Sailing's world governing body has hired a new CEO "as it wrestles with the problem of staging this year's Olympic competition in sewage-infested waters in Rio de Janeiro." ANDY HUNT, a former CEO of the British Olympic Association, replaces PETER SOWREY at World Sailing. Sowrey resigned in December after just five months in the role (AP, 1/11). ... WWE announced the appointment of JOJI GEORGE as VP and GM, WWE India. George is an exec with more than 15 years of experience in global media, broadcasting, entertainment, digital and live events having held positions with brands including Percept, Astro and Yahoo!. He will report to WWE Senior VP & Managing Dir, Int'l ED WELLS (WWE). ... The IOC has appointed PHILIP FRENCH as director of its public affairs and social development through sport department. French is joining the IOC from the England & Wales Cricket Board, where he was director of public policy and int'l relations, overseeing the organization's strategic development in public affairs and managing key external relationships. French will take up his post on March 1 (IOC). ... Former Singapore and Malaysia Cup striker ALISTAIR EDWARDS has been "appointed as the new sports director for reigning AFC Cup champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT)." The 47-year-old will "oversee player transfers and help the head coaches of the club's Malaysia Super League" and Malaysia Premier League sides, JDT and JDT II. Last year, he was director of football for Real Mulia in Malaysia's third tier, the FAM League (ESPN, 1/11). ... England women's football head coach MARK SAMPSON has agreed to a "new two-year deal which will include the 2019 World Cup." The Welshman, 33, took the Lionesses "to third place at the World Cup in Canada last summer." He said, "It is an honor and a privilege to manage such a fantastic group of people who represent their country with incredible pride and passion" (BBC, 1/11). ... La Liga side Real Betis sacked Manager PEPE MEL "after more than a month without a win left the Seville-based club hovering just above the La Liga relegation places." The club did not "immediately name a successor," but said President JUAN CARLOS OLLERO and Sporting Dir EDUARDO MACÍA "would hold a news conference later" (London GUARDIAN, 1/10). ... EPL side Crystal Palace appointed BARRY WEBBER as its new commercial director (Crystal Palace). ... French Ligue 2 side Evian Thonon Gaillard has reached a mutual decision with Manager SAFET SUSIC to end his term with the club. Assistant coach ROMAIN REVELLI will take over the head coach position (Evian).
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