IOC Must Have 'Cool Head' at the Helm

Experts say new chief with political savvy, tact and steady hand needed as future risks

- 

PYLOS, Greece - Whoever succeeds Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 20 will need to be "cool under fire".

In fact, some members believe that the very existence of the Olympic Movement is at stake.

Seven candidates are vying to become the most powerful person in sports governance and replace Bach, who steps down after a stormy 12-year tenure when he had to contend with Covid-19, a Russian doping scandal as well as Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"I believe this is the most significant Olympic election in nearly half a century," Michael Payne, a former head of IOC Marketing, told AFP.

"Some IOC members are even predicting that the very future of the Olympic Movement is at stake."

Payne, who in nearly two decades at the IOC was credited with renewing its brand and finances through sponsorships, said the movement has "never been stronger" thanks in part to "perhaps the greatest Games ever" in Paris 2024.

However, he added that the "outlook is fraught with risk".

"The IOC has not faced such a troubled geopolitical outlook in many years," the Irishman added.