WWE Partners with Social Media Technology Company

WWE announced today an investment in and strategic partnership with Tout Industries, Inc. that will leverage WWE’s vast array of assets, including television, live events, digital, print and more than 100 million social media followers to expand Tout’s platform for real-time video status updates, creating a new dynamic social experience for WWE fans.

“We could not envision a better partner to show how the Tout platform powers high-impact, real-time engagement across broadcast TV, digital and live events.”

Beginning July 23 during the historic 1,000 episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE fans will have the chance to be seen and heard via Tout as real-time video updates will be featured during WWE television programming, on WWE.com, throughout WWE’s social media presence and on in-arena video displays. WWE Superstars will also interact with fans via Tout question and answer sessions leading up to the event. Additionally, WWE will launch “Tout Tuesdays” giving fans the opportunity to discuss what happened the previous night onMonday Night Raw. Tout’s new platform will enable WWE to aggregate all of this unique content on WWE.com.

“WWE is in a class by itself as a media giant who has innovatively grown their business through social media,” said Michael Downing, CEO of Tout. “We could not envision a better partner to show how the Tout platform powers high-impact, real-time engagement across broadcast TV, digital and live events.”

“WWE looks forward to partnering with Tout to grow this innovative social media platform,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO. “Tout’s real-time video technology will become a critical component of fan interactivity in our weekly television programming and will be utilized to connect WWE directly with our fans in new ways.”

Tout is a social media platform that allows users to easily shoot 15-second video status updates via smartphones and webcams. Touts are published real-time and automatically toTout.com, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, SMS and email contacts. Through Tout’s reply feature, users can engage in Tout conversations.

WWE is one of the most socially active brands with more than 100 million social media followers, one billion video views on YouTube and an average of 50 trending topics every week on Twitter.

Blatter Talks Up Brazil 2014 Preparations

Ahead of Saturday’s draw for the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying groups in Brazil, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has declared that he is confident in the ability of Brazil’s organising committee to succeed with preparations for the 2014 World Cup tournament.

FIFA confirmed that the tournament would begin on June 12 with the final set for July 13.

Blatter’s comments come a month after FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke delivered a scathing attack on Brazil’s preparations for the World Cup, insisting that “there is a lot of work to deliver”.

Blatter, speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, said: “The Government, the minister of sport and the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, are all confident and we at FIFA are also confident and we have the trust that this World Cup will be a success. It is a country not only of football but of happiness, but the reality is that there is still some work to be done. But I am sure, with trust and confidence, Brazil and FIFA together will deliver an exceptional World Cup in 2014.”

Blatter also denied accusations from Mohamed bin Hammam that he ran FIFA like a dictatorship, but refused to be drawn upon the ongoing corruption case involving the Qatari.

Blatter responded: “I am not alone, I am not a dictator as has been said, I am not alone, I work with my executive committee, with my administration, and with a lot of advisors. They know what it means to have transparency on one side, and anti-corruption on the other side. Do not forget that in FIFA we have 300 million people who work directly in football and in 300 million you cannot have only good people. But I will not make any comments on the decisions of the Ethics Committee, and the follow-up by the media, and I ask you to understand my situation and let FIFA work in compliance with the strong demand of the FIFA Congress to go forward.”

Qatar Chief Defends 2022 World Cup Bid

Qatar’s World Cup chief has refuted all allegations of corruption in defence of the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying that the “unsubstantiated allegations” as “prejudice” and “taking things out of context.”

The Supreme Committee For The 2022 World Cup’s general secretary, Hassan al Thawadi, has defended Qatar’s right to host the tournament, saying: “The Qatar bid did not do anything wrong. Why is everyone focusing on Qatar? The attack on 2022 fits the prejudice people have in their minds. An Arab nation could not have won.”

The tiny oil-rich state, with a population estimated to be around 1.7m who are mostly migrants born abroad, will be the first Middle Eastern country to host a major sporting event.

When questioned whether Qatar bribed FIFA members to win the World Cup, al Thawadi replied: “Plain and simply, no. We never broke any rules in response to a question over whether the Gulf state had paid money or gifts to secure the 2022 tournament.”

Phaedra Almajid, a “whistleblower” behind a series of corruption allegations involving FIFA executive committee members and Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid has since revealed she had fabricated the claims.

Qatar has had to combat a string of negative headlines and stories over its successful bid and its suitability to host the 2022 tournament.

Al Thawadi described calls for a possible review of the decision as an “absolute outrage”, adding: “If there is evidence, investigate the evidence, but if there is nothing there and it’s based on rumours…”

Further suspicions were raised about Qatar’s bid in May when an e-mail written by FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke to former FIFA vice president Jack Warner was leaked, where Valcke hinted Qatar’s suspended executive committee member Mohamed Bin Hammam was trying to buy the FIFA presidency as Qatar had “bought” the World Cup finals, which he later claimed was referring to Qatar’s big budget rather than any wrongdoing.

Valcke wrote: “[Hammam] thought you can buy FIFA as they bought the World Cup.”

