Cyber Tech Company Develops Digital Health Passport To Help Restart Sports

VST Enterprises Ltd (VSTE) the British cyber security company founded by tech entrepreneur Louis-James Davis (31) has today announced a ‘sports health passport’ style app to help kick start attendance at all British sporting events over the coming months as Britain emerges and recovers from Covid-19.

VSTE and its partner Redstrike are committed to working alongside the Government and other major stakeholders to ensure that the technology can be deployed responsibly whilst fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Using its VCode® cyber technology it intends to support the economic recovery of Great Britain and kick start the UK sports economy and be part of the solution in helping to move everyone out of isolation as soon as possible.

The ambitious and bold solution comes after all sporting events and fixtures across the UK were cancelled as part of the Governments lockdown procedure to tackle COVID-19. The lockdown has decimated the sports industry and the future of many football and rugby clubs in particular hangs in the balance. Many major golf tournaments and major sporting events like the F1 Grand Prix are left with lost revenues and sponsors threatening to withdraw financial support. It is feared that hundreds of millions of pounds in revenues, sponsorship and advertising rights will be lost across all sectors of British sport with catastrophic losses in revenue and income. Such catastrophic losses across British sport events could take years to get back to normal.

The concept was conceived by Louis-James Davis CEO of VSTE and REDSTRIKE the sports marketing agency founded by former Manchester United Football Club International Managing Director Mike Farnan, Collaborating together Louis-James Davis and Mike Farnan have formulated a digital app to get the British sporting industry back on track as it recovers from the virus lockdown when the phased lifting of restrictions takes place over the coming weeks. The passport style app can be used at all major sporting events including football, golf, tennis, rugby and F1.

VSTE CEO Louis-James Davis said; “The ‘V-COVIDTM’ digital health passport is a truly unique way in which all football and rugby clubs, major sporting events and sports governing bodies can implement a simple and highly effective universal system to ensure fan safety at sporting events following the gradual phased lifting of restrictions. Using the health app in conjunction with an official Government /Department Of Health sanctioned Covid-19 testing kit, a series of authentications and permissions are acknowledged to validate the test results. In doing so it will not only allow the safe and gradual return of sports fans to sporting events but it will do so in a safe and controlled way. Most importantly it will help all clubs, sporting organisations and events to re build after this unprecedented event.”

Football and rugby clubs in the Premier and Football League can issue the ‘V-COVIDTM’ digital health passport app (or an App that uses the VCode® technology for the purposes of the Health Passport) to all fans through their existing fan database channels and social media, signing up for the app which would be free. This will in turn get fans back attending key fixtures and events in a gradual and staged process, with the emphasis on safety at all times. “

Redstrike MD Mike Farnan said; “The Premiership and Football league as one example have been decimated by this unprecedented event. Major sporting events such as the F1 calendar are also thrown into disarray and hundreds of millions of pounds potentially lost in sponsorship and revenue streams. The survival of Premiership and Football league clubs – which are great British institutions, part of the community and every day British life – is vital. The ‘V-COVID’ digital health passport app will become an important passport and interaction tool between fans and their football clubs or sporting events. It will also ensure that fans return to sporting fixtures and events in a safe and controlled manner. Let me make this clear, we are not claiming a magic solution here or expecting to fill stadiums, it will be a gradual and phased return for fans attending sporting events. But we do need to have a plan that revives the British sports calendar and its key events. British sports contributes £24 Billion to the UK economy every year. However we are fully conscious that it is vitally important for us to balance the desire for sporting fixtures to resume in the UK, but with all sports clubs, sports event organisers and governing
bodies taking a serious and responsible approach to public health and safety with this life threatening virus.”

THE FAN JOURNEY 

The ‘V-COVIDTM’ digital health passport app (powered by VCode®) would be issued by the sports club, sporting organisation, event organiser or governing body as an officially recognised digital health passport. 

The app would be used in conjunction with a Government/Department Of Health approved COVID-19 testing kit administered by a Doctor or healthcare professional that confirms and validates whether the holder has been tested “negative” or “positive” for the Corona Virus or has the antibody present. In the future it will include confirmation that they are vaccinated. 

Once the test has been completed, the results will be updated to the fans digital passport. Once vaccinated it will be permanent proof of being virus free and protected. 

Providing the fan has tested negative they will be allowed to proceed and purchase a ticket for the event by validating their ‘V-COVIDTM’ digital health passport. This 

VCode® is unique to the fan and authenticated using its various security permissions, protocols and authorisations. 

