In the letter, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Nike stated it would require the CSL "and all stakeholders (including Beckham) to abide by" their agreement's rules for any CSL-related public occasions.

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Melbourne-based company CSL Ltd. plans to test a vaccine for the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, on 240 volunteers, a company representative said.

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The idea behind bringing top-level players to the CSL is, he believes, related to an attitude which is prevalent within the Chinese national psyche.

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Despite recent controversies and the departures -- both permanent and temporary -- of Anelka and Drogba, Duerden suggests the reputation and popularity of the CSL is on the rise.

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