The English Premier League has forwarded a motion to introduce their own Financial Fair Play regulations next season.

The notion was made at a shareholders meeting in London today involving all of the top flight clubs, where it was suggested that regulations on finances would mirror that of European governing body UEFA.

UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules are on the horizon with European football’s governing body wanting to ban clubs operating at a loss, and a number of Premier League teams want to introduce similar guidelines.

The three main proposals which the clubs will vote on are Financial Fair Play, Wage Restraint and Contract Guarantees, and any motion needs 14 of the 20 chairmen to agree to be passed.

“I really think every club in the Premier League has this desire to break even at least,” Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News.

The Premier League, which is a multi-billion dollar organisation are believed be aiming to introduce this new proposal next season. 

For the notion to pass, 14 clubs out of the league’s 20 will have to approve it.

The new Commercial Director of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has spoken exclusively to iSportconnect about the challenges he faces in his new role.

The RPA announced that Nick Byrom had taken over from Alex Anderson who had departed his role as Commercial Manager earlier in the month.

Speaking to iSportconnect about the challenges he faces, generic Byrom said: “The events and sponsorship marketplace is already quite crowded and in difficult economic times it is really important to make the events and partnership opportunities stand out and offer good value for clients. That is what we will look to achieve.

Byrom’s previous work experience included roles at Wembley Stadium, symptoms IMG Hospitality, Thomas Cook and experience in rugby travel and hospitality.

And the new employee said that his previous roles will come into play at the RPA: “Our Commercial Partnerships are usually a mix of Sponsorship rights and Hospitality opportunities at RPA events. I’ve worked in each of these areas so the key thing is to make this balance work for the client.

“Also the Players are keen to get involved in business opportunities, networking events and charity work and this involvement of the players in the run up to a Rugby World Cup in England in 2015 can create some really interesting commercial opportunities.

On his appointment, Byrom said that he was “delighted to join the RPA,” and that he would work to “introduce some innovative events and opportunities.”

Taking this one step further, Byrom added: “We have the RPA Players’ Lounge at Twickenham on International days, the RPA Rugby Open at Walton Heath and the Computacenter awards dinner each May.

“We will have a bigger range of events for 2013 and also some outstanding networking opportunities for our commercial partners and RPA Business Club members. Watch this space!”

Byrom begins his role at the RPA immediately, after Anderson announced his intentions to leave earlier in the summer. Anderson had been with the RPA since 2000.

To have your say on what challenges Nick faces and the future of the RPA, visit our discussion thread http://bit.ly/OaZd76 

order helvetica, abortion sans-serif;”>There’s only one reason why busy professionals should exhibit at and visit Stadia and Arena 2012 in Bordeaux – because this industry-leading event works at all levels: networking, buy conferences, and, most importantly, profitability.

Exhibitors return year after year. They sign contracts and meet their future customers; delegates at the conferences hear firsthand what is happening worldwide that will affect their own venues; and networking brings operators of venues of all sizes and all events together on a level playing field.

If your company is thinking about exhibiting, here’s what past exhibitors have been saying:

“We have exhibited at Stadia & Arena every year and I am delighted to state we have signed a Seating Contract following our participation at each event,” says Sheldon King of The Box Seat / Arena Seating.

“Cooper Safety exhibited at the 2011 Stadia & Arena event in Marseille; we found the event to be of exceptional quality and the direct business earned by attending superb. We look forward to the Bordeaux exhibition and continued success” – Mari Griffiths, Division Marketing Communications Manager.

“I would like to congratulate you for the good organization of the Stadia and Arena event. We feel we had a successful event and really enjoyed the venue” – Arnaud Buannic, Head of Stadium Sales at Sony

Have a look at the web site (www.sam.org.uk) and hear what the industry leaders, including John Barrow of Populous; John Beattie, President of The European Association of Stadium and Safety Managers (ESSMA); and Henk Markerink, President of the International Association of Venue Managers, Europe (IAVM) say about Stadia & Arena, Bordeaux. These are the people who are the present and future of a worldwide growth industry, with past experience and success that has driven them to the top.

For over a dozen years Stadia and Arena has been the industry’s leading event for sports and entertainment venue operators: it is now recognised as the most prestigious and influential in Europe and it attracts exhibitors, speakers and presenters, and delegates from all five continents.

To book your stand contact Alan Levett (alan@aladltd.co.uk) or Paul Thornhill (paul@aladltd.co.uk); or simply call on +44 (0)1732 459683.

Delegates should book and organise accommodation through Carole Beckhamn (carole@aldlrtd.co.uk).

British Eurosport and ITV4 have been awarded the rights to broadcast the tenth edition of the modern Tour of Britain in the UK.

The British networks will show daily coverage of the 1, order 045km race, which starts in the Scottish Borders town of Peebles on Sunday September 15.

Race organisers, Sweetspot, recently re-awarded the tender for the Tour of Britain by British Cycling, estimated that two million people watched last year’s race from the roadside.

British Eurosport’s managing director, David Kerr, said his network would show each of the eight stages, as part of a 30-strong race package.

“The event continues to grow in stature and there is the promise of another top class field this year,” he said.

The Tour of Britain, which will feature a time trial and a summit finish for the first time this year, takes its place alongside the three Grand Tours in the channel’s coverage.

Both networks will also broadcast a highlights package each evening, in addition to live daily broadcasts.

