Plans are "gathering pace in Argentina to secure an imminent return to the Formula 1 calendar as part of a bid to secure more high-profile sporting events." Argentina "was one of the first non-European countries to host a round of F1 in 1953." Argentina President Mauricio Macri is "known to have been pushing for a F1 race through his erstwhile role as Buenos Aires mayor, with the recent success of the returning Mexican Grand Prix -- which saw 135,000 attend race day alone -- likely to strengthen his cause further" (CRASH, 1/24). ... The Northern Ireland Football League remains "supportive of plans for a re-vamped Scottish Challenge Cup competition." Scottish Professional Football League representatives hope to invite two clubs each from the Irish League and Wales to participate in a new-look tournament. Two Premiership sides that do not have European commitments "are likely to feature in the competition from the summer of 2017" (BELFAST TELEGRAPH, 1/23). ... The Global Legends Series football series between two sides of the world's most decorated and accomplished int'l players, will bring its unique brand of competition, celebration and charity to Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas for the first time in the U.S. on Feb. 20. The match will feature two teams comprised of 25 football greats who have won some of the world's biggest competitions. The teams will be lead out by opposing captains -- the 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, and Portuguese legend, Luis Figo (Global Legends Series). ... The Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted the final of the Big Bash League after the Melbourne Stars defeated the Perth Scorchers at the MCG. The Stars won the right to host the final on Jan. 24 at the MCG, after top of the table Adelaide Strikers were defeated by Sydney Thunder. The BBL Final was a double header. The Rebel WBBL Final took place beforehand which featured the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers (BBL).
