ADIDAS SIGNS ON WITH MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

     MLS Chair Alan Rothenberg and adidas soccer Manager Tom Kain
announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement involving adidas
uniforms and footwear for the Columbus, OH franchise.  Rothenberg
said the agreement designates adidas as an "official uniform and
footwear supplier to MLS" and expects to announce "one more"
uniform supplier later this week.  Kain said the agreement
continues adidas' support for the growth of soccer in the U.S.
through "start up efforts" such as MLS, clinics and programs for
all levels of soccer and its players.  Rothenberg expects to
announce more investors and franchise cities for the MLS in the
coming weeks.  Nike already supplies uniforms and footwear for
six MLS teams while Reebok supplies for three teams.  Mitre
Sports provides the official game ball (THE DAILY).
     WORLD CUP:  South Africa intends to bid to host the 2006
World Cup.  The South African Football Association announced its
intention in a letter to FIFA.  Besides South Africa, the German
Football Association has also declared an interest in the 2006
Cup (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/20).