The resurgent North American Soccer League (NASL) has appointed veteran sports executive Bill Peterson as their new Commissioner.

He will lead the expanding nine-team NASL into a new era of soccer, while establishing the league on the sporting landscape. 

Peterson, who will assume his role immediately, is no stranger to North American soccer having worked closely with MLS teams when he was the Senior Vice President of AEG Sports and Managing Director of the Home Depot Center from 2000 to 2006. Peterson helped oversee the management of numerous MLS teams and the development of soccer-specific stadiums across the country. 

“We conducted a global search and an intense interview process to ensure we selected the right Commissioner for the NASL as we enter this next important growth phase for our league,” commented Chairman of the NASL Board of Governors Aaron Davidson. 

“Bill’s diverse breadth of management experience in the US and abroad at governing bodies, leagues, teams, stadia and one of the leading hospitality companies gives him the ability to lead by example and align everyone’s interests in order to achieve our individual and collective goals.  With Commissioner Peterson, we look forward to accelerating the positive financial results of our existing teams and continuing to usher in new teams in strategic markets with owners who embrace our vision and have the wherewithal to succeed at the highest possible level.” 

Peterson said: “There is an opportunity here to cement the NASL as a league that can thrive and expand while providing compelling soccer for the game’s fans. 

“The roots of the NASL triggered a soccer explosion in North American in the 1970s and I am delighted to be leading this new chapter as we take the league and its teams forward into an exciting future.” 

As Peterson becomes the league’s next Commissioner, one of the iconic teams of the early days of the NASL, the New York Cosmos, will return to the league in 2013 and future expansion teams have been announced for Virginia and the Canadian capital Ottawa. The league is poised to announce season-openers for the 2013 season when the Tampa Bay Rowdies will defend the NASL title having dramatically defeated Minnesota Stars FC on penalty kicks to lift the 2012 championship. 

Most recently Peterson provided advisory and event services to a variety of clients in Canada and the United States through his own firm Solve4. Peterson is the Chairman of the USA Cycling Board of Directors and a member of the USPRO Cycling Board of Trustees and served briefly as COO of the UFL. 

He was the Executive Vice President of Centerplate, the North American market leader for managing food and beverage, retail, restaurant, and events in sports facilities, convention centers, and entertainment complexes. He spent six years working with a variety of teams, facilities and sporting events while Senior Vice President at AEG in Los Angeles. Peterson spent almost a decade working for the National Football League where he became the President of NFL Europe having been the General Manager of the league’s Amsterdam Admirals.

Soccerex is excited to announce the participation of Globo’s Executive Director Marcelo Campos Pinto, Sky Deutschland’s Chief Officer Sports Carsten Schmidt and ITV’s Controller of Sport Niall Sloane in the ‘Future of Sports Rights’ panel as part of the Soccerex Global Convention, Rio de Janeiro, 24-28 November.

The ‘Future of Sports Rights’ panel will address the digital advancements that are reshaping the way media rights are packaged and delivered. The panel will bring together rights holders, broadcasters, service providers and other media stakeholders for an exclusive session looking at the potential challenges faced and the benefits to be gained for everyone involved.

As Executive Director of the largest TV network in Brazil and Latin America and third largest in the world, Marcelo Campos Pinto has a vast amount of experience in the media industry. His role as a member of the FIFA Media Commission and the significant part he will play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup^TM and 2016 Olympics make him one of the most important media stakeholders in the world of football.

Niall Sloane, a former footballer for Sheffield Wednesday, has been at the forefront of British sport broadcasting for the past 20 years. He became ITV’s Controller of Sport in 2009 overseeing ITV Sport’s coverage of events including the FA Cup, England internationals, the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Carsten Schmidt is a renowned expert in the world of football media and broadcasting. He was appointed Chief Officer Sports and New Business at Sky Deutschland in 2006 and later on Chief Officer Sports, Advertising Sales and Internet. He is responsible for editorial work, production of sports programming, sports rights purchasing and all of the company’s online activities.

Commenting on his participation at the Soccerex Global Convention, Marcelo Campos Pinto said:

“I am very excited to be speaking once again at the Soccerex Global Convention, unquestionably the world’s leading football business event. With the 2014 FIFA World Cup^TM and 2016 Olympics coming to Brazil, this event is an important step in determining the future for sports rights in the Brazilian market.”

