Francesco Ricci Bitti elected IOC Honour Member by 144th IOC Session

Francesco Ricci Bitti, who served as the President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) from 2012 to 2024, was today elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honour Member by the 144th IOC Session, held this week in Costa Navarino, Greece.

The Session may elect as Honour Members eminent personalities from outside the IOC who have given outstanding services to the Olympic Movement.

Presenting the election proposal to the IOC membership, IOC President Thomas Bach commended Francesco Ricci Bitti as a steadfast supporter of the Olympic Movement who dedicated his career to strengthening International Federations, ensuring their role as key pillars of the Olympic Games. He praised Ricci Bitti’s leadership, defined by an unwavering commitment to the unity of sport, its autonomy, and its continued evolution in an ever changing world. The IOC President stressed that under Ricci Bitti’s Presidency, ASOIF had become an indispensable partner of the IOC. He also thanked Ricci Bitti for his invaluable contribution in making the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games happen amidst a global pandemic; and for his indispensable efforts to facilitate and promote good governance in sport.

Following his election, Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected IOC Honour Member. This recognition is not about me alone but about the incredible people I have had the privilege to work alongside in the Olympic Movement, particularly the International Federations, over many decades. I am very grateful to the IOC membership and remain committed to the values of integrity and unity in sports worldwide."

Ingmar De Vos, who took over from Francesco Ricci Bitti as ASOIF President in January 2025, said: “Francesco truly deserves this outstanding recognition which only very few personalities have received so far. His foresight and expertise blended with his unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit has left a profound impact. I would particularly highlight the progress made in sports governance as a result of his leadership. His election as IOC Honour Member is a testament to his lifelong commitment to advancing the Olympic Movement.”

Notable individuals who have been elected as IOC Honour Members in the past include Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger. 

Alongside Ricci Bitti, the 144th IOC Session also elected former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as IOC Honour Member, which will become effective on 24 June 2025.