October 23 - Karl Stoss (pictured), the general director Casinos Austria, has officially taken over as the new President of the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC) from Leo Wallner, who has stepped down following a series of financial and doping scandals that have badly damaged the organisation.

 

The 52-year-old Stoss, a former water polo player and swimmer who is now one of Austria's most successful businessmen, will be in charge for an initial period of four years.
 

He replaces Wallner, 73, who has stepped down after 19 years in charge.

 

The committee was recently hit by a financial scandal surrounding Salzburg's failed bid for the 2014 Winter Games. 

 

ÖOC general secretary Heinz Jungwirth also stepped down earlier this year.

 

Wallner said: "This is a good day for sport in Austria."

The appointment of Stoss was welcomed by Austria's Sports Minister Norbert Darabos.

He said: "The Austrian Olympic Committee has cleared the way for a fresh start. 

"The Austrian Olympic Committee will now be more able to look after the needs athletes.

"I'm very happy about this development.

 

"It is important that he puts the ÖOC on a new footing, and puts the Olympic Movement [in Austria] brings back on its feet."

 

 

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