United Kingdom

World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis' U.S. promoter has denied a report that Johannesburg had been selected to host the fighter's next defence in April.

Police are to investigate the validity of European passports held by 80 foreign nationals playing for English soccer clubs, British newspapers reported on Friday.

Beijing declared itself ready for inspection for its bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, but urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not to let politics influence its judgement.

Australian owned event cleaning company Cleanevent have signed a contract with The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for day-to-day cleaning, including the period of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the parent company for the NHL's Maple Leafs, the NBA's Toronto Raptors and the owners of the Air Canada Centre are set to debut a 24-hour channel devoted to the Maple Leafs in September.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is investigating Manchester United's mega-bucks partnership with the New York Yankees.

Sports industry executives in the US have responded positively to the marketing alliance between baseball?s New York Yankees and Premier League soccer club Manchester United.

The English soccer competition, the FA Cup is losing its appeal, the chief executive of Charlton Athletic has said, citing poor ticket sales for their fourth round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

BSkyB has reported a first-half pre-tax loss of #112 million ($164 million) but subscribers to its pay TV service broke the five million barrier and the company expects to return to profit soon.

Manchester United supporters have expressed concern at their club?s deal with the New York Yankees.

Sports internet company Sportal has been forced to axe 10 percent of its global workforce after investors demanded cutbacks.

The Scottish Open, defunct since 1996, will return to the European Tour after receiving backing from the Scottish Executive as part of its bid to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup.

New South Wales-based local authority Liverpool council has approved a major deal with the Bulldogs Leagues Club for a Aus$700 million ($382.3million) club, water recreation park, football stadium and indoor arena.

A number of Formula One car manufacturers are seeking an equity stake in F1 holding company SLEC, the family trust controlled by Bernie Ecclestone, a senior executive has confirmed.

Sports, entertainment and events marketing and management firms Philadelphia-based RHB Ventures and Quintus Group in London, have merged to form Quintus, Incorporated.

Ken Bates, chairman of London soccer club Chelsea, has defended ticket prices for the new West Stand at Stamford Bridge where fans could pay #197 ($287) per match next season.