Enthusiasm Surrounds Expanded Host City Options for SportAccord Convention 2015

With great excitement SportAccord Convention announced today that formal site visits have been completed at 3 of the possible host cities for the 13th annual edition in 2015. Strong interest has also been shown from multiple cities in Brazil – the host nation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Summer Games – to bring the Convention there for the first time and discussions are taking place between Brazil and SportAccord Convention.

At the same time comes reassurance from President Marius L. Vizer that the Convention will remain true to its core: the meeting for the IFs by the IFs. In addition there will be value-added propositions to give access to businesses of benefit to the IFs.

SportAccord Convention Executives have conducted technical inspections of locations in the 3 cities announced as possible hosts by President Vizer during the Convention last month in Belek/Antalya, doctor Turkey:  Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates); Durban (South Africa), medical and Sochi (Russia).  

SportAccord Convention President Vizer has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion of the scale of the Convention, with more delegates and more exhibitors from many new companies and organisations. Plans to invite top leaders in the sports industry, members of the National Federations, and the possibility of adding National Olympic Committees to the attendees, is progressing as part of the strategy to bring the annual event to an increasing number of the World Sports Family.

“Our site visits are assessments which take into account the increased size of the Convention as it moves forward,” said SportAccord Convention Managing Director, Nis Hatt. “We are excited to be in the privileged position of having so many cities interested in hosting our event and are looking forward to making an announcement very soon about where the 2015 Convention will be held.”

This year’s SportAccord Convention in Belek/Antalya, Turkey, attracted attendees representing 78 nationalities from around the world.

During the event, daily highlights were made available through EUROVISION’s WorldFeed Service and WorldLink on-demand platform. International broadcasters were among those accessing the SportAccord Convention 2014 video, as well as numerous news agencies including Reuters and SNTV. On average, 9 companies per day previewed content for broadcast and online use, with a high of 16 on the opening day of the Convention.

Held in a different city every year, SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for international sports leaders to engage with business, and features a dynamic exhibition as well as the annual general meetings of the governing bodies of world sport.

Richard Heaselgrave Leaves Chief Commercial Officer Post at Football League

The Football League has announced today Chief Commercial Officer Richard Heaselgrave has left the organisation by mutual consent. 

Heaselgrave joined The League in January 2012 and was responsible for delivering a record-breaking sponsorship with Capital One for the League Cup and an increased three-year broadcasting extension and title sponsorship agreement with Sky Sports and Sky Bet.

Football League Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “I’d like to thank Richard for his contribution over the last two years and wish him every success for the future.

“The Football League is a strong commercial proposition that offers our partners an unrivalled opportunity to engage with supporters in communities throughout the country. We will continue our efforts to grow commercial revenues for the benefit of our member clubs through traditional and new sources.”

Richard Heaselgrave said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last two years but now is a good time to move on to fresh challenges. I’d like to offer my thanks to all The League’s commercial partners, its clubs and its staff for the support they have given me and I wish The Football League every success for the future.”

beIN SPORT Launch New US Channel on DirecTV

beIN SPORT officially launched on US television Wednesday night when the new international soccer network debuted on satellite provider DirecTV.

DirecTV customers now have access to the most exciting matches and an unprecedented amount of behind-the-scenes content not seen on any other channel. Among the programming that can only be seen on beIN SPORT is coverage of the top soccer leagues and tournaments from Europe and South America, doctor including Spain’s La Liga, cialis Italy’s Serie A, stuff France’s Ligue Un, South American World Cup Qualifiers and Copa America 2015, as well as many other world-class sporting events.

The English-language version of beIN SPORT will be offered in HD and SD as part of the DIRECTV Sports Pack. The network will also provide an entirely differentiated Spanish-language channel, beIN SPORT “En Español”, which will be available on DIRECTV Más™ in SD.In addition to its linear TV network, select beIN SPORT content will be available online for DIRECTV customers.

“DIRECTV recognizes the passion of its international sports fans. No other channel will have our games, our leagues or our matches. beIN SPORT’s exclusive rights means we are the ultimate destination for the avid fan to the general sports enthusiast who want to see professional international sports action,” said Yousef Al Obaidly, managing director of beIN Sport.

IPC President Expects London 2012 Paralympic Games to be Best Yet

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven believes London 2012 Paralympic Games could be the best yet.

“The London 2012 Paralympic Games will quite simply be sport like never before,” said Sir Philip, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Our elite athletes will captivate billions around the world, will inspire millions, and ultimately lead societal change and help alter perceptions of what can be achieved by a person with an impairment.

“We are now one year away from London 2012.

“The excitement is building by the day, and as we get closer, I truly believe that London 2012 is shaping up to be just as good as Beijing in 2008, if not better.

“London also has the unique opportunity to be a truly global event – not just in terms of athletes and countries taking part – but spectators and TV viewers.

“The city is a short journey from many European cities and also home to many large international communities.

“Therefore, next year I don’t think it will just be the British athletes who will enjoy the passionate vocal support that a home crowd brings.”

There is expected to be a media frenzy at the Paralympics in London and the number of television viewers is widely expected to top the culminated audience of 3.8 billion that tuned in for the Beijing Paralympics.

