Former Governor joins PyeongChang 2018

The South Korean government has appointed Kim Jin-sun, former Gangwon Province Governor, as ambassador for PyeongChang’s 2018 Winter Olympic Bid.

Kim was Governor for three consecutive terms and his appointment is considered a major boost for PyeongChang’s bid because of his experience leading the PyeongChang 2010 and 2014 Winter Games bids.

According to PyeongChang 2018, Kim will now work with the bid committee and “use his valuable international experience to help promote the bid to his network of global sporting community contacts”.

The Korea Times reports Kim is known to have a wide network within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and international sports arena through his bid activities.

Yang ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of PyeongChang 2018 said, “on behalf of the bid committee I welcome the appointment of Jin-sum Kim as an ambassador for PyeongChang 2018. Jin-sun Kim will join the PyeongChang 2018 delegation at the OCA General Assembly this week and his wealth of experience working with the Olympic Family and the international sports community will prove invaluable as we approach the final months of the campaign”.

Meanwhile the South Korean government met Tuesday to reaffirm its support for PyeongChang 2018 and outline plans to coordinate and develop key features of the bid for the remainder of the campaign. Representatives from 14 government departments, Gangwon Province, the Korean Olympic Committee, and the PyeongChang 2018 bid committee also discussed how all parties will work effectively together to coordinate the forthcoming IOC Evaluation Commission visit in February.

TV Asahi Acquires Japanese Rights to Broadcast Formula E Championship

TV Asahi have secured Japanese broadcasting rights to showcase the FIA Formula E Championship.

The multi-year agreement will see the Japanese network show live coverage of all Formula E races – together with extensive coverage of the practice and qualifying sessions – across its terrestrial, satellite and cable channels.

Based in Tokyo, TV Asahi boasts a network of regional channels and a potential reach of 51.4 million households, largely thanks to its coverage of major sporting events. It is now regarded as one of the most popular and widely watched networks in Japan.

“TV Asahi has acquired the exclusive rights to the live broadcast of the new FIA Formula E Championship in Japan,” said Hiroshi Hayakawa, President of TV Asahi. “This will see a return to motorsport for us since the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003. For us, the striking difference of Formula E compared with existing motorsport events is their attempt to adopt new features such as the ‘real-time gaming’ directly connected to the race and ‘Push-to-Pass’ linked with the SMS platform – both elements which embrace the next generation of broadcasting.”

He added: “In a world where a new structure of TV broadcasting is demanded, we are convinced that Formula E has the content which appeals not only to the existing motor sport fans but also to the youth generation that fully utilises multimedia. Moreover, we have great hopes that Formula E will be an exciting new content for the terrestrial, satellite and cable channels after our organisation turns into a holdings company from April next year.”

Today’s news follows on from two recent championship announcements for Japan which see Super Aguri become one of the 10 teams to compete in Formula E and Japanese driver Takuma Sato joining as one of the series’ development drivers.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of series promoters Formula E Holdings, added: “We are delighted to announce this partnership between TV Asahi and the FIA Formula E Championship, especially with Japan being such an influential market in terms of motorsport and the automotive industry. With live coverage of all races on the network’s terrestrial, satellite and cable channels, it means we can showcase the excitement of Formula E to an even wider audience, as well as provide a platform for our partners and our teams to visualize the values of this competition.”

TV Asahi now joins FOX Sports as confirmed broadcasters for the new zero emission series after it was announced earlier this year that the US network would show live coverage of all Formula E races in the US and 88 territories around the world – a potential reach of more than 180 million households worldwide.

Cleveland Browns Adds New CFO & General Counsel

The NFL’s Cleveland Browns today named Sashi Brown as the club’s Executive Vice President – General Counsel and Brent Stehlik as Executive Vice President – Chief Revenue Officer.

Brown joins the team after spending the previous eight seasons (2005-12) as General Counsel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stehlik returns to the NFL after working the past three years (2010-12) with the San Diego Padres, including the last two as Senior Vice President – Business Operations.

