The strict rules for the election campaign to succeed IOC President Thomas Bach have been criticized by some of the candidates.
30.01.2025, 17:38
30.01.2025, 18:09
SDA
Sebastian Coe, one of the favorites among the seven candidates, spoke out in favor of a review of the rules. The President of the World Association of Athletics Federations said after his bid speech to the members of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday that personal interaction must be made much more possible.
Six men and one woman are running for the top IOC office. They were only allowed to present their election programs to the IOC members behind closed doors in a presentation limited to 15 minutes and 30 seconds. Questions were not allowed. The candidates are also prohibited from making any further appearances in the race to succeed Bach. "If I were president, I would be more flexible with the rules. The world should know who its leaders are," said Prince Feisal al-Hussein.
Only one woman among the candidates
The Jordanian was the first to present himself to the IOC members after a draw. Alongside him and Briton Coe, Frenchman David Lappartient, Swedish-born FIS President Johan Eliasch, Japanese Morinari Watanabe and Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. are also standing for election. The only woman among the candidates is Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe.
The Olympic swimming champion rejected speculation that she was the outgoing Bach's preferred candidate. "He is very loyal to all of us," said the 41-year-old. Bach had decided not to vote in the election in Greece in mid-March.
The German is vacating the IOC post after twelve years at the end of his second term of office. Bach announced his decision not to run again at the end of the Summer Games in Paris last August. The Olympic Charter would have had to be amended for the 71-year-old to make another attempt.
