Russia, Ukraine WSB Quarterfinal Will Not be Relocated
A boxing match featuring Russian and Ukrainian boxers will not be impacted by the ongoing political tensions in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the World Series of Boxing said in a statement that the quarterfinal legs between Russia and Ukraine will not be rescheduled.
The decision was "based on the main principle of the Olympic Movement," according to the statement.
"Sport should always be dealt with outside of politics. Both teams have fully agreed on this principle and AIBA/WSB is extremely happy that the opinion of both teams has been respected," the federation said.
Leg one will take place on March 30 in Moscow, while the second leg will be contested in Donetsk on April 4.
Volleyball Federation Defends President
FIVB is "confident"Volleyball's world governing body says it is "totally confident" its president Ary Graça is not involved with any improper dealings while president of theBrazilian Volleyball Federation (CBV).
ESPNBrazil has reported on the story, raising questions about commercial rights negotiated for the CBV during Graca's tenure.
An internal audit will be conducted by CBV into allegations, and the International Volleyball Fedearation, FIVB, said "all the procedures and administration were conducted in an open, transparent and legal way during" Graça's time as president of the federation.
FIVB, made the comments in a statement emailed toAround the Rings.
Two contracts signed with third party companies by the Brazilian Volleyball Federation (CBV) in 2011 have led to allegations of corruption within the federation in the ESPN reports..
At the time, deals were agreed to withSMP Logística e Serviços and S4G Gestão de Negócios, both of which were owned by current or former CBV officials. The two contracts were part of a larger deal withwith Banco do Brazil, a CV sponsor since 1991.
SMP was owned by Marcos Pina, who worked with the CBV, and S4G was owned by Fabio Azevedo, who Graca appointed to General Director of FIVB when Graça was elected president in 2012.
Hockey Match Format Changes
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced changes to the structure of matches for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Matches will now have four 15 minute quarters instead of two 35 minute halves. According to a statement from the federation, the change was made to "improve the flow and intensity of the game and increase the fan experience."
Also, 40-second timeouts will be implemented after penalty corner awards and each goal is scored.
"With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event," Leandro Negre, FIH President, said.
"Whether in the stadium or watching from a far, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategize."
Written by Aaron Bauer
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