UEFA Unveils Concussion Awareness Campaign

UEFA has launched a concussion awareness campaign.

The campaign is designed to educate players, coaches, referees, doctors and the general public about concussion in football.

The campaign, which gets underway for the second match day in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, follows medical analyses carried out in UEFA’s top competitions, and aims to make the issues surrounding concussion more widely understood.

The topic of concussion was raised within UEFA following several high-profile cases that occurred across UEFA’s top competitions. The opinion of the UEFA medical committee is that the three minutes granted by the current concussion procedure to the team doctors to assess on the pitch a potentially concussed player may be insufficient and that, with such a limited amount of time, doctors could be subject to excessive pressure from players and team officials.

As an immediate response, in April this year, the European body introduced a concussion awareness poster, which was displayed in all dressing rooms, medical rooms and referees’ rooms, reminding match participants about the procedure, as well as to respect the decision of the team doctor.

UEFA also provided a medical video review system to all teams playing in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Nations League, which allowed doctors to review live match footage and assess potential concussion incidents.

Building on that work, UEFA’s Executive Committee decided to raise the issue with the world governing body FIFA and football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), asking both to review the Laws of the Game in order to consider the introduction of appropriate measures such as temporary replacements that would help reduce the pressure on medical staff, giving doctors more time to assess a potential concussion off the pitch, so that no concussed player returns to the field of play.

While waiting for the Laws of the Game to be assessed, UEFA has decided to launch a campaign that would bring the topic of concussion into sharp focus and raise overall awareness and knowledge of the issue.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: “The health of players is of utmost importance and I strongly believe that the current regulations on concussion need updating to protect both the players and the doctors, in order to ensure that an appropriate diagnosis can be made without disadvantaging the teams affected, and I am delighted that FIFA and IFAB have responded positively to UEFA’s suggestions on this.”

The Chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee, Tim Meyer, added: “We must keep addressing the issue of concussed players continuing match play. UEFA’s core message in this awareness campaign is aimed at protecting the players’ health, and we hope in particular that the campaign will raise greater awareness of the need to take all head injuries seriously.”

PGA TOUR Signs ThriveHive As Official Marketing Partner

The PGA TOUR has joined forces with ThriveHive, in a multi-year marketing relationship making ThriveHive the “Official Digital Marketing Services Firm of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.”

As an Official Marketing Partner, ThriveHive will expand its involvement on all three Tours by way of hospitality and business development through its various services.

“We are excited to enter an official relationship with such an innovative, growing company as ThriveHive, particularly one that’s already familiar with the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions through existing relationships,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “We see a great opportunity to work together to promote ThriveHive’s services and to further engage them through our tournaments and members.”

Among ThriveHive’s specialties are innovative digital media solutions that include search engine marketing and programmatic display. ThriveHive also offers event solutions such as management services, marketing and video production.

“We’re thrilled to expand our sports partnerships by becoming an Official Marketing Partner of the PGA TOUR,” said Mike Flanagan, General Manager at ThriveHive Sports. “We believe the impact made to each local tournament market on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions strongly mirrors ThriveHive’s commitment to local businesses, making the exposure we achieve with this partnership invaluable.”

“We look forward to working with the PGA TOUR,” ThriveHive Chairman and CEO Michael Reed said. “This partnership allows us to extend our reach into a number of key local markets and offer our customers unprecedented business opportunities as well as experiences.”

Team GB Unveils ‘This Is What Makes Us’ Campaign For Tokyo 2020

Team GB’s team has revealed its campaign for the Games – ‘This Is What Makes Us’.

An estimated 378 athletes are expected to be selected for Team GB and the unique position it has as a sporting entity, uniting the nation, celebrating diversity and believing in everyday people achieving extraordinary feats will be brought to the fore across this campaign.

Kate Richardson-Walsh, who made her own history as part of the women’s hockey team that kept the nation on the edge of their seat at Rio 2016, narrates a short film featuring the likes of Chris Hoy, Nicola Adams, Laura Kenny and Mo Farah, which encapsulates the message of ‘This Is What Makes Us’ and highlights the support, sacrifices and dedication from athletes, coaches and families alike on their journey to an Olympic Games.

‘This Is What Makes Us’ is a timely reminder that everyone has a part to play and that we’re stronger together than we are divided and the amazing things that can be achieved at Tokyo 2020 as one team, both in Japan but at home as well.

Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Mark England, said: “Time and again we see the incredible support and feelings of positivity and good will towards Olympic sport in this country and as we look ahead to what will undoubtedly be an incredible Games in Tokyo next year, it feels right that we celebrate the array of inspiring stories of the athletes who sacrifice so much in pursuit of their dream of representing Team GB at an Olympic Games and share their stories with the fans whose support we, as a team, cannot do without.”

Olympic gold medallist, Kate Richardson-Walsh, said: “As athletes, the journey for us begins as children hoping to fulfil a dream. Without the support of friends, family, coaches and fans, this dream would never become a reality.

“Of the athletes that will compete in Tokyo, not one single story will be the same. They will have faced ecstatic highs and devastating lows, all with the hope of one day putting on the Team GB kit, competing on the greatest sporting stage and doing the nation proud – ‘This Is What Makes Us’ tells that story in the most perfect way.”

The campaign was developed alongside the Sports and Partnership Marketing team at Hill + Knowlton Strategies, one of the UK’s leading Public Relations Agencies and communications partner of Team GB.

Josh Connell, Head of Content Publishing, Sports, at Hill + Knowlton said of the campaign: “There isn’t a brand more capable of uniting us than Team GB. At a time when Britain feels more divided than ever, ‘This Is What Makes Us’ is a reminder of our similarities, and a celebration of our differences. In the run-up to Tokyo, we’ll give the British public the best news they’ve heard in ages – the Olympics is less than a year away.”

Team GB’s campaign to bring the nation together in unity and pride ahead of Tokyo 2020 will run through the next year as teams continue to get announced and the Games draw closer.

 

 

Bengaluru FC Signs Two-Year Partnership With Rangers FC

Bengaluru FC have forged a partnership with Scottish giants, Rangers Football Club in a two-year collaboration (with the option to extend on mutual agreement) that will present a number of football and commercial opportunities for both clubs.

During the length of the link-up, the Light Blues will look to have an active presence in the Indian footballing market enabling the club to grow its international audience. The partnership will also encompass a scouting link up with the Indian Super League side to identify India’s best talent with a view to opening up opportunities.

The Rangers Academy will travel to India and be welcomed at Bengaluru’s state of art training centre. Rangers Soccer Schools will also be holding training camps in Bengaluru and will be bringing tour groups to Glasgow to see how to play and train the Rangers way.
A Rangers Legends side, packed with players who have played for the Gers [as the club is popularly known] in the past will travel to India to play and also to take part in fan engagement events whilst also visiting Soccer Schools camps.

A culture of knowledge sharing will also be fostered, with experiences and opportunities discussed across a number of different departments across both clubs. Rangers will also look to grow into the Indian market by hosting screening events in Bengaluru for fans.

Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson said: “We’re excited and proud to announce our partnership with reigning Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC, especially at this time when football in India, a country of 1.3 billion people, is entering a period of unprecedented growth.

“The Club’s international strategy is a core-pillar to our growth plans and this partnership opens up Rangers to the vast football community in India and provides a great platform for us to engage with our wider fan base, and the South Asian communities at home here in Scotland.”

Mandar Tamhane, CEO, Bengaluru FC said, “It is a matter of pride for us to be partnering with Rangers FC – a club that is laden with history and is one of the top football brands globally.”

“The partnership is based on an exchange of knowledge and services, one that we are looking to make the most of. Bengaluru FC’s endeavour has been to help grow Indian football and our association with Rangers is a big step in that direction. We are excited about the development our academy, Soccer Schools and grassroots programmes will be exposed to, in the coming years. There is also the prospect of our first team visiting and playing a game at the Ibrox, which is something we are looking forward to. We are certain of the success of this partnership.”

League Of Legends Joins Forces With Oppo Until 2024

League of Legends has named Oppo as its global smartphone partner.

As the exclusive global smartphone partner for League of Legends esports through 2024, Oppo will have year-round activations centered around the sport’s three annual global tournaments: the Mid-Season Invitational, the All-Star Event, and the World Championship. Starting with the 2019 World Championship, Oppo aims to bring players closer to the biggest esport event of the year through various activations, including:

MVP Presented by OPPO: As the first global presenting partner for the Most Valuable Player award at the World Championship and Mid-Season Invitational, OPPO will celebrate the most winning performance for the most critical matches of the season.

OPPO Cam: During the broadcasts of the World Championship, the OPPO Cam will bring millions of players tuning in closer to the biggest competition of the esports season. From cosplay to behind-the-scenes look-ins, the OPPO Cam will allow fans watching from around the world to look in on the live event experience by leveraging OPPO’s unparalleled phone camera technology.

