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Arsenal Deny Takeover Interest, Kroenke has ‘no intention of selling’

Arsenal Football Club have curtailed reports they have been approached over a potential takeover and insist majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has no plans to sell up.

Reports claimed a Middle East consortium are preparing a £1.5b ($2.25bn) bid to buy out the Premier League club at around £20,000 a share.

However, the club insist they have received no contact from potential bidders and that Kroenke would have no intention of selling his controlling stake.

“Stan Kroenke is committed to Arsenal for the long term and has no intention of selling his stake,” said Mark Gonnella, the club’s communications director.

“There has been no contact from any potential investors.”

“I don’t know anything about it, I heard it like you (in the newspapers),” team manager Arsene Wenger said after the 2-1 north London derby defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

“You are only vulnerable if you want to sell and you need money. (However), that doesn’t concern me at all, that is down to the owners.”

Kroenke, who owns a number of sport franchises in Colorado, holds 66.83% of the club, having pushed through a £430million ($646m)-plus takeover in April 2011. Uzbek oil magnate Alisher Usmanov, who holds a 29.96% stake in the club, is believed to be similarly reluctant to consider cashing in.

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International Union of Modern Pentathlon Appoints Shiny Fang as New Secretary General

Shiny Fang (CHN) has been appointed International Union of Modern Pentathlon’s (UIPM) new Secretary General at the Executive Board meeting in Frankfurt, Germany.

Mrs Fang, who has been UIPM’s Assistant for International Affairs since 2008, working closely with the UIPM President Dr h.c. Klaus Schormann developing UIPM’s relations worldwide replaced Joël Bouzou who served as Secretary General from 1997-2012.

UIPM President Dr h.c. Klaus Schormann said after the appointment: “I am very pleased with Mrs Fang becoming UIPM’s Secretary General. I have a very close working relationship with her, and she has impressed me with her extraordinary abilities over the past 5 years.

“This appointment shows our commitment to women’s equality, putting a women in this important position.”

Mrs Fang, who is also the Vice President of the International Cheer Union stated: “7 years ago I stepped into the Modern Pentathlon world, 5 years ago I joined in UIPM family before the Beijing Olympic Games, I was more and more attracted by this sport and the people of this sport.

“In the last 10 years, UIPM had been very focused on modernization to become more exciting and challenging sport for the world’s most complete athletes, I fully believe for next 4 years, we will continually develop, popularize, and promote Modern Pentathlon not only with Pentathlon, also with Biathle (run-swim-run), Triathle (run-shoot-swim) which are under Modern Pentathlon brand. More united and better cooporation, will be my goal for future management of UIPM.”

Mrs Fang’s starts in the role immediately and will be relocating from China to the UIPM office in Monaco.

Ivar Sisniega (MEX) was appointed by the Executive Board as UIPM’s 1st Vice President and Vyacheslav Aminov (RUS) became the Vice President for Business Affairs.

Brazil 2014’s Ricardo Trade & Bebeto to Speak at Soccerex Global Convention

Soccerex has announced that, viagra ed | Ricardo Trade, store Executive Director of Operations and Competitions of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and LOC Board of Administration member, Bebeto will be giving an official update on the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Soccerex Global Convention in Rio de Janeiro, 24-28 November.

With only two years to go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this session will look at how preparations for the tournament are progressing, giving a comprehensive update on Brazil’s position at this stage and what is left to do.

As Executive director of operations, Mr. Trade will play a significant role in shaping the development of the 2014 World Cup. Before taking up his role with the LOC, Mr. Trade was the Services General Manager and acted as the Director of the Main Operations Centre during the 2007 Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro. He was also the Director of Services for the bidding committee of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics games. A hero of Brazil’s fourth world title triumph at USA 1994, Bebeto partnered fellow LOC Board Member Ronaldo at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Since retiring from football he has become a state deputy in Rio de Janeiro and a sitting member of the legislative assembly’s Special Committee Promoting the Legacy of the Sporting Events of 2014 and 2016.

Commenting on his involvement, Ricardo Trade said: “We want to show the world how we are fulfilling our commitment to host the biggest football event on the planet. The Soccerex Global Convention allows us to demonstrate how we are getting ready to welcome the world of football in 2013 and 2014. It is also a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and international experiences with our colleagues from around the world.”

