United Kingdom

The climax of a soap opera whodunit, which has gripped Britain for weeks, will delay the kick-off of an international soccer match in Spain.

The Culture, Media and Sport select committee report into the staging of international sporting events has called for the Sports Minister to be given increased powers in the new Government.

A study by the Sports Consulting Group of Andersen, SCORE, has found that England is ?Europe?s football related tax paradise? and that France has the most problems in attracting well-known international players.

The organisers of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester have come under fire for failing to promote the event enough.

The ICC has banned star cricket player Brian Lara from using a new bat carrying the logo of an internet betting company.

Struggling English first division side Queens Park Rangers have gone into financial administration after cancelling their stock market listing.

Manchester United confirmed its position as the world?s richest club by announcing a 42% increase in half-year profits to #17.3m ($24.5m), exceeding analysts? expectations.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), MBNA Europe Bank Limited (MBNA) and global licensing agency Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG) have launched the official England Rugby Visa Card.

Privately-owned engineering and construction company Shepherd Construction has been appointed to construct the Wales National Pool in Swansea.

The England and Wales Cricket Board will name the new sponsor of its trophy competition this week.

Bill Gates and Microsoft are throwing their financial support behind next year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester, signing up as an official sponsor and technology supplier.

Loss-making Loftus Road Plc, owners of English first division soccer club Queens Park Rangers, has cancelled its stock market listing.

ENIC, the London stock market-listed sports and leisure company, is looking to transfer its market listing from the main market to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) so that it can comply with UEFA rules on dual ownership of clubs.

Ireland's three remaining Six Nations rugby union internationals have been postponed until next season because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Sport site network Rivals.net has teamed up with Entertainment Films to sponsor the movie Mike Bassett ? England Manager.

England rugby league teams Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls have alleged that officials from the Rugby Football Union are attempting to get six of their contracted players to switch codes.

The Wales v Ireland Six Nations rugby union match appears likely to be played next season, even though a final decision to postpone the game won't be taken until April 1.

The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) will meet with top clubs next week to discuss the latest proposals for the professional game's future.