LAUSANNE, Switzerland (CHATNEWSTV) — Ingmar De Vos officially began his four-year term as President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) on January 1, succeeding Francesco Ricci Bitti, whose 12-year tenure saw significant advancements in governance and collaboration among member federations.
“I am deeply honored to serve in this capacity for the next four years,” De Vos said. “Our International Federations form the bedrock of the Olympic Movement, and the International Olympic Committee recognizes our pivotal role. Maintaining and strengthening the open and constructive dialogue that has been cultivated in recent years will remain a key priority.”
De Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) since 2014, has been an influential figure in the Olympic Movement. An IOC Member since 2017, he has served on commissions for legal affairs, gender equality, and the coordination of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, among other roles.
Reflecting on Ricci Bitti’s legacy, De Vos praised his predecessor’s leadership: “Francesco’s wisdom and contributions have driven significant progress, particularly in governance. He fostered collaboration and cohesion among our member federations, leaving a lasting legacy for which we are profoundly grateful.”
De Vos assumes leadership amid significant changes across the Olympic landscape, with the IOC set to elect a new president in March 2025 and preparations underway for upcoming Games, including Dakar 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and Brisbane 2032.
ASOIF begins the year welcoming four new associate members: the International Cricket Council, the International Federation of American Football, World Lacrosse, and World Squash. These additions bolster ASOIF’s representation for the LA28 Olympic cycle.
De Vos will oversee ASOIF’s continued focus on governance, representation, and collaboration with bodies like the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He is set to chair his first ASOIF Council meeting on January 22 and preside over the 49th General Assembly during the 2025 SportAccord Convention.
