Olympics
What IOC presidential candidates promise for the future of Olympic Games – A Look at candidates’ manifestos

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has published the manifestos, opens new tab of the seven candidates to succeed Thomas Bach as president in March.
Below is a selection of some of the key manifesto points of the seven candidates:
Sebastian Coe, British, 68
Qualifications – President of World Athletics, organised and delivered 2012 London Olympics, former member of British Parliament, IOC member since 2020, double Olympic 1500 metres gold medallist.
Key quotes from the manifesto and presentation:
* The IOC is not a broken organisation but it can be so much better and it needs change. There is too much power in the hands of too few people. The decision-making processes are out of balance and the fences need to be taken down. The members are under-utilised. There is no shortage of talent and I want to take advantage of the huge bank of knowledge and experience that exists there.
* I know there is an appetite for change from the members.
* I’ve effectively been preparing for this role my whole life, which has always been dedicated to sport. I don’t know if my approach will ruffle the feathers of current senior officials but that’s not my concern. My only interest is in making the organisation better.
* The most potent social worker in all our communities is sport. We have to do more to engage with governments to know what this means – this is our core business.
* I’m very comfortable where we’ve got to in athletics on the protection of the female category. If you don’t have clear policies you end up with what happened in Paris (in boxing).
* It’s a job I know I can do, a job that massively excites me. I have experience of reforming the sport of athletics.
* It’s exciting and would be the privilege and honour of my life and I’m ready.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Jordanian, 61
Qualifications – President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, Chairman of Jordan Motorsport, Executive Board Member of Olympic Council of Asia, Member of the Executive Council of the Association of National Olympic Committees
IOC: Member since 2010, member of Executive Board since 2019.
* Where our Games are held also necessitates a review of when they are held. I believe our changing climate requires a review of the sporting calendar so more host cities can bid for the Olympic Games.
* We must also look at how we can maximise Olympic Games revenue share for IFs and NOCs.
* Esports: It is clear we must collude and not collide with this genre of sport. I believe that the Olympic Esports Games, like the Olympic Qualifier Series – with its focus on urban sports – are a step in the right direction.
* I intend to engage the world’s youth beyond the Olympic Games period to daily engagement throughout the whole quadrennial.
* AI: Properly harnessing AI can enhance the enjoyment of sport while levelling the playing field. As we continue to explore the IOC’s Olympic AI Agenda, we must ensure this technology is accessible to all.
* From my years in military command to my work with the National Policy Council, I have learned that effective leadership stems not from imposing ideas but from listening, building trust and drawing upon the collective wisdom of a team.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Spanish, 65
Qualifications – Member of the Spanish National Olympic Committee since 1989; first Vice-President of the International Modern Pentathlon Union since 1996, CEO and founding partner of GBS Finance S.A. Son of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, Member since 2010 and Member of the Executive Board from 2012-2016 and since 2019. IOC Vice-President from 2016-2020 and since 2022.
* Athletes are the heartbeat of the Olympic Movement, and IOC Members are its guardians and trustees. From our conversations, it is clear that Members need a stronger voice in shaping our future. We must also revisit the age limit – Extend the retirement age to 75 – to ensure we are not arbitrarily losing the benefits of experience and knowledge.
* Commission a comprehensive operational review with an experienced external resource, Olympic experts, and select IOC Members to evaluate all IOC programs for alignment with the mission, impact, and return on investment with four primary areas of focus: Streamline Processes, Modernize Technology, Optimize Resources and Measure Performance.
* Members should decide on the Host City selection and should remain flexible and open to adjusting our calendar to make hosting the Games more accessible for all regions, given our changing climate and commitment to Universality.
* Review the increasing geographical spread of Games venues. While there are valid reasons to disperse them strategically, such decisions should be based on legacy issues and operational realities, not politics.
* We should protect women in sports. The IOC has a fundamental duty to safeguard women’s sport by adopting a policy to maintain unambiguous distinctions between men’s and women’s categories. The IOC must lead on this issue by setting clear guidelines for competition.
* Continue engaging with global leaders to emphasize and uphold the importance of maintaining the Olympic Movement’s political independence.
* Conduct an immediate review of our Media agreements along with our partners to ensure that we are maximizing the reach and promotional opportunities for the Olympic brand.
