The president of the suspended Russian Olympic Committee, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, announced his intention to resign after a six-year tenure.
This declaration comes just over two months after a group of 15 Russian athletes participated in the Paris Olympics as “Individual Neutral Athletes,” competing without their national flag or anthem due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

These athletes did not compete under the Russian Olympic Committee’s banner, which had its recognition revoked by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year.
Pozdnyakov had been outspoken against the regulations that mandated athletes to compete neutrally.

In his announcement on the ROC’s official website, he indicated that a board meeting scheduled for next month is expected to establish a timeline for selecting his successor, who is anticipated to assume office shortly before the IOC also elects a new president.

“Given the geopolitical challenges faced by our nation, there is a pressing need for optimization and centralization in managing crucial sectors, including elite sports,” Pozdnyakov commented.
He emphasized the ever-increasing significance of state support for athletes and sports events during these times.

Pozdnyakov is not only known for his role in sports management but is also a decorated former Olympic fencing champion and holds the military rank of colonel in the Russian armed forces.

Throughout Pozdnyakov’s six years as president, Russian athletes have not showcased their national flag at any of the three Olympic Games.
During the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021, which were delayed due to the pandemic, as well as the subsequent Winter Olympics in Beijing, Russian competitors participated under the ROC name and flag, consequences of prolonged disputes regarding doping violations.