French Professional League (LFP) President FRÉDÉRIC THIRIEZ originally said that he would step down from his position “at the end of the year,” but he announced on Friday during a general assembly of the LFP that he will “retire today to make way for the next generation” (20 MINUTES, 4/15). ... Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande named LI YIMENG its new president in place of outgoing LIU YONGZHUO, seeking to strengthen its management and "raise revenue." It is "speculated that Guangzhou Evergrande's lackluster performance in the Asian Champions League resulted in Liu's removal," who was appointed to the role in February after former President KE PENG and two other club execs had resigned (XINHUA, 4/13). ... The Football League announced that current Dir IAN LENAGAN should succeed GREG CLARKE as chair in June. The appointment remains subject to the Board completing its normal governance procedures regarding senior appointments (Football League). ... Former Italian footballer FABIO CANNAVARO is "being lined up" by League Championship side Leeds United Owner MASSIMO CELLINO to be the club's next manager. Cannavaro was in Leeds on Saturday "and is believed to be close" to agreeing to a deal to replace STEVE EVANS in the Elland Road "hot-seat." The former Real Madrid and Juventus defender has "little managerial experience, having only coached" Al-Ahli of Dubai, Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande and Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, which he left in February (London DAILY MAIL, 4/16). ... Former Pakistan cricket captain INZAMAM-UL-HAQ is set to be appointed as the country's chief selector "after he was released from his role as Afghanistan's head coach." Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO SHAFIQ STANIKZAI said that he had "received a request" from Pakistan Cricket Board Chair SHAHARYAR KHAN to "release the former batting great from his contract." Stanikzai: "Today Shaharyar Khan called me and asked a favor to release Inzamam-ul-Haq as they are keen to hire him" (REUTERS, 4/17).
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