The confederation executive committee has decided not to hold a vote of confidence, as had been announced earlier. Instead, it plans to hold elections in December, rather than in 2022 as originally scheduled.

Besides Hoermann, vice president for economy and finance Kaweh Niroomand has also decided not to stand for re-election.

Hoermann has been the head of Germany’s Olympic body since December 2013, but his leadership has been repeatedly criticized in recent years.

“In the past seven and a half years, we have given everything as a team to professionalize the DOSB and national sport, and to give it a strong voice,” Hoermann said.

He added he wanted to clear the way in December for a new beginning at the head of the organisation.

In May, an anonymous letter from staff accused Hoermann of operating a “climate of fear” at the DOSB headquarters in Frankfurt. He’s also alleged to have put employees under psychological pressure and been lax with coronavirus regulations.

Whether the four other vice presidents will stand for re-election will be announced in due course, the DOSB said.

“The executive committee will prepare an orderly transition in the coming months and do everything to support the athletes in the best possible way at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo,” DOSB said.

It remains open whether Hoermannw will join the German team in Tokyo as head of the delegation.