Coe’s IOC presidency bid hits a setback

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced new election rules that could prevent Sebastian Coe from running for its presidency.

According to a report from The Associated Press, a letter has been sent by the IOC ethics commission to its 111 members ahead of Sunday’s deadline to enter the race to succeed Thomas Bach next year.

The letter, which would have been received by current head of World Athletics Coe and the other potential candidates, reportedly claims that candidates must be IOC members ‘on election day and during the entire duration of their term as IOC President.’

The ethics commission also raised concerns over holding dual presidential roles, suggesting that Coe’s leadership of World Athletics might pose a conflict of interest if he became IOC president. 

This is set to provide a hurdle for Coe, with his chances of securing the IOC presidency reducing.

Coe has been considered by the IOC because of his positions on issues like Russia’s doping scandal and Olympic prize money, which opposes the governing bodies policies. However, more widely he is considered a strong candidate.

This could be resolved through a change in membership status after the election, but Britain currently lacks a spot for an additional individual member following Hugh Robertson’s recent election. 

Other potential candidates include Kirsty Coventry, David Lappartient, Prince Feisal al Hussein, and Nicole Hoevertsz. The current IOC president, Thomas Bach, has confirmed he will step down in 2025 after completing his 12-year term, and the next election is set for March in Greece.