FIFA soccer’s governing body have hired Walter De Gregorio to become their new Director of Communications & Public Affairs.

De Gregorio will takeover the role from Nicolas Maingot, who had been Acting Director, on October 2011. He will assume the role of his deputy.

De Gregorio background includes him studying history and political philosophy and over the last 20 years he has worked as a journalist, a columnist, and in management positions for various national and international newspapers.

De Gregorio has dual Swiss-Italian nationality, has two children and lives in the Zurich area.

FOX Soccer have announced they will broadcast five Confederation of North, ambulance Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) events.

Added are the 2015 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying, treat 2013 CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 and Under-20 Championships and 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 and Under-20 Championships. First up is the Men’s Under-20 CONCACAF Championship in Puebla Mexico, impotent with live coverage that begins Monday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 PM ET.

These additions, along with the CONCACAF Champions League and 2013 Gold Cup scheduled later this year, cement FOX Soccer as the preeminent U.S. destination for the region’s best soccer competitions.

“We are thrilled to add five different and unique CONCACAF competitions to FOX Soccer beginning this month,” said David Nathanson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of FOX Soccer. “Not only can viewers follow the U.S. Women for another exhilarating quest for a seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, but they’re also able to witness many of the region’s emerging young stars.”

“Our expanded relationship with FOX Soccer in the United States is a tangible example of the growing popularity that our competitions are experiencing within our region“, said the President of CONCACAF, Jeffrey Webb. “We are hopeful that this comprehensive coverage model will serve as the benchmark for future years.”

herbal helvetica, anesthetist sans-serif;”>Manchester United has remained the world’s most valuable football brand with a brand value of $853 million despite a dissapointing Premier League season wherein it lost the title to Manchester City, according to brand valuation company Brand Finance.

However, the valuation firm has warned that shrewd commercial management and commanding Champion’s League performances by Bayern Munich could see United unseated from the top spot of the Brand Finance Football 50 in the near future.

German football club FC Bayern Munich climbed to the second spot with a brand valuation of $786 million representing a 59 per cent increase over the last year. The success in Germany and presence in the final of the Champions League has been bolstered by financial nous.

Bayern Munich pipped Spanish giant Real Madrid, which has slipped to third spot with its valuation decreasing by seven per cent to $600 million.

“However Bayern needs to start building its brand in emerging markets or they will be left behind by relying too heavily on their domestic fan base,” commented head of Sports Brands Dave Chattaway.

Also witnessing a decrease in its brand valuation is Spanish club FC Barcelona, whose brand valuation shrinked by eight per cent to $580 million.

AC Milan, the only Italian club to make it to the top ten, has a valuation of $292 million.

Italian and Spanish clubs fared badly this year, affected by the economic turmoil in their home markets. Attendances are down due to high unemployment and uncertainty.

Clubs in both countries must continue to look abroad for a steady stream of commercial and broadcasting revenues, capitalising on strong brands, Brand Finance said.

Joining Bayern Munich in the top ten table is FC Schalke 04, which has seen its valuation zoom by 97 per cent to $266 million. The club has moved to 10th position from 12th position last year.

Champion’s League triumph secures another season in Europe for Chelsea but despite two trophies the club stays fifth with a brand value of $398 million due to a poor Premier League performance.

Arsenal and Liverpool share sixth and seventh spot respectively with a valuation of $388 and $367 million.

Meanwhile, the huge investment in local rivals, Manchester City, has finally yielded a Premier League victory. With Sir Alex Ferguson reaching the end of his career and the Glazers still paying off debts, the club may struggle to maintain the squad it needs to stay at the top.

The huge investment by Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi, estimated at $1.5 billion, is beginning to pay off for City. The club has matched United on the field and though still in its shadow in terms of Brand value, it is catching up rapidly. At $302 million, the Man City brand is worth nearly double what it was in 2011.

Brand Finance CEO David Haigh said, “This year’s study shows that even football isn’t immune to the Euro crisis, with Spanish and Italian teams being hit hardest. The two top teams operate different marketing strategies, Bayern prioritising its domestic fan base whilst United concentrates on global opportunities.”

