Univision Outscores ESPN

Univision Communications Inc., the No. 1 Spanish-language media company in the US, needs to pay a further $92.5 million for the rights to air World Cup matches, including this summer's tournament hosted by Japan and Korea and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Univision acquired the Spanish-language television rights to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup games and other related events, including the Women's World Cup, for a total of $150 million.
The company made two down payments worth $57.5 million and has until 45 days after the 2006 World Cup to complete its payments.
The company's live transmission of all matches during the Korea/Japan World Cup brought in about $65 million in advertising revenue and helped it beat ESPN in the ratings.

Scorlari for Portugal

The chances of World Cup winning coach Luis Felipe Scolari taking over as Portugal's new manager increased this week following talks between the Brazilian coach and Portuguese Football Federation chairman, Gilberto Madail in Madrid. Both men 'were in full agreement on their points of view as to the different issues inherent in hiring a coach for the national team' a PFF statement said.

Coaches On The Move

Former East German coach and Stasi spy Bernd Stange has signed a contract to coach the Iraqi national team. Former USA national coach Steve Sampson has taken over as the new Costa Rica coach on a four-year US$1.4 milion contract.

Heading Caused Astle's Death

Former West Bromich Albion and England striker Jeff Astle's early demise at age 59 was partially blamed on heading heavy leather footballs in the 1960s. A British coroner found that Astle had died of an 'industrial disease' brought on by his football career of 292 appearances and 137 goals for the 'Baggies'.

Inamoto's Shirt

An anonymous bidder paid £1,900 for the shirt worn by Fulham's Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto when he scored the first ever goal by a Japanese player in the English Premier League. The auction conducted on the London club's website saw Inamoto's shirt attract bids over six times that of other Fulham players. Steve Marlet was next with £305 followed by Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque with £300.

Bosnich Tests Positive For Cocaine

Chelsea's 30-year-old Australian keeper Mark Bosnich, who has played only a handful of first team games since his move from Manchester United, has tested positive for cocaine and has entered a clinic for treatment of 'severe clinical depression'. If Bosnich admits to drug-taking he is likely to be suspended by the English FA until he completes a course of rehabilitation.

Bulgarian Player Shot

Former Bulgarian international Stoicho Stoilov was shot and seriously wounded in an attack. The Litex Lovech captain is in a serious condition with stomach and leg wounds.

J.League/K.League

JAPAN - Jubilo Iwata remain on course to become the first team to win both stages of the J.League when they beat Kyoto Purple Sanga 3-0 away in front of a record crowd of 20,369. Striker Naohiro Takahara claimed his league-leading 25th goal of the season for the 1st Stage champions. Jubilo need one win from their remaining two games to complete an unprecedented double. Only Gamba Osaka have any chance of preventing Jubilo claiming the title after they saw of the challenge of Urawa Reds 1-0.
Cerezo Osaka joined Oita Trinita in J1 for next season when they beat third placed Albirex Niigata 3-0 at Nagai stadium in front of 32,067 fans to secure the second promotion spot and climb back to the first division after one season in J2.
Urawa Reds defender and former Japan captain Masami Ihara will not be offered a new contract by the Saitama club. The 35-year-old stopper holds the record for Japanese international caps with 123 and is seeking to play one more year with another club.
Much traveled former Japan golden boy Masakiyo Maezono is set to sign with K.League Anyang LG. The Tokyo Verdy midfielder who has never really lived up to his earlier promise has had previous spells in Brazil and Portugal.
SOUTH KOREA - The outcome of the K.League championship goes down to the wire this weekend with the leaders Songnam Chunma needing to beat the Pohang Steelers away in World Cup captain Hong Myung-bo last match for the Steelers before moving to the US to avoid being overtaken by the Ulsan Tigers who face nearby Busan I.cons.

Previous Week's Soccer Roundup

Monochrome World Cup Images from the Far East

Fan images from Japan 2002

Color photos of Japan World Cup 2002 I

Color photos of Japan World Cup 2002 II

Color photos of Japan World Cup 2002 III

The Soccerphile World Cup 2002 Archives
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