Tokyo 2020 Olympic President YOSHIRO MORI, who recently underwent treatment for lung cancer, "wants to stand down from his position as president of the Japan Rugby Football Union" to concentrate on organizing the Games. Japanese rugby "faces a busy period" as it ramps up preparations to stage the World Cup for the first time in '19 and oversees the "introduction of a local franchise" into the Southern Hemisphere's Super Rugby tournament next year. Mori: "In reality it isn't good that I assume responsibility for both the Olympics and the rugby World Cup" (REUTERS, 4/7). ... Former volleyball player ANA MOSER was "invited to assume presidency" of the Olympic Public Authority (APO). The entity is responsible for "following the construction of the sporting installations" for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Moser will take the place of FERNANDO AZEVEDO E SILVA, who "resigned from the position" in February (GLOBO ESPORTE, 4/6).
COACHES/MANAGERS: On Monday, Brasileiro side São Paulo confirmed coach MURICY RAMALHO's resignation. Ramalho "succumbed to the poor actions of the team this year" as well as "suffered with health problems" (ESTADÃO, 4/6). ... The new coach for Brasileiro side Goiás is an "old acquaintance." The club announced Monday that HÉLIO DOS ANJOS would be its new coach "for the fifth time in his career" (ESTADÃO, 4/6). ... Spanish Basketball League (ACB) club Fuenlabrada announced that HUGO LÓPEZ will no longer coach the team. Fuenlabrada said in a statement that it was "a mutual agreement that the best for both parties would be to end his tenure leading the team." López will be replaced by JESÚS SALA, who will coach the club through the end of the season (AS, 4/6). ... Former midfielder NATASHA CASWELL has "taken on a new coaching role" with League Two side Oxford United women's team. Caswell joins LES TAYLOR's "backroom staff as attacking coach" and will continue to work with the U17 and U19 academy sides (BBC, 4/7). ... Former Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren Manager DANNY LENNON has been "confirmed as the the new manager of Alloa Athletic." Lennon "takes charge of the side" as it fights to keep its Championship status this season. He is "expected to sign a deal initially" until the summer of '16. The Wasps have been "under the temporary charge" of PADDY CONNOLLY since BARRY SMITH "resigned his position on March 7" (STV, 4/6). ... MALKY MACKAY has been "sacked" as League Championship side Wigan manager after 138 days in charge of the "Championship strugglers." Mackay was appointed on Nov. 19 "following the departure" of UWE ROSLER (BBC, 4/6).
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