EMBARGOED 08:00 Thursday 9th April 2020 UK RELEASE 

The fan attends the event observing the 2 metre social distancing safety guidelines where an event official scans their smart phone or Printed VCode®. The technology however can give an optimal scanning distance achievable from 100 metres (80:1 distance to size ratio). 

The social distancing will be reduced over time as the phased lifting of restrictions takes place. 

Uniquely the ‘V-COVID’ digital health passport is not just confined to the sport of football, but can also be used across all other major sporting events including golf, rugby, tennis, Formula 1, to horse racing. Both Mike Farnan and Louis-James Davis also plan to approach the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to help with getting the 2021 Olympics and Paralympics back on track by using the ‘V-COVID TM’ digital health passport. 

Many football and rugby clubs are in serious financial trouble with gate receipts for matches non existent, advertisers and sponsors withholding rights income from major events and there are grave concerns that many clubs could collapse. Already the ‘V-COVID’ digital health passport app has been welcomed and is being hailed as a lifeline to help revitalise the British sporting calendar. 

The groundbreaking VCode® and VPlatform® technology which powers the ‘V-COVID TM’ digital health passport works as a secure digital passport within a scannable app. The technology can be integrated into existing sporting and healthcare apps using the software development kit but will also be rolled out alongside Corona Virus (Covid-19) testing kits. 

VCode® and VPlatform® the operating technology which powers ‘V-COVIDTM’ digital health passport represents the gold standard and next generation of code scanning technology – an evolutionary step forward from traditional barcodes and QR Codes. Using military grade encryption it has over 2.2 Quintillion variations of codes. The codes become ultra-secure as user login, time, facial recognition, touch ID, geo-fences, handset brand and number of scans are just some of the factors that change what information the VCode® links to at the point of scanning. 

VCode® in its own right has an infinite range of applications and capabilities from secure identification and ID, to geo location and geo fencing, asset tracking, authentication and permission based authorisations. It’s unique technology means that the ‘V-COVID TM’ digital health passport can also be used for the same validation and authentication process to be used in tests for other viruses such as Ebola, Sars and Mers. It will also help strategically to ensure that with regular updates and testing there is a reduced chance of a second wave of Corona Virus infections. 

VSTE is currently using the same technology to work with the UNITED NATIONS as part of their SDG Collaboratory (Sustainable Development Goals) program – to provide a wide range of technology services to 9 Billion people by 2030 and which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Aser Ventures Enters Strategic Partnership With Corrum Capital

Agreement will also see Aser become a shareholder and strategic partner of OTRO

Global investment company Aser Ventures and US based investment fund Corrum Capital Management have entered into a strategic partnership, to share management expertise and investment opportunities across their respective portfolios.

The strategic partnership will see Corrum help Aser expand its financing opportunities for its portfolio of sports, media and entertainment properties. The agreement will also see Aser Ventures become a shareholder and strategic partner of OTRO.

OTRO, which launched as a subscription service creating and delivering content with some of the biggest names in football including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, has successfully transitioned to a new business model as a premium content studio.

In close partnership with Aser Ventures, OTRO will now focus on creating original premium long-form and short-form content with its portfolio of star names, for third party streaming platforms, broadcasters, operators and telcos. OTRO will also collaborate with leading figures from a range of sports and lifestyle verticals, in addition to their current football-focused partnerships.

OTRO’s creative team led by Managing Director, Claire McArdle, will work in partnership with Aser Ventures on OTRO’s future plans. Anouk Mertens, who is COO of Aser’s ELEVEN SPORTS Group, will support the OTRO team operationally in this transition period while Aser Chairman and Founder Andrea Radrizzani will join the OTRO Board.

The close working relationship between OTRO and Aser has already resulted in an agreement between OTRO and Asers’ global sports platform ELEVEN SPORTS, with ELEVEN set to broadcast OTRO programmes to fans in Belgium, Portugal and Italy.

Andrea Radrizzani, Founder and Chairman, Aser Ventures, said:

“We are living in a moment of unprecedented challenges. At Aser we want to use our network to support the vital work of the World Health Organisation and others in any way we can. We also want to be positive in our approach to business and press on and forge new opportunities.

“This new partnership has lots of potential for all parties. Aser Ventures will use our management expertise and global network of media partners to drive value for OTRO and its key stakeholders including Corrum Capital. In return, Aser will have an excellent new strategic partner in Corrum Capital and the opportunity to support the growth of an exciting and ambitious company in OTRO. We can also work with OTRO to share great sports and entertainment content with fans around the world at a time when people need some distraction and fun more than ever.”

