IOC Clarifies Election Rules, Impacting Potential Presidential Candidates

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified its election rules, impacting the presidential candidacy of Sebastian Coe. The IOC's ethics commission detailed why Coe appears ineligible. The winning candidate must be an IOC member on election day and throughout the term. The letter raises questions about Coe and other potential candidates' eligibility.

In a significant move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified its complex election rules, potentially barring Sebastian Coe from running for president. This development was detailed in a letter from the IOC's ethics commission to its 111 members, including Coe.

The letter, dated Monday, outlined why Coe, currently the president of World Athletics, seems ineligible to complete a full first IOC mandate of eight years. The letter specified that the winning candidate must be an IOC member on election day, scheduled for March in Greece, and throughout their term as IOC President.

Coe's IOC membership is contingent upon his presidency at World Athletics, a position he must vacate in 2027. This rule, combined with the age limit for another candidate, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., underscores the legal hurdles just days before the deadline for candidates to declare their intent.

(With inputs from agencies.)