Calls for Financial Control in Chinese Football

A spokesman for China’s General Administration of Sport (GAS) has stated that salary caps should be introduced in Chinese football to limit escalating spending by Chinese Super League.

In the wake of extensive spending by numerous CSL clubs, calls are being made to instead focus the vast sums into grass roots development of homegrown talent.

The Chinese national football team currently sit 82nd in the world rankings, below the Cape Verde Islands and St Kitts and Nevis, with football enthusiast president Xi Jinping vocal in his ambitions to make China a global footballing superpower in the coming decades.

The substantial investments in the game so far have come in the form of marquee signings by Chinese Super League clubs. Prominent international players Oscar, Carlos Tevez and Axel Witsel have all joined the CSL in recent weeks; with the fees and wages being paid dwarfing the players’ prior deals.

The GAS spokesman suggested a number of reforms, designed to limit the financial implications of the CSL and to further develop Chinese footballers.

Business Development Manager – Ascot Racecourse

Location: Ascot, impotent UK

Closing date: 8th January 2017

ABOUT THE RACECOURSE:

It means more at Ascot. Everything is in its place as we meticulously apply the finishing touches to create breathtaking occasions at the iconic Ascot Racecourse. We strive to deliver an uplifting guest experience; an experience which always anticipates our guest’s needs and is seemingly effortless. We are custodians of over 300 years of history, apoplectic we have a duty to respect and celebrate our heritage which makes us original. We always look and act the part. We are smart, stylishly turned out and courteous, communicating with respect. This is the Ascot Way.

THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Head of Business Development you will be responsible for generating new business for the racecourse in line with the Business Development Strategy. You will lead and manage pro-active activities related to the sales function by maximising business and generating significant levels of income from new customers through an innovative sales approach.

You will need to regularly meet with potential clients by growing, maintaining and leveraging your network as well as setting up meetings between clients and the decision makers. You will be required to attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences whilst providing feedback and information on market trends.

You will also ensure that data is captured, accurately entered and managed within the Company’s CRM system.

IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR THE ROLE:

Ideally you would have demonstrable experience within Business Development environment. You will continuously achieve and exceed set targets when converting leads into new business. You will be driven, enthusiastic and engaging when it comes to searching for business whilst developing a professional relationship in order to identify needs and deliver a quality service.

Identifying what needs to be done to achieve objectives, prioritising keys issues, organising short term activity and planning ahead to ensure that all tasks will be achieved will be second nature to you.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE ROLE:

Alongside a very competitive salary, you will be able to take advantage of a great package. We offer complimentary tickets for each race day that you can give to friends or family, discounts in selected stores on Ascot High Street, as well as Pension Scheme and Life Assurance. We are also keen to support employees with opportunities to grow and develop within Ascot Racecourse.

Please click here to apply

London Irish renew housebuilding partnership

Redrow, housebuilding company, is the latest to confirm it is continuing its commercial partnership with London Irish for 2016/17 season.

The partnership provides Redrow with branding opportunities at all of London Irish’s home matches, player appearances and involvement in the Club’s community programmes and in return London Irish benefits from a relationship with a company that has been enthusiastic in its support.

Commenting on his company’s continued support for London Irish, Dave Bexon Commercial Director of Redrow, said: “We strive to achieve the highest standards in performance and delivery and we place great importance on developing young talent within our organisation, the fundamentals of which we share with London Irish.

“We are delighted to be able to provide our support again this season and continue to watch the emerging talent from the Academy develop as the Club cements its foundation for the future.
London Irish Chief Executive, Bob Casey said: “Redrow delivers high quality lifestyles for customers throughout England and Wales. We also strive for similar standards in our community and player development programmes.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Dave Bexon and his colleagues to build awareness of the company’s high standard developments as we travel across the two countries competing in the RFU Championship and British and Irish cup this season.”


Fox Sports team up with Sports Illustrated for digital network

Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports have agreed to an editorial and advertising partnership involving the creation of a joint digital sports network.

While both companies will maintain independent editorial control, physician the partnership involves content sharing and coordination on advertising sales.

The two editorial operations will collaborate on content related to the NFL, order international soccer, pills MMA, college football and more.

Sports Illustrated articles may appear on Fox Sports digital properties, while Fox Sports videos might appear on SI.com, for example.

The partnership effectively makes the joint operation the second-largest sports publisher. Digital properties owned by both entities average roughly 70 million unique visitors per month, according to comScore.

 

The sporting world reacts to Brexit

It’s dominating the news both in the UK, across the globe and on the iSportconnect community pages.
Britain decided to vote to leave the European Union.

But what impact will this have on sport? Will it damage the sponsorship that clubs have in place? How will the potential end of freedom of movement between the UK and the rest of the EU affect sports teams and clubs? Is the uncertainty the worst possible thing for teams?

The IOC’s Marisol Casado, President of the International Triathlon Union, admits that while it won’t affect Triathlon, it could have some repercussions for other International Federations.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect she said: “Although the United Kingdom voted not to remain in the European Union, this will not affect the status of the British Triathlon Federation or their relation to the European Triathlon Union.”

“While some International Federations may have teams and leagues with extra-communitarian athletes and rules regarding the limits of those numbers of players which could be affected by the ‘brexit’, this is not the case of the International Triathlon Union.”

“Although Europe may face uncertain political times, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the British Triathlon Federation, as we do with all of our European National Federations.”

Many sporting organisations, clubs and federations have opted with caution in their response to the ‘Brexit’. 

With deals to be discussed and the future of Britain’s role in Europe up for debate, waiting for the outcome of said discussions seems to be in their best interest.

