Spain football chief Angel Maria Villar Llona arrested as part of corruption investigation

Angel Maria Villar Llona, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation, according to police in Spain.

El Pais and Efe news agency reported that Llona was held on suspicion of embezzling funds.

Mr Villar, an ex-Spain international, has held the position of president since 1988. His son Gorka was also reportedly among the number of people arrested during a series of raids early on Tuesday morning.

Spain’s High Court told Reuters that one of its investigating magistrates and anti-corruption prosecutors are leading the probe.

Mr Villar or his lawyers are yet to comment.

AP and Red Bull announce premium content collaboration

The Associated Press and Red Bull Media House announced today a collaboration that will allow AP clients to access a curated mix of sports, dance, music and lifestyle video and images from the world of Red Bull.

Each week, AP Video Hub and AP Images will offer registered clients 15 or more curated content items representing the very best of Red Bull Media House’s content portfolio.

Paul Shanley, director of business development and partnerships at AP, said: “The Associated Press has been on a mission to bring the widest possible selection of curated video and photo content to our clients. Highlights from Red Bull Media House’s video and photo libraries will add a new thrilling dimension to our existing sports and lifestyle content.”

This year, Red Bull Media House will be on the front lines of motorsports such as the FIA World Rally Championships and Red Bull X-Fighters (Freestyle Motocross); in the water to cover cliff diving, big wave surfing and kiteboarding; and on the mountain with the UCI MTB World Cup mountain biking, plus freeride competitions, hard enduro events, skateboarding, and much more.

AP Video Hub launched in 2012 to address the increase in demand from online publishers for video news.

The platform was an industry first, giving AP customers access to world news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle video, as well as combining breaking news with relevant footage from AP’s historical archive.

Record-breaking ICC Women’s World Cup to end with capacity final at Lord’s

An International Cricket Council (ICC) summer of success comes to a record-breaking finale this weekend with a sell-out ICC Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

It will be the biggest crowd ever to attend an ICC Women’s World match which is fitting for a tournament that has shattered records on and off the field. More than 26,500 tickets have been sold for the event with only MCC Members able to purchase any remaining tickets.

Unprecedented media coverage, including all 31 games shown live for the first ever time, has seen a global audience of more than 50 million for the group stage games with ICC video content from the group stages being viewed more than 75 million times.


Record-breaking global TV audiences have watched the group stage unfold with a staggering number following the event via digital channels. Viewing figures include:

  •  80% higher global viewership expected across the course of the event (vs 2013 edition)
  •  Global TV audience reach of more than 50 million
  •  51% increase in the UK TV audience (vs 2013 edition)
  •  47% increase in Indian TV audience (vs 2013 edition)
  •  300% increase in Australian TV audience (vs 2013 edition)
  •  32 million page views on ICC Women’s World Cup website and app
  •  75 million views of ICC video content

On the field, records have been shattered, providing fans with the highest quality Women’s World Cup to date (figures correct as at pre-semi-finals). The event has seen more runs, more wickets and more players than ever before competing for records on the global stage.

  •  The league match between England and South Africa saw a record total of 678 runs
  •  That match also saw Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Taylor set a new England ODI partnership record of 275 runs
  •  14 innings have passed the 250 mark (vs eight in the whole 2013 edition)
  •  12 players from seven teams averaging more than 50 so far (vs six in the whole 2013 edition)
  •  South Africa boasts most successful bowlers van Niekerk and Kapp with 27 wickets between them (pre-semi-final)
  •  Van Niekerk has already equalled the best bowling performance of 2013 (Schutt of Australia)

Steve Elworthy, the ICC Women’s World Cup Tournament director, said: “We promised that this would be the best-ever ICC Women’s World Cup and I believe that the statistics – on and off the field – show that we have delivered on that pledge. The attendances have been outstanding and they have been treated to some exciting, exhilarating cricket.’

Clare Connor, the chair of the ICC Women’s Committee, added: “The challenge for this tournament was to ensure that we showcased the talent of the world’s best cricketers, and to inspire the next generation of girls and women to engage with the game.

“The quality of cricket has been truly fantastic and the demographics of the crowds we’ve seen reveal that we have attracted thousands of girls and women to attend. Now we have to retain that level of interest to continue to build a new fan base and drive levels of participation, both in this country and around the world.”

Wimbledon 2027: how will fan engagement and marketing change?

Wimbledon is here again, but let’s take a moment to reflect on how the ways that we consume sports has changed over the past 90 years since the BBC’s first broadcast live from Wimbledon on the radio.

Since then, we’ve seen some amazing developments, from the revolution of colour TV to watching Federer and Nadal battle it out on our laptops

In the video industry sports isn’t just the most lucrative content out there but is also a bellwether for customer trends and engagement. We had a think about how fans could be watching tennis in 10 years’ time and the technology which will power that.

These ideas could hit the baseline or be far out of bounds by 2027, and only time will tell. No matter what the future looks like, the technology is already there for sports broadcasters and producers to revolutionise how fans view and engage with tennis.