Welcome to the Rift: OPPO will spotlight teams making their inaugural appearance at Worlds, allowing fans an inside look at the next League of Legend prodigies, the top underdog contenders, and the most dangerous dark horses.

Win a Trip: OPPO will activate a series of consumer promotions that give players a chance to win a trip with behind-the-scenes access to the World Championship, All-Star Event, or Mid-Season Invitational.
League of Legends joins OPPO’s roster of premier sport partners which includes Wimbledon, FC Barcelona, and the International Cricket Council, among others. This partnership puts OPPO at the center of the burgeoning global esports market, as they join League of Legends Esports best-in-class partners like Mastercard, State Farm, Alienware, Secretlab, and Louis Vuitton.

“Esports is a fast-growing sport globally, and League of Legends has become a lifestyle of many young people in recent years,” said Brian Shen, OPPO Vice President and President of Global Marketing. “As a consumer-centered brand, OPPO always seeks the right way to communicate with young people, our target audience. This is a great move for Riot and OPPO; the partnership will allow us to continue to strengthen our bond with the young as we join them in celebrating the victory of each game.”

“OPPO’s commitment to design and innovation are cornerstones in everything they do, and we are thrilled to have them bring their pioneering spirit to our global sport and fanbase,” said Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Business Development and Partnerships for Riot Games. “To be OPPO’s first esports league partner is a powerful testament to the resonance of League of Legends esports, and we look forward to collaborating together to celebrate the sport, our fans, and the love of the game. ”

ESPN+ To Broadcast Bundesliga In US From 2020

ESPN+ has partnered Bundesliga for US broadcasting in a multi-year deal that will begin in August 2020.

ESPN+ will feature exclusive live and on-demand replay coverage of more than 300 matches per season from the Bundesliga, in both English and Spanish languages. In addition, the long-term agreement includes live coverage of the season kick-off DFL Supercup, rights to Bundesliga 2 matches and on-demand surround programming such as highlights and magazine shows.

ESPN linear television networks will also feature select Bundesliga matches each season and highlights will be available in ESPN programmes and on the ESPN App and ESPN.com. The Bundesliga joins an extensive lineup of soccer on ESPN+ that features over 2,000 top soccer matches per year from around the world.

Bundesliga International CEO, Robert Klein, said: “It was clear from the start that ESPN and ESPN+ shared our ambitious vision. As innovators in the sports industry, we’re both driven to deliver highly engaging content for fans.”

He continued: “They will help us build on the strong connections the Bundesliga has with the U.S. having welcomed more American players than any other European league. They’re attracted by the authentic, entertaining soccer we describe as ‘Football As It’s Meant To Be’, played in front of the largest spectator numbers in the sport and epitomised by the highest goals per game average of all top European leagues. Germany will continue to be an important source of talent for future U.S.national teams and with ESPN we’re incredibly excited to take fans on their journey in the lead up to their home World Cup in 2026.”

Russell Wolf, Executive Vice President and General Manager, ESPN+ added: “With a strong connection to the American soccer community, a growing audience in the U.S. and some of the most well-known clubs and players in the world, the addition of the Bundesliga further cements ESPN+ as a must-have for any soccer fan.”

Burke Magnus, Executive Vice President, Programming, ESPN, concluded: “We’re thrilled to reach this kind of multi-year agreement to bring one of the world’s most passion-filled and exciting soccer leagues to the most innovative sport service in the U.S. Like ESPN, the Bundesliga has embraced technology, putting the fan at the heart of all they do by consistently delivering world-class content.”

Man City Partners With Esports Brand FaZe Clan

Manchester City has partnered with esports FaZe Clan to create new experiences for fans of both football and esports, to bring the two audiences together in exciting new ways.

Through this partnership, the organisations will bring together the worlds of football and esports across a number of exciting initiatives. FaZe and City will collaborate to create engaging content with talent and players, as well has hosting exclusive fans events in the US and around the world. FaZe and City will also bring their FIFA players together in a shared training facility and launch limited edition, co-branded retail products that fans can enjoy.

This announcement formalises the partnership between Manchester City and FaZe Clan who have previously linked up to create bespoke YouTube content together, including during the Club’s tour of the United States in 2017. FaZe’s much decorated Fortnite gamer Nate Hill, is also an avid City fan and is often seen wearing Club colours while streaming.

Nuria Tarre, chief marketing officer at City Football Group, said: “Esports is the world’s fastest growing spectator sport and this collaboration with FaZe Clan marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Manchester City’s esports journey. We recognise that fans want to celebrate their love for football across many aspects of their lives, including fashion, music and gaming, to create a culture that goes beyond what happens on the pitch. We are looking forward to working with FaZe Clan to provide our fans with new and immersive ways to engage with the Club.”