Commenting on the session, Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie said: “We are delighted to have the LOC on board, to have two such influential figures give an official World Cup update at Soccerex is a real honour. Attending delegates will be privilege to a true insight on what is happening from those who are involved at the top level.”

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 which is already close to selling out.

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 visitwww.soccerex.com/global.

Reading Ink Partnership Agreement with Galatasaray

Reading Football Club have signed a mutual working agreement with Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Having welcomed senior officials from Galatasaray to Madejski Stadium and Hogwood Park late last year, adiposity Chief Executive Nigel Howe and Director Chris Samuelson were in Turkey this week to meet with President Unal Aysal, viagra CEO Lutfi Aribogan & Sportif Koordinator Bulent Tulun and finalise a partnership.

The arrangement will see the clubs work together on a number of aspects including the share of knowledge on and off the pitch, sale close co-operation between their first teams and Academies, training support and joint scouting, especially in Africa and further afield. They will also continue to work together on many more opportunities from a footballing, branding and operational perspective. Galatasaray will spread the name of Reading FC in Turkey and Reading will do the same in the Barclays Premier League.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe said, “We are delighted to have signed this agreement and both clubs see this as a great opportunity. Working together with a club the size of Galatasaray can bring great positives to us at Reading. This is the first time we have entered into such an agreement and to do it with a club the size of Galatasaray is a real coup and we look forward to now bringing it to fruition.”

Director Chris Samuelson said, “Galatasaray are a huge club, not just in Turkey but across the world. For example the Turkish community in London is substantial, and of course we have our own links to Turkey already with Jem Karacan doing so well for us from our Academy. There are many aspects to this, the exchange of information at youth and first team levels, the possibility of friendly games, the list goes on. We are in the early stages right now but these are exciting times for both clubs.”

Jockey Club Appoints Mike Street & Nick Mustoe to Head Sandown & Kempton Park Racecourses

The Jockey Club, remedy the largest commercial group in British racing, cheap today announced the appointment of Mike Street OBE as Chairman of its Sandown Park Racecourse and Nick Mustoe as Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse, effective 1st January 2013.

Mike Street will succeed John Jarvis CVO CBE, who at the end of the year will complete his third term as Chairman of the Esher course. Mike Street moves across from his role as a popular and successful Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse, which he has been since 2007. Nick Mustoe, who has been an active non-executive director of Kempton Park since 2005, succeeds him.

Nicholas Wrigley, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “I would like to thank John Jarvis for his exceptional chairmanship at Sandown Park and look forward to him continuing to support The Jockey Club in his capacity as a Member once he completes his maximum third term. John has supported the racecourse executive over 10 years since 2003 to achieve many notable successes and today Sandown Park is renowned for the quality experience it provides customers and horsemen alike. “I also look forward to working with Mike Street and Nick Mustoe in their new roles and thank them for agreeing to make such a commitment for the good of Jockey Club Racecourses and British racing. I’m sure their professional experience, track record and passion for racing will be much appreciated by the teams and racecourse committees at Sandown Park and Kempton Park.”

Mike Street OBE said: “I think of my time at Kempton Park with very great affection and I have been extremely privileged to have worked for such a talented, creative, hardworking and enthusiastic team. I am so proud of their many achievements, including recently achieving national Customer Service Excellence Standard accreditation; the first I believe to any racecourse. “I am also extremely honoured to follow John Jarvis at Sandown Park, whose achievements are legendary. I greatly look forward to working with and for the team there.”

Nick Mustoe said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse. It has been my great pleasure to work with Mike Street these past five years and I hope to build on the tremendous work he has done with the team here to make Kempton Park the success it is today.”

John Jarvis CVO CBE said: “It has been a privilege to be Chairman of one of The Jockey Club’s premier racecourses. Many racegoers to Sandown Park say it is their favourite track and I would like to pay tribute to the whole team over the course of the last decade for their many achievements and outstanding service. I look forward to running my own horses as Sandown Park for years to come.”

SuperSport Nigeria & Arsenal FC to Talk Business at Soccerex Seminar Lagos

Soccerex has announced another set of speakers for the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, prostate 27-28 September. General Manager of SuperSport Nigeria Felix Awogu and Partnership and Development Director at Arsenal FC Felicity Croft will be joining Head of Sponsorship, price Group Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered Bank Simon Mould to speak on ‘The Business of Football’ session.

