Sports Ticker 3 – GAME's eSports arena, Amazon broadcasts and Russia's WADA suspension

Welcome to the third edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.

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This fortnight we highlight Russia's suspension from global sports events, record losses posted by Championship football clubs, and a new eSports arena on London's Oxford Street. Also, congratulations to Ben Stokes, who was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 for his role in England's dramatic victory over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup. 

As always, if there are any areas you'd like more information on (or if you have any questions or feedback), please contact us or your usual RPC contact.

1. From WADA with love - Russia "banned" from competing in major sporting events

Russia has been suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) from competing in global sporting events for 4 years, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2022.

2. Howley dealt a losing hand by independent panel

Ex-Wales coach Rob Howley has been banned for 18 months after admitting breaches of World Rugby Anti-Corruption and Betting Regulations.

3. Amazon delivers Premier League matches this Christmas

E-commerce giant Amazon have become the first streaming service to broadcast live football in the UK.

4. GAME/BELONG open 100-seater gaming arena on Oxford Street

UK gaming retailer GAME has launched a new, 100 seater eSports arena on London's Oxford Street.

5. Going for broke in the Championship

In the light of a Radio 5 Live Investigation Unit / Deloitte review of Championship football club finances, David Sharpe, the former Wigan chairman, has declared that the Championship is a "bubble waiting to burst". 

Extra time...

Did you know that UEFA have incorporated a new page on their re-launched website which contains updates on disciplinary decisions? The resource is recognised by many as a step forward in an attempt to make disciplinary decisions more transparent. You can access the page here.