Sports politics
Push from the IOC for another term of office for Bach
Could possibly remain IOC President for longer: Thomas Bach. photo
© Cao Can/XinHua/dpa
Thomas Bach should actually vacate the office of IOC President in two years. Now there are calls from the wrestling circle for a change in the rules.
The 69-year-old from Würzburg did not explicitly rule out remaining in office and said: “You know that I am very loyal to the Olympic Charter.” IOC Vice President John Coates had previously explained under what conditions changes to the charter would be possible. Bach has been head of the Olympic umbrella organization since 2013. After an initial eight-year term, he was elected for a further four years in accordance with the IOC statutes. The 1976 Olympic fencing champion should actually vacate the post in 2025.
However, Luis Mejía Oviedo, IOC member from the Dominican Republic, called for a reform of the charter and said that the rings circle still needed Bach’s leadership. Aicha Garad Ali of Djibouti and Algerian Mustapha Berraf, president of the Association of African National Olympic Committees, supported the proposal.
Door opened for speculation
“I am very touched by their support and their friendship,” Bach said. He pointed to Coates’ explanation of a process for amending the charter, opening the door to speculation about whether he would be open to another term.
The IOC Executive under Bach’s leadership and then the General Assembly would have to decide on a corresponding adjustment to the IOC statutes. The next IOC session is planned for shortly before the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
There is currently no official candidate to succeed Bach. Sebastian Coe, President of the World Athletics Association, and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. are considered possible candidates. Samaranch’s father was head of the IOC from 1980 to 2001.