LUXEMBOURG — European authorities are taking steps to fight racism and forced prostitution during the World Cup.

The European Union justice and interior ministers agreed Thursday to organize campaigns leading to the month-long competition, which begins June 9.

The programs will coincide with EU efforts to curb hooliganism and prevent terrorism at the tournament, EU Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini said. Hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide are expected to attend the soccer showcase.

Austria’s Interior Minister Liese Prokop, whose country holds the EU presidency, said the ministers agreed to several measures to combat human trafficking in the sex trade. (Read full article…)

GOLTV’s match highlights kick off as fourth place Osasuna meet third place Real Madrid to battle it out for next years Champions League as Barcelona all but won the Spanish title. Osasuna are looking to take away at least a point for their 4th straight match after defeating Mallorca 1-0 on Sunday. Real Madrid have been on fire as of late earning 15 points in their last nine matches most recently defeating Malaga 2-1 with goals coming from two players looking forward to the World Cup, Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos. Tune into GOLTV Sunday April 30th at 3:00pm ET for the LIVE encounter of Osasuna and Real Madrid.

The race for the next season’s UEFA Cup is on between Deportivo La Coruna and Celta. The two contenders will come toe-to-toe LIVE on GOLTV Canada Saturday April 29th at 2:00pm ET. Last week Deportivo was held to a 1-1 draw against Cadiz on Sunday and now trail Seville by one for the final UEFA Cup spot. On the other hand, Celta have scored 6 goals in their last two matches and are five points clear of Deportivo and could still challenge Osasuna for the Champions League. (Read full article…)

14:00 - 16:30 ET- National Lacrosse League: West Division Final ***LIVE***

The Colorado Mammoth scored an early overtime goal to defeat the Calgary Roughnecks and earn a place in the West Division Final. They take on the Arizona Sting for a berth in the Champions Cup Final.

Sunday, April 30th, 2006

13:00 - 15:00 ET- English Premier League: Birmingham v Newcastle

Both sides have much to gain from this outing. Birmingham trails Portsmouth (and escape from relegation) by 2 points. Newcastle is also looking for the win. Equal with Blackburn in points, goal difference and goals scored, a win over the Brummies will be essential if they hope to pull ahead of the Rovers and qualify for the UEFA Cup. Newcastle travels to St. Andrews to take on Birmingham. (Read full article…)

Rogers locks up all rights to World Cup Protecting against high-tech interlopers

There’s a storm brewing on the sidelines of major sporting events.

It’s pitting sports organizations against the media as leagues try to gain control over the use of their products at a time when technology is increasing the opportunities to use those rights.

(Read full article…)

Premier League chiefs remained silent about the bids they have received for television rights packages today.

The deadline for applicants passed at 2pm and it is possible that a decision could be made by this evening.

Sky remained favourite to land five of the six packages of 23 Premiership games, with a group of other companies competing for packages too.

(Read full article…)

No striker in Europe polarizes opinion like Milan’s Filippo Inzaghi. Consult pundit print and you will find grudging admiration for his goal scoring knack but dramatic condemnation for his ability to go to ground too easily.

There are many who do acknowledge Inzaghi’s phenomenal scoring record, which stretches back to his days in Serie C1’s Leffe side and continues with menacing purpose today, without qualification. Yours truly is one of them.

The much-maligned Inzaghi has scored over 200 goals in Italian football and was the chief architect of Milan’s Champions League triumph in 2003, netting twelve times that season in Europe.

(Read full article…)