Australian radio station Triple M Classic Rock Digital have signed an exclusive collaboration with UK sports radio station, talkSPORT.

The agreement will see Triple M Classic Rock Digital broadcast talkSPORT’s exclusive live Barclays Premier League and FA Cup match commentary during the climax to the 2013/14 season. The stations will also share various content in the run-up to and during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. 

Triple M Classic Rock Digital will bring listeners the biggest matches from the culmination of the Barclays Premier League season, commencing with this Wednesday morning’s (AEST) derby clash between 2013 champions Manchester United and their local rival and 2014 title contenders Manchester City. 

Mike Fitzpatrick, Content Director, Triple M said: “Triple M’s Sporting DNA grows stronger with BPL & FA Cup added to our world class AFL & NRL coverage. With so much excitement around Football leading into the World Cup, to deliver Australian Football fans the final games of Barclays Premier League & FA Cup on Triple M Classic Rock Digital is an opportunity too good to miss.” 

Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy, talkSPORT said: “We’re set for a fantastic climax to the Barclays Premier League season and thanks to this tie up with Triple M, Australian fans won’t miss a second of the action. With 2014 FIFA World Cup also just around the corner it’s also a great opportunity to hear how some of the world’s top players are shaping up for Brazil.”

South Africa’s International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Sam Ramsamy has admitted that he is “disappointed” at the government’s decision not to bid for the 2020 Olympics.

He went on to reject suggestions that it is a major blow for IOC president Jacques Rogge’s push to stage a Games in Africa for the first time.

Ramsamy stated: “The government confirmed to me and put out a statement that they have decided not to continue with a South African bid for 2020.

“The South African Olympic Committee is certainly disappointed but we understand and fully respect the government decision.

“It has nothing to do with costs, it is an issue of attending to other priorities.”

South Africa’s cabinet issued a statement yesterday, May 26, saying it had decided “that it is better for the country to consolidate the gains of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for now”. 

The government is reportedly prioritizing improvements in the provision of basic services like water and electricity as well as investing in job creation.

Ramsamy added: “It was a 50-50 chance. I am certain we will definitely go for 2024.”

He claimed that he delivered the news to Rogge, who has been making encouraging noises about South Africa bidding for the 2020 Games since the 2010 World Cup, yesterday morning.

Durban was seen as the most likely city to bid, with the city’s hosting of the IOC Session in July considered to be the perfect launchpad for a two-year campaign to land the 2020 Games. Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg were other possible candidates. 

The continent, which has yet to host an Olympics, now faces another long wait to host a Games – until at least 2024, though Ramsamy feels a bid should be encouraged for then, adding: “I don’t believe it is a blow for the IOC, no certainly not. I have informed Jacques Rogge and he understands the government position.

“We will urge the government to consider a 2024 bid.”

NBC Sports Group and Red Bull Media House today announced the extension of their partnership for the Red Bull Signature Series.

The property, diagnosis created by the partners in 2012, cialis will continue to bring the action sports series to NBC through 2016, asthma and will feature 20 hours of programming on NBC each year.

“We are excited to extend our relationship with Red Bull Media House and present coverage of the Signature Series,” said Eric Grilly, President, Alli Sports. “This partnership reiterates our commitment to the category, and we look forward to continuing to produce groundbreaking action sports content with Red Bull for the next three years.”

“The Signature Series will continue to fuel the evolution of action sports,” said Sean Eggert, Head of Sports, Red Bull North America. “In 2014, we will deliver innovative new event concepts like Double Pipe, which will allow world-class athletes to realize their dreams and progress their respective sports.”

The Red Bull Signature Series showcases action sports, featuring the sports of snowboarding, freeskiing, surfing, motocross, off-road truck racing, mountain biking, BMX and enduro. 

Alli Sports, a division of the NBC Sports Group, will continue to serve as the sales and marketing arm of the Series, offering brands a chance to access the coveted 18-34 demographic NBC Sports and Red Bull Media House reach. In its first two years, the Red Bull Signature Series has successfully worked with global brand leaders such as Casio, Nike, Dodge and GoPro, and will continue to look to partner with like-minded brands to offer one-of-a-kind marketing experiences onsite and on air.

“The extension through 2016 with Red Bull Media House allows us long term opportunity to continue to grow this property with our partners,” said BJ Carretta, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Alli Sports. “We look forward to further developing this property with them, and bringing in additional brands to participate in the unique marketing opportunity.”

“We have a laser focus on creating the best in action sports programming, centered around story telling, high production value and overall progression in all aspects of sports event broadcasting,” said Werner Brell, Managing Director, Red Bull Media House. “Together with NBC, we are bridging the gap between the action sports community and a mainstream audience.”

