EPL side Crystal Palace Manager TONY PULIS quit the club Thursday night, little more than 36 hours before the season opener. Gary Jacob of the London Times reported he left after a "series of disagreements over transfer policy and spending." Former ManU Manager DAVID MOYES was immediately installed as bookmakers' favorite to take over, while Assistant Manager KEITH MILLEN will run the club in the opening match against Arsenal on Saturday (LONDON TIMES, 8/15). ... ANTONIO CONTE has been "confirmed as the new head coach of the Italy national team." The "former Juventus boss, who left the Bianconeri in July," was announced as CESARE PRANDELLI's long-term replacement by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday evening (PA, 8/14). ... Bundesliga side Hannover 96 has appointed JOSIP GRBAVAC as
its new marketing director. Grbavac, who worked the last 10 years at 2nd
Bundesliga side St. Pauli, will take over his new position on Oct. 1 (Hannover 96). ... CARLOS BILARDO on Wednesday stepped down from his role as director general of the Argentina FA's national teams after six years in the position. Following former Argentine coach ALEJANDRO SABELLA's decision "not to sign a new contract after this year's World Cup," Bilardo decided "to step aside" ahead of new Argentina coach GERARDO MARTINO's arrival (TELAM, 8/13). ... German Hockey League (DEL) club Cologne Sharks announced that shareholder PETER SCHÖNBERGER will become the club's co-managing director. Cologne's current Managing Dir LANCE NETHERY will also take on the role of sports director (Cologne Sharks).
Do you have an executive announcement? If so, please send to global@sportsbusinessdaily.com.