Sport Olympia
The IOC wants to change its rules – in favor of Thomas Bach
Status: 15.10.2023 | Reading time: 2 minutes
IOC President Thomas Bach said he was “very touched by the support”
Quelle: AFP/INDRANIL MUKHERJEE
Thomas Bach would actually have to vacate the office of IOC President in two years. Now there are calls from the wrestling circle for a change in the rules. Bach’s reaction is likely to fuel the impending upheaval.
Thomas Bach could remain President of the International Olympic Committee longer than the actually scheduled end of his term in 2025. Several IOC members called for a change to the Olympic Charter at the general assembly in Mumbai on Sunday to allow Bach to serve another term. 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 because 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.
The IOC executive under Bach’s leadership would have to decide
“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.
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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.
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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. The highly controversial official raised the age limit during his term in office, which made his 21-year term in office possible. In 2000, the rule limiting the presidency to two legislative periods was introduced. Bach was already in the IOC at the time and supported the decision.
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