Rugby Heads to Olympic Stadium; Sheikh Salman Elected AFC Boss; Tokyo 2020 on Economy

Tokyo 2020 Reacts to Strong Economic News

Two key pieces of data on the Japanese economy released Thursday are making Tokyo 2020 happy.

Reports indicate that Japan’s jobless rate is at its lowest in four years while household spending is at its highest point in nearly a decade. Analysts say the data confirm Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might be on the right track with his economic platform.

"The initial success of Prime Minister Abe's economic reforms is another significant boost for Tokyo 2020," bid CEO Masato Mizuno said in a statement to Around the Rings.

"Considering this positive economic progress alongside the fact that Tokyo enjoys the largest GDP of any city in the world and our established $4.5 billion cash Games fund in the bank, we know our bid is based on rock-solid foundations and that we can guarantee to deliver.

"With this in place, we can focus upon delivering a superb Games that help promote the Olympic Values for new generations in this challenging and fast-changing era for sport."

Istanbul and Madrid are the other 2020 bid cities.

Olympic Stadium Hosting 2015 Rugby Matches

London Olympic Stadium will host the bronze final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and four other matches.

Officials with the tournament unveiled the match schedule on Thursday. England will open up competition on Sept. 18 at Twickenham Stadium against likely foes Fiji. The grand final is scheduled for Oct. 31, also in Twickenham.

A total of 13 venues will be used for the tournament throughout England and Wales.

England Rugby 2015 CEO Debbie Jevans said the news "brought the tournament to life."

"The world can now start planning for Rugby World Cup 2015," she said. "In less than two and a half years time, we will be welcoming the world to England and to a celebration of rugby, played in a range of atmospheric stadiums right across the country."

Sheikh Salman Elected New President of Asian Football Confederation

Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has won elections to be new president of the Asian Football Confederation, following an overwhelming first round victory in Kuala Lumpur today.

Sheikh Salman won 33 of the 46 first round votes, giving him a two-thirds majority and obviating the need for a run-off. Thailand’s Worawi Makudi secured seven votes and UAE’s Yousuf al-Serkal just six.

For more coverage from Kuala Lumpur, visit World Football INSIDER.

First Stamp Inspires Czech Uniforms

The first stamp from independent Czechoslovakia is the inspiration for the 2014 Czech Olympic Team uniforms.

The Czech Olympic Committee unveiled the designs, which feature Linden leaves and hearts. Linden trees are a symbol of the Czech Republic. "They represent for us the love of the sport, but also the fighting that is required to achieve success," said Václav Hrbek, co-founder of Alpine Pro, the company producing the uniforms.

A selection of the uniform will be available for sale in the autumn.

Previous Czech uniforms have drawn rave reviews for their eye-catching designs.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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