Valcke’s explanation did not satisfy al Thawadi, who said: “We were very angry when we heard about [the e-mail]. We sent a letter to FIFA straight away, requesting an explanation in very firm tones. We said if it was not explained we reserve all right to take legal action.”

The Gulf state has also attracted criticism over the amount of money it spent on its bid.

Their total budget was significantly more than $US43m quoted by previous reports and included US$25m on an air-cooling prototype shown to FIFA members during their campaign.

“We will not lie, our bid budget was significantly higher than any of the other bids, yes,” said al Thawadi.

“Our campaign had to use whatever advantages it could have towards coming out and being considered a credible campaign. One of our strongest advantages was, yes, our resources.”

Qatar beat Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States to host the tournament.

TSE Consulting Announces New Ownership

TSE Consulting, doctor the Switzerland based international sports and entertainment consultancy, see  currently owned by a London based holding company, cough is being brought out by a grouping that includes existing TSE management and external investors.

The new owners will retain the TSE Consulting headquarters in Lausanne and its regional offices around the world. The sale of TSE Consulting is subject to shareholder approval due mid April.

Lars Haue-Pedersen, managing director of TSE Consulting, stated: “TSE is a very attractive company so there has been interest from many different sides. We are happy that we were able to acquire the company and look forward to continuing to service our clients worldwide and develop the company further.”

As a result of the expected sale, TSE Consulting is refocusing its growth strategy and adjusting some of its operations over the coming months.

Franz Beckenbauer to Answer Questions from FIFA Ethics Committee

German soccer legend and former FIFA executive committee member Franz Beckenbauer is content to answer questions from the world football governing body regarding an investigation into World Cup bidding following a ban by FIFA.

Beckenbauer’s spokesman Marcus Hoefl revealed the former World Cup-winning captain and manager of West Germany would respond to enquiries by FIFA before 27 June. 

The move comes after Beckenbauer was given a 90-day ban by FIFA’s ethics committee for refusing to answer questions over the decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 competition to Qatar. 

A statement released via social media by Hoefl read: “Franz Beckenbauer told FIFA on Saturday that he would answer the questions by the ethics committee investigation by June 27 at the latest. 

“It is our understanding that there is thus no longer any ‘suspicion of a possible violation’ against FIFA rules so we are assuming that the provisional sanctions against him will be removed without delay.

“This procedure is thus completed: Franz Beckenbauer will answer the questions in writing in German.” 

Hoefl added that Beckenbauer was “extremely surprised” by the FIFA ban and said the governing body never gave him a chance to answer the charges that he was under suspicion and not informed in advance that the decision to ban him was looming. 

“It was the first time that FIFA didn’t know how to contact me on the telephone,” Beckenbauer is quoted as saying in the statement. 

“I had also assumed that I didn’t have to answer the questions because I no longer have any official capacity at FIFA. But that’s all cleared up now.”

Jose Maria del Nido Officially Resigns as Sevilla President

Jose Maria del Nido has officially confirmed his resignation as Sevilla president in an press conference on Monday.

Del Nido is leaving having been condemned to seven years in jail for the misappropriation of almost three million euros in public money while he worked for Marbella’s town hall between 1999 and 2003.

The original sentence was handed out in December 2011, remedy however, Del Nido remained as club chief for almost two years while the decision was appealed unsuccessfully as far as Spain’s Supreme Court.

“The day we hoped would never come has arrived,” Del Nido said. “I am leaving with profound sadness. I have resigned and am no longer connected to the club. This stains my image, but people are intelligent. I have very few stains and no serious ones as president of the club.”

Although reports in Spain suggest only an unlikely official pardon can stop him from serving the term decided by the country’s Supreme Court, the lawyer said he would continue to fight to avoid going to jail.

“I have worked until the last minute for Sevilla,” he said. “Now I am focusing on defending myself. There are legal mechanisms to avoid prison. I would not be the first person pardoned by the government in recent centuries. If I have to go to prison, I will do it with strength and dignity.”

Del Nido has had a relationship with Sevilla since 1986, and took over as president in 2002. The club then won the UEFA Cup, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa and European Super Cup trophies under his guidance.

“In my first speech I said I would bring back pride in the Rojiblanco colours,” Del Nido said. “I believe I have fulfilled the most optimistic hopes for the club. I have made many mistakes, but I always took decisions based on what was best for Sevilla.”

Current vice-president Pepe Castro will step up for the moment until a new president is chosen, while Del Nido also appeared to confirm reports that his close ally and ex-club director general, Jose Maria Cruz, is to return as a board member, and his son, Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco, will also have a role to play in Sevilla’s future.

“Pepe Castro will take on my post until the vote takes place,” Del Nido said. “I hope the new president gets the same loyalty, affection, dedication and commitment. My sons will take on the roles at Sevilla which the new president assigns to them. The six are Sevilla socios since they were born.”

Del Nido finished his statement with a startling cry which was returned by many of those in attendance: “Shout with me: Viva el Sevilla, viva el Sevilla, viva el Sevilla!”

