Battle for IOC presidency needs rigorous candidate tests January 2, 2025 The position of president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) isn’t quite the leadership of the free world, but is arguably more influential on the global stage than the heads of many nations, both free and not-so-free. It comes with far fewer constraints on the post-holder’s power too. Little wonder that seven sporting presidents, vice-presidents, [...]
Springboks enter long-term deal with British rugby brand Rhino January 1, 2025 The South Africa rugby Springboks have a seven-year deal with ball supplier Rhino in a major boost to the British-founded brand. The deal will see the world champions use Rhino balls for their home Test matches while the agreement stretches to the women’s international team, and the Currie Cup. Rian Oberholzer, chief executive of SA [...]
Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the US are the countries to watch in sport in 2025 January 1, 2025 Professor Simon Chadwick explains why Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United States are his three countries to watch in sport in 2025. With the global sport industry apparently set to continue on its growth trajectory in 2025, albeit in the context of uncertain geopolitical times, many countries across the world will find themselves jockeying for [...]
Breakaway rugby talks not a ‘distraction’ to Rugby World Cup, says chief January 1, 2025 World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has insisted that talk of a breakaway franchise competition is not a distraction, stating that any investment talk is “fantastic”. Reports have circled of a LIV Golf-style breakaway in rugby union with both private equity and sovereign wealth backers, to various degrees. Details of the supposed competition, which some [...]
Horse racing gets shot in arm as festive spectator numbers boom December 31, 2024 Horse racing tracks across the country boasted of increased attendances over the festive period as the sport got a much needed shot in the arm. Amid concerns in the sport about prize money and the number of horses starting in races, the Christmas break saw thousands flock to the country’s top courses. Newbury say spectator [...]
Ratcliffe, IPL and Littler: The City AM Sport 2024 year in review December 31, 2024 It was the year that was in sport; when iconic athletes retired, major brands made fascinating choices and one pole vaulter was knocked out of the Olympics because of his hefty package. The 12 months that made up 2024 weaved the retirement of cricketer James Anderson with the iconic breakdancer Raygun, it saw a German [...]
Purton on track to become Hong Kong Legend aboard St Paul’s December 31, 2024 MANY of the thousands of racegoers who go through the turnstiles for the New Year racing bonanza will make a beeline for the gift shops around Sha Tin racecourse. Local racing enthusiasts always want the start of the year to go off with a bang, and will rely on anything to bring them luck, and [...]
Theta to make light work of heavyweight California Spangle December 31, 2024 THE ACTION starts early for horse-racing fans in Hong Kong on New Year’s Day, when Sha Tin hosts an 11-race programme starting at 4.30am, featuring two Group Three contests, The Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (6.00am), a handicap over five furlongs, and The Chinese Club Challenge Cup (8.10am) over seven furlongs. The Bauhinia Sprint Trophy should provide [...]
All eyes on Littler at Ally Pally as last eight looms December 31, 2024 Luke Littler says “all eyes would still be on me” even if title rival Luke Humphries had not been knocked out of the World Championship. Littler became an even heavier favourite to win the tournament after he did what the world number one could not do by reaching the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace. The 17-year-old [...]
Wayne Rooney sacked by Plymouth Argyle December 31, 2024 Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Plymouth Argyle with the club bottom of the Championship and facing a relegation battle. Argyle have won just four of their 23 Championship matches this season, netting 18 points in the process. Former Manchester United player Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board [...]