Bayern Munich Look to Renew Rummenigge as CEO, Hoeness Resignation Rejected

Bayern Munich plan to extend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s contract as CEO until 2016, according to reports.

At a meeting of the club’s board of directors on Monday, at which president Uli Hoeness’ offer to resign was rejected, the three-year Rummenigge deal was approved, the Bild reports. Rummenigge was present alongside sporting director Matthias Sammer, deputy executive board member Andreas Jung and chief financial officer Jan-Christian Dreesen. 

Rummenigge, who played as a striker for Bayern, was sold to Inter Milan by Hoeness to pay off Bayern’s debts in 1984. 

He returned to his former club as vice-president in 1991, and in 2002 became the CEO of the newly founded Bayern Munich Aktiengesellschaft, which is comparable to a joint stock company.

Earlier Hoeness’ resignation was not accepted by Bayern.

“After intense discussion, the advisory board of FC Bayern Munich AG decided unanimously that Uli Hoeness should continue in his position of president,” said the club in a statement.

Hoeness recently made a self-denunciation to the German tax authorities that he had not declared taxes on an account he held in Switzerland.

He is currently being investigated on suspicion of tax evasion and had offered to resign from his position while the investigation took its course.

“Uli Hoeness expressed his regret at the incident and apologised,” continued the club statement, stating that the decision to turn down his offer to resign was made “in the interests of FC Bayern, who need to concentrate fully on reaching further sporting goals with the Champions League final on 25 May and the German Cup final on 1 June.”

Visa Renews Soccerex Global Convention Support

Visa, unhealthy official FIFA and Olympic sponsor, has extended their support of the Soccerex Global Convention in Rio de Janeiro on 24-28 November.

Visa has increased their involvement at the Convention for the third year running by sponsoring the Networking Café, which will now be known as the Visa Café. Situated at the core of the exhibition area, it has been the birth place for some of the biggest and most renowned deals in Soccerex history and Visa will be inviting all delegates to join them for informal networking and complimentary drinks at the close of each day during the Convention. With various themed networking activities taking place throughout the event, the Visa brand will be positioned at the heart of the Soccerex networking experience.

Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie commented: “We would like to thank Visa for their continued support of Soccerex. The commitment of this major international brand at this year’s Convention demonstrates the global magnitude and recognition of our event. We are proud to be able to work alongside Visa once more to assist them in fulfilling their objectives through the Soccerex network and global exposure our event offers.”

The Soccerex Global Convention is a five day business event consisting of a comprehensive seminar line-up, a number of networking opportunities, a two-day football festival and a packed exhibition.

Held in a purpose-built venue within the Forte de Copacabana, with panoramic views of both the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the exhibition is a hub for business activity; as one of the main components of the convention it provides a platform for leading suppliers from around the world to showcase the latest industry products and services to delegates.

For further information about this event please call +44 (0)208742 7100 or visit www.soccerex.com/global.

Green Party reproach will not hit Munich Olympic bid

Munich’s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics will not be affected by a surprise rejection by the Greens, the country’s third biggest political force, Germany’s top sports official said Monday.

The Greens, in opposition but rising in opinion polls, narrowly voted at the weekend for a motion that called the Munich plans “anything but ecologically exemplary.”

Munich’s candidacy, which is up against South Korea’s Pyeongchang and France’s Annecy, has already received the official backing of the German government ahead of the International Olympic Committee vote in July next year.

“The chances of Munich 2018 victory will not suffer from this negative attitude shown by a narrow majority of an opposition party,” German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) chief Thomas Bach said in a statement.

“Internationally it is recognized that this concept is ‘the best, and ecologically most sustainable concept, that has ever existed’, as Winfried Hermann, sports spokesperson of the Green Party put it in his speech at the convention,” said Bach, who is also an IOC Vice President.

The DOSB is the country’s umbrella sports organization.

“The time and process of the debate on this comprehensive and complex project, which was scheduled for only a few minutes, clearly show that this was not a democratic debate or consideration of factual issues; instead it appears to be a rejection based on political motives,” said Bach.

