Sebastian Coe Faces IOC Election Challenges

Sebastian Coe, the 67-year-old president of World Athletics, faces significant hurdles in his bid to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to newly clarified election rules. A letter from the IOC's ethics commission reveals that candidates must be IOC members on election day and throughout their term, which complicates Coe's eligibility since his IOC membership relies on his current role, which ends in 2027. The rules also specify that members must not exceed the age limit of 70 without a special extension, adding further complexity to Coe's presidential aspirations. Other potential candidates, such as IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., may also encounter similar age-related challenges. Despite being a prominent figure in athletics with extensive leadership experience, Coe's conflicting dual roles could pose a conflict of interest, although the letter suggests that changes in membership status could be made post-election. The upcoming IOC presidential election is scheduled for March in Greece, as current president Thomas Bach will step down in 2025 after his 12-year term.