Badminton Association of Thailand President Charoen Wattanasin said that the Badminton World Federation "will present His Majesty the King with its President's Medal." It is the BWF's "highest award to honour distinguished individuals or organisations with an exceptional contribution to the sport" (BANGKOK POST, 11/20). ... Australian football player HARRY KEWELL "joined the FIFA Football Committee for its inaugural meeting in Zurich," Switzerland over the weekend. The committee, which is chaired by UEFA President MICHEL PLATINI, "deals with structural issues within the game as well as relations between clubs, leagues, members and confederations." Kewell, along with El Salvador player JAIME RODRIGUEZ, Algeria int'l RABAH MADJER and EPL CEO RICHARD SCUDAMORE, "are the latest members to be added to the committee" (SBS, 11/20). ... Former France Manager RAYMOND DOMENECH's memoirs are titled Tout Seul (All by Myself) and were published Monday. They are "based on the diary he kept during his six-year spell as France manager from '04-10, and in them, Domenech assumes little responsibility for France’s World Cup debacle" in '10 (REUTERS, 11/19). ... Al Jazira is "expected to sign a deal with German coach FELIX MAGATH to lead its team for the rest of the season, replacing Brazilian PAOLO BONAMIGO. Despite the reluctance of Al Jazira club officials "to confirm this," sources said that the club "will sit with Bonamigo on Wednesday to reach a compromise regarding the settlement of his contract before announcing their new deal" (GULF NEWS, 11/20).
LEAVING THE U.S.: German Hockey League (DEL) club Hannover Scorpions "signed NHL San Jose Sharks goaltender THOMAS GREISS during the league's lockout." The 26-year-old German native "has appeared in 38 NHL games" and has a career goals against average of 2.52 (DEL). ... Chinese Basketball Association side Shanghai Sharks officially announced its signing of GILBERT ARENAS on Monday. After spending almost two weeks training with Shanghai, Arenas "nailed down a one-year contract with the club," which is owned by former NBA player YAO MING. Media and fans "have been tantalized since Arenas landed in Shanghai on Nov. 5, and the club took its time before inking the one-year deal reportedly worth $700,000" (CHINA DAILY, 11/20).
