iSportconnect, the world’s largest global network of sports business executives, is delighted to announce two new recruits who will play a major part in the company’s expansion.

Josh Bloom (right) has joined as the Head of TV, while Tom Lane (left) will be working on Digital and Broadcasting Content.

2016 is set to be a landmark year for iSportconnect with Josh working on a new-look iSportconnect TV, creating engaging and exclusive news content.

Josh previously worked for the Perform group as an assistant producer, before working as a producer at Red Bull Media House creating content for all Red Bull platforms.  

While Tom will be creating the online editorial content and running the social media accounts.

Having previously been nominated for a Midlands Media Award, he bring experience in online content and writing as well as formerly hosting The UK Basketball Hub TV show on Sports Tonight Live. 

iSportconnect Head of Operations Tony Huegdon (centre) said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce the latest recruits to the iSportconnect team and they will both be able to bring our news content – both visual and written – to life.” 

“Josh’s experience in the production field will help to revamp iSportconnect TV, while i’m sure Tom will help continue the good work we currently do online and take it to the next level.”

 

 

Seattle is the top city for viewing of the English Premier League on NBC platforms this season, drugs even though most kick-offs are in the early morning Pacific time (normally eight hours behind GMT).

Seattle has also been first in domestic MLS attendance for seven consecutive seasons, order so it looks like America’s most soccer-friendly market right now. The Washington State city leads West Palm Beach (FL) and Dallas (TX) on the ratings list so far this season, according to the Washington Post. Washington, D.C., in first place for the first two seasons of NBC’s EPL coverage, has slipped into a 10th-place tie this year with Sacramento (CA), also out west.

This past Sunday’s Manchester Derby drew 1.17 million TV viewers, eighth biggest for an EPL match in the U.S. Manchester United versus Arsenal in November 2014 ranks first with 1.41 million on NBC.

Since last season, NBC reports a 19% growth in unique streaming visitors for the EPL and a 65% increase in online viewing time.

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Swiss authorities investigating the bidding processes for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups say there could be as many as 53 counts of money laundering involved.

The Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber addressed reporters on Wednesday, three weeks after the initial investigation was launched.

Russia and Qatar were awarded the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in controversial circumstances in December 2010.

Lauber described the case as “huge and complex” and hasn’t ruled out interviewing Sepp Blatter and Jerome Valcke, though the pair are not currently under investigation. 

He refused to give any details of a timeframe for the case to be concluded but is prepared to strip either country of hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups if more evidence of corruption comes to light.

“We note positively that banks in Switzerland did fulfil their duties to file suspicious activity reports,” said Lauber.

“Partly in addition to 104 banking relations already known to the authorities, banks announced 53 suspicious banking relations via the anti-money-laundering framework of Switzerland.

“I don’t mind if this has some collateral [damage] somewhere else.

“I don’t care about the timetable of FIFA. I care very much about my own timetable which I can’t disclose.

“The world of football needs to be patient. By its nature, this investigation will take more than the legendary 90 minutes.”

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AC Milan president and owner Silvio Berlusconi is believed to have met Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol this week to discuss the possibility of selling a stake in the club. 

Reports in Italy claim that Taechaubol is prepared to offer €500 million for a 51% stake in the Serie A club.

Read more HERE.

The first iSportconnect Digital Media and Technology Masterclass of the year is just one week away and it is certainly shaping up to be the best one yet.

After a successful debut in Lausanne in September, recipe the event, adiposity in association with Seven League, view will be making its return to London and will be held at the five-star Grange Tower Bridge hotel.

An extremely impressive panel has been assembled for the event, which is by far the strongest panel line up to date for this Masterclass.

