The European Commission "unexpectedly rejected" Anheuser-Busch's complaint against France's Loi Evin, which "prevents" the company from sponsoring the World Cup in '98, according to AD AGE. A-B signed on as one of the "core sponsors" for the soccer event, but AD AGE notes that French law, passed in '91 to "protect the domestic drinks industry from foreign competition, would make that sponsorship impossible." The decision has been labeled a "political decision" by the European Assoc. of Advertising Agencies, which "plans to lobby for a review of the decision, and is also urging the Union of European Football Associations to fight" (AD AGE, 3/24). DON'T TAKE MY KODACHROME OF BRAVES: Eastman Kodak signed a multimillion-dollar, three-year deal with Turner Broadcasting Sales for signage, interactive kiosks and media exposure at the Braves' Turner Field, according to AD AGE. BellSouth also reached a three-year deal with the Braves for TV time, signage and exclusive merchandising and promotional rights in telecommunications categories (AD AGE, 3/24). NEWS & NOTES: AD AGE's Jeff Jensen notes Footaction USA is selling a minute of advertising time for its music video programming shown in stores for $12,000. That will increase during "peak periods" such as back-to-school and the holiday season. Footaction will also give advertisers access to its database of 100,000 customers for promotions....AD AGE's Jensen & Cuneo put the Nike account of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners between $30-50M, "making Nike now one of Goodby's biggest clients" (AD AGE, 3/24 issue).
