Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said he would step down from his position when his second term expires in 2025.
The German said he would not seek another term for which the Olympic Charter would have to be changed.
Bach made the announcement at the IOC Session on the penultimate day of the Paris Olympics, saying the Olympic Movement is “best served with a change of leadership.
“New times are calling for new leaders,” Bach said. “I, with my age, am not the best captain. I know with this decision I am disappointing many of you.”
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The German 1976 fencing gold medallist was elected in 2013 for an eight-year term as successor of Belgian surgeon Jacques Rogge and earned another four-year term in 2021.
According to the charter, no more than 12 years at the top of the world’s most important sports organisation are allowed.
Thus was part of the reforms around the Salt Lake City Winter Games bribes for votes scandal.
But at last year’s session, several IOC members had asked for a change of the charter and Bach to stay longer.
Bach said at the time he was humbled by the proposals but also said he respected the charter.
Bach oversaw the Olympic Agenda 2020 reform package which changed the bidding process and the hosting of the Games, and most recently the first e-sports Olympics were announced.
The new IOC president will be elected at next year’s Session in Greece in March, and take over on Olympic Day June 23, when Bach will step down.
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