The International Rugby Board has confirmed that the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) has been suspended from full IRB member status with immediate effect after failing to conduct appropriate Board elections in accordance with IRB Bye Laws.

The decision, ed taken by the IRB Council after a comprehensive review of the membership status of the SLRFU, clinic follows ongoing concerns regarding the governance and management of the Union and its ability to meet IRB requirements to hold an Annual General Meeting and elections in accordance with its constitution by January 31, 2011.

The SLRFU will now revert to IRB Associate Member status with a further review to be held on April 1, 2011 pending the successful completion of the Union’s AGM and Board elections.

The SLRFU remains entitled to participate in Asian Rugby Football Union competitions subject to the Regional Association’s rules.

Udinese owners, look the Pozzo family have completed their takeover of Watford Football Club from owner Laurence Bassini.

The Pozzos have been interested in Watford for a few months but Bassini had insisted on several occasions there was no truth in our sources’ claims the family wanted to take over the club and that he was not looking to sell.

The Stanmore businessman finally admitted he was leaving the club two weeks ago and since then all parties have been working to conclude the deal.

Watford are believed to have been bought by a Special Purpose Vehicle, a new company set up to buy the club and controlled by the Pozzos.

The Pozzo family already own Serie A club Udinese and Spanish club Granada.

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard has announced organizational changes in the commercial and operations/competition divisions of the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights which will come into effect on Jan 1.

Terry Angstadt has resigned as Commercial Division President and will be succeeded by Marc Koretzky, who joined IndyCar in May as Director of Corporate Business Development. Angstadt will assist with the transition.

Also, because of increasing demands on the Competition and Operation division, IndyCar will split the responsibilities of President of Operations and Race Director into separate positions. Brian Barnhart will remain President of Operations, overseeing the operational and logistical areas, while IndyCar is reviewing candidates to fill the position of Race Director.

“I’m confident that Brian and Marc will lead our company into a bigger and brighter future in these new roles,” Bernard said.

As president of the commercial division, Koretzky will oversee sales, business planning and development, marketing, public relations and organizational operation.

Koretzky, 35, has utilized his MBA in Executive Strategic Management most recently in management of all non-racing events surrounding the IZOD IndyCar World Championships presented by Honda in Las Vegas in October. Tapping into his experience with the NFL, NCAA and other sports properties, he produced and coordinated the weeklong activities that created global awareness, including an unprecedented night closing of Las Vegas Boulevard for a 34-car parade.

Koretzky said: “IndyCar has made tremendous strides under Terry’s leadership and its future is indeed bright. I look forward to working with IndyCar’s current commercial partners and helping to develop additional strategic relationships.”

Previously, the New Orleans native worked in conjunction with the NFL as Director of Operations for multiple Super Bowl Committees and was an independent lead consultant to the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee for the NCAA Men & Women’s Final Four Basketball Championships.

“Marc’s demonstrated abilities with big events will be a great asset to IndyCar as it continues to grow and prosper,” Bernard said. “With the new car and engine manufacturer competition coming for the 2012 season, along with exciting news regarding new commercial partners on the horizon, IndyCar is poised for an exciting future. Marc comes highly regarded and brings a unique perspective with his experience with major sports properties as with the NFL Super bowls and NCAA tournaments. “

Angstadt, who joined IndyCar inafter serving as vice president of marketing for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2001, was named commercial divisionpresident in 2007. He was instrumental in forging long-term commercial partnerships with series title sponsor IZOD; Apex-Brazil, the official Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency; and secured strategically important events in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Qingdao, China.

“Terry has been an integral member of the IndyCar executive team since 2007, and has been instrumental in orchestrating successful inaugural events Baltimore and Brazil, managing the demands of promoter relations and serving as a key liaison between our teams, venues and partners while overseeing the business development of our company,” Bernard said. “We wish Terry the best of luck as he moves on to the next chapter in his career. He will be missed by the entire IndyCar team.”

A president of operations, Barnhart is responsible for officials, technical specifications, safety development and implementation, medical and event logistics. The Race Director is the senior official in Race Control, who oversees all on-track activity.