McLaren Formula 1 team have appointed Williams technical director Sam Michael as their sporting director from 2012

Michael announced earlier this year that he would leave Williams following a disapointing season for the Grove-based team, which has scored just five points after having endured its worst start to a season in Formula 1. While off the track profits have been soaring (click here to see), privately owned Williams have not been able to compete with the massive investment flowing into the sport.

Michael was expected to work for Williams until the Korean Grand Prix before stepping down from his post, but Williams said he will leave after Singapore next week.

McLaren said Michael “will join the senior management team in addition to taking specific responsibility for the development and management of the team’s trackside operations.”

Michael said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Being a racer my whole life, I know that McLaren is one of the all-time greats of Formula 1. I already know and respect many of the team’s senior technical management figures, and becoming a member of that excellent working unit was one of the prime attractions of this new position.

“Equally, for some time I’ve closely observed and greatly admired both Lewis and Jenson as grade-one drivers, and therefore regard it as an enormous privilege to be able to work with both of them.

“I’ve spent 11 seasons with Williams, have many fond memories, and truly wish them all the best. In the near future, however, I will become 100 per cent focused on Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and will be aiming to ensure that the team’s famous rocket-red victory T-shirts will be seen many times over the coming years.”

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh added: “Speaking on behalf of everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I’m very pleased to welcome Sam as an important senior addition to our race team.

“He’ll bring a very valuable blend of experience and expertise to our pit wall, and will also enrich the technical management we provide for our drivers. I’m certain he’ll work extremely well with our senior technical management team, which I firmly believe will now become the strongest in all of Formula 1.”

Frank Williams said he was happy for Michael to have found another role to continue in Formula 1.

“I am delighted that Sam has found a new role that will enable him to continue to apply his energy, passion and experience to Formula 1,” he said. “On behalf of everyone at Williams I wish him a successful move to his new team.

“I would also like to thank Sam for his help in enabling a swift and smooth transition to our new technical leadership. Mike Coughlan and Jason Somerville are settling in very well and the restructuring will be complete when Mark Gillan joins us as Chief Operations Engineer on 19 September.”

Sportsnet today announced it has reached a 10-year partnership extension with the Vancouver Canucks through the 2022/23 NHL season, continuing a 14-year network tradition as the regional television broadcaster of Canucks hockey.

The new agreement, which begins with the 2013/14 season, features a comprehensive suite of multimedia rights including television, online and mobile, delivering up to 60 regular season Vancouver Canucks games each season. In addition, Canucks This Week, the 30-minute weekly show providing in-depth coverage of the team throughout the season, will also continue as part of the new multimedia package.

Sportsnet has been broadcasting Canucks games since the network’s inception in 1998.

“The Vancouver Canucks are a premium Canadian sports franchise and we are thrilled to continue this strong and important partnership,” said Scott Moore , President, Broadcast, Rogers Media. “This landmark agreement furthers our commitment to serving Canucks fans and connecting with our B.C. audience like never before, as well as providing a diverse portfolio of sports assets and content to our viewers.  It also reinforces Rogers’ and Sportsnet’s continued investment in sports to drive future growth.”

“This is a significant partnership agreement for the Canucks and Sportsnet,” said Victor de Bonis , Chief Operating Officer, Canucks Sports & Entertainment and Alternate Governor, NHL. “As a valued, long-term partner it was important for us to continue providing in-depth feature coverage, and quality game broadcasts to our fans through Sportsnet broadcasts.”

Sportsnet is the official regional television broadcast rights holder for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames (including radio rights on Sportsnet 960 The FAN), Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs (including radio rights on Sportsnet 590 The FAN).

The German football league (DFL) is set to use no-nonsense tactics in dealing with crowd trouble.

There are concerns that there is a growing problem in the country, with a pitch invasion forcing a 20-minute delay at the end of the recent play-off between Hertha Berlin and Fortuna Dusseldorf, and DFL president Dr Reinhard Rauball is seeking ways to deal with the problem.

He has suggested stronger checks outside the stadium, video surveillance and professional stewards, and also believes it may also calm emotions if players no longer applaud the supporters at the end of games.

