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John O’Neil to Step Down as Australia Rugby Union Chief

Australia Rugby Union have announced chief executive, John O’Neil will step down from the role at the end of the month earlier than expected.

O’Neill had been expected to leave in 2013 when his contract ended but has decided to call time on his second spell in charge a year early.

“I’ve just reached the point, and age has a little bit to do with it – I’ve turned 61 this year – where being a full-time chief executive is not really for me,” O’Neill said.

“I am honoured during my second term at the ARU to have played a role in shaping the transformation of the game and I look forward to seeing Australian rugby go from strength to strength.

During his initial tenure from 1995 to 2004, the Wallabies won the 1999 World Cup, captured two Tri-Nations titles and defeated the British and Irish Lions in 2001.

On his return in 2007 following a stint with the Football Federation Australia, O’Neill lured New Zealander Robbie Deans as the side’s first foreign coach.

But as the Wallabies have stumbled through the international season, Deans’ future has come under intense media scrutiny that is sure to intensify with O’Neill’s departure.

Deputy chief executive Matt Carroll will take over from O’Neill on an interim basis from 1 November.

10 Sports Broadcasting Deals of the Week: 6/7/12

1	Chello Central Europe Gets Champions League Rights in Hungary	Friday, anabolics 06 July 2012
2	NTV-Plus Gets Broadcast Rights to Russian Premier League	Friday, 06 July 2012
3	ESPN to Air 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games	Thursday, 05 July 2012
4	SBS & Setanta Get Champions & Europa League Rights in Oceania	Thursday, 05 July 2012
5	Glasgow 2014 Appoint Host Broadcaster	Thursday, 05 July 2012
6	SIC Awarded Portuguese Rights to Europa League	Wednesday, 04 July 2012
7	Barclays ATP World Tour Finals to Remain on the BBC after New Deal	Wednesday, 04 July 2012
8	EBU & FIA Agree Distribution Partnership for 2012 FIA World Rally Championship	Monday, 02 July 2012
9	Bellator Fighting Championships Extends Broadcasting Deal with mun2	Monday, 02 July 2012
10	Final Two Rounds of Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters to be Aired Live	Sunday, 01 July 2012

New York Yankees Signs New Deal with WFAN-AM

The New York Yankees have reached a multi-year agreement with WFAN-AM.

The deal, made with CBS Radio, which owns WFAN, calls for the games to be simulcast on WFAN-FM beginning next season, with both stations carrying all Yanks regular-season and postseason games, as well as pregame and postgame shows and select Spring Training games. CBS Radio also acquired rights to the Spanish-language broadcasts on a multiyear basis.

“We are extremely excited to have reached an agreement with CBS Radio,” Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. “The paramount consideration was how our fans would best be able to hear our games. Having the Yankees on WFAN-AM/FM provides listeners in the New York metropolitan area and beyond with superior broadcast quality and vast territorial signal strength.”

The agreement ends the Yankees’ run on WCBS-AM, a 24-hour news station, that began in 2002. WFAN, which is also the flagship station for the NFL’s New York Giants, NHL’s New Jersey Devils and NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, had aired Mets games since its inception in 1987. Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon confirmed on Tuesday that his team would be seeking a new radio home.

“We are privileged to welcome the New York Yankees to WFAN,” said Dan Mason, CBS Radio’s president and chief executive officer. “There is no bigger name in baseball than the Yankees, nor an organization so steeped in tradition. As the nation’s premier sports radio station, we look forward to capturing all the excitement surrounding the team, and bringing it to millions of fans for many years to come.”

FA Kick-off 150th Anniversary Celebrations

The Football Association (FA) launched a year of celebrations to mark its 150^th anniversary today with a ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, where the Laws of the Game were first drafted in 1863.

Every living former England manager was invited to the event, whilst leading football figures from around the world, including Lothar Matthäus, Alan Shearer and Patrick Vieira, were in attendance. A special mosaic logo, made up of iconic images from throughout the FA’s history, has also been unveiled to commemorate the occasion.

