Real Madrid's CRISTIANO RONALDO has opened a football academy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Joining Ronaldo at the inauguration was former Ukrainian striker ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO (AS, 7/7). ... Professional FA Chair CLARKE CARLISLE "believes hundreds of players are dealing with depression." Carlisle, who called a halt to his playing career at the end of last season, is "presenting a television documentary this week about suicide and depression among footballers." Carlisle said, "I will categorically state there are hundreds of players suffering with this" (PA, 7/7). ... Former Rugby Football League CEO DAVID OXLEY has been elected president of the RFL. Oxley will take on the honorary position for the next 12 months, "a move which was announced at the Rugby League Council AGM in Warrington" (BBC, 7/4).
NOTABLE DEATHS: FIBA Europe President OLAFUR RAFNSSON was laid to rest in his native Iceland on Thursday. Approximately 1,000 guests, family and friends were in attendance, including basketball dignitaries from throughout the European basketball community. Included amongst the European basketball family representatives were FIBA Europe acting President CYRIEL COOMANS, FIBA Europe Secretary General KAMIL NOVAK; FIBA Europe Treasurer JAN BERTELING, FIBA President YVAN MAININI and FIBA COO MARKUS STUDER (FIBA). ... Argentine sports journalist ENRIQUE ESCANDE died at age 62 on Saturday. Escande began working for the EFE in '82 and later covered a number of World Cups and Olympic Games (CLARIN, 7/6).