Sir Philip hopes more exposure than ever before for the Paralympic Games will lead to a greater awareness of the Agitos – the symbol of the Paralympic Movement – and what it stands for.

“I want more people to understand the IPC’s objectives for organizing one of the biggest multi-sport events in the world,” he said.

“Our symbol represents our role in bringing athletes from all around the world together through the Movement, whether that be through grassroots sport or the elite level.

“There is no greater showcase then to do it in front of millions of spectators and billions of TV viewers at London 2012.”

Atlanta to Fight Six-point Deduction

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Atalanta are in the process of taking all legal action available to clear its name after a six-point deduction for its involvement in alleged match-fixing was upheld by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The newly promoted Serie A club on Friday saw defender Thomas Manfredini cleared of a three-year ban, but captain and former Italy midfielder Cristiano Doni’s three-and-a-half year ban was upheld by the FIGC’s federal justice court. The other headline name from the investigation, retired SS Lazio and Italy forward Giuseppe Signori, also saw his five-year exclusion from all football-related activity upheld.

The investigation has seen 17 individuals suspended for between one and five years. An equal number of clubs, who with the exception of Atalanta are all outside Serie A, have had points deducted or received fines. Atalanta’s fellow Serie A club Chievo Verona earlier chose to enter a plea bargain and was fined $115,000.

The clubs and individuals were cited by the FIGC’s sporting prosecutor following a criminal investigation into a betting scam which had initially revolved around 18 games in Serie B and Italy’s lower divisions.  Police said they had found evidence of an organised system among former and current footballers, sports betting operators and others to manipulate the results of a number of matches. Atalanta’s punishment will take effect for the upcoming 2011-12 Serie A season, but the club has stated its determination to continue its fight against the points deduction.

A club statement read: “Atalanta cannot help but again manifest the profound disappointment with the decision that seriously damages people based only on gossip. This evidence is unreliable and that became clear during the course of the trial. Atalanta reiterates firmly that the club and Doni are totally extraneous to the accusations and will take all legal action to make that clear. The fact Manfredini was cleared represents a satisfying moment and further support for our case.”

Golfer Alex Noren Signs with IMG

Swedish professional golfer Alex Noren has signed with global sports and media company IMG.

The international rights representation agency will co-manage the 29-year old alongside his brother, bronchi Andreas Lagercrantz, who has until now has been handling the player’s affairs alone. Having won the recent Nordea Masters in Stockholm and last month’s 2011 Saab Wales Open, Noren now lies in 8th place on the Race to Dubai rankings and a career high of 69th in the official world rankings.

Noren said: “These are great circumstances in which to be joining IMG having just won in front of my home fans. IMG is the biggest management agency in global golf and, with my brother as my personal manager and IMG’s Global and Swedish team also working on my behalf, I believe they are the best people to help me navigate through the next stage of my career. I am very excited at what is ahead.”

Guy Kinnings, managing director of IMG Golf, added: “Alex has enjoyed a great season and had a fantastic win yesterday. We are very pleased he is joining IMG. Our Swedish business is really developing and we feel we are well placed to really capitalise on his success and talent.”

IMG’s Duncan Reid, based in London, will represent Noren globally, while Eva Herder will manage him in Sweden.

In other golf business news, equipment brand Ping has become the official headwear and golf bag supplier of the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) for the coming year, and the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) has announced bottled water brand Highland Spring as the title sponsor of this year’s Scottish Junior Masters at Gleneagles.

WWE to debut in China at Expo 2010 Shanghai

World Wrestling Entertainment will present its first live event in China at the  Expo 2010 Shanghai on 22 August, it has been revealed.

The 90 minute event, titled ‘WWE Raw presents Summerslam’, will feature WWE superstars including John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho and others.

The event will be one of around 15 shows performing on the main stage at the Expo Cultural Centre, the most state-of-the-art arena in China.

WWE chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon, said: “WWE is honoured that the Chinese government and Expo 2010 Shanghai have offered us this rare and historic opportunity to perform at the successful Shanghai World Expo. We are thankful to be allowed to entertain the attendees and our fans in the region at Expo 2010 Shanghai.”

Expo 2010 Shanghai opened on 1 May and runs until 31 October. More than 240 countries and international organisations are participating in the Expo, with many world leaders having attended during the first couple of months.

The Expo expects to see more than 70 million visitors from around the world, and has already seen more than 10 million attend.

 

Barry Hearn in Talks to Sell Leyton Orient, O’s CEO Joins Football League Board

Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn is in talks with Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti over the sale of the English League One club. 

Hearn has been owner at Brisbane Road since 1995 and put the club up for sale as long ago as 2009.

A proposed takeover came to nothing then, and Hearn went on to wage a long and unsuccessful battle against West Ham’s sole occupancy of the Olympic Stadium.

The latest disucussions were revealed in a short statement on the League One club’s website weeks after defeat in the League One play-off final.

It read: “Orient can confirm that chairman Barry Hearn is in talks with Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti regarding the sale of his shareholding in the club.

