The Adelaide City Council "will make a formal request to the South Australian State Government to investigate whether or not the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix could return to the city." The City Council determined that it would like South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell to "look into the viability of a bid" to reclaim a round of the F1 World Championship. The South Australian capital was Australia's first World Championship host (MOTORSPORT, 3/15).
Derry City and Strabane District Council approved a £250,000 ($307,000) plan to "bring the Clipper round-the-world yacht race back to Derry" in '18. The race would return as "part of the planned 2018 Foyle Maritime Festival." The council approved £250,000 "to be a host port during the race." However, it emerged that "a Derry crew may not take part in the race because no sponsored boat has been secured by council as of yet" (DERRY NOW, 3/14).
ManU is set to face Man City in San Diego as part of the Int'l Champions Cup, with Alex Ferguson expected to announce the tournament in N.Y. "early next week." The U.S. edition of the ICC is "to be a six-club competition" as ManU and Man City are "proposed to be joined" by Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus. Contracts are "yet to be finalised but it is thought enough paperwork will be signed off for Ferguson to make the announcement next week" (London GUARDIAN, 3/15).
The Asian Cup qualifier between Malaysia and North Korea, which was postponed last week due to "strained relations between the two countries," has been rescheduled for June 8, the Asian Football Confederation said. AFC Secretary General Dato' Windsor John said that "the North had been given until April 14 to propose a neutral venue for the match" and there had been "no suggestion" it would be canceled (REUTERS, 3/15).
Zambia President Edgar Lungu said that "his country will bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations." Lungu met with Confederation of African Football President Issa Hayatou on Monday and "made the declaration" that Zambia would bid for the Africa Cup of Nations in eight years' time. Lungu said, "I don't know the bidding process, but as a politician, I am bidding right now. I am bidding on behalf of all Zambians" (BBC, 3/15).
