Walton Hall Park Identified as Site for New Everton Stadium

Premier League club Everton have suggested Walton Hall Park as the intended site of a new stadium to replace Goodison Park.

The Toffees have already met with Liverpool City Council to discuss the venture that would regenerate an area of north Liverpool. 

Chairman Bill Kenwright commented: “As I pass Walton Hall Park, arthritis I inevitably think that I am only a minute away from our beloved Goodison. I’ve also thought, ambulance if only it was available for our new stadium, viagra 100mg it ticks all the boxes. 

“It could be something very special for our city, the residents of north Liverpool and all Evertonians. 

“Of course, there’s an enormous amount of work to do but we are certain it’s an opportunity we should pursue with great commitment, endeavour and ambition. 

“To get every aspect right will take time as well as the continued support we’ve received to date from Joe Anderson and his colleagues at the City Council. That partnership will be vital.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, added: “I am really pleased that we have identified this exciting opportunity. 

“We know that this is an area of the city that requires substantial investment and this project could bring this in a unique form. 

“Everton’s investment into this area would be the catalyst for a development which could make a real difference. 

“We know from other regeneration schemes that opportunities like this can lead to significant economic and social benefits. 

“We also see this as an opportunity to create an outdoor space with first-class leisure and recreational facilities that will really appeal to the local community. 

“This is a starting point for something which could be a real game changer for this part of the city.” 

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said: “I have to thank Joe Anderson and the Liverpool City Council for the support shown to us to date and the resource they have committed to the project over the past four years. 

“Everton in the Community has demonstrated how sport can have a huge social impact in the local area and we would relish the opportunity to expand some of this work through this scheme.”

Gianfranco Zola to Grace the Soccerex Global Convention

Chelsea football legend Gianfranco Zola has confirmed he will be playing at the Soccerex Football Festival and speaking alongside Terre des Hommes on the opening session at the Corporate Social Opportunity (CSO) Zone at the Soccerex Global Convention, 6-10 September, Manchester.

The Football Festival will take place on the first two days of the Convention, 6th & 7th at City Square, outside Manchester City’s Etihad Campus. The festival will include local youth tournaments, competitions, prizes, entertainment and music, leading up to the world famous Legends Tournament where Zola will battle it out with the likes of Louis Saha, Carlos Valderrama, Faustino Asprilla and Dietmar Hamann.

The CSO zone is a new, interactive area within the Soccerex Global Convention’s exhibition hall that showcases best practice in how football can be used as a tool for social development around the world. Terre des Hommes, a federation of organisations working in 68 countries for children’s rights, will use a variety of case studies to highlight how major event organisers need to take measures to maximise benefits for and mitigate multiple risks on children. Zola will be discussing his own childhood, growing up with football, and how important football is as an educational and social vehicle, assisting with emotional behaviour and helping players become more focused, co-operative and socially integrated.

Zola enjoyed an impressive career at some of Europe’s top clubs including Napoli, alongside Diego Maradona, and Parma, before moving to English side Chelsea. In 2003 he was voted Chelsea’s greatest player ever. Since his retirement, Zola moved into managerial roles, with stints at the Italian U21 national side, West Ham and Watford, which he famously took to the play-off final in his first season in 2012-2013.

Gianfranco commented: “I’m excited about coming to Manchester to play in the Festival and to speak at the Convention. I hope my experiences will provide interesting thinking on a subject which is very close to my heart.”

For full information about the Soccerex Football Festival please visit www.soccerexfootballfestival.com. To find out more information about the Global Convention please visit http://www.soccerex.com/global // call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 // email enquiry@soccerex.com

John O’Neill Quits as IRB Rugby World Cup Director

John O’Neill AO has stepped down as International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby World Cup Limited Director for personal reasons it has been revealed.

O’Neill has made a major contribution to the growth and development of the sport both in his former roles as CEO of the Australian Rugby Union, IRB Council Member, and more latterly in his role as Rugby World Cup Limited Director, which he has performed since March 2012.

Rugby World Cup Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset led the tributes: “It is with great sadness that the Rugby World Cup Limited Board has received and reluctantly accepted John’s resignation.”

“The Board would like to thank John for his exceptional contribution and his tireless dedication to strengthening the Rugby World Cup brand, profile and profitability for the benefit of the global Game.”

“There is no doubt that his vision, energy, expertise and leadership has been instrumental in delivering the strong foundations for what promises to be hugely successful Rugby World Cups in England and Japan, while driving forward a review of future delivery of our flagship event.”

O’Neill said: “For my own personal reasons, I have resigned as a director of RWCL, effective immediately. I wish the Board and management every success for both RWC 2015 in England and RWC 2019 in Japan.”