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 visit www.soccerex.com/global

The finalists of the inaugural Football Business Awards, help recognising excellence and effectiveness in the business of football have been announced.

Best Club Marketing Campaign in the UK – Sponsored by Kitbag

Finalists

• Arsenal Media Group
• Aston Villa FC
• Everton FC
• Manchester City FC
• Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Best Business Serving Football – up to £2m turnover – Sponsored by Stream UK

Finalists

• Stadium Experience
• The Aspire Group / Coventry FC
• Quest for Future Solutions /
  Manchester United’s Environmental Management Action Group (EMAG)
• Freestyle Football Federation
• Piglets Pantry – Brighton & Hove Albion FC
• defibshop.co.uk
• Statsports Technologies

Best use of Social Media in Football – Sponsored by Sports Revolution

Finalists

• Arsenal Media Group
• Manchester City FC
• StreamUK
• The Football Association
• We R Interactive
• Opta
• WhoScored.com (Next-Game)
• Samsung Electronics

Best Match Day Catering

Finalists

• Aston Villa FC
• Chelsea FC
• Azure
• Elior
• Lindley Venue Catering

Best / Most Innovative use of Technology by Clubs – Sponsored by Agilysys

Finalists

• Stream UK / Liverpool FC
• FC Internazionale Milano
• Fortress GB / Brighton FC
• Imagineear / Arsenal FC
• Manchester City FC

Best / Most Innovative use of Technology (Football Business) – Sponsored by Agilysys Agile Bi

Finalists

• Atlas Premium Brands
• Upshot
• Performa Sports
• Cavendish Imaging
• Teamer
• Prozone Sports
• WhoScored.com (Next-Game)

Best Club Community Scheme

Finalists

• The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation
• QPR in the Community Trust
• Everton in the Community
• Wolves Community Trust
• Albion In The Community
• Saints Foundation

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme

Finalists

• FC Internazionale Milano
• Barclays Spaces for Sports & The Football Foundation
• Standard Chartered Bank / Liverpool FC
• Manchester City FC
• Football Foundation

Venue Team of the Year – Sponsored by Arena Seating

Finalists

• Aston Villa FC
• The American Express Community Stadium – Brighton FC
• Chelsea FC
• Stadium of Light – Sunderland FC

Best Club Marketing Campaign Overseas – JSP Jordan Sports Partnerships

Finalists

• Colorado Rapids Soccer Club
• Coritiba FC
• FC Internazionale Milano
• SpecialOne / FC Zenit
• Club Brugge
•  

Best Business Serving Football – over £2m turnover – Sponsored by isportconnect

Finalists

• Continental Tyre Group
• Harvey & Son (Lewis)
• Kitbag
• Lindley Venue Catering
• Prozone Sports
• StreamUK

Best Professional Service Business Serving Football

Finalists

• KSS Design Group
• Pinsent Masons
• redboxdesign group
• Turner Construction Company
• Walker Morris

Best Retail / Merchandise Initiative – Sponsored by sportbusiness

Finalists

• Aston Villa FC
• ATB Games
• Brighton & Hove Albion FC
• Lindley Venue Catering
• MOC Games
• Randers FC / Loyal Solutions

Club Sponsorship / Partnership of the Year

Finalists

• American Express / Brighton & Hove Albion FC
• Aston Villa FC / Macron
• Circle Agency: Manchester City FC / EA Sports
• Samsung Electronics / Swindon FC
• UCFB (University College of Football Business) / Burnley FC
• Wolverhampton Wanderers FC / LaSer UK

Sponsorship / Partnership of the Year (Football Business)

Finalists

• ESPN / Budweiser
• The FA / Mars
• Vauxhall / Carat Sponsorship
• Barclays Spaces for Sports & The Football Foundation

The Football Business Awards ceremony will be held at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge on November 8^th and is designed to recognise the essential role that business plays in football, bronchi | the positive impact of football on the community and vital role played by the businesses which serve the game. The awards are open to clubs and to any business connected to football. To book tables to the event go to the website at http://footballbusinessawards.com/booking.html

English Rugby Union club, Gloucester Rugby have revealed that Stephen Vaughan has agreed to join the club as its new Managing Director.

Vaughan, who will start in post on December 17th, possesses a wealth of experience in the sport, leisure and travel sectors.

