London-listed betting and gaming technology business Sportech said that CEO IAN PENROSE and CFO MICKEY KALIFA "would be leaving," having completed a turnaround that hinged on repaying £65M in debt, securing a £97M VAT refund last year and selling the Football Pools for £83M earlier this year. Kalifa will "leave the board immediately" and end his financial role on Oct. 31. Penrose will stay until the end of the year (LONDON TIMES, 9/19).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Real Madrid Manager ZINEDINE ZIDANE said on Tuesday that he renewed his contract with the club, "although the deal has not yet been announced officially." The side renewed "various players' contracts in recent weeks" and the Frenchman told a news conference that "he too has extended his deal, which was set to expire at the end of this season" (REUTERS, 9/19). ... National Rugby League side Canterbury Bulldogs sacked coach DES HASLER. Just months after signing a two-year, A$2M ($1.6M) extension, Hasler was informed by the club's board on Tuesday that "his services were no longer required." He will be given a payout but "nowhere near the value of his contract" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 9/19).