The IRB will discuss replacing O’ Neill at their next board meeting in March.

Oslo Apply for Financial Support from Government for 2022 Winter Olympic Games Bid

Oslo signaled their intent to host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics by applying for financial government aid today.

The application delivered by the City of Oslo together with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports was the next step following the June 5th approval by the Oslo City Council to officially seek the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

“The Winter Olympics and Paralympics is an international celebration of sports and culture, viagra one where we will wish a heartily welcome to everyone to visit Oslo and Norway in 2022. It is our aim to create an event where everyone feels welcome, viagra 60mg ” said Governing Mayor of Oslo, Stian Berger Røsland.

With their concept “Games in the City’, Oslo will look to create the ultimate compact and urban Winter Olympics in the heart of the capital city itself. The venues will be located in a half-circle throughout the city, just 10 – 15 minutes from the Athletes and Media Villages. The Medal Ceremonies and culture events will be located in the city center.

Røsland continued: “Oslo is the only city on the planet that is able to organize the Winter Olympics in an urban setting. ‘Games in the City’ is a concept where – with very few exceptions – all competitions will take place within the city limits. We will use the city’s unique location between the mountains and the fjords, together with a good and stable winter climate to present international big city life in balance with fantastic experiences from nature.”

British Columbia to Host 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced today that the Panorama resort in Canada will host the 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships in Invermere, doctor British Columbia. 

The 2015 Championships, pill to be organised by Alpine Canada, are expected to draw 120 athletes from 24 February – 4 March 2015, and will be one of several major para-sport competitions Canada hosts in the next few years, as the nation will also hold some IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup events. 

The 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships will follow a successful 2011-12 World Cup final event at Canada’s Panorama Resort, as well as the Vancouver 2010 Games, which IPC President Sir Philip Craven described as the best Winter Games ever. 

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am proud to announce Invermere as the host city for the 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships following the great Paralympic Winter Games that Canada put on nearly three years ago and last year’s World Cup final.” 

“I am delighted to see winter para-sport flourishing in Canada, and this will bring it to another level outside of the Paralympic Games.” 

Alexandra Starker, Canadian three-time bronze medallist in La Molina, said: “I’m really looking forward to the Championships, as the slopes of British Columbia are where I grew up skiing.”

Perform Acquires Sports Data Company RunningBall

Sports?Media rights group Perform has bought sports data company RunningBall for €120m (£93m), prostate the largest acquisition it has made since floating last year.

RunningBall produces real-time data coverage of sporting events – covering more than 35, here 000 events last year including over 30,000 football games around the world, by using a network of 1,100 scouts who key in information live from venues.

It had revenue of €16.1m and made a pre-tax profit of €7.2m for 2011, up 20 per cent and 75 per cent respectively from the previous year.

The Swiss-based company is still owned and run by its founder, IT entrepreneur Hans Thomas Gross.

The deal was well received by Perform’s investors yesterday, sending the company’s shares up seven per cent. Analysts at Numis also applauded the deal, which is the latest in a series of acquisitions that Perform has made in recent months.

“We could not have designed a better business for Perform to have acquired. Of the five key elements in digital sports, Perform already has market-leading positions in four, while RunningBall adds the fifth,” said Paul Richards at Numis.

Perform will pay an initial consideration of €20m cash and €50m in new Perform shares to Runningball, plus a deferred consideration of €31m-€50m depending on 2012 results.

Perform raised less than expected when it floated last April, but has been raising its profile ever since, and earlier this month said it was track to deliver forecast revenue and profits.

Speedway’s First European Cup Postponed Until 2013

The inaugural European Speedway Cup has been postponed unitl 2013 following a disagreement over tv rights.

British representatives Poole Pirates and Eastbourne Eagles were left disappointed by the news as the Elite League’s top two were set to take on the Europe’s finest teams from Sweden and Denmark.

Fixture dates had been agreed but a disagreement over TV rights is thought to be behind the postponement.

“I suppose I should have seen this coming as the organisers have been quiet on the subject lately, but it still comes as a great blow to the club, its supporters and sponsors,” said Poole co-promoter Gordon Pairman.

“We had put the dates in our fixture list and even had TV coverage agreed with Sky Sports who do so much for British speedway, but sadly we’ve now got to face up to the fact that we will not be taking the club into Europe this year.”

Pairman added: “I have spoken with Eastbourne’s co-promoter Mike Bellerby and he is equally mystified as well as disappointed.

“He gathered that there has been some disagreement over the rights to these meetings, but frankly this should have been sorted out months ago.