So, what could the next 10 years hold for tennis fans?

Real-time fantasy leagues – we all know how important it is for brands to get closer to their fans and they’ve already started to do this, from fantasy leagues and user generated content to social media tracking. At Wimbledon 2027 forget about getting making decisions and checking stats for your fantasy league line up on the web. With the new integrated fantasy tennis league that came with your sports package, you can expect real time pop-ups and overlays providing data so that you can drop players and monitor your progress on your screen. Is the next Nadal on the way to winning? Add him to your line-up in real-time as you watch.

Many courts, many devices – Forget the days of watching Wimbledon on your TV, it’s unlikely that Millennials will ever go back to TV as their primary device. Instead expect Wimbledon 2027 to be watched through every device you have. View the main match on your laptop while you get video highlights from the other courts on your phone. Viewers could also use their phone’s touch screen to access the viewer-controlled camera for the best angles letting eagle-eyed line-watchers hover over the baseline. We’re seeing younger generations demand more international live streams of games while simultaneously rejecting the big prices of many established brands, in 10 years’ time this contrast between generations could be even more stark and broadcasters must find a way to adapt.

Strawberries, cream and money – Monetisation of content will continue to evolve, with new ad placements, hybrid business models, and even crowdsourcing. Immersive, interactive and data-driven offerings are increasing fan engagement and ultimately expanding revenue for sports. Customers could tap on their favourite player mid-game and shop their outfit, while broadcasters team up with food-delivery services so that fans can get strawberries and cream delivered to their door when rain inevitably stops the match. With more data than ever before, Wimbledon 2027 gets the best ads to the right consumers, with more monetisation opportunities than ever for producers.

Artificial Intelligence gets the content to the right consumer – Fed up of seeing your least favourite player advertising during the game? Well, with artificial intelligence, which recognises the faces of players and knows who you support, you’ll be served up unique ads which are tailored to what you want to see. Bolstered by an integrated and intelligent video production system, broadcasters can get content out even more quickly, with the right highlights sent out to their partners around the globe as soon as it happens.

This article originally appears on The Drum

By Oscar Wall, general manager EMEA at Ooyala

Tempobet agrees sponsorship deal with Preston North End

Tempobet has signed a sponsorship agreement with Preston North End to become their principal partner for the upcoming 2017/18 campaign.

The online sportsbook’s logo will feature on the first team’s match shirts, with extensive advertising in place around the club’s Deepdale ground during the season.

It is anticipated that the deal with one of the EFL’s founding members will strengthen the Tempobet brand among UK customers, as well as round the world thanks to the screening of television highlights.

Tempobet CEO Tim Peters said: “This is a terrific opportunity to extend our horizons within football and are delighted to complete the deal with Preston North End.

“English football is a crucial part of our business and given PNE’s historic standing in the game, it’s a perfect fit. We’re excited about growing our relationship over the next 12 months.”

A Preston North End spokesman said: “We are delighted to welcome Tempobet as our principle sponsor for the 2017/18 season and look forward to working with them to achieve their sponsorship ambitions.

“It is a great opportunity for Tempobet to showcase their brand and important for Preston North End to be able to attract companies with international reach like them.”

The sponsorship deal with the Lilywhites will ensure Tempobet features on the shirts of two Championship clubs next season, following the renewal of their contract with Burton Albion.

Tempobet.com was founded in 2007 and now offers a comprehensive live betting service, as well as casino, virtual games, binary options, and lottery.

It has sponsorship deals with sporting clubs and television stations across Europe and counts lists former Real Madrid star and World Cup winner Roberto Carlos among its brand ambassadors.

WWE partners with Lagardere Sports for international sponsorship sales

Globally Integrated Sports Marketing Agency to Develop International Sponsorship Portfolio for Global Entertainment Company

WWE (NYSE: WWE) has selected Lagardère Sports as its international sponsorship sales agency, it was announced today.

As part of the new relationship, the global sports marketing agency will leverage its sponsorship expertise and worldwide sales network to develop the partnership portfolio for the global media and entertainment company in all international regions, except China.

As part of this, Lagardère Sports will provide WWE with global sponsorship support and analysis, a custom international sponsorship sales approach and lead on the ground sales efforts.

“Lagardère Sports is a best-in-class sports marketing agency that will help further develop WWE’s global sponsorship business,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer.

“We look forward to working with Lagardère Sports to continue to build customized one-stop shopping sponsorships for partners by leveraging our global media platforms and passionate fan base.”

“WWE is a premier entertainment property that connects with a massive global fan base through exciting live events, and a variety of interactive and engaging content,” said Andrew N. Pierce, Lagardère Sports President & CEO, Americas.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to work collaboratively with a leading property, tap into our extensive network, and create robust brand partnerships to further their global business.”

Free-to-air television channel Quest secures exclusive deal for live coverage of Emirates Cup

Quest is to show live and exclusive coverage of the Emirates Cup 2017 over the weekend of the 29-30 July as Arsenal play host for the summer pre-season tournament – and £52 million record signing Alexandre Lacazette makes his home debut.

