The Int'l Volleyball Federation (FIVB) "is without world championship trophies shortly before the start of the men's and women's tournaments." The new trophies of the Men's World Championship in Poland, which starts on Saturday, and the Women's World Championship in Italy, which kicks off on Sept. 23, "were stolen at a parking lot in Rio de Janeiro on Friday." FIVB President Ary Graça said, "This situation is dire as the FIVB worked very hard to create a unique trophy for both World Championships" (BLICK, 8/25). ... The National Rugby League clash 18 weeks ago between Canterbury and South Sydney "enticed a bumper crowd of 43,255 to
ANZ Stadium." No one in "their wildest dreams -- least of all the players -- is expecting anywhere near that figure at ANZ Stadium" on Thursday for the
"round 25 match-up between the same two clubs." If Thursday football goes the "way of the previous two Thursdays, less than a quarter of that figure will show" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/28).
CHANGE OF VENUE: Wales' opening Euro 2016 qualifier "may have to be switched to a different country." Wales Manager Chris Coleman's side is "due to open their campaign at Andorra's rebuilt 3,300 capacity national stadium" on Sept. 9. Andorra admitted that it has "no alternative plans if the new 3G artificial pitch fails" a FIFA inspection on Friday (BBC, 8/27). ... San Diego has "revealed the pressure it is under from America's Cup
officials, who want 10,000 free hotel room nights" in the lead-up to the '17 event. San Diego and Bermuda are "vying to host the 2017 Cup final, with a decision expected by the end of the year." Bermuda officials "are not saying whether they have received the same accommodation requests" (STUFF, 8/27).