David Bernstein, FA Chairman, said: “The coming year will be a terrific opportunity for us to showcase our work to the whole country and the wider world. It is a wonderful achievement for any organisation and I certainly hope it will capture the imagination in the way it has mine. From humble beginnings to today’s global spectacle, we can be proud of this country’s contribution to football.”

The FA will be celebrating the landmark throughout 2013 and scheduled events include: England friendly matches against Brazil, Scotland and Republic of Ireland, Hosting the 2013 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium and National Football Day on 10 August.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter paid tribute to the organisation ahead of today’s ceremony, he said: “It is a great honour and pleasure to congratulate the FA in this special year 2013 when they are in the festive mood for their 150th anniversary of its foundation.

“If you look back on the 26 October 1863 in the Freemasons Tavern in Great Queen Street, they were the pioneers. They called it the Football Association of England, but now it is called the FA, because it is the number one in FIFA.”

UEFA President Michel Platini also spoke of his admiration for the FA. “It is a milestone that is worthy of celebration by the entire worldwide football family. Also, UEFA has only existed for a fraction of this time. We were honoured to play our part in celebrating the anniversary of the oldest football association in the world,” he said.

“To my mind, it is logical that this season’s UEFA Champions League final will be played at the new Wembley – the new home of the Football Association. We thank the Football Association for its contribution to creating, fostering and building our sport and on behalf of UEFA and its member associations, we wish you another 150 years of success in helping to further strengthen and develop football worldwide.”

The FA governs football in England from the lowest amateur leagues to the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League. Their work at the grass roots level allows people all over the country to enjoy participating in the game.

Former Finance Director and Acting CEO of The FA, Michael Cunnah, told iSportconnect: “Football is still the most popular sport and provides more opportunities for sporting participation and keeping fit than anything else. This doesn’t happen by accident. In the last 15 years the FA has overseen an impressive increase in the number of coaches and manages to maintain enough referees to keep the game in good health at grass roots level.”

“In creating and then funding the Football Foundation, The FA has made massive contributions through new playing facilities to so many communities up and down the land. The Football Foundation has funded more than £600m of new facilities – a magnificent achievement.”

Monisha Kaltenborn Named Sauber’s New Team Principal

Monisha Kaltenborn has become Formula One’s first female team principal on Thursday after taking the helm at Sauber from founder Peter Sauber with immediate effect.

The Swiss-based team said in a statement at the Korean Grand Prix that 41-year-old Kaltenborn, who was previously chief executive, would take over Sauber’s duties at race weekends.

Sauber, who turns 69 on Saturday, will continue as president of the board of all Sauber group companies and retain responsibility for strategic direction.

Apart from being the first woman in the role, Kaltenborn, who is an Austrian citizen, is the second India-born principal in the 12-team sport after Force India’s Vijay Mallya.

“We decided a long time ago that Monisha would take over from me but we left the timing open. Now is a good time for both of us, so this is the right moment to pass on the baton,” said Sauber in a statement.

“There have been a number of races I’ve been unable to attend, most recently the Japanese Grand Prix, where the team put in an excellent performance.

“I’m in no doubt that Monisha has all the necessary skills to be an outstanding team principal, and I’m equally certain she will ensure that the values underpinning the company live on. That is very important to me.”

Sauber, who made their Formula One debut in 1993, have had four podium finishes in 15 races so far this season with Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi third at his home Suzuka circuit last Sunday.

The team are currently sixth overall. Their other driver, Mexican Sergio Perez, has had three podium finishes and is joining McLaren at the end of the season.

Kaltenborn joined Sauber in 2000 to run the legal department and took over as CEO in 2010. Sauber transferred a third of the company shares to her last year.

“We are the fourth-oldest team in Formula One. To build up a project like this and keep it alivein a difficult environment is a tremendous achievement,” she said.

“I have set my sights high and am committed to taking the team forward as Peter Sauber would want and leading it on to success.”