Jonathan Mandle, Co-Founder & Partner, Corrum Capital Management, said:

“We are pleased to be working with Andrea and the Aser Ventures team to build OTRO’s premium content studio and more broadly across Aser’s portfolio of other investments.  We feel strongly that OTRO‘s renewed focus and structure, combined with Aser’s industry skills and adjacent businesses, will help OTRO accelerate its success.”

Claire McArdle, Managing Director, OTRO, added: 

“OTRO has worked closely with its strong and supportive investment partners since its foundation, and bringing Aser Ventures into that mix with its sports industry expertise and portfolio of sports and sports media properties provides us with the strategic depth we need to leverage our strong content and talent partnerships as we execute our business model.”

Aser Ventures is an investment platform specializing in sports, media and entertainment properties. Aser is focused on opportunities where its management expertise and network can drive value for the companies it invests in and their end users. Aser’s portfolio includes Championship club Leeds United, the multi-national sports network ELEVEN SPORTS, the innovative technology start-up Sport Data Labs and the media and entertainment brand Whistle. Whistle already has a strategic partnership in place with OTRO that goes back to September 2019.

Chinese Basketball Association Agree Near $3 Billion Rights Deal With Migu

The Chinese Basketball Association has signed a major, long-term rights deal with broadcasting service Migu.

Migu will have broadcasting rights to the CBA for the next five years, from the start of the 2020/21 season to the close of 2024/25, in a deal worth almost USD$3 Billion.

The company will also get an ‘official sponsorship’ package with the league as well as the wide-ranging broadcast rights, which have differing exclusivity limitations.

In addition to the rights deal and sponsorship, Migu will create a special ‘5G Network Laboratory’ with the CBA as they look to create a wide range of new features that will be benefitted by the rollout of 5G.

Motorsport UK Announces £1M Club Continuity Funding Package

Motorsport UK, the national governing body of four-wheel motorsport, today announced a £1 million funding package to help its clubs address the financial consequences of COVID-19.

The funding is one of a number of measures that it is implementing to offset the economic impact that the global pandemic has wrought across the sport.

In order to help protect the NHS and save lives, Motorsport UK has suspended all event permits until 30 June. This suspension is subject to a rolling review to enable the sport to resume as soon as is practicable.

Motorsport UK typically issues around 4,500 event permits per annum, across all forms of motorsport in the UK. Although circuit racing enjoys the highest profile, there are a broad range of other motorsport disciplines enjoyed by more than 40,000 licence holders across karting, speed, trials, cross-country, rally, autocross, rallycross, drag racing and autotest events. Many of these grassroots, low cost motorsport activities can be undertaken in standard or lightly modified road cars and by enthusiasts funding their sport from their own pocket.

Motorsport UK is setting aside the £1 million of funding to support its 720 member clubs, responsible for organising and promoting motorsport at all levels in the UK. The aim is to mitigate immediate financial risk and help to aid recovery towards a strong and sustainable future.

There are some 40,000 people working in the motorsport industry in the UK, and they are predominantly self-employed or working for small organisations, with combined revenues of £10 billion per annum. The suspension of all motorsport has an immediate and detrimental effect on the workforce, and the government has acted to begin to provide support in this area. At the same time the burden has firmly fallen on the event organising clubs and championship organisers many of whom have no recourse to government aid.

In recognition of the considerable hardship placed on its member clubs, the Motorsport UK Board has agreed to allocate £1 million of direct funding to support the community. This investment will be used to create two funds, each valued at £500,000, to provide loan and grant support to Motorsport UK clubs through this challenging period.

A Motorsport UK panel will review each application and decide the amount to be awarded and the funding mechanism.

Applicants may receive funding from the Motorsport UK Club Continuity Loan Fund or The Motorsport UK Club Continuity Grant Fund.

The Continuity Funds have been created to support clubs who are most at risk due to the pandemic. Such clubs may be awarded funding from either stream up to a grant value of £10,000 or a maximum loan value of £25,000.

Clubs are expected to use all government guidance and support available to them before considering applying for the funds.

The Motorsport UK Club Continuity Funds should be a last resort for clubs who are able to demonstrate that after taking all reasonable steps and without a level of intervention, they will struggle to resume activities as a direct result of COVID-19.

Motorsport UK has taken measures to protect its own financial position at this time including furloughing one third of its staff, freezing all discretionary spend, suspending investment in capital expenditure projects, reducing staff pay and cutting working hours across the organisation for the duration of this period.

David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, said, “These are unprecedented times for the nation and for motorsport. Our community looks to us to provide leadership and help protect motorsport from the financial fallout of this pandemic.  We have taken measures to reduce the overheads of the core organisation, while continuing to provide the essential levels of service to the sport. Today we have launched a series of financial measures that member clubs can access, in order to try and mitigate some of the hardship they are inevitably suffering.

