Poland Open Municipal Stadium for Euro 2012

Wroclaw’s New Euro 2012 stadium was unveiled on Saturday by hosting a George Michael concert to toast the event.

Around 30,000 people attended the concert at the 44,000-capacity Municipal Stadium. Last week, the venue staged the world heavyweight boxing title fight between Vitaliy Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek. Home to WKS Śląsk Wrocław, it will host three group matches at next summer’s final tournament. A major test of operations comes with Poland’s friendly with Italy on Nov. 11.

Adam Olkowicz, Poland’s tournament director  told UEFA.com. “I’m very satisfied; especially with the last few months of construction work and the fact that we already have three Euro venues in Poland.” Warsaw’s national stadium is the last venue to be completed.

 

European Club Association Want International Games Reduced

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asthma helvetica, sans-serif;”>The European Club Association (ECA) is looking for the number of International games during the season to be reduced or even halved by 2014.

The current international calendar expires in 2014 and provides for 12 games a year but the ECA wants the games to be closer to 6. These fixtures would not include games at major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and continental competitions, along with pre-tournament friendlies.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill, an ECA board member, said: “In an ideal world we would be talking about six double dates over a two-year period. This is a reduction but still gives the right balance between the requirements of the national team and what the clubs want.”

ECA president, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, added: “Everything regarding the calendar has been tailored in favour of the national teams; I believe now is the time to re-discover the balance between the interest of the national teams and the clubs.”

Along with the international calendar, the ECA’s agenda also included the establishment of an insurance policy for players injured on international duty and “just compensation” to clubs for the release of their players. “I believe we are the most important stakeholder in football,” said Rummenigge. “Without our players and employees, who are paid exclusively by the clubs, you cannot run the business. That is something all federations have to recognise. Everybody believes it is time that governing bodies recognise that clubs have to be included in the decision-making process.”

Rummenigge stated he had spoken to both FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA counterpart Michel Platini, adding that he was not “pessimistic” that a deal could be reached. Rummenigge presented a more conciliatory tone on Tuesday after in the past calling for a club-led “revolution” against the decision makers in world football, railing against the “daily corruption process at FIFA”.  The ECA was formed in the wake of the disbanding of the G-14 Group in January 2008. It represents 201 clubs across Europe and is fully recognised by FIFA.

Budweiser distances itself from ambush marketing affair

American beer company Budweiser has spoken out over the ambush marketing affair that has caused a storm at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

36 women were evicted from Holland’s game against Denmark for wearing orange dresses associated with Bavaria Beer, which is not an official sponsor of the tournament, and therefore a breach of FIFA regulations.

Two women from the group, Barbara Castelein and Minte Immy Niewpoort, who are alleged to have masterminded the stunt are now facing criminal charges.

But Budweiser, which is an official sponsor of the tournament, has released a statement making it clear it had nothing to do with beginning proceedings against the women.

The statement read: “We first learned about this issue through media stories and reporter inquiries. FIFA did apprise us of the situation as part of their regular sponsor communications after the incident was handled.

“We had nothing to do with FIFA’s decision to remove these women from the stadium or the steps taken afterwards. Please understand that our position as a sponsor of the World Cup does not give us such decision-making authority.

“Although AB InBev (Budweiser parent company) is an official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA remains the sole decision maker in regards to tournament issues both on and off the field.

“We want to be clear that we did not provide FIFA or South African authorities any counsel on the issue involving Bavaria – we are not and have not been involved.

“We understand there is an active investigation underway by the local authorities, and out of respect for that process and the parties involved, we will not provide any further comment.”

The two women face charges under the Merchandise Marks Act and the Special Measures Regulations, but Bavaria Beer has said it will do all it can to try and help them out.

A statement from the company said: “Unfortunately Bavaria has been drawn into the furore surrounding the arrest of the two ladies who were wearing an orange dress also worn by thousands of Dutch ladies and football supporters.

“There is no way FIFA can hold these ladies responsible for their attendance at the match in their Dutch dress in Soccer City and Bavaria is currently doing everything in its power to assist the arrested Dutch ladies.

“Bavaria will ask FIFA to immediately stop intimidating Dutch dresses female supporters.”

