FA consider giving up title of the world's most famous club knockout tournament

The FA Cup is in such poor shape that the FA are discussing offering naming rights to potential sponsors.

Talks about giving up the title of the world's most famous club knockout tournament have so far only taken place among the senior management team. But it is nevertheless a sign of how far the Cup's standing has slipped.

Losing out: The FA Cup has lost its sparkle despite Kidderminster Harriers being the latest giantkillers

The FA are again looking for new sponsors following Budweiser's decision not to renew their £9million-a-year 'in association with' partnership after this year's competition.

The FA want a similar 'in association' backer and are confident of attracting one at the same price, even though no new deal is imminent.

However it now looks only a matter of time before the FA Cup has a title sponsor, especially if the next search for a backer coincides with a more difficult period for FA finances. Budweiser are expected to stay involved with the FA through a grass-roots initiative.

Popular: Middlesex coach Angus Fraser

Middlesex coach Angus Fraser is going to apply for the vacant position as an England selector, having had the go-ahead from his county to combine both jobs. The popular former fast bowler will be a strong candidate. He had talks about the job of managing director that went to his former team-mate Paul Downton, with Fraser preferring to stay in a role that has more interaction with players. Other contenders include Geoff Cook, Brian Rose and John Emburey.

Missing out: Grand Slam winner Andy Murray

The chronic inability of Andy Murray's advisors to attract sponsorship that reflects his Grand Slam-winning status is again demonstrated at the Australian Open by the vacant commercial patch on his shirt that hasn't been filled for over a year. And it sums up the muddled thinking around Murray's revolving set of advisors - French company Lagardere are his latest commercial consultants - that his savvy mother Judy is now represented by IMG, who have no links with Andy.

The FA look like they want to learn from Manchester United's successful commercial strategies by attracting the club's global sales manager Phil Barker to Wembley. This has followed a ruthless restructuring of the FA's commercial department, with head of sponsorship Peter Daire and head of business development Sean McAuliffe being made redundant as part of the process. The pair, who enjoy excellent relationships with the FA's roster of backers, are expected to set up their own sports consultancy company. Neither would comment about the background to their exit from the FA, who had different views as to how the business should move forward.

Dilemma: Manchester United manager David Moyes

Moyes coy on TV role

Manchester United manager David Moyes has had approaches from both ITV and BBC to be part of their punditry teams at this summer's World Cup finals.



But the Scot has yet to commit to either, knowing it would not impress United fans to see their boss on television when he could be out scouting around Brazil for much-needed new faces.



Meanwhile, ITV are going to steal a march on the Beeb before the World Cup by screening all three of England's build-up games at peak times.



Following the Friday-night clash at Wembley against Peru on May 30, the planned afternoon kick-offs in Miami against Ecuador on June 4 and Honduras on June 7 will allow for prime UK evening viewing.