Former Barcelona President SANDRO ROSELL was arrested as part of a "money-laundering investigation." A number of other people "were also held as police raided nine offices and homes in north-eastern Catalonia." The arrests are part of an "investigation into rights sales relating to Brazil," police sources said. Rosell was president of Barcelona from '10-14, when he resigned following a Spanish court's decision to investigate the '13 signing of NEYMAR. Rosell's wife "was among those also arrested on Tuesday." The arrests are reportedly "part of a joint operation between the Spanish police and the FBI," related to the U.S.-led investigation into corruption at FIFA (BBC, 5/23). ... STEFFI GRAF will continue as tournament ambassador for the 2017 WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, helping promote the third edition of the event, which will be staged at the Hengqin Tennis Center Zhuhai between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5 (WTA). ... Turkish police reportedly detained int'l footballer OZAN TUFAN and "several other suspects on Tuesday in an investigation into the illegal import of luxury cars." Prosecutors in the Istanbul district of Bakirkoy "issued 46 arrest warrants for suspects, including Tufan" (AFP, 5/23). ... Welsh discus thrower PHILIPPA ROLES, who represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, died, UK Athletics announced. The 39-year-old from Neath competed at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. The cause of death has not been confirmed (BBC, 5/22). ... All Blacks assistant head coach IAN FOSTER and forwards coach MIKE CRON "recommitted to the national side" through the 2019 Rugby World Cup (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 5/23). ... NITIN TOMAR became the "highest-bid player ever in the brief history of the ProKabaddi League" when the 22-year-old was picked up for a "whopping" Rs 93 lakh ($140,000) by the new UP franchise at the Season Five auction. MANJEET CHHILLAR was bought by Jaipur Pink Panthers for Rs 75.5 lakh ($113,000) (THE HINDU, 5/22).
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Chelsea Manager ANTONIO CONTE won the top two prizes at the League Managers' Association annual awards evening. The Italian was named manager of the year and Premier League manager of the year after "leading the Blues to the title in his first season in charge." Brighton & Hove Albion Manager CHRIS HUGHTON "won the Championship award after guiding his side to promotion." Sheffield United's CHRIS WILDER and Portsmouth's PAUL COOK claimed the respective League One and Two awards (BBC, 5/23).
