BRUSSELS, Oct 30: International Olympics Committee President Jacques Rogge confirmed here on Thursday his intention to stand as a candidate for a second term.

The 66-year-old Belgian told a press conference: “For two or three years journalists have been asking me the same question concerning my future.

“I always replied by saying that I’d deal with it after the Beijing Games.

“On Friday, as the regulations stipulated, I informed IOC members of my decision.

“I will be a candidate for a second mandate.”

Rogge added: “I think that I’ve been useful over these past years and I think that I can again be useful to the IOC in the future.”His comments came after confirmation Friday from the IOC that his name would be in the ring for a second term when the election is held at the IOC’s congress in Copenhagen from Oct 3 to 5 in 2009.

Since being elected on an eight year term Rogge is now only eligible to preside over sport’s most powerful institution for a further four-years.

The former surgeon took over as IOC president from Juan Antonio Samaranch in July, 2001.—AFP