Events

Contract problems have stalled the $A200 million construction of one of the feature venues of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Japan's leading football official has expressed surprise that former FIFA president Joao Havelange should say it was a mistake to award the 2002 World Cup jointly to Japan and South Korea.

Franz Beckenbauer has been elected vice-president of the German Soccer Federation (DFB) and has immediately pressed for reforms.

The New York Yankees' four-game sweep of the San Diego Padres has resulted in the lowest World Series rating ever, but there were still consolations for Fox

The BBC has won broadcasting rights to United Kingdom athletics from Channel Four, in a move that will consolidate its position as the sports broadcaster with the broadest range of top events.

The New York Mets and Mike Piazza are close to a long-term contract agreement that could make the All-Star catcher the highest paid player in baseball, according to broadcast reports.

Several countries have withdrawn from events in December's Asian Games, officials of host country Thailand have reported.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that he expected England to present a strong, professional bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals - although Africa was still the logical choice to stage the tournament.

In a move to keep cable TV on the bench during this spring's NCAA men's college basketball tournament, broadcast network CBS and satellite TV company DirecTV has unveiled plans for joint coverage of the event.

The final of the European Championship in 2000 will be held in the Feyenoord stadium in Rotterdam.

A Chinese domestic soccer match is to be transmitted live on the internet for the first time, an official of Shanghai Webtv Co Ltd said on Wednesday.

Malaysia's Deputy Sports Minister Datuk Loke Yuen Yow has said that Malaysia will bid to host subsequent Olympics even if it fails in its bid to hold the 2008 Games.

Athletics chiefs have revamped their fixture list for next season in a bid to make Wednesday nights a focal point for top-class track and field.

Bangkok Asian Games Organising Committee (Bagoc) chairman and deputy prime minister Bhichai Rattakul has requested chefs de mission from 43 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) not to withdraw their teams from the Bangkok Asiad.

Pete Sampras called for a reduction in tennis tournaments after injuries hit the Eurocard Open.

FIFA officials are expecting Nigeria on Monday to inspect facilities for next year's world youth cup, a spokesman for the Nigerian tournament organisers said on Sunday.