Jaguars Agree Annual Wembley Game

Jacksonville Jaguars have reached a deal to play annual regular-season games at London's Wembley Stadium from 2013 to 2016.

All 32 NFL clubs were able to bid for the opportunity, with the Florida-based team's proposal being selected.

The opposing team for the 2013 match will be announced in the months ahead.

Owner Shad Khan said: "Playing a home game in London over four seasons is consistent with our vision to introduce and grow the Jaguars brand globally."

Regular-season NFL games have been played at Wembley since 2007.

The NFL said it was also working to add a second UK-based game to its 2013 calendar.

Khan added: "We're appreciative of the support from the Jacksonville business community to make this a reality and winning proposition for everyone.

"This is a priceless opportunity to share the business, tourism and lifestyle story of Jacksonville with international audiences."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "Our goal is to continue to grow the game, and this commitment by the Jacksonville Jaguars represents a major step forward in our international efforts.

"We have had a tremendously positive reaction to our sport in the UK and we're excited that the Jaguars are seizing this opportunity."

As part of the 2012 NFL schedule, the St Louis Rams host the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on 28 October.

The Rams had also been due to play in London in 2013 and 2014,but they recently pulled out of that deal, paving the way for the Jaguars to take over.

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Derailment Causes Cup Final Chaos

Supporters heading to Wembley for the Carling Cup final faced transport chaos on Sunday after a train derailed overnight leaving the main line between Liverpool and London blocked.

Thousands of Liverpool supporters are expected to make the journey to the capital to watch their team take on Cardiff City in the cup clash this afternoon.

But those planning to travel on the rail network have been advised to alter their plans.

Virgin Trains said an engineering train derailed at Winsford, in Cheshire, overnight, leaving the line between Liverpool and Crewe and Warrington and Crewe blocked.

Issuing an apology, the operator recommended those travelling to London consider driving to Crewe, Stafford or Stoke stations and taking the train from there.

A Virgin spokesman said: "Due to the derailment of an engineering train at Winsford overnight, the line between Liverpool and Crewe and Warrington and Crewe is blocked.

"Due to the high number of passengers intending to travel from Liverpool/Runcorn to London for the football at Wembley it is recommended that if possible they consider driving to Crewe, Stafford or Stoke stations and use the rail services from there.

"Coaches will also be provided to connect Liverpool and Crewe and Runcorn and Stafford.

"Virgin Trains apologises for the disruption and is doing everything it can to minimise the major disruption caused by the derailment."

National Rail said there would be no trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Crewe until further notice.

Steven Knight from Virgin Trains said: "Today is an extremely busy day for us out of Liverpool and we have an army of people out this morning doing everything they possibly can.

"We are at the moment attempting to get coaches to Liverpool and Runcorn so they can provide a shuttle service to Crewe and connect with our train services to London.

"My advice to anyone intending to drive into Liverpool or Runcorn to get the train, if they are able to drive to Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent of Stafford stations then they can use the train services from there."

Affected

The Preston to Crewe route is also affected.

Passengers travelling between Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe towards London Euston have been advised to travel via Chester or Manchester Piccadilly, while those heading to the capital from Runcorn have been told to take a replacement bus service to Crewe.

Commuters travelling from Wigan North Western or Warrington Bank Quay have also been advised to travel to London via Manchester Piccadilly.

Further details of the problems and the impact on Sundayy's services can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/today.html.

Rams Dispute Suspends Tickets

Ticket sales for the latest NFL game in London have been suspended because of a legal dispute involving one of the participants, the St Louis Rams.

The Rams were due to take on the New England Patriots at Wembley on 28 October, but their stadium lease requires all of the team's home games to be played in St Louis.

The team recently agreed to switch one home game to the UK for three years.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he was optimistic of resolving the issue.

Competitive games have been played in London since 2007 and the NFL announced last autumn that it was going to stage at least one match per season in the UK until at least the 2016 season.

The dispute centres on a clause in the Rams' lease agreement on the Edward Jones Dome.

Goodell promised UK fans of American football that they will still have a game in 2012 but acknowledged that the line-up may have to be changed.

"We're going to play the London games," he said. "We hope it will be with the Rams and the New England Patriots. That's what we planned... but there are issues that obviously are going to have to get resolved.

"We know there are discussions going on. We hope they will get resolved shortly."

A statement on the NFL UK website said: "The reason for the postponement is to allow the Rams and their stadium authority time to finalise the technical amendments to the lease required under the terms of the Rams' commitment to London.

"The Rams have expressed optimism that a resolution is near, and we will provide updates as information becomes available."