Sebastian Coe Set to Become BOA Chairman after Unopposed Election

Sebastian Coe will become the new British Olympic Association chairman after the only other candidate withdrew.

Richard Leman, the head of British hockey, had faced an almost impossible task against Lord Coe, who was always favourite after the stunning success of the London 2012 Games.

It means Coe will be elected unopposed on November 7 to succeed Lord Moynihan at the helm of the BOA.

Leman, an Olympic gold medal-winner in the men’s hockey in Seoul 1988, canvassed opinion and was advised to withdraw rather than go up against Coe.

Leman said: “Recognising the unique circumstance in which we find ourselves in having the person who led the organisation and delivery of what is widely regarded as the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in history standing for election as our next chair, I have decided to put my full support behind Seb Coe and his candidacy.

“The opportunities and challenges we face during the next four years are unprecedented, and from my position as a member of board of directors, I will continue to work closely with our next chair, my colleagues on the board, the national Olympic committee and our staff to meet those challenges.

“Having had the opportunity to compete for Team GB at the Olympic Games, I have always viewed my service to the BOA as an opportunity to give something back to British sport by making certain subsequent generations of athletes benefit from the same life-changing experiences I enjoyed.”