Soccerex have confirmed that England and Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King will be speaking on the ‘Life after the Final Whistle’ panel at the Soccerex European Forum on 10-11 April, pills in Manchester.

In a session which includes Edwin van der Sar, Gaizka Mendieta and Edu Gaspar, King will discuss the opportunities that have been made available to him in his role of Club Ambassador for Tottenham Hotspur, in particular by using his unique appeal as a well-known figure and positive role model to inspire young people in the community, working closely with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Remaining in a role at Tottenham has also enabled him to start his coaching badges, attend various events, travel overseas to engage with their global fan base, and to take part in media work.

Arguably one of the finest defenders of his generation, he made his debut in 1999 and went on to make 264 league appearances,  becoming the first Tottenham captain in 9 years to lead the side to silverware by winning the Carling Cup in 2008. The centre-back also represented England 21 times and started the first game of the FIFA 2010 World Cup^TM against the USA.

Speaking on his participation at the Forum, Ledley King said: “After hearing great things, I’m looking forward to speaking on a subject which is very important to me, as well as catching up with Edwin, Gaizka and Edu, who I have great memories of playing against.”

Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie said: “Ledley’s participation in the panel is a huge honour for us which will provide our delegates with an unmissable session. Throughout his career he has been the ultimate professional and will provide an excellent insight into the options available to players once they have retired.”

The Soccerex European Forum is a two-day event which attracts over 1,600 delegates from the elite of Europe’s football industry to come together to debate, network and do business. This year’s agenda setting conference programme will tackle the key issues shaping European football, including fan engagement, media rights, match fixing, discrimination and addiction, life after football, social media and a selection of special 1-2-1 sessions with Gianni Infantino, Alexey Sorokin, Sir John Madejski, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Neville.

For further information about this event please call +44 (0)208 987 5522 or visit www.soccerex.com/europe.

The shock news has broken today, May 26, that South Africa will not launch a bid for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics after the Government decided that it was not the right time.

The decision comes just days after senior South African official and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Sam Ramsamay had claimed that a decision on whether to bid for the Games would be made within a month.

South Africa’s Cabinet has acted early, saying it had considered a request by the National Olympic committee to bid for 2020, but “has decided that it is better for the country to consolidate the gains of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for now”.

Ramsamy had stated earlier this week that they would not bid unless they have the full support of President Jacob Zuma and the rest of South Africa’s Government. The decision has come as a big surprise to the athletics world with Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth all interested in bidding for the event following South Africa’s success in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

It is understood that the Government were worried about the estimated US$50m it would cost just to put forward a bid.

Government spokesman Jimmy Manyi following a Cabinet meeting: “It is better to consolidate the gains of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for now and rather focus the country’s attention on the delivery of basic services to all South Africans.

“I think the cost of the bid would have been about $50 million and you know how many RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) houses we could build with that.”

The decision leaves the way open for Casablanca in Morocco to launch a bid to become the first African city to host the Games after South Africa, even prior to the launch of the bidding process, was seen as an early favourite to stage the Games.

The IOC officially launched the bid process on Monday (May 22) with Rome the only confirmed city so far. The Japanese capital of Tokyo is also expected to join the tender after the city of Hiroshima withdrew its potential candidacy earlier in the week.

The Asian Tour have announced today a multi-year broadcast agreement with LETV Group to stream all live and highlights content in China until the end of 2016.

LETV.com, erectile which attracted 172 million unique visitors to its portal in 2013, will enjoy exclusive new media rights to the Asian Tour content. This latest partnership with the region’s premier Tour will add to its impressive portfolio that includes the European Tour, LPGA Tour, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and Open Championship.

As part of the agreement, LETV.com will broadcast this week’s inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, which is a Ryder Cup-style event between Team Asia and Team Europe at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Malaysia starting on Thursday.

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “Our new partnership with LETV Group is another exciting development for the Asian Tour.

“This three-year agreement with one of the world’s largest video portals reinforces the strong appeal of the Asian Tour brand and we look forward to having LETV stream our live and highlights content in China, which remains as an important market to the Asian Tour.”

LETV Group Vice President Lei Zhenjian said:  “We are delighted to secure the rights to broadcast and stream Asian Tour live and highlight programmes for the next three years. The Asian Tour is regarded as the third largest Tour in the world and this agreement will certainly add great value to the other sporting rights that we already own.

“LETV.com is looking forward to showcasing the cream of Asian golf to our Chinese viewers who enjoy watching the best sporting action.”

Asian Tour Media manages all the broadcasting rights for the Asian Tour, which ensures that Asian Tour programming reaches 180 countries/territories and 625 million homes worldwide.