* Based on my banking experience, I believe that there is potential to establish a $1 billion investment fund in which the IOC contributes specialised knowledge and insights while investors provide the necessary capital. This partnership structure would enable the IOC to participate financially with minimal risk.
Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe, 41
IOC member since 2013, chairperson of the Athlete Commission (2018-2021). In 2023 was re-appointed as Zimbabwe’s Minister for Sports, Art and Recreation. Seven Olympic swimming medals from five Olympics.
* My mission to drive empowerment, strengthen engagement, and ensure we remain relevant, is guided by the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are.” This principle highlights the combined strength of the Olympic community and our responsibility to uplift one another.
* Harnessing the power of sport. Recognising that athletes are more than competitors, we must continue to prioritise their mental health, physical recovery, and amplify their holistic well-being throughout their athletic careers beyond
* Harness the expertise of our International Federations to enhance the impact of every event.
* The Olympic Games must lead by example in environmental responsibility, championing sustainable practices in infrastructure, logistics, and operations
* Zero tolerance for corruption, doping and unethical behaviour. I believe our Olympic Movement has a pivotal role to play in today’s world, a world increasingly divided. We have the opportunity to demonstrate the true power of sport: the resilience to rise after failure, the strength to never give up, and the importance of understanding and respect.
Johan Eliasch, Swedish-British, 62
President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), former Special Representative of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. IOC: Member since 2024.
* In a world of high expectations and forensic scrutiny of the IOC, we must ensure our organisation is dynamic and businesslike. Successful organisations which have sustained success are built on rock-solid foundations, such as a strong focus on governance, clearly defined areas of responsibility, accountability, and authority throughout the organization, strategic thinking, with clearly articulated objectives, a culture of collaboration, creativity and innovation and succession planning. The IOC must be no different.
* In a world of fast-changing technologies, we must stay ahead of the commercial curve and get more for less. In the coming years we must strike the right balance between sponsorship goals, television rights exploitation, digital strategies and new commercialization models.
* In a world divided by politics, poverty and inequality, we must unite around our values. We must uphold the precious principle of political neutrality and we must safeguard athletes from being weaponised for political purposes.
* The IOC must lead on the issue of gender and eligibility, creating the framework for international federations. The IOC should lead the way, establishing a simple and clear policy to ensure a fair and safe environment for all athletes, particularly women.
* Would the benefits of prize money for Olympic athletes outweigh the drawbacks? Our movement is about celebrating human excellence and endurance; athletes devoting years to producing their best possible performance and receiving rewards far deeper than money: national pride, personal glory and their competitors’ respect. We must ask ourselves: is introducing prize money consistent with this spirit? And is it necessary?
* How can we make the Games more attractive to younger generations – and how can we engage them more than once every couple of years? The IOC must explore ways to boost the Olympic profile between the Games. E sports may seem distinctive in many ways from Olympic sport, but their fast-growing popularity offers a glimpse of a tantalising future in which Olympic values are leveraged to reach a larger and younger audience.
David Lappartient, French, 51
President of Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), President of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee. IOC Member since 2022.
* Commissions: I will propose a small reduction in the number of commissions and the number of Members in each commission to improve their efficiency.
* Gender parity: Women make up 41% of our membership… I propose setting a goal to achieve parity among Members no later than 2036.
* I would ask Members if they would agree to a slight increase in the number of IOC Members, which would come from the Athletes Commission and ensure that each continent is represented in order to take a more universal scope.
* Doping: We must continue to innovate in the fight against doping and marshal the necessary resources because the funds allocated to research by the WADA are not enough.
* As part of our desire to be present in every region of the world…I hope that we can organise the Olympic Games in Africa in the future.
* I believe it would also be worthwhile to better define the conditions for adding new sports to the programme of the Olympic Games (universality, quotas, Olympic revenue, etc.) and integrating new disciplines of sports already on the Olympic programme.
* Esports: We need to throw our weight behind the Olympic Esports Games and get International Federations involved whenever possible. National Olympic Committees will also play a key role in overseeing the teams defending their national colours.
* We must avoid building infrastructures in sensitive natural areas and make sure to mitigate the impact of sporting events on biodiversity.
* I also deem it important to rein IOC spending to save as many resources as possible for the implementation of our missions and substantial disbursements to Members of the Olympic Movement.