The highlights show for the Tour of Britain matches the commitment made by both broadcasters to the Tour de France. Its inclusion in ITV4’s schedule continues an unbroken run since 2008.

ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane said: “Following our extremely popular coverage of this year’s Tour de France, we’re delighted to bring ITV4 viewers live coverage and highlights of this country’s major cycling event with all the key action from The Tour of Britain.”

Some 124 countries broadcasted last year’s race, which was won by Jonathan Tiernan-Locke for the now defunct Endura Racing squad.

Organisers estimate the 2012 Tour of Britain was shown in 288 million homes worldwide, and pledged to reveal details of an increased international distribution of TV rights later this month.

Japanese professional football club, Albirex Niigata has signed emerging apparel company, gol.japan as the kit sponsor of its Singapore League squad.

gol.japan replaces the club’s former apparel provider adidas.

Club chairman, Daisuke Korenaga, said it was fitting that the Japanese club, which also has a team in the Japanese professional league, also supports Japanese brands.

“We want Singaporeans to see us produce brands from Japan for them to know better and support,” Korenaga said.

The sponsorship is part of the company’s international expansion that will see it distribute to Singapore in November and then to the rest of Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand and the Philippines.{jcomments on}

The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has announced the appointment of Nick Byrom as its Commercial Director, health following the departure of Commercial Manager Alex Anderson earlier this month.

Byrom joins the RPA with a vast commercial track record having started his career with corporate hospitality agent Match Point.

He has since taken on roles at Wembley Stadium, order IMG Hospitality and Thomas Cook and has experience in rugby, having worked on the travel and hospitality programmes at three Rugby World Cups and the last Lions Tour in South Africa.

On his appointment, Byrom said: “I’m delighted to join the RPA at this time. I look forward to developing some new, long term partnerships to compliment the incredible roster of existing RPA Partners.

“We will look to introduce some innovative events and opportunities for both commercial partners and RPA members whilst providing commercial support to the outstanding work that the RPA Player Development Programme currently does”.

Damian Hopley, RPA said: “We are very excited to have someone of Nick’s outstanding pedigree joining the RPA in what is one of the most remarkable eras for sport in this country.

“With RWC 2015 only 3 years away, Nick has been bought in to build on the strong commercial partnerships we have with a number of leading blue chip brands who have been involved with the RPA and our 600 members for a number of years.

“I have every confidence that rugby’s profile will grow significantly in the next few years, so it is imperative that the RPA is in a position to capitalise on this, thus increasing the support we give our past, present and future members.”

Anderson announced his intentions to resign as Commercial Manager earlier in the summer having joined the RPA in 2000.

Soccerex are delighted to announce that African football legend, viagra George Weah has been confirmed as a speaker for the inaugural Soccerex Seminar Lagos, viagra 60mg 27-28 September 2012.

Weah is undoubtedly one of the most successful footballers the continent as ever produced. The three-time African Footballer of the year was also voted World and European Player of the year in 1995. His glittering career featured stints in England with Chelsea and Manchester City and France with Monaco, Paris St Germain and Olympique Marseille, but he is most famous for the five years he spent in Italy with AC Milan.

Since hanging up his boots Weah has devoted his time to humanitarian efforts in his native Liberia, highlighting the power of football for social change and a political career which saw him run for President in Liberia in 2005. He was also chosen to be a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

Weah’s immense football experience and standing with Africa make him a fantastic addition to the Seminar Lagos and will add weight to a conference line up which will address key regional and international issues such as Football in West Africa, Youth Development, The Business of Football, Doing in Business in West Africa and Social responsibility.

The event will be the first international football business event to take place in Lagos and will provide international delegates with a first look at this exciting, football mad market. Commenting on Lagos, Former FA and Arsenal Vice Chairman and Soccerex regular, David Dein said:

“Nigeria is like my second home – I have been travelling there for over 30 years. The passion and ability that West Africa has for the beautiful game is immense and the economy is now growing rapidly, resulting in increased opportunities around football. In that sense it is perfect timing that Soccerex has decided to come to Lagos”.

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

Gallop left the NRL after 10 years at the helm and while he declined to speak about the league he once headed at his first press conference as FFA chief, he did dismiss criticism from Australian Rugby League chairman John Grant, who described him as being too “reactive” during his tenure.

“Sport is something that throws up issues from time to time that you need to react to,” Gallop said.

“I have no doubt that we can get the balance right, but I believe my track record in dealing with issues and reacting to issues was a good one in rugby league.”

While Gallop did not reveal details about the FFA’s new broadcast deal – reported to be worth $40 million a year for the next four years – he said the announcement is imminent.

“It’s too early to give details, but I am confident that when we do, and it is very close, it will be regarded as a very good deal with a very significant uplift in value reflecting how the game is travelling,” he said.

“It’s not my place to second guess details and how negotiations played out either, but everyone will be comfortable with what will be announced.”

When asked what his priorities will be, Gallop said he intends to make everyone feel a part of ‘the beautiful game’.

“My intention in the first few weeks in this job is to do a lot of listening,” Gallop said.

“My goal is for everyone who plays, watches and works either for wages or on a volunteer basis to feel like they belong in football.”

“I do think we need to make the whole football family feel part of the game and communication in business and in sport is very important.

“Improving communication lines to ensure people feel listened to is part of my priority.”