By Steve Moorhouse

Sebastian Vettel’s controversial victory at the Malaysia Grand Prix further highlights the struggle between team orders and the reputation of Formula One, according to an expert.

Vettel disobeyed Red Bull’s team orders and dangerously overtook team mate Mark Webber to secure first place.

The debate about whether team orders should be banned to stop team’s controlling the competiveness of a race has since arisen, and F1 expert Mark Gallagher, who has worked for Jaguar, Red Bull and Jordan Grand Prix Ltd, has told iSportconnect the reputation of the sport could be damaged in the eyes of the media and fans.

Gallagher, Managing Director of the CMS Motor Sport consultancy said: “It damages the reputation in F1 amongst media and the fans for there not to be clear racing up until the chequered flag and in that sense, team orders are still an extremely controversial issue that no good solution has been found for.

“It doesn’t lie comfortably with the media, or the fans, or the viewing public, that we have a sport where when the final pit stops are finished, the leading teams quite often tell their drivers not to race each other when it is supposed to be a race.

“If Red Bull and Mercedes are holding station for second, third and fourth then the viewing public are being robbed of a fight and of course television companies are being robbed of action that could help to build their viewers.”

However, Gallagher suggested that the Red Bull brand would not be affected by the contentious race, because it is a case of ‘any publicity is good publicity.’

On the issue of banning team orders, motorsport sales expert, Brian Sims added: “The FIA has tried banning them, but the teams just resort to subterfuge instead. At least it’s now out in the open.”

The former Head of Motorsport for the API Agency, who represented the Benetton F1 team added: “On the publicity aspect, I can understand where people are coming from, but just think for a moment of the potential for disaster.

“The battle on the track in Malaysia over the closing stages was fortunately incident free, but at 180 mph plus, with hearts so close to ruling heads, it doesn’t take much for that to suddenly turn into a lethal concoction, with dire consequences.”

Location: Ottawa, drugs Canada

Closing date: 14th November 2016

Overview: Canoe Kayak Canada is the national body for competitive paddling in Canada. We are a volunteer lead and staff driven organization made up of a community of paddling enthusiasts – athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and supporters – from coast to coast.

We are seeking a Chief Technical Officer to join our team.  Located in Ottawa and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) working closely with the Head Coach, will be responsible for leading and executing the vision of Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) High Performance (HP) strategy and National Team Programs.

The Fit

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional senior leader who possesses a post-secondary degree in a related field (coaching, sport science, sport management) or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership role. As a strategic thinker, dedicated professional and self-starter, the successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working in a fast paced and multi-tasked environment with an emphasis on time lines and delivery. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of inspiring and leading teams and maintaining positive relationships. See full job description www.canoekayak.ca/jobs.

The Process

If you have a passion for sport and believe you possess the appropriate experience and skill set for this position, please submit your resume and covering letter with the top 3 reasons why you are the ideal candidate for this position. Applications are to be summited electronically by Monday, November 14 at midnight EST to Casey Wade cwade@canoekayak.ca.

Formula 1 will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK from 2019.

The new deal will see Sky Sports covering the sport until at least 2024.

The five-year deal will also see race highlights shown on a new ‘free-to air’ channel.

The broadcaster currently shares coverage with Channel 4, with the that deal set to expire in 3 years time.

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO Formula One Group, said: “I am delighted that we will continue to work together.

“Sky’s commitment to the sport and standard of coverage is second to none.”

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, added: “We are absolutely delighted that we are strengthening our coverage for viewers even further, with live and exclusive F1 from 2019 and the chance to watch in Ultra High Definition for the first time from next season.

“We are pleased to support F1 and look forward to working with them to progress, develop and enhance coverage of the championship during the agreement.”

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By Christian Radnedge

FIFA president Sepp Blatter could perform an extraordinary U-turn and remain in charge of world football’s governing body, according to his former official adviser.

Klaus Stohlker worked for Blatter during the recent election campaign and told Sky News that despite his decision two weeks ago to stand down, the Swiss could be tempted to stay on as president.

Blatter’s resignation came amid the dramatic crisis engulfing FIFA which includes respective investigations by US and Swiss authorities.

But Stohlker said that the president could be persuaded by FIFA members to run again.

“At the moment there is not a convincing candidate to replace Mr Blatter with the same level of qualifications, of languages, of contacts, and knowledge of football,” he said.

“As long as there is not such a candidate it remains open for Sepp Blatter to run again.

“There are some people that are asking him not to stand for the next election, there are some people that are asking him not to resign.

“There is a huge game going on for control of FIFA and the president is in a situation where he is making his opinion about what to do.”

Stohlker stressed that he was not an official spokesperson – something which FIFA itself pointed to in a statement released on Monday.

The statement said: “Klaus Stöhlker’s mandate from the FIFA President ended on 31 May 2015. The FIFA President would like to point to his remarks from 2 June.”

Reports circulated at the weekend that Blatter may wish to reverse his decision.

Those stories were met with a quick response by Domenico Scala, the chairman of FIFA’s audit and compliance committee, who said it was imperative the president continue with the proposed plan.

“For me, the reforms are the central topic,” he said.

“That is why I think it is clearly indispensable to follow through with the initiated process of the president’s change as has been announced.”

That process is scheduled to culminate in an extraordinary congress held between December and March 2016.

Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan signalled he would stand again if enough countries wanted him to, despite his loss to Blatter in the May election in Zurich.

Though he may face a challenge from UEFA president Michel Platini.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has encouraged New Zealand to put together a bid to host the Olympic Games as he feels they are capable of staging the Games.

Bach is on a visit to the country this week and speaking to local media he gave his backing for the country to submit a bid.

“New Zealand is a great sports country, viagra ” Bach said.

“You not only have successful athletes, prostate you are somehow incorporating the Olympic spirit, abortion the passion for sport. It would be very well appreciated if New Zealand would look into hosting the Olympic Games one day.

“The Olympic Agenda is opening doors for countries other than traditional hosts. You cannot reserve the right to host the Olympic Games to just 20 countries in the world.

“The Olympic Games are universal; therefore we should open the doors and the windows.

“Not only me, but many IOC members would appreciate very much if New Zealand would look into this opportunity.”

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The appetite for the Olympic Games in Brazil appears to be huge with fans across the country applying for 750, sale 000 tickets within the first 24 hours of them going on sale.

As usual the opening ceremony remains one of the most requested while the finals of volleyball, viagra buy football and basketball are also among the most sought after events. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday 31 March.

Fans from other countries can now find out who will be the official ticket reseller in their country.

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