“I think that taking this show of affection away from these so-called fans would have an effect,” Rauball said. “We have got to do something. The near abandonment of the game in Dusseldorf was something new in the recent history of the Bundesliga.

“There is a new kind of intensity which has emerged in recent weeks.”

He added on ARD television: “Fans who are keen on causing trouble have got to get used to us strengthening our rules for stadium bans. We have got to make the stewarding more professional.

“Before next season starts, we will bring together all of the presidents of teams in the first, second and third divisions and draw up a catalogue of measures.”

Hertha Berlin – relegated after the play-off defeat to Dusseldorf – had sought to have the second leg replayed as a result of the crowd trouble, but the club’s request was rejected on Monday.

Hertha, though, are refusing to give up their fight.

“This is not a judgement that we can accept,” Hertha’s solicitor Christoph Schickhardt said on the club’s website. “It is not acceptable for all those interested in sport.

“Everybody saw that it was an irregular game. It was not a football game in the end. The judge spoke of it being a positive pitch invasion. That is quite a funny term for what we all saw.”

He added: “For Hertha BSC, it is fully inconceivable that the result of a game can only be overturned when a player is actually physically injured.”

anabolics helvetica, unhealthy sans-serif;”>The Football League is looking to improve the digital aspect of their business by employing Simon Eaton as Business Development Manager (Digital).

The role will involve identifying new sponsors and advertisers for The Football League, The Football League Trust and in particular The Football League’s digital services, managed by Football League interactive.? ?

Eaton was previously at ITV Commercial for five years working as New Business Executive and then Mobile Sales Manager.

In July, The Football League extended its partnership with Chevron Ltd, owner of the Texaco brand, the official Motor Fuel and Motor Oil Partner of the Championship until the end of the 2013/14 season.

Shaw Communications Inc. today announced several deals that will make Global the broadcast home of golf for Canadian golf fans, securing 26 weekends of PGA TOUR broadcasts through 2018 and the rights to broadcast weekend coverage of Presidents Cup play in 2015 and 2017.

“These new agreements make Global the home of the most comprehensive golf coverage on Canadian television,” said Paul Robertson, President, Shaw Media. “We’re thrilled to bring viewers this generation of golf’s best players competing for the top prizes and titles.”

Global will broadcast some of the best tournaments on the PGA TOUR schedule, including THE PLAYERS Championship, the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance, the RBC Canadian Open and the four FedExCup playoff events, concluding with the TOUR Championship, the final event in the race for the $10 million winner of the FedExCup. This week’s PGA TOUR stop at the Northern Trust Open will air live on Global in HD across Canada starting at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 16 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 17.

In addition, Global’s broadcast of international golf competition will get a significant boost with weekend coverage of the 2015 and 2017 Presidents Cup; a biennial international match-play event featuring the world’s best non-European players competing against top-ranked players from the United States.

“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Shaw Communications,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “Canadian golf fans have always demonstrated a strong appetite for PGA TOUR golf and this partnership allows those fans to enjoy our product on a consistent platform for the next five years. The PGA TOUR is committed to golf in Canada and we are delighted to have Shaw as our partner.”

Ligapräsident Reinhard Rauball hat angesichts der jüngsten Vorkommnisse in deutschenFußballstadien vielfältige Maßnahmen, unter anderem eine gemeinsame Aktion allerProfivereine in Deutschland angekündigt.

„Wir müssen etwas machen. Der Fast-Abbruch von Düsseldorf war ein Novum in derjüngeren deutschen Bundesligageschichte. Es ist in den vergangenen Wochen eine neueArt der Intensität zu Tage getreten”, meinte Rauball in der Sendung “Hart aber fair” imErsten(21. Mai, 21 Uhr bis 22:15 Uhr). Die Fußball-Bundesliga werde zeitnah reagieren.