With the need for football in West Africa to become more self-sustainable and to stop relying on state-funded activities, this session will be essential to get a sense of the various revenue streams surrounding Nigerian football including broadcasting and sponsorship. SuperSport, Arsenal FC and Standard Chartered Bank are three of the biggest brands in Nigeria and will be at the forefront of the development of football in West Africa.

Felix Awogu started his broadcasting career with Minaj Broadcast International (MBI) as a reporter in 1995 and was appointed Head of Sports and Outside Broadcast in 2000. In 2001, he became a FIFA-licensed players’ agent. He joined SuperSport in 2006 as a presenter and was appointed Operations Manager in 2007, before becoming General Manager for Nigeria in 2009 with a clear aim of developing the commercial success of the Nigerian Football League.

Commenting on the announcement, Felix Awogu said: “I am extremely excited to be attending the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, the first international football business event in Nigeria. SuperSport is committed to the development of football across Nigeria and this event provides us with the perfect opportunity to network with the whole of the football industry.”

Arsenal FC travelled to Lagos during pre-season where a number of first team regulars, including new signing Lucas Podolski, took part in a number of commercial and charitable activities to engage with football fans across the country.

Speaking about Arsenal’s involvement in the Seminar, Felicity Croft said: “Arsenal Football Club enjoys a large following of passionate fans in Nigeria. Our objective over the coming years is to continue to build relationships within the region and engage with brands and supporters alike through exciting and unique marketing initiatives. The Soccerex Seminar Lagos provides us with the ideal platform to interact with all the relevant stakeholders from the region and thus supporting our long-term vision.”

For more information on the Soccerex Seminar Lagos please go to www.soccerex.com/lagos

FA Pledges Financial Support to Grassroots Football Facilities

The Football Association (FA) has pledged £150m ($227m) over the next three years to improve grassroots football facilities across the country.

A National Facilities Strategy, developed in consultation with the Premier League, Sport England and the Football Foundation, was launched on Tuesday as part of the FA’s ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations.

Targets include improving 3,000 grass pitches across England, building 150 artificial pitches and developing 100 all-weather surfaces, as well as refurbishing changing rooms and toilets on the most dilapidated sites.

FA research at grassroots level had found “poor facilities” the most pressing concern for 84% of those surveyed.

A statement on the FA’s official website confirmed “an illustrative figure of over £150m is expected to be invested into the nationwide strategy by the end of 2015”.

Roger Burden, Chairman of The FA National Game Board, said: “Football has enjoyed a remarkable period of investment since the formation of the Football Foundation in 2000 with over £780m invested into facilities across the country.

“Thousands of clubs and teams have benefited from this investment. However, it is clear that there is still a huge amount of work to be done.

“Many of our top professional footballers started their careers playing on park pitches for local clubs within local leagues.

“Whether used by a young person taking those first steps in football or as a veteran player or as a coach, facilities have a lasting and continuing influence on our experience of the game.

“For this very reason, investment in facilities will continue to be a key priority for The Football Association.“

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “With 84% of people citing ‘poor facilities’ as their most pressing issue, the grassroots game has made it abundantly clear where it thinks the priority for investment should be.

“The FA deserves real credit for engaging with clubs in the detailed way that it has and for setting out a clear plan to tackle the this issue.”

Chinese Entrepreneur Joins Leicester City’s Board of Directors

Leicester City have announced Chinese businessman Liu Shillai has joined the Board of Directors of the English Championship club.

He will become vice chairman, alongside Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn and the Board of Directors, after the move was ratified by the Football League.

“I am delighted that Mr Shillai has accepted our invitation to join the Leicester City Board of Directors,” chairman Vichai Raksriaksorn told the club’s official website.

Mr Liu Shillai said: “I am extremely proud to be joining an ambitious, progressive club with the heritage and tradition of Leicester City and it is my intention to play a role in the club’s further development and growth.”

“Mr Liu’s extensive experience and knowledge will be of great value to the club, along with a great sense of sportsmanship,” said a club spokesman.

