Europe Россия Внешние малые острова США Китай Объединённые Арабские Эмираты Корея Индия

SPORTS AGENDA: F1 bosses lobbying to join Olympics - and it could be perfect for gamer Max Verstappen, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in Paris on World Cup business

1 month ago 20

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, continues to press motorsport's claims for Olympic inclusion.

Agenda understands that a grass-roots karting competition is the leading contender, though the idea is unlikely to get the green light in time for the LA Games four years hence.

Wheels, so to speak, turn slowly in IOC towers.


Another proposal is for an esports competition – a favourite of simulator fan Max Verstappen, Red Bull's world champion, who was told by his team bosses earlier this week not to stay up half the night gaming during grand prix weekends.

Spotted among IOC bigwigs this week has been Frenchman Jean Todt, the former FIA president. He is no fan of his successor, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and vice-versa. Asked if Todt was campaigning on the FIA's behalf, the response from his old organisation was a firm 'non'.

F1 star Max Verstappen is a big fan of esports, which could one day become an Olympic event

Seine concerns remain

Concerns remain over the likelihood of the men's triathlon athletes jumping into the Seine on Tuesday.

Despite the fact more than £1bn was spent on cleaning the famous river, the torrential downpours – which have lead to issues with wastewater and current – saw the men's training session on Sunday cancelled after early-hours tests, with the women's turn on Monday in serious doubt.

Given the upturn in the weather, with searing forecasts due, officials say they remain confident that the quality will improve in time for Tuesday.

Let them be caked!

Many of the equestrian crowd were left counting the cost after the approach to the Palace of Versailles turned into a mudbath thanks to torrential downpours before the weekend's events.

Those unfortunate enough to wear white footwear with left with their shoes and trainers ruined after traipsing through half a mile of sludge to gain access to Marie Antoinette's former stomping ground.

FIFA chief in Paris 

FIFA are in the city – with president Gianni Infantino one of those under an umbrella on Friday night – to complete the formalities of the 2030 Spain, Portugal and Morocco World Cup bid.

Another battle is then expected to start, with the three countries jockeying for position over which will be selected to choose the final.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pictured (right) was watching Olympic badminton on Sunday

Qatar's security audition 

While security levels across the Games are unprecedented, Agenda understands organisers turned to the Qataris to provide protection for the VVIPs at Friday's ceremony.

The emir of the country Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and his brother, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (who is president of the Qatar Olympic Committee), are part of a sizable delegation from Qatar, which is hoping to host the Games in 2036.

A Speedo recovery 

Double takes at the swimming pool on Sunday when an American competitor lost their cap in the water.

A volunteer in tight Speedos came to the rescue, diving in to return the item and receiving a wolf whistles for his troubles from a mickey-taking audience.

A volunteer in tight Speedos pictured rescued a Team USA swimming cap from the pool

Luck in town 

Former NFL star Andrew Luck is in town and has brought the famous Stanford tree with him.

The former graduate from the world famous Californian university is due to meet GB officials with the replica, with the complex chosen to be their base ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Beware flying laptops 

Not that many would shed any tears, but there have been amusing scenes in the media centre thanks to the picnic-style tables reporters have been provided with to work on.

On a number of occasions the temporary desks have collapsed – sending laptops and drinks flying.

Meanwhile, many companies were left counting the cost following Friday night's deluge at the Opening Ceremony, with a number of laptops subsequently on the blink. Some have attempted to use hand dryers in venue toilets to fix the problems.

Big bar bills for Blues fans

Chelsea supporters watching their team in the US could be forgiven for needed a stiff drink, thanks to their disastrous run of results, which saw them draw with League One Wrexham before being trounced 4-1 by Scottish champions Celtic.

For the fixture against the Welsh outfit at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, punters who did head to the bar were left staggered at the prices – which included $20 for a can of Stella Artois.

Fans at Chelsea's pre-season game against Wrexham were asked to pay $20 for a can of lager

DAZN's seven-year National League deal

The National League has signed a deal with DAZN after their agreement with TNT Sports expired.

An agreement lasting seven years will start next month, which officials say will screen the competition across 200 countries and 'bring with it a whole new audience'.

Matches will be able to be accessed across all platforms – including games consoles. Agenda understands the deal starts at the same £1m that TNT were paying but rises season on season to around £1.6m.

Read Entire Article