What do Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Thomas Bach have in common? For example, the memories of joint opening ceremonies at the Winter Olympics. 2014 in Sochi, 2022 in Beijing. Two editions of the Olympics that left a lasting impression, also with regard to Bach’s work as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Doping and Crimean annexation, Peng Shuai, Uighurs, Valiyeva scandal and the Russian war of conquest. Sometimes it was about sport, sometimes not, the same applies to both editions: the games under the autocrats shape the IOC Bach era. And there may soon be another thing in common: a term of office extended beyond the originally planned duration. With Russian President Putin, China’s President Xi Jinping and Thomas Bach.
Mumbai on Sunday morning. After his speech at the opening of the 141st IOC session the evening before, which essentially dealt with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and in which Bach held out the prospect of Olympic e-gaming games, Bach decided not to give another lecture. The Algerian Mustapha Berraf soon takes the floor. Berraf, president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, sight-reads for minutes. In summary: In difficult times, “times of agony”, the IOC needs stability. Bach, who would have to leave office after twelve years in 2025 according to the terms of the Olympic Charter, should continue. To seek a third term.
Statutes are changed from time to time
Berraf is not alone: Luis Mejia Oviedo from the Dominican Republic and Camilo Lopez Moreira from Paraguay are calling on Bach to stay. Aïcha Garad Ali, Djibouti, claims: “The whole of Africa” wants this. Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, says: “They have always advised us that sports associations must follow rules and act with high integrity.” Is that an intervention? “I love you, President Bach,” says Watanabe, “because I believe you are a correct person.”
“Thank you for the love,” says Bach. There have been rumors for months that he might move on. So what is happening in Mumbai? A play? A charade? A spontaneous initiative by the Bach disciples for a boss who is not at all prone to spontaneity? Thomas Bach, elected to office in Lima in 2013 and confirmed for four more years in 2021, remains true to himself. He instructs his old friend John Coates, chief legal counsel for the IOC members, to explain the legal situation.
Coates has the relevant passages of the charter ready. “I found out last night that this was coming,” he would later say outside the conference hall. Inside he explains: A corresponding change to the charter must be requested through the legal commission. The Executive Committee will then deal with the matter. Finally, this could propose a corresponding change to the IOC General Assembly, which it would have to accept with a two-thirds majority.
The only one who publicly expressed ambition to follow Bach: Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics: Image: AFP
And what does Bach say? “I am very loyal to the charter. As her co-author, I am particularly loyal to her.” But the IOC members’ wish hit him: “Right into my heart.” One could also say: Bach says nothing in terms of content.
