Thomas Bach, IOC President, "Will Not Extend Term... Will Step Down Next Year" [Paris Olympics]

Announced at the 142nd IOC General Assembly
Next President Election to be Held in Greece in March Next Year

Thomas Bach (70), President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced his intention to retire next year.

Thomas Bach, IOC President, speaking at the General Assembly
Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Major foreign media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that Bach stated at the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris, France, on the 10th (local time), "I will not change the rules to extend my term," and emphasized, "I will step down as president when my second term ends at the end of next year."

President Bach is a former German fencer who won a gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. After retiring, he worked as a lawyer and became an IOC member in 1991.

He then ran for IOC President in September 2013 and was elected. According to the IOC Charter, the term of the IOC President is eight years, with the possibility of a single four-year extension.

Therefore, Bach’s term is set to end in 2025.

Bach has demonstrated strong leadership, driving reforms within the IOC and advancing the Olympic movement. It is known that he had been contemplating requests from surrounding members urging him to amend the Olympic Charter to extend his term.

At the session, Bach stated, "After long reflection and extensive discussions, I believe a new leader is needed for a new era," clearly indicating his intention to step down in one year.

Following Bach’s announcement of his retirement, the next IOC presidential election will be held at the IOC Session in Greece in March next year. Bach plans to transfer power to the newly elected president in June next year.

Although no candidates have officially declared their candidacy yet, foreign media reported that Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, and David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union, are being mentioned as potential candidates.

During his tenure, Bach is credited with strengthening the IOC’s finances by increasing broadcasting rights and marketing revenues.

On the other hand, he has faced criticism for being lukewarm on issues such as Russia’s doping problems and sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, due to his personal friendship with President Vladimir Putin.