Events

FIFA is preparing to take control of the handling of its World Cup 2002 and 2006 marketing rights after ISL failed in a Swiss court to postpone bankruptcy proceedings.

Cable operator NTL has confirmed it was part of a consortium of British pay TV groups bidding for the English soccer pay-per-view rights for which the company abandoned an exclusive bid last year.

Sponsors have warned Australia?s Wests Tigers rugby league side that deals worth around A$1m ($480,000) per year may be reviewed after a week which saw three stars fallen and fans staying away.

Jacques Rogge, a Belgian surgeon who has won a reputation for fixing the pains and strains of organising Olympic Games, on Monday joined the race for world sport's most powerful job - the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency.

Australian Swimming has launched a plan to lift the sport?s everyday profile.

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.

Australia?s Brisbane City Council officially approved the $A280m (US$143m) upgrade for Lang Park stadium on Wednesday.

A UK government select committee has led a critical inquiry into the nation?s capability to stage international events.

NBC will honour its two-year contractual commitment to XFL - despite another viewing figure slide in Week Four of the season.

Madrid has made a formal proposal to bid for the 2012 Olympics at a meeting with the Spanish Olympic Committee.

THE list of sporting events that should be available first on free-to-air television may be revised after an investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

Even the most experienced Olympic observers cannot agree on which city will win the battle to stage the 2008 Summer Games as the deciding vote draws near.

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.

South Africa are delaying a bid to stage the 2010 World Cup until FIFA confirm the finals will be staged somewhere in Africa.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRFU) is out to win a share of the money generated when its national team, the All Blacks, play overseas.

Canada said it might submit a bid to host the 2010 World Cup as a way of sending a message to the world that it was serious about one day hosting the world's premier soccer tournament.