Panellists include:

– David Sternberg, Head of Media at Manchester United FC

– Jerry Newman, Head of Digital Marketing and CRM at Chelsea FC

– Murray Barnett, Head of Broadcast, Commercial and Marketing at World Rugby

– Joaquim Cardona, Head of Digital Business at FC Barcelona

– Andrew Meikle, Co-Founder and CEO of Sportlobster

– Damian Smith, Head of IT at ECB

– Matt Locke, Director at Storythings

– Bruce Bale, Head of Social Games & Sky Development at Sky Betting & Gaming

– Hywel Sloman, IT Director at Arsenal FC

– Mark Lichtenhein, CIO – Head of Television, Digital Media and Technology at PGA European Tour

– Mike Norrish, Executive Producer at BT Sport

This Masterclass is a unique gathering providing sports digital media and technology executives with the chance to discuss best practice with one another.

Delegates will also hear industry insights, join in on discussions and network in a relaxed environment.

This event is proving incredibly popular and there are now limited spaces available.

Invitation policy: The Digital Media and Technology Masterclass is an exclusive invite only event to Heads of Digital Media and Technology and other similar positions at governing bodies, federations, teams/clubs and brands only.

To register your interest please contact Sylvia-Line Lamaro at sylvia-line@isportconnect.com.

In association with:

Event Partners:

             

             

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The European Rugby Champions Cup has been given the go-ahead and will start next season.

The new tournament to replace the Heineken Cup has been talked about for nearly two years and has finally been given approval.

Twenty teams will be involved, drugs | rather than 24, with six coming from the Aviva Premiership in England, six from the Top 14 from France and seven from the Pro12. The final place will be decided via a play-off.

The European Rugby Challenge Cup will replace the second tier Amlin Cup and a third tier will be introduced called the Qualifying Cup.

Clubs from France and England proposed the new tournament because they felt that governance, qualification rules and financial spread in the Heineken Cup were unfair.

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union, said: “This equitable, long-term agreement will provide the platform for rugby union to continue to expand across Europe, increasing interest and involvement in the game at all levels.”

Bill Beaumont, Chairman of the RFU added: “We are very pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.”

The principles behind the deal were signed by all of the nine parties involved, which included the unions from the Six Nations countries, plus the bodies of England, France and Wales.

The new competitions will be governed by European Professional Club Rugby, a Swiss-based association, replacing the European Rugby Cup (ERC), who are the current organisers.

Derek McGrath, current ERC CEO has confirmed he will stand down in October following the news.

BT Sport and Sky have reached an agreement to share broadcast coverage of the tournaments.

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Location: Kent, treatment Surrey and Sussex

Closing date: 27th October 2016

Overview:

The Relationship Manager (RM) is critical to EH achieving a number of its strategic objectives through relationship management, drugs with both a commercial and customer focused approach.
Relationship Managers will be required to influence others and develop strong relationships. They will need to establish credibility quickly and build strong partnerships across a wide and complex network of public and private stakeholders, including clubs, County and Regional Hockey Associations and other appropriate partners.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Influence the delivery of hockey within the region and gain support for EH projects at regional and county level 
• Build credible and customer focused relationships with 30-40 clubs annually 
• Understand the challenges their clubs face and work proactively to help them find local, regional and national solutions to unlock the club’s potential
• Build outcome focused relationships with the school sport infrastructure to support the delivery of high performing club school links
• Develop and leverage external partner relationships with both public and private sector organisations 
• Delivery of annually agreed targets/ objectives and monthly report against agreed targets within the area delivery plan
• Develop excellent working relationships with and support the Regional and County Hockey Associations to ensure a robust governance structure is in place to assist with the delivery of EH’s strategy
• Provide support and guidance to the County and Regional Hockey Associations with the ongoing implementation and development of the player pathway 
• Provide support and development for the Regional Administrator and / or management of a number of consultants.
• Research, create and follow up on potential new business opportunities and partnerships 
• Promote, market and achieve agreed sales targets on EH products and resources e.g. major event tickets 
• Ensure that there is an effective two way communication process between the National Governing Body and all its partners and stakeholders
• Prepare reports and communications for the EH website, regional newsletter and other hockey publications
• Any other reasonable management request.

For a full Job Description and for details of how to apply, please click on the link below:

Closing Date: 27th October, 2016
Interview date: 7th November, 2016

How to apply:

Contact: Michele Townsend
E-mail: michele.townsend@englandhockey.co.uk