South American football governing body CONMEBOL said that "accusations regarding the organization's financial management are part of a campaign to discredit" CONMEBOL in an effort to secure "TV rights for continental competitions." Several Uruguayan clubs presented a complaint on Dec. 11. CONMEBOL's Exec Committee "has responded with a statement saying that this is part of a public defamation campaign that began months ago." CONMEBOL's statement said, "The only purpose of those complaints is to acquire TV rights" (LA AFICION, 12/16). ... The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority "appears no closer to finalising its investigation" into Australian Football League club Essendon despite public comments from outgoing World Anti-Doping Agency President John Fahey "that the club will certainly be hit with several doping offenses." Fahey last week claimed it was "only a matter of when" that Essendon players were served with infraction notices for doping offenses. Essendon President Paul Little described the remarks as "destructive" and "unfounded" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/18). ... The National Rugby League's intention to "up its profile in New Zealand has taken a step forward" with a ground-breaking "grass roots" initiative around the Auckland Nines tournament. Auckland Mayor Len Brown "took a welcome break from politics" Monday to announce the community plan involving all 16 NRL clubs partnering up with Auckland Rugby League clubs for the inaugural tournament at Eden Park on Feb. 15-16 (STUFF, 12/17). ... The Int'l Cycling Union has "started disciplinary proceedings against Team Sky rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke for a doping violation" (AFP, 12/17). Tiernan-Locke has "vowed to contest the charges and denies all wrongdoing." A statement released by Tiernan-Locke said, "Mr Tiernan Locke vehemently denies the charges brought against him and has informed the UCI that he fully intends to contest them. Mr Tiernan Locke will not ride for Team Sky, attend training camps or undertake any team duties until a decision is made in these proceedings" (PA, 12/17).