Bryan Robson Joins Footballing Legends in Lagos

Soccerex is excited to announce that ex-England and Manchester United captain and current Manchester United Ambassador, ed Bryan Robson has been confirmed alongside George Weah as part of a star studded session on “The Beautiful Game” at the Soccerex Seminar Lagos, discount 27-28 September 2012.

Starting his career at West Bromwich Albion, Robson moved to Manchester United where he made 461 appearances for the club. He became the longest serving captain in the club’s history, scoring 99 goals in the process. He is regarded as one of the finest players ever to play for the club and was voted the greatest ever Manchester United player from a poll of ex-United players. He was capped 90 times by England and earned the nickname of ‘Captain Marvel’ for his heroic performances in an England shirt. After retiring from the game he returned to the club as a Manchester United Ambassador in 2008 where his role alongside Sir Bobby Charlton is to promote the clubs commercial and charitable aims worldwide.

“The Beautiful Game” session will involve a selection of footballing legends including Robson and Weah discussing the latest issues affecting the game but will also look back at some memorable moments from their glittering careers, including Robson’s title trophy winning days at United and Weah’s incredible career that saw him crowned World, European and African footballer of the year in 1995.

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. A timetable of events can be found online which outlines the conference key speakers and timings.

For more information on the Soccerex Seminar Lagos please go to http://www.soccerex.com/lagos or click here for the brochure http://bit.ly/M7hHo9

Discovery Italy to Broadcast 6 Nations from 2014

Discovery Italy has sealed a deal with RBS 6 Nations to secure exclusive sports rights across TV, abortion online and mobile platforms in Italy for the RBS 6 Nations Rugby tournament for four years from 2014-2017.

The matches will all be broadcast exclusively on DMAX, one of Discovery Italy’s six DTT channels, free to air and live.

Dee Forbes, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Western Europe, said: “This deal with the RBS 6 Nations is a great opportunity for our Italian business. DMAX launched at the end of 2011 and has quickly established itself as a destination channel for men aged 20-49 and we are thrilled to be adding Rugby to the breadth of content we offer on the channel.”

Marinella Soldi, CEO of Discovery Italy commented: “We are extremely proud to be able to announce this new deal to host the broadcast of the RBS 6 Nations over the next four years.

“It is great news for Rugby fans across Italy who will be able to follow the tournament and watch the matches on DMAX.

“Rugby Union and DMAX in Italy have a lot in common: they are both young, increasing in popularity and have similar values of passion and honesty. DMAX will be able to engage viewers in the tournament in a fresh and innovative way, in the style and tradition of Discovery.

“We hope to see them grow together thanks to new and existing fans that DMAX will reach.”

John Feehan, Chief Executive of Six Nations Rugby Ltd, said: “We are delighted to welcome Discovery to our family of broadcasters.

Our main purpose is to expand the reach of our sport and we believe that our partnership with Discovery will enhance the popularity of Rugby Union in Italy.”

Alfredo Gavazzi, President of F.I.R. commented: “I am very pleased with thisnew Agreement between Discovery Italy and the RBS Six Nations for three reasons.

“I was impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment and innovative approach to new ideas from Discovery.

“DMAX will bring rugby into the homes of a new audience that we didn’t reach before, and we will have all 15 meetings transmitted free to air.”

The RBS 6 Nations campaign will be supported with a promotional campaign across the entire Discovery Italian channel portfolio from December to March.

Deportivo La Coruna File for Bankruptcy Protection

Former spanish giants Deportivo La Coruna have joined the financial decline in Spain announcing their intention to file for bankruptcy protection.

The Galicians, who are struggling in 19th place in La Liga, are 99m euros in debt and have sought protection from their creditors.

President Augusto Lendoiro said: “This makes me sad and ashamed, but there was no other option. 85% and 90% of the debt is with the government and banks.

“This is a different stage, but I see myself with the strength to continue,” Lendoiro added. “The club is viable. I would give high marks to my management of these 25 years at Deportivo. I expect to stay here day to day.”

