German pay-TV network Sky Deutschland has appointed DIRK GROSSE "as the new head of its sports news channel Sky Sport News HD." Grosse replaces ROMAN STEUER, "who will take over a management position." Grosse "previously worked as Sky's sports communications director." He will start his new position on Sept. 15 (QUOTENMETER, 9/1). ... Former Australian cricket player DENNIS LILLEE "has resigned as president" of the Western Australian Cricket Association as the organization prepares to unveil its "make-or-break plan" to guarantee the future of WA's iconic cricket venue (AAP, 9/1). ... British sports administrator LOUISE MARTIN was elected as the Commonwealth Games Federation's first female president on Wednesday after "promising to boost the commercial returns and attract top-class athletes back to the Commonwealth Games." Martin beat the incumbent Prince TUNKU IMRAN of Malaysia at the CGF general assembly in Auckland on Wednesday to head an organization that has "faced pressure to remain relevant in a crowded sporting market" (REUTERS, 9/2). ... Super League rugby club Salford announced the departure of head coach IESTYN HARRIS, "with the club having been in talks over a severance deal since July." The former Wales coach "has been absent" from the club for the last two months, with the Red Devils "initially saying he was on sick leave, but now they have confirmed his departure by mutual agreement" (PA, 9/2). ... Russian Sports Minister VITALY MUTKO "will have to address the severe cash crunch" plaguing the Russian Football Union after he was "unanimously elected its president on Wednesday." Mutko was the only candidate in the election after State Duma vice-speaker IGOR LEBEDEV, the only other person who had registered, "pulled out at the end of July." Mutko: "The most important thing is to pay off the debts that the RFU owes and they are huge. I don't want to dramatize the situation, but we are basically on the edge of going bankrupt" (REUTERS, 9/2). ... National Rugby League club Parramatta has "avoided potential legal action" after BRAD ARTHUR agreed to a "revised contract to coach the side" until the end of '17. His management "was considering suing the Eels after officials allegedly reneged on a signed contract extending and upgrading the tenure of their client" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 9/2).
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