LYON — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) began a three-day visit to Lyon on September 14 to assess preparations for the 2030 Winter Olympics amid recent leadership upheaval in the organizing committee. The Games face an ongoing governance crisis following the resignation last week of Edgar Grospiron, the committee’s president.

Vincent Roberti, the deputy head of the organizing committee, was appointed interim president on September 14 as the search for a permanent replacement continues. Pierre-Olivier Beckers, chair of the IOC’s 2030 Olympic Games Coordination Commission, said Grospiron stepped down due to the tensions that had emerged in recent months around the management of the event. “President Grospiron has taken responsibility for his actions,” Beckers said in Lyon.

The IOC delegation, comprising about 30 members, is conducting on-site inspections of venues across the French Alps planned to host ice sports events, including ice hockey, curling, figure skating, short-track speed skating and synchronized figure skating. Beckers noted the visit’s purpose is also to finalize the allocation of sports and disciplines to the venues in the Lyon region, where many ice competitions will be held.

Despite the leadership challenges, the IOC emphasized confidence in the organization of the Games. Beckers stressed that there is “no deadline” for appointing a new president, saying it is vital to take the necessary time to select the right candidate. Former Paris 2024 organizer and canoeing champion Tony Estanguet has notably ruled out interest in the position.

The program for the 2030 Winter Olympics includes 75 ice hockey matches, 150 curling matches, 16 figure skating sessions, and nine short-track speed skating events. The ice sports center was relocated earlier this year from Nice to Lyon after Nice’s newly elected mayor rejected plans to set up a temporary ice rink in a local football stadium, prompting organizers to adjust their logistical plans on short notice.

Beckers reiterated that, overall, the preparations remain “on schedule,” and the IOC remains “confident” the Games will be successfully delivered despite the recent organizational difficulties. The delegation’s visit is expected to help resolve remaining logistical issues as the planning phase continues.