Former West Germany forward KARL-HEINZ RUMMENIGGE "will not run for re-election" as head of the European Club Association, he announced on Thursday. Rummenigge, who is also CEO of Bayern Munich, has been head of the ECA since it was founded in '08, "having been re-elected three times" (REUTERS, 8/10). ... IONUT VOINEA was appointed VP of integration & operations Central & Eastern Europe at Liberty Global. He is currently the technical director of UPC Romania and "will take up his new role this month." The role will involve "leading all the technical operations of Liberty Global in the CEE region" (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 8/10). ... Former Super League rugby side St. Helens head coach KEIRON CUNNINGHAM was appointed head of rugby at Leigh Centurions for the rest of the '17 season. Club Owner DEREK BEAUMONT "relinquished the head of rugby position because of his business commitments" (BBC, 8/13).
COACHES/MANAGERS: EPL side West Bromwich Albion Manager TONY PULIS signed a new contract to "extend his stay at the Hawthorns" until '19. Pulis joined the club in Jan. '15. West Brom recorded its "joint-second best finish in the Premier League era" when it finished 10th last season (REUTERS, 8/11). ... Real Madrid Manager ZINEDINE ZIDANE agreed to a new three-year deal with the club. In 18 months in charge, the former Real midfielder has won the Champions League twice and La Liga once (BBC, 8/12).