„Noch vor der nächsten Saison werden wir alle Präsidenten der Teams in 1., 2. und 3. Liga,möglichst auch die Mannschaftsführer zusammenholen und einen Katalog von Maßnahmenbeschließen”, erklärte Rauball weiter. So sollen sich etwa die Spieler der Mannschaftenfreiwillig verpflichten, nach den Spielen nicht mehr mit den eigenen Fans in den Kurvenzu jubeln, wenn diese zuvor über die Stränge geschlagen und beispielsweise BengalischeFeuer abgebrannt haben. “Ich denke, dass ein Liebesentzug für diese so genannten FansWirkung hat”, war Rauball überzeugt.

Außerdem werde man empfehlen, künftig verbesserte Videotechnik einzusetzen, umStraftätern im Stadion habhaft zu werden. Rauball wies darauf hin, dass man auch erwägt,die Strafen erneut anzuheben. “Gewaltbereite Fans müssen sich gefallen lassen, dasswir die Stadionverbotsregeln wieder verschärfen.” Auch werde sich wohlmöglich bei denEinlasskontrollen wie auch im Stadion etwas ändern. “Wir müssen den Ordnungsdienstprofessionalisieren”, so Rauball.

Der DFL-Chef lehnte jedoch nach den Vorkommnissen des Düsseldorfer SpielsKonsequenzen für den Spielmodus ab. „Wir werden die Relegationsspiele nicht entfallenlassen.” Auch die Forderungen nach Abschaffung von Stehplätzen in den Stadien fandnicht die Zustimmung des Ligapräsidenten. „Wir werden weiter für den Erhalt der Stehplätzekämpfen. Das ist nicht verhandelbar.”

David Grevemberg is officially the new permanent chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games following the resignation of John Scott earlier this year.

Grevemberg has been acting chief executive for a while since Scott quit his £179,000 ($286,000) role in June after he admitted to breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

The American was chosen following a worldwide search by recruitment specialists Odgers Berndston.

They contacted more than 150 people, spanning all five continents and across 30 sports to produce the shortlist.

In the end, 34 applications were received and a short list of seven drawn up before Grevemberg was chosen.

Lord Smith, the chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: “We started our global search to look for a dynamic leader who would inspire and motivate the Organising Committee with an in-depth knowledge of what we are about and we are delighted to have found the best person for the job. David has demonstrated through his work and in the interview process an unrivalled understanding of the role and passion for delivering an outstanding Games.

“David brings with him a wealth of experience in multi-sport games, both as an athlete, spectator and organiser and has progressed rapidly since his appointment as Director of Operations in October 2009.
We are very lucky to have such a naturally talented leader in the team and we look forward to a successful Games in 2014.”

Before joining Glasgow 2014, Grevemberg’s role was the executive director of sport and international federation relations at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), where he also served as Sports Director from 1999 to 2007.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead such an amazing team, driven by passion for sport and a commitment to bring what will be an outstanding Games to our great city of Glasgow and all of Scotland,” said Grevemberg, who is from New Orleans.

“Every day is a day closer to the Opening Ceremony, and another day we can’t get back. We cannot afford to miss a beat and I am confident of leading this team and working with our Games partners to successfully achieve our goals.”

The Georgia State University graduate is a former top-level wrestler who represented the Untied States before being forced to quit at the age of 24 due to a knee injury which ended his dream at competing at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

His main task in the short term will be to stabilise things at Glasgow following the sudden and controversial departure of Scott, an Englishman. 

Shona Robinson, Scotland’s Minister for Sport and the Commonwealth Games, said:”David brings a high level of experience of organising multisport events to the post and will make a real and positive impact on the delivery of Glasgow 2014. With less than three years to go, this is an exciting time on the journey towards 2014. The priority now for the Organising Committee is to continue the successful delivery of the Games which remain on time, on budget and on track be a fantastic event for all of Scotland.”

Grevemberg’s first role in his permanent position will be to unveil the first Glasgow 2014 sponsor at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Thursday (September 8).

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) welcomed news of Grevemberg’s appointment.

Mike Hooper, the CGF chief executive, said: “David is well known to the CGF through his excellent work at the International Paralympic Committee. He has done a great job in his various roles at Glasgow 2014 and I am delighted with his appointment. 

“I am confident David will lead the Organising Committee in a thoroughly professional manner and we look forward to working with him and his team to deliver an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”