The Council of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) convened on 3 March 2026 to review progress on the implementation of its newly adopted strategy, receive an update on the ongoing Sixth Review of International Federation (IF) Governance and discuss a number of other items.
Implementing the ASOIF Strategy 2026–2032
Following its approval by the Council in October 2025, the “ASOIF Strategy 2026–2032” was circulated to members in December 2025 and formally published in early January 2026. Initiated under the leadership of ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos, the strategy establishes a clear framework to strengthen the collective influence and effectiveness of the Summer Olympic IFs within the Olympic Movement and the broader international sports landscape.
The updated mission and vision reflect current priorities and are structured around three strategic pillars:
Advocacy, Influence and Representation;
Olympic Games Excellence; and
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing.
Over the last weeks, ASOIF has identified and prioritised more than 70 key action items across these three pillars, supported by defined deliverables, designated ownership and performance measures. Enhanced communication and engagement with member federations will underpin the implementation phase.
Commenting on the strategy’s implementation, ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos said: “The ASOIF Strategy 2026-2032 provides a clear and ambitious framework for strengthening the collective position of the Summer Olympic International Federations. Now it’s about execution. By aligning our advocacy efforts, enhancing collaboration and reinforcing our contribution to the delivery of the Olympic Games, we are ensuring that ASOIF remains a strong and unified voice within the Olympic Movement.”
In alignment with the new strategic direction, ASOIF is also undertaking a rebranding process, including the introduction of a refreshed logo and comprehensive branding guidelines.
Strengthening Olympic Games coordination
As part of the strategy’s “Olympic Games Excellence” pillar, the role of the former Olympic and Multi-Sport Games Consultative Group has been elevated and formally reconstituted as the ASOIF Olympic Games Committee (AOGC), with an expanded mandate and refreshed composition. The Council approved the Committee’s Terms of Reference at its meeting.
The eight-member AOGC represents a broad spectrum of Summer Olympic sports. The strengthened structure is designed to enhance coordinated advocacy and operational alignment on matters relating to the planning, preparation and delivery of the Olympic Games.
The Council also received progress reports on the preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, to be held in October 2026, as well as on the LA28 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Sixth Review of IF Governance
The ASOIF Governance Task Force (GTF) launched the Sixth Review of IF Governance in October 2025. All 36 ASOIF Members have submitted completed questionnaires. The independent moderation phase is currently underway and is being conducted by governance consultancy I Trust Sport. The final report, including detailed findings, is scheduled for publication in June 2026.
Representation within the International Olympic Committee
The meeting marked the first Council gathering since President Ingmar De Vos was elected to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a four-year term at the 145th IOC Session held in Milan, Italy, on 4 February 2026. He succeeds Nenad Lalovic as the representative of the Summer Olympic IFs on the IOC Executive Board. In addition, ASOIF Council Member and President of World Gymnastics, Morinari Watanabe, was re-elected as an IOC Member for a further eight-year term.
Athletes’ fundamental rights to access sport
ASOIF fully supports the 14th Olympic Summit’s statement which reaffirms that athletes, regardless of nationality, have a fundamental right to access sport across the world, and to compete free from political interference or pressure from governmental organisations.
The next ASOIF Council meeting will take place on 25 May 2026, followed by the 50th ASOIF General Assembly on 26 May 2026, held within the framework of the SportAccord Convention 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.