Appointments, sackings and loans
EUROPE
Borussia Dortmund parted company with head coach LUCIEN FAVRE.
In Spain, DIEGO COSTA was released by Atletico Madrid after falling out of favour at the club, while Athletic Bilbao fired boss GAIZKA GARITANO.
AZ Alkmaar sacked ARNE SLOT after speculation linking him with Feyenoord. The Dutchman later confirmed that he will replace DICK ADVOCAAT when he retires at the end of the season.
Cypriot champions APOEL sacked ex-Republic Of Ireland manager MICK MCCARTHY after just two months in charge of the Nicosia club.
CONCACAF
KYLE BECKERMAN, the MLS record appearance maker announced his retirement from playing.
ASIA
Coach GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST left Guangzhou R&F after just one year in China.