Most recently, following the announcement of Thomas Cook as an Official Supporter to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, he was the Managing Director of Thomas Cook London 2012, where he led Thomas Cook’s involvement with London 2012.

Before joining Thomas Cook, Stephen played football for Walsall F.C. before joining the Travel industry by working as an overseas representative and Regional Manager, and then further developed his travel expertise through UK based roles in Tour Operating, Retail and Specialist Businesses.

Notably, he was previously Managing Director of Club 18-30 and the Big events Group.

He subsequently held the role of Head of Sales and Commercial for the Thomas Cook Dynamic Packaging businesses and was heavily involved in the creation and rollout of the brand to the market place.

In April 2009, Stephen was voted ‘Young Business Man of the Year’ by travel’s Hall of Fame committee.

Stephen gained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Loughborough University in 2007, and spoke today of his excitement at joining Gloucester Rugby:

“I’m tremendously excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Managing Director at one of the biggest clubs in European club rugby.

“Gloucester possesses a heritage that is the envy of many a sporting institution, with a standing within the community and support base to match, and a thriving commercial arm.

“But what particularly impressed me when I spoke to the board, was the drive and ambition to establish the club at the very pinnacle of the game.

“Nigel Davies and the playing squad have made a fine start to the season, and I can’t wait to come on board to play my part in helping Gloucester Rugby achieve its undoubted potential both on and off the field.”

Meanwhile Chairman Ryan Walkinshaw, welcomed Stephen to the club whilst also paying tribute to his predecessors in the role.

“Firstly I’d like to thank Chris Ferguson who stepped into the breech when Ken Nottage moved in during the summer, and has done a sterling job.

“But I’m thrilled that Stephen has agreed to join Gloucester Rugby. A man of his calibre and experience is always highly sought after, so his appointment is a real coup for the club.

“We have high ambitions for Gloucester Rugby and are confident that Stephen, with the experience he has gained from his previous roles such as his involvement with the Olympics, is exactly the right man to take us forward.

“We’ve already started an exciting new era at Gloucester Rugby, and I truly believe that Stephen will successfully build on the outstanding foundations left by Ken Nottage during his ten years at the club.”

Acting Managing Director Chris Ferguson, who has stepped up from his Finance Director role since former MD Ken Nottage moved on in August, will be leaving the club at the end of December after completing his handover with Stephen.

Soccerex has announced a raft of footballing legends and big business names will speak at the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, 27-28 September.

The Chairman of Nigerian Premier League, Victor Rumson Baribote, President of Fourteen SA and World-Cup wining ex-player Christian Karembeu, International Advisor to TP Mazembe Jerome Champagne and Managing Director of ASEC Mimosas Benoit You will all be speaking on different sessions at the Seminar with the ultimate goal of developing football in West Africa.

The latest footballing legends to have signed up for the Seminar, not only to discuss business in West Africa, but to relive their football glory days, will be former Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh, ex-Bayern Munich and Ghana legend Sammy Kuffour and ex-Feyenoord, Nottingham Forest and Netherlands legend Pierre van Hooijdonk.

The attendees will be speaking on a number of panels including ‘Developing Africa’s Next Star’ and ‘Successfully running a Professional League’, and moderating the key ‘Football in Nigeria’ session which will feature the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association Seyi Akinwunmi and the President of the Nigerian Football Federation Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

Commenting on his involvement, Sunday Oliseh said:

“It’s with great optimism that I invite you to join me in welcoming the arrival of Soccerex to Nigeria. Nigeria is such a passionate, ‘religiously’ football loving country. There is an endless wealth of talent in Nigeria but there is still much work to do in order to create an appropriate environment for such talent to blossom. Soccerex is passionately interested in playing its part in making this happen and thus I am delighted to contribute to the inaugural Soccerex Seminar in Lagos.”

Christian Karembeu added:

“The Soccerex Seminar Lagos will play an important part in the development of football in Nigeria. I’m looking forward to seeing how the event offers international businesses a platform to develop new contacts and ultimately invest in West African football.”

With the aim of promoting the development of football in West Africa, through providing focused learning and business opportunities, the Soccerex Seminar Lagos will feature a mix of football’s leading decision-makers joining business experts for an in-depth, two-day event made up of a conference, networking and social events.

