Executive Transactions

Chinese FA President WEI DI "was removed from his position" Wednesday. Wei was expected to continue in his role "for a number of years," and leaving after only three years "comes as a major shock." Wei is being replaced by former General Administration of Sports' Policy and Regulations Department chief ZHANG JIAN. Zhang said his first priority is to "set straight" the internal politics of the CFA (WILD EAST FOOTBALL, 1/17). ... Super League club Bradford Bulls have hired KATE HARDCASTLE as a director, the first woman to hold such a role in the league. Hardcastle is regarded as one of England's leading commercial and marketing experts and joins Owner OMAR KHAN on the board. In her new role she will focus on developing the Bulls' brand and building the fan base among families and children as well as creating new opportunities for women in rugby league (Rugby Football League).

COACHES/MANAGERS: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation "sacked the national team's Dutch Manager FRANK RIJKAARD" after Saudi Arabia failed to pass the group stage of the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations in Bahrain. Rijkaard's contract was reportedly worth $9M, with a penalty clause of more than $4M "in case of dismissal" (AFP, 1/16).

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