Latin America

Former FIFA president Joao Havelange, 84, praised a controversial sponsorship deal between sportswear giants Nike and the Brazilian national team on Thursday as Congress continued its investigations into the country's crisis-hit national sport. For the full details see the FEATURES section of sportbusiness.com.

Manchester United, the world's richest soccer club, has signed a sponsorship and merchandising deal with sports gear giant Nike worth a massive $439 million.

The Women's United Soccer Association, which plans to kick off next April, unveiled its nicknames, logos and venues.

FIFA has announced details of the dates and tournament format for the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship.

ESPN Inc., Globosat Programmadora Ltda., and Fox Sports International have reached an agreement to create a new 24-hour total sports network serving Brazil.

The Brazilian Golf Confederation has signed a five-year rights deal with Brazilian sports marketing company Speed Sports for the country?s first golf tour.

SportsYA!, the internet portal serving Latin America, Spain and U.S. Hispanic markets, has secured $10 million capital investment in its latest round of financing from investors.

ISL has signed a 15-year partnership deal with Brazilian soccer club Gremio - the latest stage in its move to establish a firm hold on some of the key clubs in South America.

The ATP Tour will unveil the latest ad in its "New Balls Please" campaign in tomorrow's edition of USA Today.

Gustavo Kuerten will compete in the Sydney Olympics after a deal between sponsors and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) ended a spat about what he should wear at the Games.

More than a million spectators are expected to watch the men's and women's soccer events at the Sydney Olympics Games, tournament director Peter Hugg has said.

Formula One regulations are too complicated and need clarifying, according to the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Boosted by an encouraging performance at Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, Alain Prost is expected to announce plans to revive his flagging Formula One team this week.

American Environmental Corporation (AEVC) has completed a contract with the Jockey Club de Pernambuco RS in Brazil for the exclusive operation of simulcast transmission of international sports/racing events.

Wembley Stadium and the English Football Association has gained an important victory in their war against the corporate hospitality black market, after the High Court granted a temporary injunction against Adams Sport & Leisure.

A new race in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as well as first-time events in England, Germany and Mexico highlight the record 22-race FedEx Championship Series schedule for the 2001 season.