Events

Racing tycoon Bernie Ecclestone's efforts to raise $2.0 billion with a controversial bond have received a fresh setback as bankers said the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was so far reluctant to list the security.

The 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea may be three days shorter than this year's 33-day tournament in France, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said.

Asian soccer chiefs have gaven FIFA until March to avert a regional boycott of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea by giving Asia the chance of an extra place in the finals.

Isolationist North Korea has never been officially approached about the possibility of hosting matches during the 2002 World Cup, a top Pyongyang sports official has said.

The bidding process for the right to stage the 2004 European soccer championship moves up a gear this week when UEFA inspectors go to Spain - the first visit to one of the bidding nations.

The Italian government are to prepare new rules limiting a single digital television broadcaster from owning more than 60 percent of rights to the total amount of football games, an Italian newspaper has reported.

Confusion over scheduling, disputes over judges' decisions, rumours of food poisoning and an upside down flag are some of the problems faced by organisers of this week's Asian Winter Games in South Korea.

A major corporate sponsor of the Sydney 2000 Games, car maker GM-Holden, has said it was concerned about the impact of the International Olympic Committee corruption crisis on its sponsorship investment.

The Boyer Group has been appointed the exclusive signage sales agent for Stadium Australia in a seven-year deal.

The United States Olympic Committee will give the eight American cities bidding for the chance to become the US candidate for the 2012 Olympic Games more time to prepare their bids.

Gaylord Entertainment Company has acquired the naming rights to the Nashville Arena from the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators.

Melbourne has tabled a bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games in anticipation of the International Olympic Committee moving to a system of rotating regions when awarding future Games.

World motor racing body FIA said it is expecting the European Commission's antitrust department to formally outline its objections to the commercial aspects of Formula One and other championships soon.

Six European cities desperate for their two weeks in the world spotlight will pledge their undying loyalty to the Olympic movement next week as the contest to host the 2006 Winter Games reaches its climax.

FIFA and Women's World Cup have brought in a leading live entertainment producer to create an elaborate opening ceremony field production which will include the choreographed movements of 1,500 girls from local schools to form four giant female soccer players on the field.

Sponsors of soccer's world famous FA Cup competition are holding crisis talks over fears holders Manchester United will pull-out of this year's tournament.