Atlético Mineiro footballer RONALDINHO's charity, the Instituto Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is being investigated on suspicion of embezzling funds provided by the local government. The "amount Ronaldinho may have embezzled could reach $725,000." The "money was intended to help various social projects in Porto Alegre." The three projects "being investigated involved centers for underprivileged children" -- the charity's total contract was worth around $2.4M, but "some of those funds disappeared" (EFE, 4/10). ... Former Indian cricketer SACHIN TENDULKAR has "become the source of hope for some young sports enthusiasts, this time from football, in Kerala." A group of 16 young football fans, under the banner of World Malayalee Football Fans Association, "has begun a social media campaign in favour of Tendulkar bidding for Kochi franchise in the Indian Super League football tournament, scheduled to be held in September-October" (PTI, 4/10). ... Chelsea Manager JOSE MOURINHO has been fined £8,000 ($13,400) and "warned about his future conduct" after being sent off during Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in March. He "denied an improper conduct charge but it was proven at a personal hearing with an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday" (BBC, 4/10). ... British Olympic Association Chair SEBASTIAN COE indicated that he will seek the Int'l Association of Athletics Federations presidency next year. LAMINE DIACK, 80, will step down in '15 "after 16 years in charge of the body that governs world athletics." Coe: "I will have to think long and hard about it. It's my sport and it's the basis of everything I've ever done, so why wouldn't I want to take that role?" (BBC, 4/10).
