Events

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) managing director John O'Neill (pictured) has expressed full confidence that Australia will be the sole hosts of the 2003 World Cup after its presentation to the Rugby World Cup Board (RWC) next week.

The directors of the Rugby World Cup have spoken out in support of their chairman Vernon Pugh amid criticism that he has been acting 'inappropriately' during negotiations about whether New Zealand can co-host the 2003 World Cup with Australia.

The Kirch Group will only sells its entire stake in Formula One as a "last resort", the head of its F1 marketing division has said.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has unveiled a new broadcast partner in a lucrative rights deal for the Melbourne Cup carnival - Australia's premier horse racing event.

The World Wrestling Federation has hailed its first tour of Asia a big success after generating more than $2.6million (EUR2.95m) in ticket and merchandising revenues.

New Zealand's hopes of co-hosting the 2003 Rugby World Cup are still alive, the NZ government said today.

Wembley plc, the gaming group and former owner of Wembley Stadium, has sold its Keith Prowse hospitality business to a management buyout for £5.5million ($7.8m/EUR8.9m).

Chinese media firm Sina.com has launched the official website of the Chinese national soccer team.

Australian officials, desperate to avoid the 2003 World Cup being moved to the northern hemisphere, have met with International Rugby Board chairman Vernon Pugh to discuss their plans to host the tournament.

Independent bookmaker Victor Chandler is looking to boost awareness of its World Cup betting facilities through two high-profile advertising deals.

Marketing, management and events group Benchmark Sport has launched a new sponsorship division to enhance its position in the sport marketplace.

UK-based sports sponsorship and marketing company Sporting Frontiers has launched the William Hill Eye, an aerial camera system that will be launched at Cheltenham.

New Zealand rugby chiefs have fired a broadside at International Rugby Board chief Vernon Pugh, condemning him as 'too powerful'.

FIFA's internal ad hoc audit committee, set up to look into FIFA finances, must present its results no later than April 30 - less than a month before the FIFA presidential elections in Seoul.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has finally secured a naming rights sponsor for Australia's most famous ocean race, the Australian Associated Press confirmed today.

The head of the International Rugby Board broke an agreement which would have allowed New Zealand to co-host next year's World Rugby Cup, media reported this morning.