 “During this time, there is a spirit that we are all in this together, and it is only right that Motorsport UK takes practical measures to reduce expenditure, while launching these funds to preserve those responsible for organising events, without whom there can be no motorsport. We are custodians of motorsport in the UK and have a responsibility to our clubs, to do all that we realistically can, to sustain their operations at this uniquely challenging time.”

Sign Up Now For Our Next Two iSportconnect eMasterclasses

‘Facing the Platform Giants: Consolidation and Competitive Strategies’, featuring Dan Rossomondo, SVP, Head of Global Media and Business Development at the NBA, Sébastien Audoux, Head of Sport at Canal+ and Brijesh Yadav, Head of Sales and BD (EMEA) – Sports, Media and Entertainment Services from Tata Communications, will then take a place on the 9th of April at 2pm BST.

To sign up for this eMasterclass please follow this link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/3/5v31qfk

Matt Stagg, Director of Mobile Strategy for BT Sport, Nathan Homer, Peer Niclas Naubert, Head of Global Marketing of Bundesliga, Director of Trading, Broadband & Sports at NOW TV and Heikki Rotko, Chairman of Choicely will then take part in our third eMasterclass, ‘Renewing The Package: Innovation That Wins Audiences’, on the 14th of April.

To sign up for this eMasterclass please follow this link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/4/zyrkva0

Keep your eyes peeled as more speakers for both these, and upcoming eMasterclasses will be announced in the next couple of days…

Bidding Processes For 2023 World Athletics Series Events Postponed

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, World Athletics has postponed the bidding processes for 2023 World Athletics Series events.

The bidding processes for the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships and the 2023 World Athletics Relays will now open in November 2020.

Bidding processes for future World Athletics Series events beyond 2023 remain unchanged.

More information can be found in the hosting section of the World Athletics website.

Liverpool FC Opt To Reverse Furlough Decision

Liverpool FC have opted to reverse the decision to use the government’s furlough scheme for a number of their workforce following a backlash from their supporters.

A statement read:

First and foremost on behalf of our ownership, Fenway Sports Group, we would like to emphasise the thoughts and concerns of everyone are with those suffering from the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic and the families of those affected.

We would also recognise and pay tribute to the heroism of the incredible health service and key workers locally, nationally and internationally. All other worries should be placed in that context first.

Allowing for perspective in these unprecedented and harrowing times, it is important to address an issue we, as an organisation, have been involved in since the weekend.

We have consulted with a range of key stakeholders as part of a process aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for all concerned. A range of possible scenarios were considered, including but not restricted to: applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which pays 80 per cent of salary and guaranteeing the 20 per cent payment; applying to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme with a guarantee to reimburse monies received at a later date; and, thirdly, finding an alternative means to cover our furlough costs.

It is as a direct result of this extensive consultation and our own internal deliberations at various levels throughout the club that we have opted to find alternative means despite our eligibility to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

We believe we came to the wrong conclusion last week to announce that we intended to apply to the Coronavirus Retention Scheme and furlough staff due to the suspension of the Premier League football calendar, and are truly sorry for that.

Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period.

We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme.

We would like to acknowledge the great army of staff and casual workers who work tirelessly to ensure Liverpool is a club that operates to the highest of standards.

But in the spirit of transparency we must also be clear, despite the fact we were in a healthy position prior to this crisis, our revenues have been shut off yet our outgoings remain. And like almost every sector of society, there is great uncertainty and concern over our present and future.

Like any responsible employer concerned for its workers in the current situation, the club continues to prepare for a range of different scenarios, around when football can return to operating as it did before the pandemic. These scenarios range from best case to worst and everything in between.

It is an unavoidable truth that several of these scenarios involve a massive downturn in revenue, with correspondingly unprecedented operating losses. Having these vital financial resources so profoundly impacted would obviously negatively affect our ability to operate as we previously have.

We are engaged in the process of exploring all avenues within our scope to limit the inevitable damage. We thank the many amazing people in our club, at all levels, who are committed to helping us do just that, despite the complexity and unpredictability in the world and our industry.

French Broadcasters Request To Hold EURO 2020 Broadcast Rights Fees

Two french broadcasters, TF1 and M6 have both contacted UEFA in a bid to push back paying their remaining fees to broadcast the EURO 2020 competition, which has been pushed back to summer 2021.

Both have written to European Football’s governing body asking for the payments to be put on hold, in a similar manner to the competition, until a time closer to when it will go ahead, say French newspaper L’Equipe.

