On 9th December, the IOC Session approved a proposal from the IOC Executive Board, in consultation with the IOC Nominations Commission, for the extension of the term of IOC membership for FIS President Gian Franco Kasper until the end of his term of presidency in June 2018.

President Thomas Bach stated in announcing the decision that it was important for the IOC to retain Gian Franco Kasper’s great experience and knowledge, not only in winter sports but the Olympic Movement as a whole.

The decision follows the approval of Olympic Agenda 2020 Recommendation 37, which states: “The IOC Session, upon the recommendation of the IOC Executive Board, may decide a one-time extension of an IOC member’s term of office for a maximum of four years, beyond the current age limit of 70.”

Gian Franco Kasper, who is also the President of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), was set to retire from the IOC due to the age limit at midnight on 31st December.

Gian Franco Kasper commented: “I thank the IOC President and the IOC membership for their trust and hope that I can be useful in the implementation of the decisions that have been taken with regards to Olympic Agenda 2020, not only in winter sports but for the entire Olympic movement as such.” 

Source: fis-ski.com