“The sale is subject to due diligence and Football League approval and the club will not be making any further comment at this stage.”

CEO Porter Joins Football League Board

Orient also revealed that their chief executive Matt Porter, has been elected to serve on the Board of The Football League.

He takes up the role of League 1 representative after Carlisle United Managing Director, John Nixon, stepped down following the club’s relegation to League 2.

Porter joined Leyton Orient in 2001 as Press Officer, a role which he occupied for five years before being made the youngest chief executive in English football by O’s chairman Barry Hearn in the summer of 2006, aged just 26. His appointment as Chief Executive coincided with the Club’s promotion to League 1 and he has overseen their progression to an established side in the division which included narrowly missing out on promotion last season. He is also the Chief Executive of the Professional Darts Corporation.

Porter will represent the 24 clubs of League 1 along with Notts County Chief Executive, James Rodwell, who was elected to the Board last year. They will serve alongside Chairman Greg Clarke, Chief Executive Shaun Harvey, Independent Non-Executive Director Richard Bowker, Championship Directors Andy Ambler (Millwall), Keith Lamb (Middlesbrough), Karl Oyston (Blackpool) and League 2 Director Ian Lenagan (Oxford United).

The Football League recently announced that the former Director of Sport at London Olympic organisers LOCOG and current Rugby World Cup 2015 Chief Executive, Debbie Jevons, will join the Board as an additional Non-Executive Director by the end of this year.

The Chairman of The Football League, Greg Clarke, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matt to the Board of The Football League. His successful stewardship of Leyton Orient as well as his experience with other professional sports will prove a great addition to the Board. I look forward to working with him.”

Eurosport Celebrates 25th Consecutive Roland Garros Broadcast

Eurosport celebrates its 25 years in style with the broadcast of its 25th consecutive French Open tennis championships. When it comes to watching Roland Garros, order  Eurosport is the one stop destination for all tennis fans with the most extensive TV and online coverage in Europe, exclusivities in many countries and a star line-up of top consultants. 

On TV, the Eurosport and Eurosport 2 channels broadcast more than 250 hours of live action, from the first service to the final presentations. On-site,Eurosport has camera crews for reports and interviews right after the match and a studio for its daily show “Game Set and Mats”. 

In Spain, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Turkey, Israel, Hungary, Ukraine and Russia Eurosport benefits from full exclusivity for Roland Garros coverage. Recently Eurosport agreed a long-term deal with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) to extend its pan-European broadcast of the French Open until 2021. 

Online, Eurosport Player gives European fans live access to each of the seven main courts, through 7 live bonus channels broadcasting from 11:00 CET until nightfall. The best matches and the daily shows will be available on VOD. Fans can also follow scores and live comments every day on eurosport.com websites along with match summaries, interviews and analysis from Eurosport’s journalists and experts. 

Some of the best former professional players will guide the Eurosportviewers into the heart of the French Open action: Mats Wilander (triple Roland Garros Champion) Annabel Croft (former British N°1) and BarbaraSchett-Eagle (Austrian champion and former N.7 in the WTA rankings). 

Eurosport’s live coverage of Roland Garros starts Saturday May 25 at 11:00 CET.

Former Lloyds Olympic Director Sally Hancock Named Chair of Women’s Sport & Fitness Foundation

Sally Hancock, the formerly Director of Olympic and Paralympic Marketing at Lloyds Banking Group, has been appointed the Chair of Trustees for the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF).

Sally replaces Hugh Chambers (formerly Chief Commercial Officer of the BOA) who will be standing down as Chair after five highly successful years. Under Hugh’s leadership WSFF has led the field in publishing research papers defining the issues around women’s sport, made significant strides in enhancing the position of women in sport as well as ensuring stable revenues through its relationship with Sport England. 

Sally was formerly Director of Olympic and Paralympic Marketing at Lloyds Banking Group, during which time she helped secure the first national partnership for LOCOG and led the London 2012 strategy for the bank. Prior to this she developed global sponsorship strategies for organisations including Sony Ericsson, Phillips and Deutsche Telecom as Founder and Chief Executive of sponsorship agency Redmandarin, and, prior to that, Senior Vice-President of Octagon Worldwide. 

Sally said: “I have always been a passionate supporter of women in sport. I am proud to be joining WSFF as Chair at such an exciting time for the organisation, and grateful to Hugh with whom I worked closely during our London 2012 programme.  The Games reminded us all how powerful and important sport can be, and I’m looking forward to working with WSFF to ensure that all women are able to make sport and fitness a part of their lives.” 

Hugh Chambers said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with the team at WSFF over the past five years. I am proud to have been part of a movement that’s achieved so much positive change for women in sport. This is a great time for Sally to join the charity as WSFF continues to work towards a level playing field for women in sport, and I am sure she will take it to new levels of success.” 

Ruth Holdaway, CEO of WSFF, said: “We’re excited to have Sally on board, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the world of sport and sponsorship. This is great news for the charity as we look to build even further on the Olympic legacy in 2014, our 30th birthday year. I would like to thank Hugh Chambers for his commitment and leadership over the past five years during which time the charity achieved so much for women’s sport.”