“Sashi has been an excellent attorney for the Jaguars for the past eight seasons and, importantly, has significant experience with business and football matters,” said Browns President Alec Scheiner.  “He is highly regarded throughout the league and his expertise in both of these areas will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”

“Brent possesses an extensive background overseeing many elements of a sports franchise, including tickets, suites, sponsorships, concessions and stadium operations,” Scheiner said.  “His knowledge and success in all of these areas at each of his previous stops should be a huge benefit to our fans as we are committed to enhancing their in-stadium experience.”

In his role with the Jaguars, Brown’s responsibilities included contract negotiation, employment matters, insurance and risk management, intellectual property, licensing issues and litigation management. Prior to joining the Jaguars, Brown spent time as an attorney with Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale and Dorr, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm. He earned a degree from Hampton University in 1998 and a juris doctorate degree from Harvard Law School in 2002. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he is a member of the New York, D.C. and Florida bars. He is married (Paige).

As Browns Executive Vice President – Chief Revenue Officer, Stehlik will oversee all aspects of revenue generation and client service. Prior to joining the Padres, Stehlik spent the 2009 season as the Director of Business Development with the Dallas Cowboys, as well as two years (2007-09) as the Vice President – Ticket Sales & Service with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has also held positions as the Chief Operating Officer of the Frisco RoughRiders (MiLB) (2003-07) and Director of Group Sales with the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) (1999-2003).

A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Stehlik is a 1999 graduate from the University of Mount Union with a Bachelor of Arts in sport business and a double minor in business administration and computer information systems. He and his wife, Molly, have a daughter, Sophie, and two sons, Boone and Griffin.

Football Business Awards Winners Announced

Stamford Bridge, health home of Chelsea FC, hosted over 450 football business grandees last night in a black-tie ceremony to announce the winners of the first ever Football Business Awards. Designed to recognise success off rather than on the pitch, the sixteen categories were fiercely contested by clubs and business working in football – not just from the UK but around the world.

The ceremony was hosted by Sky Sports News Vicky Gomersall and comedian Ian Moore with entertainment provided by holder of 5 world records and Freestyle Football Champion, Dan Magness.

“The Football Business Awards 2012 dinner was immensely enjoyable.  Besides giving us a forum to mix and converse with our colleagues, we were able to give due recognition to those in our industry who are at the top of their game.” Bruce Buck, Chairman, Chelsea FC

Winners of the 2012 awards are:

•  Best Club Marketing Campaign in the UK – Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

•  Best Business Serving Football up to £2m turnover – Statsports Technologies

•   Highly Commended – Piglets Pantry

•  Best Use of Social Media in Football – The Football Association

•   Highly Commended – Arsenal Media Group

•  Best Match Day Catering – Azure part of Elior UK

•  Best/Most Innovative use of Technology by Clubs – Manchester City FC

•   Highly Commended – FC Internationale Milano

•  Best/Most Innovative use of Technology (Football Business) – Teamer

•  Best Club Community Scheme – Everton in the Community

•   Highly Commended – Tottenham Hotspur Foundation

•  Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme – Standard Chartered Bank – Seeing is Believing

•  Venue Team of the Year – The American Express Community Stadium – Brighton & Hove Albion FC

•  Best Club Marketing Campaign Overseas – Coritiba Foot Ball Club

•  Best Business Serving Football over £2m turnover – Continental Tyre Group

•  Best Professional Service Business Serving Football – redboxdesign group

•  Best Retail/Merchandise Initiative – Aston Villa FC

•  Club Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year – Manchester City FC/ EA Sports (Circle Agency)

•  Sponsorship Partnership of the Year (Football Business) – Barclays Spaces for Sports & The Football Foundation

•  FC Business Magazine Football CEO of the Year – Karren Brady

For more information contact:

Rory Ross Russell

Email rory@footballbusinessawards.com

Tel 020 8788 3710

Simon Burton
Email simon@footballbusinessawards.com

07798 807657

Clinton to make final U.S. bid presentation to FIFA

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will take part in the final presentation of his country’s World Cup bid to FIFA’s executive committee on Dec. 1.