A spokesman from Arsenal said: “We have studied the potential implications of Brexit on our club and our league. The detail needs to be worked through but we are confident that our underlying growth will remain strong.”
The Premier League followed the same tone with their response; speaking to Keir Radnedge a spokesman said:
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“The Premier League is a hugely successful sporting competition that has strong domestic and global appeal. This will continue to be the case regardless of the referendum result.

“Given the uncertain nature of what the political and regulatory landscape might be following the ‘Leave’ vote, there is little point second guessing the implications until there is greater clarity.

“Clearly, we will continue to work with Government and other bodies whatever the outcome of any process.”

What of the International community? A comment from a spokesman at the European Tour, suggests they are confident that it won’t have too much of an impact in terms of events but were evaluating potential ramifications.

“Like all global companies whose main headquarters are in the UK, we are now in the process of assessing the implications for our business following the result of the referendum vote on June 23.”

“In terms of tournaments appearing on The European Tour International Schedule, including those in the United Kingdom, we do not believe that the result will have any impact. The United Kingdom remains a geographical part of Europe, even though it will no longer be part of the political or economic structure of the European Union.”
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The vote led to an interesting discussion on the iSportconnect website with many key points made. 

Sponsorship expert Nigel Currie believes there will be minimal impact on sport.

He said: “Sport is so powerful and it can basically do what it wants to so I can see that continuing. The UK just has so many sports events that we have the leverage to get around any problems. We have that two-year negotiation period and over that period I’m sure and problems will be identified and sorted before anything comes into place.”

Professor Simon Chadwick is an expert in the field, he believes that the global nature of sport means there are issues to be addressed.

He said: “The onus is on both the government and sport to quickly, assertively and confidently negotiate a way forward for the country and its sports, many of which Britain currently holds a competitive advantage in (football and Formula 1 being two examples). Until such time as we clarify what happens next to British sport, I fear that this country will be stuck in the slow-lane of what has increasingly become a globalised and cut-throat world of sport.”

The behind close doors discussions taking place will be key to the impact of Brexit on sport whether it be positive or negative.

For more comment from our members and to join the debate click HERE.

 

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FIFA dismiss deputy secretary general

Fifa, unhealthy  deputy secretary general Markus Kattner has been sacked after claims that he had breached financial rules.

Kattner was dismissed with immediate effect having been in the role since 2007.

In a statement FIFA has said it will not comment further on any of the details, but will continue its cooperation with the relevant authorities.

Read more HERE.

FIFA Congress Unanimously Approves Reforms

FIFA’s member associations have approved a package of reforms at today’s Extraordinary Congress in Zurich.

The reforms were supported by 179 of the 207 member associations.

The key reform proposals include the creation of a 36-member FIFA Council with six women included, the appointment of a General Secretary to handle business affairs, term limits for presidents of a maximum of 3 terms and 12 years, the number of FIFA Committees to be reduced from 26 to nine and disclosure of individual compensation.

“We stand united in our determination to put things right, so that the focus can return to football once again,” said Acting FIFA President Issa Hayatou. “The hard work of restoring trust and improving how we work begins now.”

“This will create a system of stronger governance and greater diversity that will give football a strong foundation on which to thrive. It will help to restore trust in our organisation. And it will deter future wrongdoing.”

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Boxing Promoter and Matchroom Sport MD Eddie Hearn Added to London Directors’ Club Panel

iSportconnect, the world’s largest global private network of sports business executives, is excited to announce that Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter and Group Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, will be a panellist for this year’s  first London Directors’ Club.

The event will be taking place on 16th March at the offices of law firm Lewis Silkin and Hearn will be joining previously confirmed panellists Peter Coates, chairman of Stoke City F.C. and owner of Bet365 and Barbara Slater, Director of Sport at the BBC.

Eddie Hearn is one of the biggest boxing promoters in the world. He is also currently a director of the Professional Darts Corporation and Group Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, one of the world’s largest suppliers of sports programming, founded by his father Barry Hearn.

Under Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn promotes a number of British World Champions such as Kell Brook, Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla, Jamie McDonnell and James DeGale MBE, as well as Olympic Gold Medallists Anthony Joshua MBE and Luke Campbell MBE.

Hearn was also responsible for creating what is widely regarded as the biggest boxing match in British history when Carl Froch and George Groves squared off for a second time in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in 2014.

Eddie is also responsible for arranging this weekend’s huge pay-per-view fight between Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg at Manchester Arena, with tickets selling out in less than 10 minutes.

iSportconnect chairman Michael Cunnah said: “Eddie is a wonderful addition to our London Directors’ Club and we’re delighted to include him to what is a very strong looking panel. His success in boxing is no secret and we really look forward to getting his expert views on the pressing issues currently in the sports business industry.”

iSportconnect Directors’ Club events are a gathering of exclusively invited director level delegates, partaking in a BBC Question Time-style discussion with a panel of well-established executives from the sports business industry.

Followed by networking, the discussion is held without the press and under Chatham House rules, allowing for an open and free flowing debate.

Each Directors’ Club event offers an unrivalled opportunity to meet with some of the most influential people in international sport & sponsorship. These events are a testament to the “think global, act local” approach to doing business.

Invitation Policy: The iSportconnect Directors’ Club is an invitation-only event open exclusively for CEOs, chairmen and director level executives from governing bodies, sports teams and sponsorship brands.

To register your interests please contact Elyse Gallacher at elyse.gallacher@isportconnect.com.

Event Partners:

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FFA Extend Partnership With Perform Group

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has confirmed a deal with Perform Group to drive its digital strategy through to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The FFA first appointed Perform in 2014 as official data and statistics partner and to commercialise its digital network. 

Read more HERE.