The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bachis unclear about a possible extension of his mandate, which would require a change of Olympic Charterand said “man” he feels “moved” by the appearance of voices calling for its continuation.
In a press conference on Mumbai (India)where the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee, the German leader pointed out that in recent days he had heard “that some members” want him to continue in office after 2025, when his mandate expires. “But I didn’t expect the topic to come up in the Session meeting,” he added.
“After several conversations with colleagues at the IOC, I can say that it has two motivations: that the premature election campaign does not change the preparation of the Paris 2024 Games, they want to avoid it, and on the other hand, to recognize the work done . of the IOC in recent years. ten years,” said Bach.
“I think it’s human that I felt touched and I appreciate these signs of friendship. Because of this and out of respect for each other, I don’t want to respond to those signs and hurt anyone,” he added. Asked to specify his answer and say clearly if he wants to run again, he said: “That’s my answer.”
After new questions on the same meaning, he said: “It should be discussed with the people affected and informed to the media.”
The African members of the IOC and some representatives from Latin America, such as the Dominican Luis Mejía and the Paraguayan Camilo Pérez, expressed this Sunday in the Session that the world is experiencing moments of crisis in which the Olympic Movement needed “expert” leadership but “calm” and requested a review of the Olympic Charter.
This document, the ‘constitution’ of the IOC, establishes that the president is elected for an initial term of eight years and may be re-elected for another four, with no possibility of further renewal.
If a change to the Olympic Charter is proposed, it must be presented 30 days before the vote and then approved by two-thirds of the assembly.
“I made it clear yesterday that I am loyal to the Olympic Charter,” Bach said. “Being the co-author of the text, which shows that I think the (term) limits are meaningful and necessary. It is a sign of mutual respect,” he reiterated, “to consider the response to those member of the IOC in a direct context and not in front of the press.”
Regarding the presence of the Russians and Belarusians at the Paris Games, Bach said they want to “continue to closely evaluate what is happening in the qualification tournaments,” where they already compete in most sports. “This is what we will continue to do. There are many interventions by IOC members that underline the mission of the Olympic Movement to unite the world,” concluded the IOC president.
Source: La Verdad
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