Events

Media group Vivendi Universal has confirmed that it was in talks with Germany's Bertelsmann about merging their sports rights interests to create a leading pan-European player.

Setanta.com, the Irish sports content provider, has signed two contracts worth #1million ($1.45m) with mobile phone companies in Norway.

Brazil's soccer authorities teamed up with the legendary Pele and the government on Tuesday to reorganise the sport amid a swirl of corruption allegations and dwindling public interest.

Malaysia has a raw deal in being forced to stage two Formula One races in six months, triple world champion Jackie Stewart has said.

Malaysian motor racing fans will be able to watch the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit on STAR Sports? live telecast.

The English Rugby Football Union said it expected profits and cash reserves to double by 2007-2008, as it outlined an eight-year strategic plan to increase investment in the game.

The Nasdaq Stock Market has signed on as the North American presenting sponsor for the Sanex WTA Tour.

NASCAR plans to increase its international television distribution as part of its consolidated international and domestic television package.

FIFA has reserved judgment after investigating whether a bitter feud between the Greek football association (EPO) and the government was affecting the Greek game.

Sales of tickets for the Malysian Grand Prix have, so far, disappointed race organisers with the price of a ticket likely to be reviewed by the country?s sports minister if sales do not pick up.

i-Cable, Hong Kong?s dominant cable operator, expect its subscribers to grow from 520,000 to 548,000 by the end of 2001 on the back of its acquisition of World Cup 2002 and the recently secured English FA Cup soccer.

ABC Sports has gone inhouse for Don Ohlmeyer's replacement as producer of ``Monday Night Football,'' tapping Fred Gaudelli, producer of ``Sunday Night Football'' on ABC's sister network ESPN.

British Olympic chiefs are planning a bid for London to stage the 2012 Summer Games, the Daily Mail newspaper has reported.

Digital audio company, Radio First, has entered into a five-year agreement with British Sky Broadcasting to broadcast, regionally, Radio First?s network of football club-related digital radio stations on Sky digital.

South Korea plans this week to discuss cultural and sports exchanges with North Korea - including sharing of some 2002 World Cup soccer matches.

IOC delegates have heaped praise on Toronto's plans to stage the 2008 Olympics, saying they were impressed with the city's athlete-oriented focus and dismissed detractors who sought to cast a pall on Toronto's squeaky-clean reputation.

Two of Europe?s broadcast giants are in talks to merge their sports operations, according to paytvtoday.com.

The Sportsmasters Network has announced that they are no longer intending to proceed with their plans for a breakaway world tour later this year.