“As our sport continues to grow and we prepare for our first new car in almost a decade, we feel that splitting these roles will help fully service our teams and venues as we prepare for the demands of 2012 season,” Barnhart said.

Barnhart is an IZOD IndyCar Series representative on the board of directors of ACCUS and the U.S. representative to the FIA. An Indianapolis native, Barnhart has been with IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1994, when he joined IMS as track superintendent. He served in various roles for Indy car teams from 1982-94.

The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the global Rugby family continue to be with the people of Christchurch, symptoms all New Zealanders and everyone affected by last week’s tragedy. The response of the global Rugby family has been overwhelming and we know is greatly appreciated by those affected.

It is appropriate that the focus must remain on the extensive recovery and response operation in Christchurch and it would not be right for Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) to speculate or comment on Christchurch’s ability to host Rugby World Cup 2011 matches as planned until an extensive review and assessment has been completed, drugs which could take several weeks.

RWCL, clinic in partnership with tournament organisers RNZ 2011, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Government, continues to assess the damage to critical tournament facilities and services. These include Stadium Christchurch itself, accommodation, training facilities, the transport network and key tournament infrastructure.

It is clear there has been damage to Stadium Christchurch, accommodation and other infrastructure. However no decision will be taken about the RWC 2011 matches scheduled to be held in Christchurch until accurate and confirmed information has been received and analysed following the completion of the currently ongoing full assessment. Consideration must be given to all aspects of hosting RWC matches.

Whatever the outcome of the detailed assessment, all 48 matches will be hosted in New Zealand and the tournament will kick off on September 9.

RWCL and RNZ 2011 continue to regularly update all tournament stakeholders who have been extremely supportive throughout the process. All Rugby stakeholders recognise that the people of Christchurch are the paramount consideration at this difficult time.

In a two-year arrangement beginning this year, order every match of the ANZ Championship, including the finals series, will be televised live for the first time in the competition’s history.

In a further coup for netball fans, all Australian Diamonds Test matches played in Australia and New Zealand will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

In addition, all matches will be televised in high definition with no ad-breaks during play.

Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany said: “It’s a historic day for netball in Australia with Fox Sports, in partnership with Foxtel, delivering fans the depth and quality of coverage they’ve always wanted, both at home and on the go.

“Never before have fans been able to watch every ANZ Championship game live until now.

“We’ll ensure netball fans have access to the best competition at home and abroad with live and high definition coverage extending to all Test matches featuring the Diamonds played on home soil and across the Tasman.”

“Netball is Australia’s leading female sport showcasing electrifying athletes in a ferocious competition that has the potential to generate a very strong following on Fox Sports.”

“It’s an exciting time for sports fans with Fox Sports embarking on its largest winter sports offering in history which includes the NRL and AFL seasons, Socceroos World Cup qualifiers and the year’s biggest two sporting events – the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour and The Ashes.”

Beginning with the ANZ Championship on Sunday 24 March, 2013, the deal will see Telstra become the digital rights partner, streaming the ANZ Championship games played in Australia live on mobile.

In addition, SBS will provide live coverage of one ANZ Championship match each Sunday plus the Test series.

“We’re thrilled the new broadcast deal will provide Australians with the ability to watch every game of the ANZ Championship live through subscription and free-to-air platforms,” ANZ Championship general manager Andy Crook said.

“The latest announcement supports our ambition of setting the benchmark for female sports leagues, not just in Australasia, but around the world as we look to continue to engage with our current fans and inspire a new generation.”

Leeds United FC has announced that they have reached an exclusivity agreement with a potential Middle East investor.

Ken Bates bought Leeds in 2011 and said the club were in talks over “investment for the long-term future” with an investor.

“Our discussions with them have left us very comfortable that they have the financial resources to support the club,” said a club statement.

“They will have no issues in satisfying the requirements of the Football League’s Owners and Directors test, unlike many of the previous approaches we have had to endure.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Supporters’ Trust chairman Gary Cooper said: “I think there are just the formalities now and we should be hearing something sooner rather than later.” 

Cooper added: “I don’t know the ins and outs on the finances but I do know that this does gives all Leeds United fans the opportunity to dare to dream.”

