The former head of the committee Leonid Tyagachev resigned on March 23 after Russia's poor showing at this year's Vancouver Winter Olympics.Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov may become the new president of the Russian Olympic Committee, the Russian businees daily Vedemosti said.
Russia ended a disappointing 11th place in the overall medals table, winning three golds, five silvers and seven bronzes. The southern Russian town of Sochi will host the next Winter Games in 2014.
Zhukov's appointment has already been approved by the heads of the committee and several sports federations. It has also been commended by the Russian government. Tyagachev earlier suggested that a deputy prime minister might become the committee's new president and Zhukov is one of the most likely candidates.
The election of the committee's president is scheduled for May 20, but the deadline for applications is April 19.The committee's first vice president Igor Kazikov will serve as acting president until the committee convenes on May 20.
