The FA's youth development program GARETH SOUTHGATE left the organization having decided the role of technical dir "was not for him." Southgate had been head of elite development for 18 months. He was offered the newly created post "having impressed with his part in persuading both the grassroots and the FA Council to accept a raft of reforms" to young player development and in the "delivery of the new coaching hub" of St George's Park, Burton. However, the former England int'l and Middlesbrough Manager had "reservations about committing himself to a role which could have tied him to the governing body for several years, involved a lot of travel and bureaucracy, and probably pigeon-holed him as a 'blazer'" (INDEPENDENT, 7/21). ... The London GUARDIAN's Dominic Fifield believes former English footballer DAN ASHWORTH, who worked with ROY HODGSON in a similar position at West Bromwich Albion, "would now appear to be the favorite to secure the job." No appointment is expected before the start of the new season. One of the technical director's main responsibilities will be to put "in place a programme for the training of young coaches" (GUARDIAN, 7/21).
OLYMPICS: Organizers of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics have chosen former military officer MARCO AURELIO COSTA VIEIRA to replace RODERLEI GENERALI as COO. Costa Vieira "will be be responsible" for relations with national Olympic committees, the athletes village, venues, opening and closing ceremonies, accommodation, transportation, security and technology. Rio organizing committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman said Costa Vieira "brings with him a wealth of multi-disciplined, large scale management experience" (AP, 7/20). ... IOC President JACQUES ROGGE officially appointed CLAUDIA BOKEL as the new Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission for a two-year term. Bokel replaces outgoing head FRANK FREDERICKS (IOC).
MANAGERS: Brasileiro club Internacional have appointed former player FERNANDAO to replace DORIVAL JUNIOR as head coach (VEJA, 7/20). ... RICKY STUART has agreed to coach Australian Rugby League side Parramatta for the next three years, "but he could still lead NSW's bid to prevent Queensland from an eight consecutive Origin series win next year." Stuart's manager JOHN FORDHAM confirmed his client had an "in-principle agreement" with the Eels (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/23).