The Sri Lankan city of Hambantota’s bid to stage the 2018 Commonwealth Games has taken a further blow after another of the nation’s medallists from last year’s Games in Delhi is embroiled in a damaging drugs scandal after weightlifter Chinthana Vidanage tested positive for a banned stimulant and is facing a suspension.

Vidanage won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and silver in the 69 kg category in Delhi. However, the man who carried the country’s flag at the 2010 Games returned a positive drug test for methylhexaneamine at the Asian Championships in China’s Anhui province last month, it has been reported.

He has been provisionally suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation.

The 29-year-old is an ambassador of Hambantota’s bid and was among four of Sri Lanka’s leading competitors who last month were unveiled by officials bidding for Hambantota to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games as part of an Athletes Commission to help provide advice during the campaign.

When introducing the Commission, Nivard Cabraal, the chairman of Hambantota 2018 stated:”These athletes bring their experience and passion to a bid that promises a compelling combination of tradition and excitement.

“Through the Commission they will help to drive our ‘Athletes Come First’ policy, ensuring all athletes will be welcomed by capacity crowds in iconic venues and with facilities that exceed their expectations.”

The scandal follows the drugs scandal of boxer Manju Wanniarachchi who, under pressure from Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, dropped plans to take the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following their decision to strip him of the gold medal he had won at last year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi because of a positive test for anabolic steroids.

Vidanage’s medal from Delhi is not in danger but it is a scandal that Hambantota could have done without after the weightlifter tested positive for methylhexaneamine, commonly used as a nasal decongestant, also a product in over-the-counter diet pills.

The drug was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list last year as a stimulant and has led to bans for a raft of athletes across various sports including Nigerian sprinter Damola Osayemi, who was stripped of her Commonwealth Games gold medal she had won in the 100 metres following a positive test for the drug in Delhi. Manchester City soccer star Kolo Touré was also provisionally suspended in March after allegedly testing positive for the drug.

“I was shocked to learn about it as I have never been tested positive for a banned substance after being scrupulously tested everywhere I went from the Commonwealth Games … to Delhi and at every Asian and South Asian championships,” said Vidanage.

“I listed all what I use as supplements and energy drinks to the authorities who took the samples in China and to the local authorities.

“Other than those, I have not used any substance that will have an effect on my performance and I am ready to face any consequences if I am proved guilty.”

Eredivisie has retained dutch public broadcaster NOS who will continue to broadcast highlights from Holland’s top soccer league.

The new deal covers television, pharm radio and internet rights and runs until the end of the 2016/17 season. Coverage will be shown on television on Sunday evenings.

According to reports NOS fought off bids from broadcasters SBS, drugs RTL and Fox.

While NOS broadcasts a weekly Eredivisie highlights show, viagra Fox Sports Eredivisie currently holds the rights to show live coverage of all Eredivisie games in Holland. The premium channel is managed by Eredivisie Media & Marketing, the league’s commercial arm in which Fox took a majority stake in 2012.

Frank Rutten, the head of Eredivisie Media & Marketing, said of the deal: “The league and NOS have a long and pleasant relationship with each other and we are pleased to continue over the next three years.”

Major League Soccer announced today that Portland, medstore Oregon, prescription will be the host city for the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game.

The annual showcase event will feature several days of festivities, culminating in a match between the League’s top players and a renowned international club in late July or early August, 2014, at JELD-WEN Field, home to the Portland Timbers.

Soccer in the Portland area and the Timbers have a long history of strong fan support and the club’s popularity has boomed since its inaugural MLS season in 2011. The 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game will be the first All-Star Game in a major sport for the city of Portland. 

JELD-WEN Field is an iconic sports and entertainment facility located in the heart of downtown Portland, and officially reopened to the public for MLS on April 14, 2011, after a significant renovation crafted to create one of the most unique and authentic soccer environments in the country. Since then, the Timbers have sold out every MLS league match to date, currently a string of 42 consecutive sellouts. 

“The Portland Timbers and their passionate fans have certainly earned the honor of hosting the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game,” said Commissioner Don Garber. “This match will showcase to an international audience the incredible devotion to the game in the Pacific Northwest that serves as one of the most important stories for our league.” 

Originally constructed in 1926, JELD-WEN Field is an historic civic gathering place that has played host to some of the region’s most memorable events, including Pelé’s official last professional game, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For more information, visit www.JELD-WENField.com. 

“We are very pleased to host the national and international soccer community to Soccer City, USA, for the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game and its surrounding events,” said Merritt Paulson, president of the Timbers. “This event will be the first major All-Star Game of any sport ever in Portland and the Timbers and our fans look forward to showcasing our fabulous city and JELD-WEN Field next summer.”