also will include target segmentation, brand vision/storytelling, media strategy, promotions and support for the growing NASCAR Digital team.

NASCAR received 110 inquiries and 75 sets of credentials from a host of agencies of all sizes and expertise. The list was carefully analyzed and narrowed to a field of fewer than 10 firms, each of which were visited by a cross-functional team of executives from key business areas across NASCAR. In June, a trio of finalists — Leo Burnett, Ogilvy & Mather and McCann Erickson North America — presented to a group of senior leaders, including NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France.

“Significant changes in our ecosystem impacted how we deliver our message and position our brand to existing fans while increasing the appeal of NASCAR to new audiences,” said Kim Brink, NASCAR managing director of brand, consumer and series marketing. “We were thoroughly impressed with the caliber of all three finalists; but Ogilvy’s consistency, creativity and dynamic leadership were the key differentiators. We’re delighted to join the agency’s roster of big consumer brands.”

“We view NASCAR as a lighthouse brand,” said John Seifert, chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather North America. “The sport blends marquee stars, jewel events, and some of the fiercest competition on the planet with an intricate ecosystem comprised of historic tracks and compelling personalities. From the beginning of the agency review process, it was clear to us that NASCAR was looking for a true business partner. We firmly believe that NASCAR is a valuable tool in the marketing mix and a place where big brands get high return on investment. We couldn’t be more proud to add the sport to our portfolio of global brands.”

Ogilvy & Mather will complete a comprehensive on-boarding process in 2012, as the agency prepares to help NASCAR launch a new brand platform at the 55th running of the Daytona 500 in February 2013.