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has been invited to take a leading 2014 World Cup role in the local organising committee (LOC), according to reports.

Brazilian media reported the former World Player of the Year and World Cup winner had already accepted the invitation.

Ronaldo was approached by Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira, also head of the LOC, to take on an important role without this meaning Teixeira would step down from the latter position, a Reuters source said.

“Ronaldo was sounded out and now things are on course towards a decision in the coming days,” said the source.

“After a more political preparation stage, including the choice of the city venues among other things, now it’s time for another person to take on the role at the front of the committee.”

The 64-year-old Teixeira, who has led Brazilian football since 1989 and is also a member of FIFA’s ruling executive committee, is being investigated by Brazil’s federal police on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

He denies the allegations against him but the matters have raised questions about his suitability to remain in charge of organising the World Cup tournament.

Bringing in the 35-year-old Ronaldo, who since retiring from football in February has become a successful sports businessman, would put a football man of unimpeachable qualifications in and outside Brazil in the front line of World Cup preparations.

The Brazilian will look to emulate Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer who were on their respected organising commitees for their home World Cups in France 1998 and Germany 2006.

Triathlon’s commitment to clean sport has been recognised with The World Anti-Doping Agency officially confirming the ITU is in full compliance of its world anti-doping code.

ITU president Marisol Casado welcomed the news from WADA, stating: “I’m very excited to share this news with the triathlon family, as we have always believed an anti-doping programme is integral to our organisation’s success, as it allows all of our athletes to compete in a fair environment,” Casado said. “I would particularly like to thank ITU staff and Leslie Buchanan, the Director of our anti-doping department for her work in obtaining this official recognition.”

Buchanan, also a member of the WADA Education Committee said the WADA ruling showed the ITU is on the right path.

“We feel this validates ITU’s commitment to the fight against doping. We’ve invested time and resources into this to make sure that triathetes compete on a level playing field and ensure there are policies in place to deter all triathletes from attempting to take advantage of the system,” Buchanan said.

“We also know that while it is great our programme complies with the WADA Code, we cannot afford to let our guard down and we will keep working on new initiatives to keep triathlon at the forefront of anti-doping.”

The ITU anti-doping department was established with the goal of committing substantial time and resources to curb doping in triathlon. This year’s anti-doping protocols include: intelligent testing for ITU events and athletes that is also more efficient, a commitment from National Federations to test and report their testing, and comprehensive education programme. That includes actively engaging member federations through regular anti-doping content, helping everyone involved in triathlon understand the importance of a clean sport for not only participants’ health and fair results, but for the sports legacy.

ITU is a signatory of the WADA Code and to be an affiliated member of ITU, National Federations must commit to comply with the WADA Code and ITU Anti-doping Rules.

Chinese clubs have started their preparations earlier to meet the criteria for competing in the 2013 AFC Champions League, sale Chinese Football Association (CFA) President and Chinese Super League (CSL) Chairman Yu Hongchen has said.

The AFC Special Mission Team (SMT) began its second inspection for the Asian Champions League 2013 season by meeting CFA and CSL representatives in Beijing.

“This time we have started our preparations earlier, viagra 60mg ” Yu said. “Holding seminars for all 16 clubs in both top divisions of our league has been instrumental in raising their awareness of ACL requirements and criteria.

“However, salve we look forward to your support and recommendations to help our clubs reach their potential.”

AFC Director of Club and Futsal Competitions and Head of SMT, Stuart Ramalingam, said the SMT aims to help Chinese clubs meet the criteria and support the growth of football in China.

He said: “The meteoric improvement of the Chinese Super League in recent years has not only brought attention to Chinese football but has also helped raise the profile of Asian football as a whole and we are supportive of all the initiatives shown by CSL.”

After meeting the CFA in Beijing, the SMT delegation travelled to Dalian for the assessment of clubs and will go to Qingdao, Shanghai and Guangzhou before heading back to Beijing for the conclusive meeting with CFA and CSL on July 1.

After the assessments, the Competitions Division will table all the SMT’s findings to determine the number of slots for each ACL participating nation to be decided by the Competitions Committee in November.

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