The Greens reacted strongly to Bach’s statement, saying his comments were outrageous.

“These comments for a decision of the party against the 2018 bid are more than outrageous and show a lack of understanding for democratic procedures,” said Dieter Janecek, the chairman of the Greens in Bavaria.

“And it is the head of an opaque organization (DOSB) that bristles with commercial interweaving who questions the decisions of a democratically organized party,” he said.

Munich’s bid to become the first city to host summer and winter Olympics has stumbled repeatedly in the past few months following the resignation of bid leader Willy Bogner, a land row with residents of Garmisch-Partenkirchen — site of the skiing events — and an Interior Ministry report questioning the candidacy’s financial numbers.

The other two bids have faced their own problems recently with Pyeongchang receiving an IOC warning over two sponsorship deals involving South Korean companies and France’s Annecy forced to rework their project after getting low marks in an IOC technical report in June.

(Source: Reuters)

SPORT1 Acquires Media Rights to 2014 EHF Euro

SPORT1 have secured the media rights to the 2014 European Handball Federation (EHF) Euro after a deal with Infront Sports & Media, media and marketing partner of the EHF.

The German sports channel is to broadcast at least 22 games of the upcoming EHF EURO live on free TV – including the semi-finals and the final. The Men’s EHF EURO 2014 will be held in Denmark (Aalborg, Arhus, Herning and Copenhagen) from 12 to 26 January.

Besides the exclusive coverage, SPORT1 will also broadcast through its online platform SPORT1.de via live stream as well as through the SPORT1 app. This will be complemented with a full range of news, background material and commentary across the SPORT1 news formats and the digital sports radio SPORT1.fm.

Olaf Schroeder, SPORT1 Managing Director, said: “2014 will showcase a series of superb sports events. SPORT1 will begin the sporting year with the Men’s European Handball Championships as the first great highlight! After the 2013 IHF Women’s World Championship, which we broadcast on free TV until 22 December, as the number one sports channel, we will then provide fans the next high-level event – all on top of our live broadcasts from the German Handball-Bundesliga.”

Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports of Infront, added: “Handball is the most popular indoor sport in Germany. With its long tradition and strong national league, the country is one of the most important handball markets in the world. Thanks to the partnership with SPORT1 for the EHF EURO, we are guaranteeing the fans extensive free TV coverage of this major handball event.”

Ten Clubs Look for Scottish Football League Breakaway

According to reports, erectile ten clubs are considering a breakaway from the Scottish Football League.

A letter signed by the 10 clubs is to be sent to the Scottish Premier League ahead of their meeting next week according to BBC Scotland.

The clubs involved make up the current First Division, with the exception of promoted Partick Thistle and relegated Airdrie United.

But Dundee, who appear certain to be relegated from the SPL, and Second Division winners Queen of the South have both signed up to the changes.

The development comes after a meeting at New Douglas Park on Thursday, when the clubs decided they would try and force a restructuring of Scottish football.

For any breakaway to succeed, SPL clubs would need to approve the plan with an 11-1 majority required.

Durham Cricket Reveal Organisational Changes

Durham have announced today that their management structure ahead of a busy 2013 season that includes the club’s first Ashes Test.

David Harker, who announced last month that he would step down as Durham’s chief executive in May, will now take on the new role of group chief executive, guiding the next steps in the continuing redevelopment of Emirates Durham ICG.

Richard Dowson, previously operations director, becomes the club’s chief operating officer, while Rebecca Graham is promoted to finance director.

Scott Sherrard, a long-time advisor to Durham, takes on the position of commercial director and Rachel Harwood is the club’s new operations and events director.

Durham chairman Clive Leach said: “This is an enviable team to have put together as we embark on this exciting year. I am especially delighted that it is a combination of home-grown talent and wider industry experience and one that will continue to build on the momentum that has taken the club so far in only 21 years.

