IOC president Thomas Bach to step down after his second term ends next year

Bach, who has held the role since 2013, revealed elections will be held next March and his successor will take charge in June.

Thomas Bach feels the IOC is “best served with a change in leadership” (Joel Marklund/PA) (PA Wire)

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has indicated he will stand down after his second term ends next year.

The 70-year-old, who has held the role since 2013, gave the update on his future during the IOC’s 142nd session.

Bach said: “After 12 years in the office of IOC president, our organisation is best served with a change in leadership. I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders. Change or be changed.”

I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders

Thomas Bach

The German said a new IOC president will be elected in March 2025, when the IOC membership meets in Greece, and will take charge in June.

“In order to safeguard the credibility of the IOC we all, and in particular I as your president, have to respect the highest standards of good governance we have set for ourselves,” Bach added.

“I will be at your disposal for our beloved Olympic movement.”

An Olympic fencing champion in 1976, Bach joined the IOC as a member in 1991 and succeeded Jacques Rogge as president 11 years ago.

Nobody has campaigned to succeed Bach as yet.