* I will table a proposal at the IOC Session to convene an Olympic Congress in accordance with Rule 4 to enrich our Agenda through a debate with all the stakeholders of sport. It would be the 14th Olympic Congress. The most recent one was held in Copenhagen in 2009.
Morinari Watanabe, Japanese, 65
IOC member since 2018, President of the International Gymnastics Federation.
* Stage the Olympic Games in five cities from the five continents, in the same period of time. – IOC and IFs can choose a city that will provide an environment with less burden on athletes. Bringing the five continents together – The Games will be broadcast and streamed 24 hours a day, which will unite the world. 10 sports per host city, 50 sports in total. – With fewer (1/3) numbers of IFs involved per each of host city… will allow the use of more existing and temporary facilities to be considered. – Discussions will also be undertaken for the Winter Olympic Games to reduce the number of sports per host city with a view to organising the Games in several host cities and countries/regions.
* As the Olympic Games expand to five continents, broadcast and streamed 24 hours a day, the reach of Worldwide Partners will increase and the broadcast and streaming time of Rightsholders will extend. I would like to discuss with the current Worldwide Partners and Rightsholders how they can further capitalize on the growing value. The IOC and the Partners/Rightsholders will build a ‘win-win’ marketing system to increase revenues.
* As IOC members are experts in different fields, a system will be created to allow IOC members to actively contribute to the world by using their respective skills and careers. For example, politicians can promote “Sport and Politics” and entertainment industry professionals can promote “Sport and Entertainment”
* Change in the term of office of the IOC President to a maximum of 12 years (from eight).
* As President of the International Gymnastics Federation, I have visited more than 160 countries. I meet with athletes, coaches and officials from different countries and ask for their opinions. I believe it’s my job to listen to everyone and make their dreams come true.
-Reuters
Olympics
Nigeria Crowned Inaugural African Flag Football Champions as Sport Eyes LA28 Olympic Debut

Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams made history in Cairo by clinching gold at the first-ever IFAF African Flag Football Championships, a landmark moment in the sport’s journey towards its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
In a thrilling men’s final at Club One Stadium in Maadi, Nigeria edged host nation Egypt 13-12 before a lively home crowd. The match was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi.
The Nigerian women’s team also delivered a commanding performance in their final, defeating Morocco 26-12. Quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello led the charge with two decisive touchdowns in the second half, securing the title and underscoring Nigeria’s growing dominance in the sport.
Tunisia (men) and Egypt (women) took home bronze medals, completing the continent’s first-ever flag football championship podiums.
Africa Makes History
The two-day tournament (June 20–21, 2025), organized under the auspices of the Egyptian Federation of American Football, featured 11 teams from eight nations. It marked the opening event of IFAF’s 2025 Continental Championship Series, the most expansive competition cycle in flag football history, culminating in LA28.
As newly crowned African champions, both Nigerian teams earned automatic qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. The competition also saw 10 national teams receive their first-ever official world rankings.
Emotional Reactions from Champions and Rivals
“This is a great achievement for us and I’m proud of every woman here,” said Nigeria’s women’s quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello. “I’m excited for the opportunity to go to the World Championships and show everyone what we can do.”
“It’s amazing, surreal, historic and unbelievable,” added Nigeria’s men’s quarterback Hayes Obinna-Uzoh. “We’ve made history.”
Egypt’s men’s quarterback Mahmoud Aboushady praised the passionate home support: “We gave it our all but just came up short. The crowd was incredible — a big turnout, all cheering — and that was really touching.”
Morocco’s women’s centre Sonia Mouimen also reflected on the atmosphere: “We rarely see crowds this size making so much noise outside of soccer matches. I’m very proud of my team.”
NFL and IFAF: Partners in Growth
Flag football, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is expanding rapidly across Africa. Many IFAF member federations recorded more than 100% growth in participation last year.
The Cairo event was organized in partnership with the NFL, which is working with IFAF to build a sustainable development pathway for the sport across the continent.
