Two contenders, one elected. The French National Olympic and Sports Committee has officially announced its list of candidates for the post of president. Unsurprisingly, two will be vying to succeed David Lappartient: Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, former Director General of the French Tennis Federation (2021-2022) and Minister of Sports (2022-2024), and Didier Séminet, President of the French Baseball/Softball Federation. On Thursday, June 19, one of them will be elected at the CNOSF General Assembly.
Oudéa-Castéra increases support
The call for applications, which opened on March 21, yielded only two candidates. This is fewer than in the last two elections, as there were three projects in 2017 (Denis Masseglia, Isabelle Lamour, David Douillet) and four in 2021 (Patrice Martin, Brigitte Henriques, Emmanuelle Bonnet-Oulaldj, Thierry Rey). "We have two quality candidates, each with their own background, and it is always healthy in an election to have at least two candidates, commented David Lappartient in the columns of L'Equipe Few days ago. This is an important moment in the life of French sport and it is an opportunity to present a vision for the future."
Cédric Gosse had also declared himself initially, before falling in behind Oudéa-Castéra. "Unity and cohesion must prevail at such a crucial time for French sport.", he wrote when announcing his support for the former minister. I fully share her vision for the future of French sport, her desire to unite, innovate, and promote our values. Her commitment is strong and sincere, and I am convinced that she is the best person to carry this responsibility. I am convinced that her project, driven by a collective ambition, is the best able to meet the challenges that await us. A project that respects and thrives on our diversity while carrying a strong, common voice. The Vice-President of the CNOSF, Sylvie Le Maux had considered running but also chose to support AOC, strengthening the former tennis player's position as frontrunner.
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Election for the Presidency of the CNOSF: the list of candidates has been made official.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, during its General Assembly, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) will elect its Presidency.
A Grand Oral for the two candidates
Didier Séminet, less well-known, will be able to draw on his knowledge of the French sports movement. He was president of the CNOSF Territorial Commission (2019-2022), secretary general of the CNOSF (2021-2022), and chef de mission at the European Games in Minsk (2019). He notably suggested discussing a merger between the CNOSF and the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, and insisted on promoting the role of clubs. In consultation with the two candidates, the CNOSF will soon announce the date and format of a Grand Oral, which will allow each candidate to present their project to representatives of the French sports movement.
In writing this next chapter, the CNOSF administrators officially validated the composition of the new High-Level Athletes' Commission (CAHN) for the 2025-2029 term. It has 33 members, including 18 women and 15 men, representing 22 Olympic federations. Candidates for the Board of Directors have until May 20 to submit their applications. Acceptable applications will be formalized on May 28.
