MENA

FIFA and Brazilian television and marketing agency Traffic International have signed a contract guaranteeing soccer's world governing body at least 60 million Swiss Francs ($39.71 million) in broadcasting rights for the first World Club Championship.

Europe's leading soccer leagues have taken on world governing body FIFA about releasing players for the controversial Confederations' Cup in January.

FIFA are looking into the possibility of rescheduling the Confederations Cup from January to August 1999 after world champions France withdrew last month.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from next month's Asian Games in Bangkok because the event clashes with religious and national festivals at home, Thai officials have said.

Egypt's national soccer manager Mahmoud el-Gohary and the board of the Egyptian Football Association have resigned following the national team's defeat last week in the Confederations Cup Championship in Mexico.

Al-Dahshouri Harb has been appointed the new head of the Egypt Football Association (EFA) following the resignation of the EFA board.

The postponement of this year's FIFA World Club Championship in Spain could damage soccer?s credibility in Japan, according to the president of J. League club Jubilo Iwata.

UEFA Cup and European Super Cup winners Galatasaray and European champions Real Madrid will represent Europe at the second World Club Championship from July 29 to August 12 in Spain, FIFA said on Thursday.

South Korea's preparations for the co-hosting of the 2002 World Cup are well on track to be completed before the December 2001 deadline set by FIFA, according to event co-ordinator Peter Velappan.

The campaign team behind South Africa's bid to host the 2006 World Cup will end its global charm offensive in the coming week with visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Peter Velappan, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, has attacked the decision by Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli to withdraw from the semifinals of this year's Asian Cup Winners' Cup.

Bernie Ecclestone has dropped plans to seek new investors for his Formula One Administration until the European Commission gives a final ruling on grand prix broadcasting rights.

International Cricket Council President Jagmohan Dalmiya will recommend that Kenya hosts the ICC knockout tournament next year.

Prize money for the millennium Dubai World Cup meeting - horse racing's richest event - will be $12 million, almost double this year's figure.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that grounds which fail to guarantee the safety of players and umpires could be stripped of their international status.

Middle Eastern Emirate Airlines has announced it has teamed up with the Australian Cricket Board to sponsor the Australian World Cup team this year.