ITV pundit Robbie Earle was also caught up in the incident when he was sacked by the broadcaster, as it was his tickets that were used by the women to attend the game.

iSportconnect Partners with the International Sport Business Congress

iSportconnect, free viagra the world’s largest private network for sport business professionals, ed ed has joined up with the International Sport Business Congress (ISBC) to support the two-day event which sees a host of top sports minds sharing their expertise. 

A host of high-profile sports business experts from the UK and overseas, symptoms including Manchester City Council Chief Executive, Sir Howard Bernstein MBE, and Soccernomics author Professor Stefan Szymanski, will speak at the event, taking place at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre on Thursday, July 17, and at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, on Friday, July 18. 

The iSportconnect announcement comes just days after a partnership was launched with UK Trade and Industry for the Congress, which supports the range of international sports business experts taking part. 

Former Vice-Chair of London 2012, Sir Keith Mills, will join the panel for a discussion on how sport can positively impact urban communities. He will be joined by Rio De Janeiro Professor, Sandra Jovchelovitch, who teaches at the London School of Economics and is an expert on urban communities and social change; and Jene Elzie, Vice President of Marketing for the NBA.

Taking place as part of this year’s major International Festival of Business in Liverpool, the Congress focuses on the interplay between cities, brands and sport. The North West of England is the home of several of the world’s most iconic sports brands and events and the Congress will bring the two sport rival cities of Liverpool and Manchester together for a spectacular programme of sports business leaders. 

Speakers over the two days include

  • – Sir Howard Bernstein – CEO, Manchester City Council 
  • – Ian Ayre – Managing Director, Liverpool Football Club
  • – Robert Elstone –  CEO, Everton Football Club
  • – Ian Edmondson – Head of Major Events, London & Partners
  • – Paul Samuel – Executive VP Europe, AEG Global Partnerships
  • – Nick Varley – Founder, Seven46
  • – Dr Tom Markham – Manager EMEA Football, Sport and Leisure, PwC
  • – Maurice Watkins CBE – Senior Partner and Head of Sport, Brabners
  • – Dr Geoff Pearson – Football Industry Group, University of Liverpool
  • – Professor Stefan Szymanski – University of Michigan
  • – Professor Greg Whyte OBE – Liverpool John Moores University
  • – Professor Keith George – Head of RISES, Liverpool John Moores Universtiy 

Richard Morris, International Sport Business Congress Event Director, said: “Joining up with iSportConnect is great for highlighting the excellent line-up of speakers at the event. The Congress is really gathering momentum now and this link up comes on the back of the partnership with UK Trade & Investment, which is fantastic in recognising the impact and opportunities sport presents for business and economic development.  Sport is huge and universally enjoyed and sport business is becoming a massive talking point, so we are delighted to be bringing international experts to the North West.” 

Michael Cunnah, Chairman of iSportconnect, added: “It is great to partner with the International Sport Business Congress. I’m looking forward to the event already.” 

The International Sport Business Congress is in partnership with Liverpool Vision, Marketing Manchester, and the University of Liverpool, creating a unique event in a region where sport has achieved global success and recognition and where the business of sport is one of the key drivers of the local economy. 

For tickets visit http://www.internationalsportbusinesscongress.com/registration. Use promo code ‘early bird’ to get 20% off. 

Keep up to date with the latest news on Twitter by following @CityBrandSport

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English Table Tennis Association Chairman Andy Seward Passes Away

The English Table Tennis Association has announced that Chairman Andy Seward passed away on January 15th.

Seward, discount 69, became Chairman of the ETTA following an election in early 2013 and took over the post in July 2013. His arrival co-incided with what was probably the most challenging time in the history of the sports national governing body.

The ETTA had failed to secure long-term funding from Sport England and an independent review had shown that the ETTA and the sport were in need of a radical overhaul.

Andy approached this task with dedication, determination and a commitment to ensure that table tennis was put firmly ‘back on the right course’. He set about making fundamental changes to the structure of the organisation; the administration of sport in the regions; the relocation of head office in a purpose-built central building; and introduced major changes to the governance of the sport.

Sara Sutcliffe, CEO of the ETTA, said: “In a short period of time as the ETTA Chairman, Andy made a major contribution to the future of English table tennis. He had a vision to make the sport and the ETTA, as its governing body, fit for the 21st century.

“To that end, he worked tirelessly and laid the foundation for the future. The sport of table tennis and the ETTA are indebted to him.

