Nike India "has sued its long-time brand ambassador" Indian cricketer VIRAT KOHLI, "alleging breach of an endorsement contract." Nike had "extended its five-year endorsement contract" valid until '13 by a year and "duly intimated Kohli of this." However, the cricketer had allegedly responded to the company, saying he was "looking at other options" (BUSINESS STANDARD, 8/22). ... French cyclist SYLVAIN CHAVANEL "is leaving pro cycling team Omega Pharma Quick-Step and joins Swiss team IAM Cycling" (BLICK, 8/21). ... The Pakistan Football Federation on Wednesday "relieved" national team coach ZAVISA MILOSAVLJEVIC of Serbia and appointed Bahrain coach MOHAMMAED AL SHAMLAN "to take the team into the SAFF Cup challenge next month" (PAKISTAN TODAY, 8/22). ... Swiss Cycling Union President RICHARD CHASSOT "has resigned with immediate effect" after seeing his support for Int'l Cycling Union President PAT MCQUAID "overturned by the other board members of Swiss Cycling." Chassot has been president since March '12 and "is thought to have been one of the strongest supporters of McQuaid" (VELO NATION, 8/22). ... Veteran National Rugby League coach BRIAN SMITH "will steer the United States in their first appearance at a Rugby League World Cup later this year." Smith's appointment was announced on Thursday night, "just over two months before the Tomahawks make their debut at the 14-team tournament to be held in Europe" (AAP, 8/23). ... French and EPL West Brom striker NICOLAS ANELKA has walked out on training and told staff he has "retired from football." Anelka joined West Brom last month (REUTERS, 8/22).
