David Owen: TV just keeps growing as 2014 World Cup viewing outscores South Africa 2010

I have been privileged to receive, in advance of this week’s Sportel sports content media convention in Monaco, a briefing on 2014 World Cup viewing trends from a leading specialist in the field. The briefing – from Kevin Alavy, managing director – mediabrands at Futures Sport+Entertainment, a US-based sports research consultancy – was unofficial in nature. But it gives an idea of what to expect when the official television audience report for the tournament is published by FIFA.

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New investors to acquire Slavia Prague with city backing

Slavia Prague stadium

By Jaroslaw Adamowski
October 3 – A group of investors led by Czech businessman Karl Pražák is targeting a takeover of Slavia Prague. The group says it will also bring in over the municipal authorities of the Czech capital’s Prague 10 district as a new shareholder, reported local daily Mlada fronta DNES.

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FIFA backs Nigerian election as cash for votes allegations mount

Amaju Pinnick

By Mark Baber
October 3 – FIFA has thrown its weight behind the newly elected Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick (pictured) who has promised to go to Jos to speak to Chris Giwa. But the situation remains on a knife-edge as another rival declares the election was bought and all factions stay away from the fire-damaged NFF Headquarters Glass House which is guarded by plain-clothes security with Jos High Court injunctions stuck to the doors.

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Ricksen takes the fight for his life to ALS

Fernando Ricksen

October 3 – In September 2013 the 38-year-old former Dutch international Fernando Ricksen was diagnosed with the terminal nerve disease ALS. A year later, the former football Wildman with a best-selling autobiography under his belt, has become the face of the fight against the killer disease. Interview extracted from FIFA Weekly

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San Antonio put stadium plans in place in race for MLS

San Antonio Scorpions

By Ben Nicholson
October 3 – San Antonio’s MLS expansion bid campaign has slipped under the media radar in recent weeks. Las Vegas’ clamor for city backing and Sacramento’s joy at their on-field success and off-field visits from MLS reps have kept the formerly favored San Antonio bid relatively underrepresented. Perhaps unjustly as the bid appears to tick the appropriate boxes.

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