South Africa

South Africa is convinced it will host a Formula One Grand Prix race next season after a six year gap despite the introduction of a bill banning tobacco advertising, Sports Minister Steve Tshwete has said.

World rugby's governing body has failed to promote the sport outside its traditional strongholds and is in dire need of a serious shape-up, former Australian hero David Campese has said.

The one-day tournament between England, South Africa and Sri Lanka later this month, the first international cricket series in England to be played in coloured clothing, is to be sponsored by Emirates airline.

Australian cricket chiefs have imposed tough new regulations on players with the introduction of a racial and religious vilification code and a drug testing policy.

The South African Rugby Football Union has said it will name its first black president at special elections next month, ending months of bitter wrangling over ending white domination of the sport.

South Africa could host a Formula One Grand Prix race in 2001 or maybe even sooner if there is a gap in the programme, Formula One Association president Bernie Ecclestone is reported to have said.

Cricket authorities are likely to come under pressure to increase the jurisdiction of the third umpire following the planned use of slow motion replays in non-televised matches at next month's Commonwealth Games.

Security for athletes at next month's World Cup has been discussed at the highest level, a spokesman for President Nelson Mandela, Parks Mankahlana, has said.

The athletics World Cup will be renamed the Nelson Mandela Trophy for future editions of the four-yearly continental team event, the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) has said.

World athletic supremo Primo Nebiolo has been criticised for saying the scheduling clash between the World Cup in South Africa and the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games was the fault of Games organisers.

South Africa are to experiment with the use of a television referee to assist match officials.

The firm building the venue for the 1999 rugby union world cup final has warned it needs to work around the clock on the #121 million Millennium Stadium in Cardiff or it will not be ready in time.

China is considering rival bids by three of its largest cities - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou - to host the 2008 Olympic Games, state media said on Monday.

Former South African rugby boss Louis Luyt is setting up a new political party to challenge Nelson Mandela's ruling African National Congress (ANC) in general elections next year.

English rugby officials have turned down a proposal to change the cycle of British Lions tours from four to six years.

Xerox is to be an official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 1999 to be hosted by Welsh Rugby Union.