“He had spent a life time involved in table tennis as a player, umpire, volunteer and representative, but it is likely that the work he has achieved as Chairman of the ETTA will be his lasting legacy and of long-term benefit to the sport and all who participate in it.

“We are all deeply saddened to have lost a trusted friend and a valued colleague. It is now our responsibility to him to continue the work he was so passionate about and to ensure that his vision for the future of English table tennis becomes a reality.”

USOC in Discussions with Ten Cities About 2024 Bid

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has revealed that they are in discussions with ten cities about a possible bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. 

USOC CEO Scott Blackmun, told The Associated Press, “we’re in discussion with about 10 cities actively now. The process is really working the way it was supposed to”.

Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Tulsa have admitted their interest in a 2024 bid, but Blackmun reportedly declined to identify other cities considered as potential candidates. He said they preferred to keep it confidential for the time being, adding he believes the current list of 10 cities is unlikely to be increased.

“We don’t want to submit a bid we don’t think we can win. We have to assess our chances. We want this bid to be a national bid, an American bid, not just a city bid. We want to make sure we have been as inclusive as possible”.

He added that a joint bid could work in some geographical areas, such as the Bay Area and the cities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose as a “natural” possibility.

As for the feasibility of a U.S.-Mexican bid such as San Diego and Tijuana, Blackmun said, “that would have its challenges. We haven’t looked at it carefully. We just learned about it”.

The USOC is expected to decide on whether or not to bid by the end of 2014.

DOSB und DStGB fordern Konjunkturpaket Sport

Der Deutsche Olympische Sportbund (DOSB) und der Ausschuss für Bildung, drugs Sport und Kultur des Deutschen Städte- und Gemeindebundes (DStGB) haben bei ihrer gemeinsamen Sitzung in Bergheim/Nordrhein-Westfalen (22./23. Oktober) ein Konjunkturpaket Sport gefordert. “Wir brauchen ein solches Konjunkturpaket, um den bundesweiten Sanierungsbedarf der Sportstätten von rund 42 Milliarden Euro abzubauen und so die Rahmenbedingungen des Sports zu verbessern”, erklärten DOSB-Vizepräsident Walter Schneeloch und die Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für Bildung, Sport und Kultur des Deutschen Städte- und Gemeindebundes Ute Lieske, Eisenach, gemeinsam.

“Ein starker Sport macht Städte und Gemeinden zu Orten mit hoher Lebensqualität. Der Sport verkörpert vielfältige Potenziale für wichtige kommunale Themen und ist ein Politikfeld von zentraler Bedeutung”, sagte Schneeloch, der zugleich Präsident des Landessportbundes Nordrhein-Westfalen ist, im Anschluss an die zweitägige Tagung unter dem Titel “Sportentwicklung vor Ort”: “Im Interesse der Sportvereine und der Kommunen gleichermaßen braucht Deutschland eine demonstrative Sportfreundlichkeit vor Ort.”

Auch Ute Lieske hob die besondere Bedeutung des Sports hervor. “Ohne das breite ehrenamtliche Engagement der Sportvereine wäre das Leben in Deutschlands Städten und Gemeinden weniger lebenswert”, so Lieske. Nicht zuletzt deshalb trügen die Kommunen bereitwillig die Hauptlast der Sportförderung in Deutschland. Über den reinen Sportbetrieb hinaus sei der organisierte Sport Partner der Kommunen in wichtigen gesellschaftspolitischen Handlungsfeldern, so z.B. in den Bereichen Ganztagsschulen, Integration sowie Gesundheits- und Gewaltprävention. “Wir wünschen uns aber noch mehr kreative Partnerschaften zwischen den Vereinen und der Kom-munalpolitik”, erläuterte Lieske. Von diesen Kooperationen profitierten Sportvereine und Kommunen gleichermaßen.

Lieske und Schneeloch beklagten übereinstimmend die strukturelle Unterfinanzierung der Kommunen. Dadurch würde die notwendige Förderung der Sportvereine und ehrenamtliches Engagement zunehmend erschwert. “Eine Krise der Kommunalfinanzen ist immer eine Krise des Sports”, sagte Schneeloch. So verfügen über 90 Prozent der Kommunen in NRW nicht über einen strukturell ausgeglichenen Haushalt. Beide appellierten an Bund und Länder, die kritische Finanzsituation der Kommunen nachhaltig zu verbessern.

