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.
Collette Roche to lead Manchester United’s new stadium development
Manchester United has appointed Collette Roche to a newly created role as CEO of New Stadium Development.
Announced on January 27, Roche will report to United CEO Omar Berrada and oversee the club’s involvement in the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, established last week to drive the wider redevelopment of the area.
The project focuses on United’s ambition to construct a new 100,000-seat stadium close to its existing ground. The club confirmed last year it would pursue a new-build venue following months of consultation with supporters on whether to redevelop Old Trafford or relocate nearby.
“Collette has done a fantastic job leading the club’s work to develop our ambition to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration,” said Berrada. “As we start to accelerate our plans, we are delighted that Collette will now be totally focused on working to deliver this hugely important project.”
However, progress remains tied to securing adjacent land owned by Freightliner, which is reportedly seeking around £400m for the site.
Roche said she was “incredibly proud” to lead the development and work with regional stakeholders, adding the club remains committed to shaping the project through fan consultation.
British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton to leave for BOA role
British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton will step down in July to become CEO of the British Olympic Association (BOA).
Dutton joined the governing body in 2021 and has spearheaded a transformation, including the launch of a new long term strategy in 2024, the securing of Lloyds as lead commercial partner and the modernisation of the organisation’s operating model.
“During his tenure at British Cycling, Jon has delivered a significant programme of change,” said Chair Frank Slevin, who credited Dutton with strengthening the organisation’s ability to support elite performance, grow participation and deliver social impact initiatives aimed at tackling inequality.
Under his leadership, British Cycling also brought the men’s and women’s Tours of Britain back in-house and helped secure the UK as host of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027.
“It has been a tremendous honour to lead British Cycling through such an important and ambitious period of change,” said Dutton. “The opportunity to lead Team GB presents an exciting new challenge.”
British Cycling said it will begin the search for a successor shortly, with further updates expected in due course.
Malaysian football chiefs step down amid FIFA eligibility scandal
The entire executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has resigned, leaving their roles in a bid to preserve the organisation’s credibility.
The executives, who had been elected for the 2025–2029 term, submitted their resignations collectively following FIFA’s ruling last year that Malaysia had improperly naturalised several foreign-born players to represent the national team.
FAM said the decision was intended to restore confidence among supporters, stakeholders and the wider football community.
FIFA found documentation submitted to support the players’ eligibility had been falsified, resulting in a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs and 12-month suspensions for seven players born in Spain, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands. The case arose after Malaysia fielded multiple newly naturalised players in a 4-0 win over Vietnam, prompting a formal complaint and investigation.
Those players have since appealed the sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has temporarily lifted their bans pending a full hearing scheduled for late February 2026.
FAM has not yet confirmed interim leadership arrangements, but said further updates on governance and next steps will follow.
On names Frank Sluis as new CFO
Swiss sportswear brand On has appointed Frank Sluis as its new CFO, with the former Ahold Delhaize executive set to join the company on May 1 2026.
Sluis most recently served as CFO for Europe and Indonesia at food retail giant Ahold Delhaize, where he oversaw financial operations across more than €30bn in annual net sales and was responsible for international finance and procurement organisation of around 800 staff.
He succeeds Martin Hoffmann, who assumed sole CEO responsibilities last year while retaining oversight of finance. Hoffmann will continue to lead the finance function until Sluis formally takes up the role.
“We set out to identify the next right financial leader for On,” said Co-founder and executive co-chair Caspar Coppetti. “Frank stood out for his personal drive, his credibility as a strategic partner to the Board and the CEO, and his proven ability to align long-term vision and financial leadership.”
Commenting on his new position, Sluis said On combines “a powerful brand, strong values, and an ambitious global growth trajectory,” adding he was “excited to join the team and contribute to On’s journey forward.”
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay appointed Scottish FA vice-president
Heart of Midlothian CEO Andrew McKinlay has been appointed VP of the Scottish FA, following approval at the association’s general meeting.
McKinlay had been serving in the role on an interim basis after the resignation of Les Gray last year and brings experience from previous positions within the governing body, including interim CEO, COO and Director of Governance and Regulation. He also currently sits on the Scottish FA board and its audit and risk committee.
“I have had the privilege of being involved with the Scottish FA – and Scottish football more widely – for almost 15 years and I am grateful to the membership for placing their trust in me to represent them as Vice President,” said McKinlay.
The appointment comes at an interesting time for Scottish football. Hearts currently sit top of the league ahead of giants Celtic and Rangers, while the national men’s team recently qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
McKinlay will perform his new duties alongside his role at Hearts, where he said it was “an exciting time to be involved on both fronts,” adding he was equally committed to continuing the club’s work during what he described as a special period for the Edinburgh side.
Snapshot Moves
- Bernardo Hermoso has been named director of growth and data intelligence at La Liga.
- Ian Cunningham, former Philadelphia Eagles assistant director of player personnel, has been hired by Atlanta Falcons in a front office role.
- Brentford FC has appointed Hannah Brown as Growth Strategy Director, stepping into a new leadership role for the club’s development.
- Peter Murray named CEO of the PBA and Head of Media for Lucky Strike Entertainment, bringing experience from the PFL.
- Jannik Sinner has teamed up with Allianz in multi-year global partnership, focusing on youth empowerment and sports education while becoming the insurer’s official tennis ambassador.
- Rob Smethurst returns as Macclesfield FC chairman, while Jonathan Bull takes on the role of sporting director.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Business Journalist, Kieran O’Connor, at [email protected] to be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to find out about the huge leadership changes at the PFL.
