Barcelona and Twentieth Century Fox have unveiled the "Simpsonized" versions of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta as part of a collaboration with the TV series "The Simpsons." Barcelona will co-create a line of merchandise that will be available this year. The agreement between Barcelona and the show will last until '15. The "Simpsonized" players will only be used for merchandising purposes -- there are no plans for them to appear in the TV series (Barcelona). ... Spain's National Futsal League (LNFS) has reached an agreement with broadcaster Al Jazeera Sports for the Copa de España de 2014, which was scheduled to start Thursday, to be seen in 40 countries (MARCA, 3/12). ... Sports media company Sports News Television announced that it will provide various news content for a new video on demand sports news app for Samsung's latest '12-13 Smart TV models. Samsung Smart TV owners will have access to SNTV content (SNTV). ... The Int'l Cycling Union's (UCI) Women Road World Cup will be broadcast worldwide this year. The coverage, produced by U.K.-based VSquared TV Ltd., has attracted broadcasters including the BBC, Italy's RAI Sports, NOS of the Netherlands and Canal+. Discussions are ongoing with other int'l broadcasters. The race will also feature Internet coverage including the UCI's YouTube channel. There will be a news roundup of the Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe on Saturday and the same will be true for the following eight World Cup rounds (UCI).
