WORLD CUP, PART I: A-B SELLS OFF STADIUM SIGNAGE TO CASIO

          Anheuser-Busch sold the advertising boards component of
     its World Cup France '98 sponsorship to Casio Computer
     Company for an undisclosed amount.  Budweiser remains an
     official worldwide sponsor of the event.  A-B VP/Corporate
     Media & Sports Marketing Tony Ponturo said the sale of in-
     stadium field signs "does not affect" the company's World Cup
     '98 sponsorship "in any other way."  The two in-stadium ad
     boards sold to Casio, which will appear inside World Cup
     stadiums next summer, are placed in pre-determined areas
     around the playing field (A-B).  A-B had been in talks in an
     effort to receive an exemption from the French law that
     prohibits alcohol and tobacco advertising at sports events. 
     A-B knew about the provision when it paid "an estimated" $20M
     for World Cup sponsorship rights, but it hoped France "might
     make an exception" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 12/5).