The club have entered ‘Ley Concursal protection’ – a decision which all bar nine current top flight sides (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Getafe, Sevillaand Espanyol) have taken at some stage.

Football Federation Australia Appoints Two New Directors

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced the appointment of two new directors to the FFA Board in Peter Tredinnick and Chris Rex.

Peter Tredinnick is a partner in corporate law firm Moray & Agnew and a former Socceroo international.

Chris Rex is the Managing Director and CEO of Ramsay Health Care and a former Sydney FC director.

Peter is appointed to a casual vacancy following the recent decision of Ron Walker to retire after nine years of service. Chris fills the third appointed director position provided for under the FFA’s Constitution.

The Chairman of FFA, ailment Frank Lowy, impotent AC, has welcomed the new directors to FFA.

“Peter and Chris are part of the renewal process that’s an essential element in any governance model, whether it’s business or sport,” said Mr Lowy.

“They bring fresh thinking, vast experience in commercial life and particular insights to football from their personal involvement.

“Their addition will give FFA a new impetus as we implement our Strategic Plan towards 2015.”

Mr Lowy paid tribute to the contribution made by Ron Walker.

“Ron came onto the board in 2003 following the Crawford Report and has been with us through the major transformation of the game since then. With his wealth of experience he made his mark in Board deliberations and brought valuable counsel to the table,” said Mr Lowy.

“He will remain a firm friend of football in the years ahead.”

Expo Estádio opens the door to Brazil’s fast growing sports infrastructure industry

The 4th edition of Expo Estádio takes place from the 21^st until the 23^rd of November in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and promises to be a milestone for the sports infrastructure and equipment industry. The event focuses on the design, construction, equipment and management of sports venues and playing fields. With strong industry players addressing the sector’s central themes; the conference program is packed with content relevant to the sector.

Increasingly, Brazil has proven to be a safe bet for investment. The development is not only noticeable in the building and upgrading of sports venues like arenas and stadiums, but also in public and private sport courts and outdoor gyms, among others.

Some highlights of the upcoming event are:

FIFA Quality Concept
For the last 10 years FIFA has worked on the “FIFA Quality Concept for Synthetic Turf”, to establish a minimum standard to ensure durability, safety and performance of synthetic turf for professional and public playing fields. FIFA participates to inform all those interested in synthetic turf. This can be the buyer (municipalities, sports clubs, schools), technical specifiers or end user (players, sport federations, the government).

” ‘Gramados Sintéticos’ participates at Expo Estádio for a few years now and our participation already provided us with several customer and supplier contacts that have generated big business. The sports engineering market is growing quickly in Brazil and the tendency is to grow even faster in coming years.” Ricardo Sefton Aquino, Commercial Supervisor

Sports Business conference
“The conference opens the possibility to discuss the opportunities and best management practices for organizing the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. The goal is to help the local industry and service providers to take advantage of the ample opportunities that exist in the sport industry this decade. This year we will be introducing matchmaking and procurement sessions with members of the following three sectors: Sports Clubs, the Olympic Movement and Institutions of Education. The conference will also touch the subject on ‘How to Benefit from the Sports Incentive Law’,” says Mauricio Fernandez, Sports Business Organizer.

International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities is the world leader for professionals in the area of sports, leisure and recreation
“We expect 2012 to be the year in which Expo Estádio, the most relevant event for sports facilities and stadiums in the South American market, takes a leap forward,” says Klaus Meinel, Director of IAKS. Felipe Mujica, Vice-President of the IAKS LAC division, praised the organization of the 2011 event, “I think it is a high-potential event due to the high number of exhibitors. This year, we will announce the II IAKS Award for Latin America during the event.” The IAKS-LAC Award is the biggest prize in the sports architecture and engineering branch.

For more information or to reserve stand space, please contact us at: info@real-alliance.com. Or register on the website to receive our monthly digital newsletter: www.expo-estadio.com.