The arrest of Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President ÁNGEL MARÍA VILLAR earlier in the summer came as a "major shock" to the RFEF and "threatened to shake up Spanish football," however the 67-year-old is "intending to stay on as president of the federation." Although he has received messages explaining that "it would be good and convenient for the sport in the country if he were to completely walk away from the post, he plans to stay on once he resolves his legal troubles" (MARCA, 9/4). ... England women's national football team Manager MARK SAMPSON said that his "conscience is clear" following the allegations of bullying, discrimination and racism made by ENI ALUKO. Sampson was "cleared by an internal FA inquiry into Aluko’s claims, and by an independent investigation." He said on Tuesday that he "intends to carry on in charge of the team" (LONDON TIMES, 9/5). ... German int'l SAMI KHEDIRA bought 1,200 tickets for Germany's home World Cup qualifier against Norway on Monday and "distributed them to disadvantaged local kids." Khedira announced that he bought the tickets to the match for local children "who are disadvantaged or with cancer" (ESPN.com, 9/4).
MAKING HISTORY: National Rugby League referees KASEY BADGER and BELINDA SLEEMAN will "create history this weekend when the pair become the first female officials involved in a rugby league finals match." In "another move closer to having the code's first female whistleblower," Badger and Sleeman have been selected as "touch judges in the opening week of the finals series" (THE AGE, 9/5).
