Good governance to remain a top priority of ASOIF

ASOIF’s Governance Task Force (GTF) met last week in Lausanne, Switzerland, and reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the governance of International Federations (IFs). Lots of progress has been achieved during the last five reviews of IF governance, however, it will be important to uphold these efforts to ensure organisational integrity and credibility.  That’s why the GTF agreed unanimously to continue with the organisation of these reviews.

In particular, the GTF discussed about the future frequency of the reviews, its methodology and its consideration of National Federations (NFs) in this process. It was discussed that there should be a stronger focus on the minimum standard of the NF governance which can learn from the initiatives undertaken at international level.

The GTF meeting, chaired for the last time by incumbent ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti, took place ahead of the presidential handover to President Elect Ingmar De Vos on 1 January 2025.  

Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said on this occasion: “On behalf of the IOC, I would like to express my gratitude to Francesco who has been instrumental in the creation of the GTF. The group, of which I have been a member since its inception, has initiated the IF governance review - a project that has had an important impact far beyond the community of Summer Olympic IFs. It has been adopted by many other sport organisations and, most notably, informed the International Partnership against Corruption in Sport (IPACS) Governance Benchmark.”

ASOIF President Elect Ingmar De Vos echoed this sentiment: “ASOIF’s governance project has strengthened the credibility of the Olympic Movement. I’d like to thank Francesco for his vision, passion and dedication in this important area. Better governance and safeguarding sport’s integrity will definitely remain top priorities for ASOIF during my tenure.”

Closing the meeting, ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti highlighted the team effort behind this essential undertaking, stating: “Strengthening governance across the Olympic Movement requires the dedication and cooperation of everyone involved to achieve meaningful changes. Since 2015, we have come a long way and the journey is not finished. A big thank you to my GTF colleagues as well as our member federations - keep up your good work.”

The next GTF meeting will take place in the first quarter of 2025.