“His appointment reflects the vision of Leicester City chairman Vichai Raksriaksorn to strengthen the club’s highly-valued domestic fan-base with an international following, recognising China as the largest potential fan-base in Asia.

He will take up his position as vice chairman from 1 December.

Despite the addition to the ranks there will be no change to the ownership structure of the club, which remains wholly owned by King Power International.

20 iSportconnect Sports Business Hirings/Firings of the Month: August 2012

1	Tom Touber Becomes COO of Volvo Ocean Race	Friday, medstore 31 August 2012
2	Nike Appoint Daniel Eppler as General Manager of Austria, order Germany & Switzerland	Friday, 31 August 2012
3	Local Birmingham Business Woman Joins British Wheelchair Basketball Board	Tuesday, 28 August 2012
4	Mike Newton Steps Down as Oldham FC Director	Tuesday, 28 August 2012
5	Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Leaves	Friday, 24 August 2012
6	Exclusive: New RPA Commercial Director Nick Byrom Looking to ‘Stand Out.’	Friday, 24 August 2012
7	Rugby Players’ Association Appoint Nick Byrom as Commercial Director	Thursday, 23 August 2012
8	Doyle Steps Down as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League but Rejects ARLC	Thursday, 23 August 2012
9	Gallop Appointed CEO of Football Federation Australia	Tuesday, 21 August 2012
10	Cleveland Cavaliers Promote Gansey to Director of Development League Operations	Tuesday, 21 August 2012
11	Eva Loeffler Becomes Mayor of Paralympic Village	Monday, 20 August 2012
12	Exclusive: MediaCom Swoop for Misha Sher to Oversee Pele Partnerships	Monday, 20 August 2012
13	CBS Executive Joins Big East Conference as Commissioner	Wednesday, 15 August 2012
14	Nigel Payne Named Chairman of Professional Jockeys Association	Tuesday, 14 August 2012
15	Lord Moynihan to Quit as BOA Chairman	Monday, 13 August 2012
16	Martin Whitmarsh to Step Down as FOTA President	Friday, 10 August 2012
17	Former Manchester United Director Joins Lancashire Cricket Board	Tuesday, 07 August 2012
18	Scott Derwin Appointed Chairman of Basketball Australia	Monday, 06 August 2012
19	Arsenal Chief Executive Secures Two New Roles	Sunday, 05 August 2012
20	World Match Racing Tour Appoints James Pleasance as Executive Director	Thursday, 02 August 2012

NBC Signs Major Broadcast Deal to Air Ryder Cup Until 2030

The Ryder Cup is set to have more coverage than ever after the NBC Sports Group agreed a new partnership with the PGA of America to raise the profile of the prestigious tournament, shop the Senior PGA Championship and PGA Professionals across the networks of NBC and Golf Channel beginning in 2015.

The partnership, generic which extends through 2030, unhealthy and includes eight additional Ryder Cups on NBC, includes all-language and simultaneous streaming rights for NBC’s Ryder Cup coverage.

NBC have been televising The Ryder Cup since 1991. In 2012, the Ryder Cup was televised to nearly one-half billion households globally.

With this agreement, the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid will also continue to air live on Golf Channel (weekday coverage) and NBC (weekend coverage) through 2030. Additionally, Golf Channel will continue live coverage of all four rounds of the PGA Professional National Championship.

“In many ways, this is a transformational deal for The PGA of America,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua. “We are not only excited about the continued excellent coverage and treatment of the Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and other PGA of America events by the NBC Sports Group, but we are eager to work with the networks of NBC, including Golf Channel, on celebrating the unique role of the PGA Professional in the game. Golf Channel is the daily voice of golf in this country. There are wonderful synergies that will be explored between that voice and The PGA of America, as we work together to honor PGA Professionals, draw upon their expertise and expand their relevance among those who already play the game and those who aspire to play.”

Programming will also be designed to promote growth-of-the-game initiatives, such as Get Golf Ready, where a PGA Professional will appear on a regular basis on Golf Channel and NBC’s 10 regional sports networks, offering advice on how beginning golfers can experience the game in a variety of ways.

“We’re excited to continue our longstanding relationship with The PGA of America and renew the Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious properties in sports, through 2030,” said NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus. “This multi-platform agreement allows our broadcast, cable, digital and regional platforms to work with The PGA on their prestigious events and important initiatives.”

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