“Last month we revealed David Harker’s intention to move in time to a non-executive role to permit him time to pursue additional interests. I am delighted however that this new role will permit these to be pursued while continuing to provide the executive leadership for our ambitious plans for growth, supported by a strengthened and focused management team.”

Exclusive Sponsors Only Breakfast Briefing at Future Sponsorship Istanbul

Top sponsors AON, unhealthy BT Group, Ramsey, Coca Cola, Turkish Airlines, Lloyds TSB, Cadburys, Sky Deutschland, Efes Pilsner, BEKO, EON and BMW are due to attend the “sponsors only” closed door breakfast briefing session at Future Sponsorship Istanbul next week.

This unique session will allow sponsors across sports, music and entertainment to gather and discuss their unique challenges faced.  The session will look at how brands can get the most value from the property, how partnerships can go beyond monetary returns, how to ensure your brand is protected, risk management and more.  

This exclusive invite only briefing for sponsors will take place on the morning of day two of the Future Sponsorship conference and workshops at Ulker Arena, Istanbul on 27-29 November.  Over 200 sponsors, rights holders and agencies will gather to discuss the biggest challenges in the sponsorship industry with a look to the future and how to capitalise on new revenue opportunities through creative partnerships.

Supported by Turkish Airlines and Euroleague Basketball, the A-list speaker line-up includes Temel Kotil, CEO, Turkish Airlines, Jordi Bertomeu, CEO, Euroleague Basketball, Stewart Kellett, Recreation and Partnerships Director – British Cycling, Tricia Thompson – Sky’s Director of Cycling, Laurent Colette, CMO, FC Barcelona, Mark Armstrong, Head of Sponsorship, NBA, Ragip Balciogu, MD, BEKO UK, Sally Hancock, Director of Olympic Marketing and Sponsorship, Lloyds TSB , Suzi Williams, Marketing and Brand Director, BT Group, Norman Brodie, General Manager, Cadbury London 2012, Ed Debois, Global Head of Ad Solutions, Yahoo!, Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events, London & Partners and many more.

For further information on Future Sponsorship 2012, please visit www.future-sponsorship.com

ORF Secures Broadcast Rights to Champions League in Austria

Free-to-air broadcaster ORF, medic which is based in Austria, cialis have been awarded the broadcast rights to Uefa Champions League games in the country for the 2015/16 to 2017/18 seasons.

As part of the deal, remedy ORF can broadcast one live match per Champions League game week on free-to-air television, as well as all the games of Austrian teams, should any reach the group stages of the competition. A limited highlights package is also included in the agreement.

The deal covers internet and radio rights, alongside television, and also includes rights to the Uefa Super Cup.

“It was particularly important for ORF to acquire an appropriate package of rights to match the interests of the Austrian audience,” explained ORF general director Alexander Wrabetz, “while at the same time remaining sensitive to the competitive Austrian TV market.”

Prince Felipe Named Honorary President of Madrid’s 2020 Bid

Crown Prince Felipe de Borbón, look has accepted the honorary presidency of Madrid’s bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The news comes after Prince Felipe’s audience last Thursday at the Palacio de la Zarzuela with the Madrid 2020 Foundation Trust, headed by the Mayor of Madrid Ana Botella and Madrid 2020 Bid President Alejandro Blanco, who presented him with the Candidature File.

Reacting to Prince Felipe’s acceptance, Blanco, who is also the president of the Spanish Olympic Committee, said: “This is wonderful news for the Madrid 2020 Bid and is a further indication of the royal family’s total commitment to Spanish sport.

“HRH Prince Felipe was Spain’s flag bearer at Barcelona in 1992 and he will carry the flag again for the Madrid 2020 Bid, which is not just for the city of Madrid but for the whole of Spain.”

The Prince of Asturias’ decision to accept the honorary presidency is a sign of his support for Madrid’s Olympic project, support that he expressed to the members of the Trust in his audience with them last week and which he has given in the hope that the Bid wins the right to host the 2020 Games.