 Lee Trink, FaZe Clan chief executive officer, commented: “This alliance with Manchester City creates a powerful opportunity to join our collective fan base and cultures on and off the field. FaZe Clan will continue to push the boundaries of gaming and esports by engaging our fans with experiences that are meaningful, memorable and surprising.”

David Haggerty Re-Elected As President Of ITF

David Haggerty has been re-elected ITF President, during the first round of voting at the ITF Annual General Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday 27 September. David Haggerty, of USA, will serve a four-year term from 2019-23.

The total number of votes registered was 437, with 428 valid votes cast. There were no spoiled ballots and 9 abstentions meaning 215 votes were required to reach a majority.

The voting procedure was conducted by the Election Panel (a sub-group of the independent Ethics Commission) and independent auditors.

iSportconnect previously spoke with David Haggerty who spoke about achieving sustainable growth. 

NBA Partners All Media Baltics For Coverage In Baltics

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and All Media Baltics have joined forces which will see All Media become the NBA’s exclusive multiplatform partner in the Baltics, providing the most extensive NBA coverage ever to fans in the region.

As part of the partnership, All Media will broadcast more than 200 live NBA games each season, including a record 48 weekend primetime games as part of the league’s ‘NBA Saturdays’ and ‘NBA Sundays’ Europe primetime initiative.

The comprehensive coverage will also include up to seven regular-season games per week, Christmas Day Games, NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, and the Conference Finals as well as The Finals on TVPlay Sports channels, and up to an additional seven live games per week on NBA TV – the league’s 24/7 dedicated channel, which will be offered by AMB payTV platforms – TVPlay Home and TVPlay Premium.

At least one game per week will be showcased on TV6, one of All Media’s free-to-air channels.

Pay TV CEO of All Media Baltics, Jan Wykrytowicz said: “We are delighted to enter into this exclusive partnership with the NBA and we look forward to providing fans in the Baltics with a unique viewer experience across all platforms. With the season starting on October 22, basketball fans will be able to enjoy the most extensive NBA coverage ever.”

NBA associate vice president media distribution EME Bastien Lacheny said: “The breadth and scope of our coverage across All Media’s linear and multi-media platforms, will provide fans with unprecedented access to live NBA games, highlights and content. The Baltics have a rich basketball heritage from early pioneers and former stars to today’s current crop of players. Fuelled by this passion, All Media will become the true home of the NBA in the region.”

ECB Announce £25m Increase To Its Infrastructure Fund For First-Class Counties

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a £25million increase to its Infrastructure Fund for First-Class Counties (FCCs) over the next five years.

This is in addition to the £50million of FCC infrastructure funding that ECB pledged earlier this year when launching its strategy for 2020-24: Inspiring Generations.

ECB’s Infrastructure Fund, now totalling £75milllion, will go directly towards helping the FCCs further maintain and improve facilities and operations, develop sustainable business plans and boost the in-venue experience for fans across all competitions.

The funding will also help the FCCs maintain the new venue standards that were recently introduced by the ECB Board. These standards are designed to ensure fans have a comfortable, safe and entertaining experience when attending a cricket match, across all formats.

ECB announced earlier this year that it will also provide £52million of grant funding to the recreational game specifically for clubs, urban cricket development, and women’s and girls’ cricket over the next five years.

Commenting on the announcement, ECB’s Chief Financial Officer, Scott Smith said: “I’m delighted to announce this increase in infrastructure funding. The FCCs form the heart of cricket in England and Wales and it’s imperative that we support all the amazing work they do to provide fans, players and staff with the best facilities and experience.

“The additional funding demonstrates our commitment to partnering with the FCCs as they develop sustainable plans and work towards achieving their ambitions for their venues.”

Also commenting, Rob Andrew, CEO of Sussex County Cricket Club said: “We’re really excited to work in partnership with ECB to further deliver top-class facilities for our fans, staff and players. We have been working on our masterplan to improve our facilities and make the ground more financially sustainable for the long term.

“It’s at venues like ours in Hove where children become inspired to pick up a bat and ball, new fans experience the excitement of live cricket and life-long supporters cheer on their local team with their friends and family.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all FCCs when I say that our priority is to ensure everyone visiting a cricket match thoroughly enjoys their experience. Having great facilities is big part of that and we look forward to working with ECB to further build on our offer for fans.”