Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry – all in one place.
John Terry becomes investor and ambassador for LEBOM
Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has joined football prediction app LEBOM as both an investor and brand ambassador, the company confirmed on August 12.
The five-time Premier League winner will work with the business for the next three years, contributing to product development and sharing his weekly match predictions throughout the 2025/26 season.
The agreement comes as LEBOM continues to expand its player base. Founded in 2021, the app saw active users reach 65,000 last season, more than all previous campaigns combined, with retention rates of 86%.
LEBOM centres on private leagues in which friends predict match results for a shared pot, with the focus on low-stakes competition and social interaction.
CEO Chris Ricketts said Terry’s involvement brought “credibility and reach” and reflected the brand’s commitment to responsible, community-led gaming.
“I’ve been playing LEBOM with my family and close mates, and it’s honestly brought a whole new energy to the weekend’s football,” said Terry.
“The team behind LEBOM have built something smart, safe and genuinely fun, and I’m proud to be backing them as both an ambassador and an investor.”
Abi Tierney to step back from WRU for cancer treatment
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Chief Executive Abi Tierney will step away from her duties later this month to focus on cancer treatment, which will begin on August 22.
“The decision to step back for now has not been easy but I have to focus completely on my health and on the process of recovery,” Tierney said. She thanked family, friends and colleagues for their support and asked for privacy during her absence.
Tierney has led the WRU since 2023. During this period she has overseen key strategic developments in both the professional and community game.
The news was announced on August 13, with WRU Chairman Richard Collier-Keywood confirming he will take on additional responsibilities alongside Alison Thorne.
Collier-Keywood said the union would “make sure that she gets the time and support she needs during this period” and stressed that leadership would continue its work uninterrupted. Director of Rugby and Elite Performance David Reddin will lead ongoing discussions on the future of the professional game in Wales.
The WRU board, including Professional Rugby Board Chairman Malcolm Wall, Women’s Rugby Lead Amanda Bennett and Andrew Williams, will work closely with Collier-Keywood during Tierney’s absence.
Moses Itauma signs sponsorship deal with Bet9ja
Heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma has agreed a sponsorship deal with Nigeria’s leading sportsbook, Bet9ja, ahead of his headline fight against Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on August 16.
The announcement was made on August 11 and marks a significant move for the 20-year-old, who is unbeaten in 12 professional bouts since turning pro in 2023, with 10 wins coming by stoppage.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Itauma said the partnership was a personal one.
“My Nigerian heritage and family have always been a source of pride, and this partnership is a powerful connection to my roots,” he said. “I look forward to bringing my championship belts back to my father’s homeland.”
Bet9ja’s logo will feature on Itauma’s training gear and ringside team clothing. He will also collaborate on exclusive video and social media content.
“Moses embodies the spirit of resilience, power, and relentless pursuit of greatness that we champion,” said Ayo Ojuroye, Bet9ja CEO.
Tom Beck, Head of Content at Logifuture, which powers Bet9ja, called Itauma “one of the most exciting young talents in global boxing” and “a proud symbol of Nigerian toughness, talent and ambition on the global stage”.
The deal follows the betting brand’s renewed support for the Nigeria national football team’s “Let’s Do It Again” campaign ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
David Jones steps down from Sunderland board
Sunderland AFC has announced the departure of Non-Executive Director David Jones with immediate effect, with the news made public on August 12.
A lifelong supporter, Jones joined the club in December 2019 and has contributed to both business and football operations during a period that saw Sunderland climb from League One to the Premier League. His exit comes just days before the club plays its first Premier League match since the 2016/17 season.
“David’s counsel and support have been greatly appreciated throughout my time at the Club. His contribution has been significant in our journey to the Premier League, and his passion for Sunderland AFC has been constant,” said Club Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
“He will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light.”
Jones described his time on the board as one of the great honours of his life and said the decision to leave had been difficult.
“After a summer of reflection, it feels like the right time to step away with the Club’s journey back to the Premier League complete,” he said.
“On and off the field, the Club is unrecognisable from the one I joined in League One, and I can’t wait to see the continued progress.”
Snapshot Moves
Peter Filopoulos has exited his role as Football Australia’s Chief Customer, Brand and Marketing Officer, becoming the third senior executive to depart since May.
Jonathan Steel has joined The Sports Consultancy as Associate Director for Major Event Partnerships, bringing over 15 years’ experience in global sports marketing and event hosting.
Hans-Joachim Watzke will run for President of Borussia Dortmund at the club’s general meeting in November, following his autumn departure as Chairman of the Board.
Dean Hizzett has joined Racing and Sports as Trader, bringing eight years of experience in racing compilation and trading from Sky Bet to the company’s Managed Trading Services team.
Alex Ashton has been appointed Trading Operations at Racing and Sports, moving from Flutter where he was Operational Lead for its horse racing product.
Jarrod Lenihan has joined Racing and Sports as Trader in Canberra, having previously worked at Bet365 and with professional punter Sean Bartholomew.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to learn Novak Djokovic’s move into football, click HERE to read!
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