The Australian Football League "continues to vet likely prospects for the Melbourne board" with AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou confirming that "any new directors will be hand-picked by the league." Former Victorian treasurer and one-time Melbourne board member Alan Stockdale "is the latest to show interest in the top job at Melbourne" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 6/21). ... The Hong Kong Jockey Club said Thursday that "it is investigating a serious pile-up during a race the day before that saw two horses euthanised, several jockeys injured, and left spectators in tears" (AFP, 6/20). ... Acting FA of Thaliand President Worawi Makudi said that ManU, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona "could cancel their trips to Bangkok" if the country is suspended by FIFA as a result of the row over the election of FAT president. Worawi "called on Pattaya FC to withdraw their lawsuit against the FAT" so that the country would not face FIFA sanctions (BANGKOK POST, 6/20). ... Leading league players do not believe National Rugby League clubs "need to employ full-time minders despite a string of recent off-field incidents." Several club chiefs "believed the NRL and clubs should consider supplying players with bodyguards." Melbourne Storm Player Ryan Hoffman said, ''I've never felt the need for a bodyguard. It might be a bit of overkill" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/21). ... According to a new report, cricket remains Australia's favorite sport, "but rugby league has enjoyed a rebound in popularity." About a third of Australia's 13 million sports fans "are estimated to follow cricket, with tennis close behind" (29%). Rugby league sits equal second as most popular -- "up two spots from last year" (AAP, 6/20).
