League Notes
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IIHF Investigating
Allegations Against Fasel |
The CP's Christ Johnston reported the IIHF has "launched an investigation into allegations that president Rene Fasel was involved in a kickback scheme." Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung Sunday published a story "claiming that Fasel benefited financially from contracts awarded to Infront Sports Media [ISF], which gave a close personal friend of Fasel's identified only as 'Y.S.' a multi-million dollar consultation contract." ISF, which handles the marketing and TV distribution of the IIHF World Hockey Championship, reportedly "paid Fasel's friend [US$361,892.70] per year through a company called Proct AG." Fasel: "I have never received any commissions or bonuses from these contracts" (CP, 5/10).
GOING GLOBAL: IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt said that there "have been discussions among series officials about adding future races in Brazil and China." The AP's Michael Marot reported IRL officials have "already visited both countries to look at potential sites," including "two or three Brazilian sites, but have not named the cities." IRL officials believe opening the China market "could lead to new sponsorship deals, increase the fan base and yes, even host a race" (AP, 5/10).
SO FAR, SO GOOD: In Hartford, Tom Yantz writes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is the "best sports commissioner." Goodell "deserves credit for his discipline of such players as" QB Michael Vick and CB Adam Jones, and the "revenue generated from television, merchandise and game attendance." Goodell "wants to reduce the exhibition season and add games to the regular season with the Super Bowl moving to mid-February," which is a "smart move because the fewer exhibition games the better." Yantz notes Goodell, "citing the economic downturn, also has taken a 20[%] pay cut" from his $11M annual salary (HARTFORD COURANT, 5/12).
FANS' GAME: The CP reported the CFL's BOG yesterday "approved moving the kickoff back 10 yards to the 25-yard line following a safety, one of four rule changes suggested by fans." Other rule changes "adopted as a result of suggestions from fans" included: allowing coaches to use wildcat formations; requiring a team that makes a field goal to kick off rather than give the receiving team the option of taking the ball at its 35-yard-line; and "giving a team a third instant replay challenge if its first two are successful." All four of the ideas had been "approved in March by the league's rules committee following an invitation from" CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon for fans to "provide their input" (CP, 5/11).
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