Quest will bring football fans all the action live and for free from the four-way clash at the Emirates Stadium – that welcomes Benfica, the current Portuguese champions, Sevilla, the Europa League winners in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and RB Leipzig, who finished this season as runners up in the Bundesliga.

This will be the ninth staging of the Emirates Cup, which has been a regular fixture in Arsenal’s pre-season schedule since moving to Emirates Stadium. The Emirates Cup 2017 kicks-off at 2pm on Saturday 29 July with RB Leipzig taking on Sevilla, Arsenal then face Benfica at 4.20pm.

On Sunday 30 July, RB Leipzig play Benfica at 2pm, before Arsenal bring the tournament to a close against Sevilla, which kicks off at 4.20pm.

Arsenal’s record signing Alexandre Lacazette

As normal, teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. However, the competition rewards attacking play, with teams awarded an additional point for each goal they score. Shots on target will used to decide the tournament winners if teams are level on points and goal difference.

“The Emirates Cup is a fantastic tournament and great addition to Quest’s line-up of top sporting action. From the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race to the Giro d’Italia, cycling’s first grand tour of the season and World Snooker’s Home Nations Series later in the year, Quest shows a rich variety of sport for fans, all for free,” said Simon Downing, Head of Quest.

Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “We’re all delighted to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Every year we have staged the competition, the Emirates Cup has been hugely successful and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.

“Benfica, Sevilla and Leipzig are three strong clubs, with good players, who will not only hopefully produce some exciting football, but also provide us with high quality preparation ahead of the new season.”

Kazan and Budapest to host 2022 and 2024 FINA World Swimming Championships

The cities of Kazan (RUS) and Budapest (HUN) were awarded today the organisation of the 2022 and 2024 editions of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), respectively.

The announcement of the Host cities followed the FINA Bureau vote and the formal presentations of the four bidders for these events: besides the Russian and Hungarian metropolis, Hong Kong (HKG) and Taipei City (TPE) were the two other candidates.

“All these cities/National Federations have worked very hard to present solid projects and I am sure that in any of them FINA would organise excellent Championships. Thank you very much to all the four bidders!”, stated the FINA President Dr Julio C. Maglione, before opening the envelopes with the winners’ names.

“But we are in a sport organisation and there must be a winner. In this case, two winners!”, concluded Dr Maglione.

Two years after staging the 2015 FINA World Championships, Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, will once more be the prestigious host of a top FINA competition, which also comprises the organisation of the FINA World Aquatics Convention.

“FINA knows Kazan very well. We have the necessary infrastructures and the full support of our authorities”, considered Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport and Youth of the republic of Tatarstan. “We are known as the Sport capital of Russia, and everyone in the FINA Family fully understands the meaning of this status”, Mr Leonov concluded.

As for the Magyar capital, currently hosting the 2017 FINA World Championships, it was represented at the highest level by the Hungarian Minister for Human Resources Zoltan Balog.

“This is a great achievement for Budapest and shows that the outstanding investment we have done for the Championships here this summer constitutes a precious legacy for the future”, the Minister said.

Before Kazan 2022 and Budapest 2024, the next editions of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) and FINA World Aquatics Convention, organised in the month of December, will take place in Hangzhou (CHN, 2018) and Abu Dhabi (UAE, 2020).

Formula One team Mercedes agrees Petronas contract extension

Formula One team Mercedes has agreed an extension of their partnership with oil and gas company Petronas.

The pair’s previous agreement was set to expire at the end of 2018 but a new multi-year deal is now in place, with the team currently leading the Constructors’ World Championship.

Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, president of Petronas. said: “There is a renewed vitality and a new level of energy in the sport this year.

“With new rules and regulations for this year, and many new things for the fans, the sport is increasing in terms of audience and that’s great.

“And for all of us at Petronas, we know that the technical contribution will be even more important this year because of the stiff competition from our rivals.”

Petronas has been the title sponsor of Mercedes since 2010, with their work widely credited as a key factor behind the team’s recent dominance on the grid.

Rumours previously suggested Mercedes were planning to pull out of the motorsport next year, but the agreement of fresh terms with Petronas seems to have debunked such theories.

iSportconnect praised for London Directors’ Club with LaLiga and WTA Presidents

iSportconnect, the largest global private network of sport business executives, has been praised for the latest London Directors’ Club.

The event was well attended, with over 70 delegates present at Coutts’ offices in central London.

LaLiga President Javier Tebas kicked off proceedings alongside Sky Sports presenter David Garrido, offering a valuable insight into the huge strides made by Spain’s top football division in recent years.

Second guest speaker Micky Lawler was equally engaging and provided delegates with an in-depth view of the WTA’s work.

Ideas were shared on a broad range of topics, with today’s issues and the challenges of tomorrow discussed at length, while a selection of networking sessions proved to be both popular and rewarding for those in attendance.

iSportconnect boasts an exciting calendar of events and you can stay up-to-date with announcements on isportconnect.com.

Please contact daniel.wexler@isportconnect.com to register your interest in future iSportconnet events.