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

Eurosport have inked a new broadcasting deal to air the MCE British Superbike Championship after a new long-term deal was confirmed today.

The satellite broadcaster has extended its agreement past its original contract to air the series until 2015.

Eurosport retains exclusive live TV and digital worldwide rights for every round of the BSB championship, which will be shown in HD.

The new agreement increases live coverage of the premier and support classes in the UK specifically, extending to Saturday’s qualifying sessions, which will see the knockout qualifying phase and the Motorpoint British Supersport Sprint race broadcast live.

British Eurosport Managing Director David Kerr said: “MCE British Superbikes continues to be one of the strongest set of rights on the channel, so extending the term of the deal and adding even more depth to our coverage is fantastic news.

“Working with a dynamic rights holder like MSV allows us to go beyond the traditional broadcaster relationship and spend time discussing what we can do together in the best interests of BSB.

“Extending the term of our agreement means we can take a much longer term view and invest in more live programming that will deliver premium quality content for our viewers and will raise the profile of BSB and the other series even further.”

MCE British Superbikes Series Director, Stuart Higgs, added: “Eurosport is well known as the ‘Home of Bikes’ particularly in the UK and MCE BSB has been the cornerstone of that programming for some time. 

“They understand bike racing and the series, have a strong, growing and loyal viewing audience and they understand how we want the series to grow.

“In addition, being part of the Eurosport family means we now have a far wider global distribution, including the USA through Discovery Velocity,” he added.

“Overseas markets are a key consideration for us and it is an area we want to grow over the t

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has re-elected Gideon Sam as President for another four year term at the Quadrennial General Meeting at Olympic House on Saturday.

Sam, capsule who was first elected President in 2008, allergy was elected unopposed for another four years after Dr Irvin Khoza withdrew just over a week before the elections.

In terms of the First and Second Vice-president the status quo remained unchanged for the next four years as Ms Hajera Kajee and Mr Les Williams were returned to their positions. Other nominations for the Vice-Presidency were Wimpie du Plessis, Colin Webster and Kirsten Nematandani.

Also at the meeting, five Board members were elected. Of the 25 original nominations, there were seven withdrawals.

The new Board members who will serve for the next four years are: Ms Keikabile Motlatsi, Mark Alexander, Themba Hlatsho, Kobus Marais and Mubarak Mohamed.

Alexander, Marais and Mohamed also served on the Board for the last term of office.

The electoral process was overseen by Deloitte’s electoral officer Bester Greyling and 82 members of SASCOC accounted for a voting strength of 158.

Speaking at Saturday’s QGM Sam said he would continue with renewed focus on key areas for the next four years.

“Our focus for the next four years will be to strengthen the province’s structures because we are still only scratching the surface when it comes to talent.

“We will continue to assist our coaches and make sure that the councils work in the various provinces. Also, we will strive to build our communications platform to spread the sports word far and wide.

“At all times there must be total accountability. Once again we will fight side by side with the Sports Ministry and Honorable Sports Minister Mr Fikile Mbalula for a better funding model. Even if we have to go against the grain with government we have to. Some of our Federations are dying and we need to escalate the fight in this regard.

“Let us start to flex our muscles as a sporting movement. Let us shake the tree and start seeing some fruit!”

Sam also called for greater unity in the nation’s sporting administration structure. “I call on all our leaders to settle their differences. There’s no doubting sport is a cut-throat business but we cannot afford all these disputes amongs the federations. They are derailing us, there are bigger issues.

“But we need to hold hands and move forward for the next four years and beyond.’

Speaking at the elections Minister Mbalula said he backed SASCOC all the way. “I remain very much committed to working with SASCOC – indeed we need to stengthen them to see that the Federations are doing their job and that the confederation has the mandate to continue their work.

“Things are on the right track though and the task is now to implement the National Sports plan, coaching framework and more.

“Sport is never perfect but we have to work for the good of what we have committed to. It’s about the future of our youth, our country and to make South African sport something that everyone can be proud of.

“To Rio and beyond we are in a position to achieve a lot. The Federations can function freely and corporations can come aboard for funding because we can’t rely on funding from private sector.

“In closing let me say I have had a fantastic engagement with SASCOC, there is a single mindedness from me to support sport and I look forward to another successful journey with SASCOC.”