Clinton became honorary chairman of the U.S. bid committee in May and traveled to South Africa, where he attended two U.S. matches and met several executive committee members.

The United States held the tournament in 1994 and hopes to host the 2022 tournament. FIFA votes Dec. 2 on the 2018 and 2022 hosts.

“I’m pleased to stand on behalf of our nation for something as important and meaningful to the American people and citizens throughout the world as the FIFA World Cup,” Clinton said in a statement. “I am committed to this effort because I have seen firsthand the powerful unifying force of the FIFA World Cup – bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.”

Qatar, Australia, Japan and South Korea also are bidding for 2022. England, Russia, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Holland are competing to host in 2018.

FOX Deportes Signs NFL Deal to Broadcast Super Bowl in Spanish

FOX Deportes, which broadcasts in Spanish, has announced a partnership with the National Football League (NFL).

Under the agreement, FOX Deportes becomes the first U.S. Spanish-language network in NFL history to broadcast a Super Bowl.

The two-year deal kicked off with coverage of Thanksgiving Day with extensive coverage of the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions matchup.

FOX Deportes will also broadcast a series of NFL games, beginning November 28, 2013, through the 2014 season. The lineup this season includes FOX’s Thanksgiving and postseason games, closing with the biggest game of the year, Super Bowl XLVIII. The deal expands for the 2014 season to include FOX’s national preseason games, followed by FOX’s Thanksgiving and postseason games. All NFL games on FOX continue to be available in Spanish via SAP (Secondary Audio Program).

Additionally, FOX Deportes will add Impacto NFL, a weekly 30-minute NFL show, produce one-of-a-kind live pregame shows, and air special NFL segments on its leading news program, Central FOX.

“We are extremely pleased about our new agreement with the NFL,” said Jeff Krolik, president, FOX Sports Regional Networks. “Being the first U.S. Spanish-language network to broadcast the Super Bowlis a testament to our continuous efforts to strengthen our programming, and further solidify FOX Deportes as the leader in the Latino sports space.”

Sport Accord: 2013 Conference Will Take Pulse of Sport Industry

SportAccord Convention announced today that the general theme of the 2013 conference will be “The State of Our Industry – Examining the Health of Sport.” In two days of debate and discussion, clinic industry leaders will take the pulse of sport as it continues to grow rapidly as a business and a force in society. The first SportAccord Convention in Russia will be held at the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex in Saint-Petersburg from May 26-31, arthritis 2013. 

In a groundbreaking session, ampoule the 11th annual Convention will tackle the controversial subject of “The Advent of the Blade Runner – Bionic Sport of the Future,” examining how technology and the demand for entertainment will change the boundaries of sport in the coming decades. As Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 2014, another session will put “Sochi in the Spotlight,” and business leaders will debate the ongoing challenges of “Sport in the Global Economy.” More conference topics and exclusive interviews of world figures in sport will be announced in the coming weeks. 

“We are planning some exciting innovations for this year’s conference, which is going to have a very powerful list of speakers from Russia and around the world,” said Nis Hatt, SportAccord Convention Managing Director. “Our aim is to facilitate strategic discussion on the direction of the global industry.” 

A discounted rate is in effect for delegates booking their places early via the website www.sportaccordconvention.com. 

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

Contact jonny.murch@sportaccordconvention.com to learn about promotional opportunities at SportAccord Convention 2013 or for more information, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com.

Fifa row has “harmed” England 2018 bid

England’s 2018 World Cup bid has been “significantly harmed” by a newspaper investigation into the bidding process, says a key member of the campaign team.

A member of the Fifa executive committee previously claimed there would be no backlash against England.

But it now seems the Sunday Times probe into two members of the committee has left England with a mountain to climb ahead of the vote on 2 December.

“It has significantly harmed England’s bid,” a senior member told BBC Sport.

With four weeks to go to the decision, England’s bid team has not given up all hope of turning the situation around.