Alongside the main competition, the NFL hosted a series of legacy-building activities:
- A continental youth flag football championship for U12 boys and girls
- A talent ID camp offering routes into the NFL Africa-Europe Academy and the International Player Pathway (IPP) program
- A coaching education clinic for aspiring female coaches, featuring IFAF Global Flag Ambassador Elisa De Santis (France)
Star NFL players of African descent, Bobby Okereke (New York Giants, Nigeria) and Tanoh Kpassagnon (Cote d’Ivoire/Uganda), were present in Cairo, joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, the NFL’s Africa lead.
“The first African Continental Championship was a tremendous success, and Egypt proved to be the perfect host,” said Umenyiora. “It was inspiring to see nations from across the continent come together and showcase their incredible talent.”
Looking Ahead
IFAF President Pierre Trochet hailed the championship as a foundational moment:
“Every player and official who set foot on the field in Cairo this week can claim a piece of history. More important than the history is the future. We are committed, alongside the NFL, to using this tournament as a springboard for long-term growth.”
Egyptian Federation President Ali Rafeek echoed the sentiment:
“No words can truly capture the emotion of this moment. It was a world-class competition filled with outstanding performances and incredible energy. Africa is officially on the flag football map.”
The event also marked the beginning of IFAF’s partnership with the International Testing Agency, which launched anti-doping education initiatives for athletes and officials during the championship.
The IFAF Continental Flag Football series continues later this year with EURO FLAG 2025 in Paris, France.
Olympics
US travel ban will not hinder Los Angeles Olympics, LA28 CEO says

U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the U.S. exempts athletes, and LA28 officials said on Thursday they were confident the Games had the full backing of the administration.
Trump signed the proclamation on Wednesday as part of an immigration crackdown he said was needed to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats.
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“The important thing for us is that the federal government and this administration recognized the importance of the Olympics and the Games,” LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover told Reuters on Thursday.
“There is a carve-out in the order in the travel ban that allows for and assures that there will be access to the Games for the athletes and their families and officials.
“We will be able to have a wide-open Games.”
The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The entry of people from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – will be partially restricted.
Casey Wasserman, the chairman of LA28, the private, non-profit company organizing the Games, said he had “great confidence” that the positive working relationship with the administration would continue.
“It was very clear in the directive that the Olympics require special consideration, and I want to thank the federal government for recognizing that,” he told a press conference after hosting International Olympic Committee officials in Los Angeles.
Wasserman added that he did not anticipate the travel ban to have any impact on ticket sales, which will begin next year.
The U.S. along with Canada and Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and Trump said during a task force meeting last month that he wanted people traveling to the U.S. to watch that competition to have a seamless experience during their visit.
“At the White House task force the president, the vice president, all of the administration officials said, ‘We welcome the world to come to FIFA,’” Hoover said.
“I think the administration is welcoming the world to come to LA.”
Hoover said LA28 continues to forge ties with the administration ahead of the mega-sporting event, now just over three years away.
“We have direct communication with the White House through the chief of staff, we have direct communication with the Department of State, and we are working with the State Department to have embedded teams to coordinate visa access,” he said.
-Reuters
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Olympics
IOC boosts women’s soccer teams to 16 for LA 2028 Games, men’s teams down to 12

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will feature an increase in women’s soccer teams from 12 to 16, while the men’s competition will be downsized from 16 to a dozen teams, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.
The decision was part of several changes to the Olympic event programme, including more mixed events across various sports and all team sports featuring at least the same number of women’s and men’s teams.
The IOC said the reason for the sharp increase in women’s soccer teams was the rapidly growing popularity of women’s team sports, especially in the United States, and that change in the competition format reflected that rapid growth.
“We wanted to do something to reflect that growth and equally with the United States being the home of the highest level of popularity of women’s football,” IOC sports director Kit McConnell told a press conference.
He said the IOC had discussed the issue with both LA Games organisers and world soccer’s governing body FIFA before going through with the changes.
The total number of players — men’s and women’s — would not change.
The United States, who will also host the 2026 men’s and the 2031 women’s World Cup, have won five Olympic gold medals in the women’s competition.
The men’s teams use mostly under-23 players at Olympic Games.
The LA Games will have a total of 351 medal events in all sports, 22 more than at Paris 2024 Olympics.
Several sports, including archery, athletics, golf and gymnastics will be adding new mixed-team events, with the total number of athletes unchanged at 10,500.
The five sports proposed by the LA Games organising committee — baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash — will have an extra 698 quota places.
-Reuters
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