France

Eurosport, the leading pan-European sports channel, has smashed a series of Olympic records following their continuous coverage of the Sydney Games.
Events

Universal McCann Event, McCann Erickson?s sports marketing department in Paris, has brokered a partnership agreement between Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports, and Discovery Wings Channel, the North American channel for air sports enthusiasts.
Events

New Zealand pay-television operator, Sky Network Television Ltd., has won rights to broadcast six of New Zealand's national rugby team?s tour matches in Europe and Japan later this year.

Rugby union could be included in the Olympic Games of 2008, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has said.
Events

The World Wrestling Federation Entertainment has signed new television distribution deals in Russia and Bulgaria.
Events

NBC finally showed some live coverage of the Olympics at the weekend ? deciding at the last moment to broadcast the men?s basketball gold medal game.
Business

Siemens Mobile Phones has launched what is believed to be the world's biggest WAP service providing match results, fixtures and news for football fans across Europe.
Media

Sportswear firm Reebok has been forced to scrap a TV commercial after the athlete featured pulled out of the Olympics.
Media

Swansea Rugby Football Club has appointed Generation Communications Ltd to manage all media and marketing activity relating to the club.
Business

Organisers of Beijing's 2008 Olympic bid have pledged that the Chinese capital would offer clean air and ensure freedom for the thousands of foreign journalists who would flock to the Games.

The Stadio delle Alpi in Turin is to stage a friendly between the England and Italy national soccer sides in November.
Business

European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) has signed a five-year partnership deal with the Paris-based sports marketing agency Havas Advertising Sports.
Events

Promising a "utopia" for competitors, Toronto Olympic bid organisers have sought to rally athletes behind their campaign for the 2008 Games.
Events

The Japanese city of Osaka has pressed its claim to stage the 2008 Olympics against current favourite Beijing, saying it could outdo the Chinese capital in experience and facilities.
Stadia

Wanadoo, France Telecom's (FTE) internet subsidiary, has bought a majority stake in Ridingzone.com, a French language sports Web site.
Business

Global sports goods maker adidas has renewed its sponsorship of soccer's World Cup as part of a marketing drive to stay the world's number one soccer brand.

English Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined the fight to try and save soccer?s transfer system ? facing collapse after pressure from the European Union.
Business

China has declared that the dramatic axing of 27 athletes from its Olympic squad amid suspicions of doping has produced a leaner but meaner team that should hold its own at the Sydney Games.