South African STEVE ELWORTHY will head up the organization of the 2019 Cricket World Cup being hosted in England and Wales after the former int'l cricketer was appointed managing director on Tuesday. The 51-year-old made 39 appearances for The Proteas in ODIs and played in four Tests after being capped at 32. He was tournament director of the 2007 and 2009 World T20 competitions and the 2013 Champions Trophy held in England and Wales -- a competition he is also in charge of organizing for the same hosts for next year (AFP, 7/19). ... CONMEBOL said that Dir General GORKA VILLAR has left the organization by "common accord." The Spanish lawyer was previously the legal director. He "worked under three presidents who were indicted by the U.S. Justice Department last year in an alleged bribery conspiracy" (AP, 7/19). ... Nike promoted VP & GM/Running for North America STEVE LESNARD to VP & GM of global running, succeeding PATRICK SEEHAFER, who has been promoted to VP/Europe merchandising (Nike).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Nigeria named Frenchman PAUL LE GUEN as the new manager of its national football team. Le Guen, 52, "whose position has been described as technical adviser," will be assisted by Nigerian SALISU YUSUF, who takes the role of "chief coach." Le Guen steered Cameroon to the 2010 World Cup. Completing the technical staff are Enugu Rangers coach IMAMA AMAPAKABO and goalkeeper trainer ALLOY AGU (ESPN, 7/18). ... GIAMPIERO VENTURA was "officially unveiled" as Italy's new manager on a two-year contract designed to "make sure the Azzurri qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia." He replaces ANTONIO CONTE, who led Italy to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 before taking over at Chelsea. Ventura has coached a number of clubs in Italy's top flight "and comes to the post following a five-year spell with Torino" (THE LOCAL, 7/19).
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