United Kingdom

In an attempt to stamp out hooliganism among Rugby League fans in Australia, the New South Wales Police and the National Rugby League (NRL) have drawn up a plan to impose life bans on unruly fans.

Italian pay-TV networks Stream and Telepui have agreed merger terms, reports the Guardian newspaper in London.

The only England football fan to be jailed for rioting during the Euro 2000 championships has lost his appeal against his conviction, according to a report in The Independent newspaper.

The ruling body of men's tennis has said it hopes top players would not boycott Wimbledon after the All England Club changed its approach to seeding the men's singles.

The playing surface at the Millennium Stadium may have to be re-laid for the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Wimbledon tennis chiefs have rejected demands to adhere to the ATP rankings, despite a number of threats from top players to boycott the championship.

The 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games received a boost with news that Australian Olympic champion Cathy Freeman is expected to return to full training in October in preparation for the event.

A new umpiring system to be introduced by the International Cricket Council next year is likely to offer substantial pay increases for umpires.

Craigie Taylor International (CTI), the public relations, sponsorship and consultancy company, has appointed Fred Scarlett, one of the members of the gold medal- winning British rowing team at the Sydney Olympics. Scarlett?s job role will include identifying and matching potential new clients and sponsors.

UK based bookmakers Ladbroke saw its profits rise by 30 per cent for the three months to March 31, compared with the equivalent period last year.

Mobile phone company Vodafone has denied reports that it was in discussions over sponsoring English Premier League soccer.

The European Union's executive Commission has cleared new UEFA broadcasting rules allowing national soccer associations to block televised live soccer matches during key weekend fixture periods.

Shares in Chelsea Village, the company that owns English Premier League soccer club Chelsea, opened over ten per cent higher on weekend press reports that a consortium was preparing a hostile bid for the group.

Major broadcasters and sponsors are only just recognising the huge value in new generation sports, according to freesports agency Chilli.

English cricket chiefs have acted to head off any possible problems for their players from agents.

Top German soccer club Bayern Munich are seeking an equity partner in order to finance an #80m ($124m) transfer spending spree, vice president Karl Heinz Rummenigge revealed at SportBusiness 2001 in London.