“I know there has been some opposition and resistance to these meetings but my view is that if you’re not looking innovate then you are going backwards.”

by Ismail Uddin

Bidding Begins Again for London 2012 Stadium, Ground-share Possible

The bidding process to use the London 2012 Olympic stadium after the Games has been re-instigated today with West Ham the favourites to become the tenants but the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) will consider a ground-share.

OPLC have confirmed they will accept a ground-share bid from a football and a rugby team, and that retaining the athletics track is non-negotiable.

The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, home to Swansea City and the Ospreys, is seen as a successful model of a ground-share scheme.

The OPLC will also be open to selling the naming rights on the stadium, with the tenants receiving a cut of the income.

The original deal for West Ham to take over the stadium collapsed in October due to legal challenges from Tottenham and Leyton Orient, and under the new process the OPLC will spend around £95million on converting the stadium to a 60,000-seat venue for the new tenants.

If the tenants want to have retractable seating over the running track, as West Ham are considering as part of their bid, they would have to cover those costs themselves.

The deadline for the bids is in March with a decision due in May, and the stadium reopened in 2014.

Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said: “The Government is committed to securing a legacy from the Olympic Stadium, and wants to see it re-opening in 2014.

“With the 2017 World Athletics Championship bid won, athletics will be at the heart of a multi-purpose venue that will also be a great asset to the local community.

“The Olympic Stadium is an iconic venue and I am sure that it will attract interesting and exciting bids for its future use.”

The OPLC will retain control of a number of days for the stadium. Some of these are reserved for athletics including the London Diamond League meeting, and others could be used for Twenty20 cricket, concerts and American football – talks have already been held with the NFL.

London mayor Boris Johnson, who said in October that West Ham would “almost certainly” become the tenants, added: “Opening up the bidding to other interested parties now shows just how far ahead we are in planning a great future for east London long after the Games have left town.”

Newham council are expected to become a partner with the OPLC to operate the stadium and have offered up to £40million towards the cost of transforming the stadium.

The tenants can bid to rent the stadium for between five years and 99 years, with an annual rent to be paid and possibly a cut of any ticket revenue.

The bids will be evaluated by the OPLC who will then make recommendations to the Government and mayor of London.

Click here to go our discussion centred around the stadiums future.

FIFA Delay Release of ISL Scandal Documents

FIFA, has been forced to delay the publication of potentially incriminating documents following ‘legal measures taken’ from one of the parties involved, soccer’s governing body said Tuesday.

However, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was determined that the documents, relating to the collapse of its former marketing partner ISL, would be published as part of his plan to clean up his organsation, which has been plagued by allegations of corruption.

Blatter announced in October that he wanted to re-open the case into the collapse of ISL, which went bankrupt in 2001, and had hoped to publish the file at the next executive committee meeting in Japan on Dec. 17.

Blatter said in a statement on the FIFA website: “FIFA has been working intensively over the past few weeks with its lawyers and legal team to be able to publish the ISL file at the next meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee.”

“It was my strong will to make the ISL file fully transparent at this meeting. I have now been advised that as a result of the objection of a third party to such transparency it will take more time to overcome the respective legal hurdles.

“This does not change my stance at all. I remain fully committed to publishing the files as soon as possible as an important part of my many reform plans for FIFA, which include handling the past as well as preparing the future structure of the organisation.”

Swiss prosecutors investigated the collapse of ISL but the case was settled after they said two FIFA officials — whose names have not been divulged — paid back 5.5 million Swiss francs ($6.1 million).

Chelsea Appoint Sportfive to Market 19 First Team Players

Sportfive, prostate an international sports marketing agency, clinic  has been appointed by English Premier League soccer club Chelsea to market the team’s players across Europe.

Sportfive will have the task of helping to link the 19 members of the squad of whom the club obtain the image rights, with brands as part of their ambassadorial programs. The Chelsea squad consists of players from three continents and 11 different countries, including three current national team captains.

Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay stated: “We want to work with market leaders like Sportfive and they certainly have the knowledge and experience needed. We expect to work very closely together to build on the club and our players’ global image and business reputation.”

Sportfive International CEO Vincent Tong Cuong added: “Sportfive is extremely positive about this opportunity to work with one of the world’s most successful and prestigious football clubs. We are pleased to further emphasise our presence at the top of the football market and extend our existing partnership with Chelsea to what we hope will develop into a long-standing relationship.”

Sportfive, which is owned by media giant Lagardère Unlimited, collaborates with more than 30 national football associations and 250 football clubs across the globe. The agency has previously worked with Chelsea on a number of occasions, including the co-ordination of the club’s pre-season European tour in 2010.