Carolina Panthers Partner with Mobivity to Use their Mobile Marketing Platform

Mobivity Holdings Corporation, a provider of proprietary mobile marketing technologies and solutions, will be partnering with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers to allow fans to interact with the organization on the mobile channel by using their mobile marketing platform, as well as in-stadium graphics for live polling and engagement during sporting events.

Michael Falato, SVP of Sales and Business Development for Mobivity, said, “We are excited to begin an exciting partnership with the Carolina Panthers. We have seen some tremendous results through implementing mobile marketing with other teams and organizations, and we cannot wait to bring this success to an organization like the Carolina Panthers.”

The Carolina Panthers will have access to the full array of Mobivity’s mobile marketing and Display technology over their three-year contract. Mobivity will create and provide web opt-in pages as well as in-stadium promotions to help engage and build a mobile phone database of their fans. In addition to aiding in the building process for this database, Mobivity will host Text-to-Win campaigns, polls, and other engagement solutions in-stadium to improve the overall fan experience. The Carolina Panthers will also have access to Mobivity’s unique Display technology, which will allow them to display HD graphics in-stadium that will update in real time through Mobivity’s Social Ticker, incorporating fan text messages and pictures, as well as Facebook and Twitter posts.

“We’re excited to move into the mobile realm with Mobivity, and begin engaging our fans on a personal basis. Mobivity is allowing our organization and our team to increase fan interaction and build a better team and fan loyalty across the board,” said John Berger, Director of Sponsorship Sales and Services for the Carolina Panthers.

In addition to helping build a database of fans, Mobivity will also be aiding the Carolina Panthers in re-engaging these individuals after they have left the stadium. Mobivity will do this through the use of a shared-short-code to send SMS alerts and notifications to the Carolina Panthers Database with the goal of increasing brand awareness and loyalty throughout fans and the organization as a whole.

Mobivity is an award-winning provider of proprietary mobile marketing technologies and the inventor of C4, a unique, enterprise-grade platform empowering brands to engage mobile consumers across multiple channels.

Olympic Cycling Champion Geraint Thomas Joins three60 Sports Management

British Cycling superstar Geraint Thomas has joined management company three60 Sports as he looks to broaden his profile along the way to defending his title at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Reigning Olympic Champion in the Team Pursuit, anesthetist he turned professional with the South African sponsored Barloworld team in 2007, and in his first year he participated in the Tour de France where he was the youngest rider and the first Welsh rider to ride the Tour since 1967.

three60 will use its experience representing athletes in the build-up to, during and post Olympics and will be working on developing Geraint’s commercial opportunities ahead of London 2012.

Seren PR will continue to handle his media, PR and website.

In 2008 Geraint focused on the track becoming World Champion in the Team Pursuit, and then went to the Beijing Olympics and won Gold – breaking the world record twice on the way.

The following year he signed for the newly established British pro team, Team Sky, winning the white jersey for Best Young Rider at the Tour de France. He also won the British National Championships Road Race.

In 2012 Geraint will continue to ride on the road for Team Sky but his major focus will be on the track as he prepares for London 2012 with the aim of winning his second Olympic Gold medal.

Thomas said: “I am very pleased to announce that three60 Sports Management are my new commercial agents. 2011 has been another good year on the road for me but now I’m looking forward to 2012 when I will focus on the track to prepare for the London Olympics.

“It’s great to do that with the full support of three60 who will be looking to secure new commercial opportunities for me during this time, and along with continuing to work with Seren PR I think it will be a great combination.”

Brazil Officially Start Countdown until 2014 World Cup

Brazil are officially within 1,000 days before the 2014 World Cup starts after President Dilma Rousseff toasted the landmark.

Ms Rousseff launched the event at a stadium in Belo Horizonte alongside the footballing legend Pele, who is Brazil’s World Cup ambassador. She promised the new stadiums and other infrastructure required would be ready on time, despite major difficulties and delays.

The tournament will kick off on 12 June 2014. Before then, Brazil must build or upgrade 12 stadiums. Many of them are behind schedule and over budget.

At some, construction workers have been on strike – including the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro where the final will be played and the Mineirao ground in Belo Horizonte where President Rousseff started the countdown.

The opening game hosted in the new Itaquerao stadium in Sao Paulo began its construction only in May.