The Madrid 2020 Foundation Trust comprises representatives from Spain’s national, autonomous and local governments, the country’s trade unions, the national employers’ association, the Spanish Olympic Committee and former members of the International Olympic Committee, among them Her Royal Highness Infanta Doña Pilar.

Prince Felipe’s acceptance of the honorary presidency continues the Spanish royal family’s longstanding involvement in the Olympic movement, with various members of the royal family having attended and also competed in recent Games.

Since Madrid embarked on its bid to host the Summer Games, the Spanish Olympic movement has received the wholehearted support of His Majesty King Juan Carlos and his family.

Speaking in 2004, at the presentation of the 2012 Bid, the King said: “In keeping with the great excitement that the 2012 Olympic Games has aroused in the people of Spain, the Spanish Crown would like to wish the Madrid project every success and is certain that it will represent Spain and its people in the best possible manner.”

King Juan Carlos also spoke of how “privileged” the royal family felt in joining the Olympic family on so many occasions.

In 1995, His Majesty accepted the honorary presidency of Barcelona’s 1992 successful bid to host that year’s Olympics, where Prince Felipe was the Spanish team’s flag bearer.

The royal family’s support also extends to the Paralympic Games. Her Royal Highness Infanta Elena is the honorary president of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, and as well as playing an active role in the movement, she also heads Spain’s Paralympic Games delegation.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Awarded Best Marketing Campaign at Football Business Awards

Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has triumphed at The Football Business Awards by winning the award for best marketing campaign.

This celebrates the success of its ‘My Wolves’ initiative, a new seasonal membership scheme operated by a new rewards module, specifically developed for the club by IRIS Ticketing to integrate with its ticketing system, TALENT Sport. This means Wolverhampton Wanderers can automatically ‘reward’ benefits to fans signed up to ‘My Wolves’ when booking tickets or purchasing merchandise. The scheme has resulted in significant increases in ticket sales, season tickets upgrades and merchandise sales, overall adding an estimated £600,000 of additional revenue to the club since its inception.

‘My Wolves’, which offers a variety of creative and generous benefits to an identified group of fans who cannot commit to a season ticket but want to commit to the club, was the brainchild of six staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. For £20, ‘My Wolves’ offers a range of  ‘virtual cash’ incentives and rewards, discounts, smartcards and a loyalty points scheme for priority tickets. All incentives and rewards keep the spend recycled within the club, thereby disbursing significant value to the supporter whilst simultaneously generating increased profit for the club.

“We are incredibly proud to win this award. The whole team is passionate about making sure our fans realise how much we appreciate their support and loyalty, as well as the important role they play in making sure our club is a success, which is how the idea came about in the first instance. Working with IRIS Ticketing means the reward scheme is easy for fans to use and benefit from, which has played a large role in the success of the scheme,” says Kerri Davies, Membership Manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

By using IRIS Ticketing’s reward module, the rewards scheme is completely automated for all fans signed up to the scheme. This means that every time they bought a ticket for a match, on average £40, they are given 10% back as a loyalty reward to spend the next time they purchased a ticket. In the same way, each time an item of merchandise is bought, the fan receives 10% back to spend on their next merchandise purchase. Each fan soon recoops the initial £20, gaining additional value such as having first access to priority tickets. Despite a very disappointing season for the team, the club was able to demonstrate that ‘My Wolves’ members increased their average match attendance by 42% versus an overall trend over the last year of supporters decreasing their match attendance by 15%.

Feedback from the Football Business Awards judges said: “Superb integrated campaign resulting in a fantastic ROI. A shining example of a marketing programme with pizazz and lasting effect.”

“Fans are the lifeblood of every football club and we work hard to deliver them a great experience and reward loyalty with exciting new schemes such as ‘My Wolves’. To see the industry recognising innovation from Wolverhampton Wanderers is exciting for all of us and a great endorsement of the work we do together,” commented Mark Dewell, Managing Director at IRIS Ticketing.