DEBBIE JEVANS, one of the architects of the London 2012 Olympics, will become the first woman to head one of English football's main organizations. She was appointed interim chair of the English Football League to replace IAN LENAGAN, who stepped down after two years in the post. It is understood that Jevans has not made any decision "about whether to apply for the permanent role" (LONDON TIMES, 9/7). ... OLLE DAHLIN from Sweden is the new president of the Int'l Biathlon Union. The IBU VP defeated BAIBA BROKA of Latvia 39-12 in an election at the federation's annual congress in Porec, Croatia. Dahlin replaces former IBU President ANDERS BESSEBERG, "who stepped aside in April after being implicated in a doping scandal earlier this year" (AROUND THE RINGS, 9/7). ... Former swimmer KIRSTY COVENTRY was appointed as Zimbabwe's minister of youth, sport, arts and recreation. Coventry becomes the second female "to hold such a portfolio in Government," after former VP JOICE MUJURU, who held the post in the '80s. Earlier this year, Coventry was appointed chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission (ZIMBABWE HERALD, 9/8).
COACHES/MANAGERS: DIEGO MARADONA was appointed coach of Ascenso MX side Dorados. The second-tier club issued a short video on its social media channel with the messages "Welcome Diego" and "Make it a 10" (ESPN.com, 9/6). ... Super League side Leeds Rhinos appointed National Rugby League side South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant coach DAVID FURNER as head coach on a three-year contract. Furner, 47, made 47 appearances as a forward for Rhinos, winning the Super League Grand Final in '04. The Australian started his coaching career with NRL side Canberra Raiders, serving as head coach from '09-13 (BBC, 9/8). ... ORAN KEARNEY described being appointed Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren manager as "surreal" after agreeing to a three-year deal with the club. The 40-year-old leaves Coleraine and replaces ALAN STUBBS, who left the club on Monday after less than three months in charge (BBC, 9/7). ... League Two side Crawley Town appointed Italian GABRIELE CIOFFI as head coach. The 42-year-old replaces HARRY KEWELL, who joined Notts County at the end of August following 15 months in charge of the West Sussex club (BBC, 9/7).