Each has currently paid 35% of the full fee they were due to fulfil for the summer’s competition, which was forced to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly so as it was meant to be hosted in numerous countries around Europe, which would have been extremely problematic even towards the possible back end of this current period.

It is understood that UEFA have yet to respond to the request.

Premier League Faces Over £1 Billion Loss If Season Is Not Completed, Says CEO Masters

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters has defended Premier League clubs for using the government’s furlough scheme, after a number of teams have come under criticism.

Responding in a letter to MP Julian Knight, a high-profile opponent, Masters admitted that the coronavirus pandemic could cause over a billion pound loss if the season cannot be concluded, and warned of even greater losses if it continues further.

“We face a £1billion loss, at least, if we fail to complete season 2019-20, and further losses going forward if the seriousness of the pandemic deepens and extends into the future,” Masters wrote.

“The furlough scheme announced by Government is meant for the whole economy, including many enterprises which might be regarded as providing entertainment or otherwise dependent on elite talent.

“Not only is our industry facing losses now, but to be realistic, we must also base our plans on full recovery being some distance away.

“Ultimately, the very heavy losses that we face will have to be dealt with or else clubs or other enterprises who depend on football for income will go out of business.”

Esports World Governing Body and Asian Esports Federation Unite

The world of esports governance has reached a significant milestone with a landmark agreement between the International Esports Federation (IESF) and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF).

On 31st March, 2020, the IESF President Mr. Colin Webster and the AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok both signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of forming a formal collaborative relationship to promote and advance esports globally as well as across the Asian continent. Under this MOU, the IESF recognises and acknowledges the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia while the AESF recognises and acknowledges the IESF as the sole international federation for esports.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the signing ceremony was conducted remotely and digitally in the home nations of all signatories of this important partnership, including Hong Kong, Johannesburg and the Abu Dhabi, as well as messages from other parts of the World. A significant step for Asian esports that will also have an impact globally. It is expected that other continental federations will also be part of this alliance working collectively in the the interests of esports, the safeguarding and protection of players being a top priority. This MOU unites under one umbrella all Member Associations and Federations, thereby confirming a clear and transparent structure of esports globally.

Colin Webster, President of IESF: “The MOU between the IESF and the AESF further reinforces IESF’s position as the only true international federation for esports. The IESF was founded in 2008 and today is the largest international federation of its kind and is acknowledged to be the leader in its field. The MOU thus solidifies the IESF’s position, as well as that of the AESF. Together, the two federations will ensure a greater degree of delivery and expertise, as well as ensuring the development and recognition of esports as a sport.”

Kenneth Fok, President of AESF: “I am sure that the partnership today is strong enough to unite the esports community, including publishers, organisations, and most importantly our esports players. It is also groundbreaking as it paves way for better collaboration and cooperation between the
International Esports Federation, IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, AESF. This is an exciting day for us and we look forward to new initiatives from this partnership. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Board Member of IESF: “Esports is becoming ever more prominent in mainstream culture, the need for relevant governance structures, education programmes and development pathways to support the growth globally is essential to ensure the welfare and integrity of all that participate, fostering healthy and positive behaviours. The spirit of the games must be first and foremost. The closer relationship between both the IESF and AESF will provide the credibility and legitimacy of these activities and we encourage other continental federations to be part of this growing family.”

Vlad Marinescu, Vice President of IESF: “Today marks a significant and momentous milestone in the evolution and development of esports. The unity between the IESF and the AESF will reinforce the foundation of the Asian Continent – from the national associations to all stakeholders including athletes, publishers and event organizers. Moreover it will send the message globally that esports is united, and united we can, with respect and inclusion, further develop for the benefit of the people playing. I’m honoured to formally join forces with Mr. Fok, Mr. Lau and the AESF team, people who share our passion and professionalism. Great things are coming.”

Sebastian Lau, Director General of AESF: “This partnership with the IESF is a key milestone as part of our strategic master plan to develop and support the growth of esports. We have a strong belief that it has to be sustainable and should be able to create a sound ecosystem where our esports community can grow collectively. I truly believe that with the help from our partners at IESF who share the same vision, these goals are absolutely within our reach.”

President of GAISF, Rasffele Chiulli, stated: “Despite the extremely difficult situation sport is facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we still need to plan for the future of sport development.  That is why I welcome this landmark announcement; it shows that esports really is making progress and becoming more unified and organised with higher standards of governance…..These type of initiatives will make it much easier for our international sports federation members to collaborate with esports which in turn will result in exciting and dynamic developments for all involved.”