China

After fears over Athens’ readiness to host the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has warned Beijing to slow down preparations for the 2008 Games, according to reports in the UK’s Daily Telegraph.

IMG executive Peter Johnson has been promoted to chief operating officer, in addition to his existing roles, joint CEOs Bob Kain and Alastair Johnson (pictured) have confirmed.

More than 400 officials attended the Shanghai International Circuit to officially launch the V8 Supercar championship race next year.

The general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation has been forced to apologise for comments made after China staged the opening game of soccer’s Asian Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has received a joint bid from four nations to host the 2007 Asian Cup.

Hyundai has signed up as on official sponsor of the new Chinese soccer Super League.

Chinese communications company SOHU has signed a five-year sponsorship deal for the first-ever China Open tennis tournament.

IEC in Sports has been appointed to handle the international television distribution for the Korea, Japan and China legs of the Barcelona Asian Tour.

Viewing figures in China for the on-going Euro 2004 soccer tournament are set to topple those for the previous tournament, with up to 50 million viewers expected to tune in for the big games.

The Asian Football Association says it has received bids from four countries to host the 2007 Asian Cup.

Beijing’s hopes of a controversy-free run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games could be about to come unstuck, if stories coming out of China are to be believed.

Organisers of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 are on the hunt for staff.

TWI has been re-appointed to distribute Manchester United Television (MUTV) worldwide for the next three seasons.

NBA sensation Yao Ming has been appointed as a global ambassador to the Special Olympics.

Motor firm Volkswagon has signed a sponsorship deal with the local organising committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Hundreds of race fans turned out for the official opening at the weekend of the new Shanghai Formula One circuit.

Shanghai’s new Formula One track will be officially unveiled this weekend.

South east Asia will host soccer’s 2007 Asian Cup as part of its rotation policy – and countries are being told co-hosts may be given the green light.