AIPS 88th Congress Italy Gianni Merloo Elected for 6th time president

At the 88th Congress of the International Sports Press Association, held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne on April 12, 2026, sports journalists and delegates from around the world gathered to shape the future of the organization. The central focus of the congress was the presidential election, where Italy’s Gianni Merlo secured a strong mandate to continue his leadership for another four year term.

Merlo won 83 of the 108 valid votes, comfortably defeating Hungary’s Zsuzsa Csisztu, who received 25 votes. This marks his sixth term as president and, under newly approved rules, will be his final one. His victory reflects the trust members have in his leadership and his vision for the future of sports journalism.

In his post election address, Merlo spoke about the importance of continuity combined with innovation. He said the association must continue to grow while adapting to rapid changes in the media industry. He highlighted the rise of digital platforms and the need to support young journalists entering the profession. Merlo emphasized that AIPS must build strong working groups to study current challenges and stay prepared for future developments. Using a football analogy, he described his role as a coach who must guide a strong team, bring members together, and develop a clear strategy to succeed in a fast changing world.

The election of other leadership positions also produced decisive outcomes. Kenya’s Evelyn Watta was elected First Vice President with an impressive 99 out of 110 votes, defeating Greece’s Ioannis Daras. Her victory highlighted her growing influence in international sports media circles.

Portugal’s Manuel Queiroz was elected Treasurer without opposition after other candidates withdrew. In the Vice President elections, China’s Gao Chao secured the highest support, followed by Uruguay’s Ernesto Ortiz Gomez, Czechia’s Michal Dusik, and Estonia’s Maarja Värv, forming a diverse and experienced leadership team.

The Executive Committee elections were highly competitive, with candidates from across the globe contesting for limited seats. The final selection reflects AIPS commitment to international representation. Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould El Hassan will also join the committee through a procedural appointment linked to the Secretary General position.

During the congress, members approved key governance reforms. A presidential term limit of 12 years was introduced, although it will take effect from the next cycle. Additionally, a new rule requires Executive Committee members to be no older than 75 at the beginning of the election year. These measures aim to ensure transparency, renewal, and long term sustainability of the organization.

The congress also paid tribute to several outgoing members by awarding them honorary membership in recognition of their services to sports journalism. Among them was Pakistan’s Amjad Aziz Malik, whose contributions to the field were acknowledged alongside other distinguished figures from around the world.

Founded in 1924, AIPS continues to play a vital role in promoting ethical standards, international cooperation, and press freedom in sports journalism. As Merlo begins his final term, the organization now looks ahead with a focus on innovation, unity, and preparing the next generation to meet the evolving demands of global sports media.