Madrid 2020 ‘greatly impressive’ says Reedie During IOC Visit

Sir Craig Reedie, the IOC head of the Evaluation Commission has revealed he found Madrid ‘greatly impressive’ during his visit to the Spanish city for the bidding of the 2020 Olympics.

Just a few weeks ago Tokyo was rated ‘hugely impressive’ and when asked about the difference Sir Craig replied that they were equivocal, “If you want to translate ‘hugely’ for ‘greatly’ or vice versa, I’m quite comfortable about that.”

This should leave third and final city Istanbul in a quandary as to what will be their final report card.

Spain has been undergoing an economic crisis, however the government views bidding as a plum opportunity to jump start the economy and give the youth something to get inspired about. And it is proving to be working as the IOC released their support levels in the nation at 81% in favor.

And in spite of the country’s economic crisis Reedie clarified, “We were certainly made aware by the bid committee where the Spanish economy is, and we thank Madrid for their openness and honesty.

“They told us that the Spanish economy has had a very difficult time, but that it has stabilized and will improve, and we have noted that in our report.”

IOC Executive Director of the Olympic Games, Gilbert Felli, spoke about the added value of the Madrid bid as approximately 80% of the venues are already existing.

”A big part of the investment has been made already,” said Felli, “and that’s why it’s not as huge (an investment) as if you start from scratch.

“Therefore, the crisis will not affect this too much. Madrid has understood the changes they needed to make, and we have seen the quality of the guarantees and improvements in the process of Madrid’s bid.”

The IOC’s technical recommendations report will be released at the July 3/4 meeting in Lausanne giving the final outcome for each of the three cities carried out by the Evaluation Commission.

What city do you want to see host the 2020 Olympics? Have your say in the iSportconnect poll.

Paralympic Games Agitos Symbol Unveiled at Eurotunnel Folkestone Control Tower

With London 2012 Paralympic Games on the starting blocks, ambulance a building wrap around the Eurotunnel Folkestone Control Tower showing the Paralympic Games Agitos symbol and 21 Paralympic sport pictograms has been unveiled.

The wrap, diagnosis which is approximately 6.2m x 41m, diagnosis has been unveiled to excite and inspire people about the Paralympic Games which start on the 29 August. 4,200 athletes from 165 countries across the world are set to take part in 11 days of spectacular sport.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair said: “The Paralympic Agitos is an inspiring symbol, uniting athletes and people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport.”

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Exec of Eurotunnel: “Eurotunnel is delighted to host the fantastic display of the Paralympic Agitos logo at its terminal in Folkestone. We are looking forward to the2012 Paralympic Games being another great sporting event this summer.”

Giant sets of Paralympic Agitos are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that London is ready to welcome the world once again.

T3Media to Mange Video Content for U.S. Soccer Federation

T3Media, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based video management and licensing services, announced today that it signed an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Under the deal, T3Media will be managing U.S. Soccer’s master-quality video assets and enabling access to the library through its Footage Licensing site, www.t3licensing.com.

“We are excited to make footage of our Men’s and Women’s National Teams accessible for online search, preview and download,” said U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General Dan Flynn. “Through our relationship with T3Media, the process to request and download U.S. Soccer footage will be simplified, allowing more organizations worldwide to integrate U.S. Soccer into their productions.”

The U.S. Soccer Collection, available exclusively through www.t3licensing.com, features footage of the National Team’s current star players — such as Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Tim Howard and Landon Donovan. The Collection includes full-length broadcasts, fully-produced highlights, behind-the-scenes footage and stadium establishing shots from US-based international friendlies and home FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches. All content is backed by full-length games and new content is added regularly.

“We are looking forward to growing the value of the U.S. Soccer’s digital rights and opening up the Federation’s current and archival video library for new uses,” said Kevin Schaff, CEO and Founder of T3Media. “As the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ nears, our footage of the National Team will be an asset for organizations looking to cover the highly anticipated international sporting event.”

Economy Boost for Brazil when World Cup arrives

The one year countdown has started in London and the World Cup but in Brazil its a three year countdown to the 2014 soccer World Cup. The event will boost host country Brazil’s economy by 1.5 percent of its annual gross domestic product, prostate said the chief economist of Itau Unibanco Holding SA (ITUB4), and Latin America’s largest bank by market value.

Brazil has a budget $ US 20.6 billion to construct the roads, stadiums, airports and other projects required to host sport’s most-watched event.

Its hoped that this investment will create 250,000 new jobs and generate about $24 billion, Itau’s Ilan Goldfajn told reporters at a press briefing in Rio de Janeiro today.

“The impact of the spending both on infrastructure and spending by the private sector produces 1 percent of GDP, the rest comes from the multiplier effect,” Goldfajn said. Itau is an official World Cup sponsor.

Past hosts such as Germany and South Africa saw GDP increases of 0.5 percent during the World Cup year, according to FIFA and government figures.

Work still hasn’t been completed on any of Brazil’s 12 stadiums to host games, airports must be renovated to cope with the demands of moving millions of visitors and the country’s hotel inventory needs to be expanded.