But senior sources say that the prospect of any future media investigations into the conduct of Fifa officials – including a potential Panorama programme on the BBC – could be fatal for their chances.

One member of the bid team told the BBC: “The question is: can we recover from this? Fifa members feel they are being persecuted by the British media.

“It isn’t dead and the next two or three weeks will be delicate but England’s bid has been damaged and it’s going to take a lot of hard work to repair that damage.”

One move being considered by England’s bid is to ask all the editors of the national newspapers and broadcasters to write to Fifa declaring their support for the 2018 bid.

The Fifa president Sepp Blatter signalled the start of a backlash against the British media last Friday when he said: “One can ask whether such an action is appropriate, trying to set traps for people. It is a deeply rooted problem [with the English media].

“Who is benefitting from this situation and who is being harmed, we are asking ourselves why did it happen and why did it happen specifically by English journalists? We are looking at that.”

And the head of the Asian Football Confederation, Mohamed Bin Hammam, has used his blog to attack the British media. He wrote: “Is it ethical to use unethical methods to protect the ethic? How will we clean dirty laundry by using dirty water?”

Eurosport Extends Bundesliga Broadcast Deal in 22 Countries

Eurosport has extended its partnership with DFL Sports Enterprises GmbH to broadcast the Bundesliga for a further two seasons up to 2016-2017. 

The deal renews Eurosport’s exclusive TV and digital rights, including sub-licensing rights, for all matches of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in 22 territories in the Nordic, Central and Eastern European region.

The 22 territories included in the agreement are: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.

Eurosport 2 coverage includes five LIVE Bundesliga matches per weekend, a weekly highlights programme, dedicated magazine shows as well as interviews and expert insight from top consultants.  

All LIVE Bundesliga action will also be available in the licensed territories on the Eurosport Player, the group’s online subscriber simulcast service for mobile, PC, tablet and connected TV users. 

Eurosport 2 started broadcasting the German Leagues in 2009 and further extended its initial agreement with DFL Sports Enterprises, the commercial arm of the DFL, in 2011. 

Eurosport CEO Jean-Thierry Augustin said: “Eurosport has played a key role in broadening the fan base for the Bundesliga beyond the German market and this is can be attributed to the depth of our coverage and the success of the teams within the League over that period. The Bundesliga continues to set a benchmark of quality in European football and Eurosport is proud to further extend our relationship for two additional seasons and to offer this premium content to subscribers in the 22 countries.” 

Jörg Daubitzer, Managing Director of DFL Sports Enterprises added: “We recognize the value of our partnership with Eurosport, with whom we have forged a long-standing partnership based on mutual appreciation and stability. Bundesliga fans in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe have been served extremely well by Eurosport, and over the past four years have seen considerable advances in terms of both volume and quality of coverage. This new agreement complements Bundesliga’s growth strategy and reflects the positive development the Bundesliga has enjoyed over the last several years. We are very pleased to have concluded the agreement, and equally pleased to have received this vote of confidence from a key current partner.”

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Leyton Orient’s Request for Judicial Review into Olympic Stadium Rejected

Leyton Orient’s attempt to secure a judicial review into the process which gave West Ham tenancy of the Olympic Stadium has been rejected by a court.

West Ham were last month given a 99-year lease to the arena to the dismay of Orient chairman Barry Hearn, who fears the move could threaten his club’s existence.

Orient called for a review on the grounds that the London Legacy Development Corporation – the company in charge of the process – had breached its own rules by failing to fully explore the possibility of a groundshare.

Hearn has fought Orient’s corner throughout a long-running saga, but he said last month: “If I lose the judicial review, I have got to walk (away).

“That’s it. It must stop – I can’t do anything else. I have fought a really good fight. I’ve cost people a lot of money and spent a lot of money myself but I don’t regret it because I think I am in the right.”

Orient and Tottenham successfully sought a judicial review of the initial process which awarded West Ham the stadium early in 2011.

Delays caused by that challenge contributed to the decision, taken in October 2011, to keep the stadium in public ownership and instead install a tenant.