The African Nations Cup is "set to be expanded to 24 teams and moved to dates in June and July but will continue to be held every two years" after recommendations on the tournament at a symposium in Morocco on Wednesday. The decision must still be ratified by the Confederation of African Football Exec Committee, but that "could come as early as Thursday" when it meets in Rabat (REUTERS, 7/19).
Formula 1 is set to introduce the halo cockpit protection device for '18 after FIA "pushed it through on safety grounds during Wednesday's Strategy Group meeting." The halo and shield devices had emerged as the two options for cockpit protection, with FIA "insistent some form of device will be introduced for next season." The halo has undergone "extensive testing," with all the teams running the device at least once in '16 (AUTOSPORT, 7/19).
Hong Kong Sevens fans "face their first ticket increase in four years" with the cost next year going up 8% to HK$1,950 ($249.73). The 2018 Hong Kong Sevens will be held from April 6-8. The extra revenue will "swell the union's coffers" by up to HK$6M ($768,400) to "meet the rising costs of the tournament and investment in local rugby," Hong Kong Rugby Union CEO Robbie McRobbie said (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 7/19).
Matches at Wimbledon and the French Open "triggered alerts for potential match-fixing in the second quarter of the year," the Tennis Integrity Unit said on Wednesday. One match at Roland Garros and three at Wimbledon, two of them in the qualifying tournament and one in the main draw, will be "assessed and reviewed" (REUTERS, 7/19).
The decision to play the All-Ireland quarterfinals on separate days in the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh "looks set to be justified with sell-out crowds expected on both days." Cork Gaelic Athletic Association Chair Ger Lane said that he was planning for 45,000 supporters on Saturday and Sunday (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 7/18).
Cameroon Sports Minister Ismael Bidoung said that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations "will go ahead in the country despite concerns over the pace of preparations." Recent reports suggested that "stadium construction is behind schedule while Cameroon also faces economic problems." Bidoung: "Despite security concerns, social and economic crises, the government and President Paul Biya are totally engaged to do everything for the Nations Cup to go ahead" (BBC, 7/19).
