Meeting in an extraordinary session on Friday, 16 January 2026 in Athens, the Executive Committee of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) held its deliberations in an atmosphere marked by reflection, profound respect, and high consideration for the memory of its late President, Davide Tizzano, who sadly passed away on 29 December 2025.

The meeting was held in a spirit of tribute and fidelity to the work accomplished, with the memory of the late President profoundly guiding the discussions and decisions of the Executive Committee.

Beyond the shared emotion, the deliberations were governed by a common determination to honor, in a lasting way, the commitment, vision, and institutional legacy of Davide Tizzano, while reaffirming the collective responsibility to preserve and consolidate the achievements realized under his presidency.

The meeting opened with a welcome address delivered by the First Vice-President, Mr. Mehrez Boussayene, followed by a solemn and dignified tribute paid to the late President. This tribute featured the screening of a video retracing the remarkable career of Davide Tizzano, showcasing both his steadfast and responsible leadership at the helm of the ICMG—marked by unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to the values of Olympism—and his exceptional sporting career, crowned by two Olympic champion titles.

Members of the Executive Committee, in turn, paid tribute to the human, sporting, and institutional legacy left by Davide Tizzano, recalling in particular his decisive contribution to the advancement and consolidation of the preparations for the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026.

At the conclusion of this tribute, the Executive Committee adopted several decisions aimed at honoring the memory of the late President on a lasting basis and preserving his legacy, notably:

• the designation of Davide Tizzano as Honorary President of the ICMG;
• the posthumous awarding of the highest distinction of the ICMG;
• the launch of a project for the publication of a commemorative book retracing his exceptional career;
• the organization of an official commemorative ceremony in his memory, to be held on the occasion of the next ICMG General Assembly.

In a second phase of the meeting, the Chair of the ICMG Ethics and Juridical Commission Prof. Francesco Purromuto presented to the Executive Committee the report on the ICMG presidential succession process arising in the case of vacancy of the President’s office. After deliberating, the Executive Committee ratified the recommendation of the Commission and Mr. Mehrez Boussayene was formally endorsed to hold the office of the President, until the election of a new President (Rule XI, Art.1), in full compliance with the ICMG Charter.

Following the ratification, the new President of the ICMG, Mr Boussayene, delivered a general orientation declaration, in which he emphasized his determination to enter a phase of responsible continuity, grounded in institutional stability, the consolidation of achievements, and respect for the work accomplished under the presidency of the late Davide Tizzano.

He also underscored the need to enhance the image, visibility, and international outreach of the ICMG, fostering a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and openness, in service of the National Olympic Committees, athletes, and the youth of the Mediterranean basin.

The President further underlined the essential role of international federations and Mediterranean confederations, whose expertise, technical know-how, and strong anchoring within their respective disciplines, constitute a major asset in strengthening sporting coherence, attractiveness, and the international reach of the Mediterranean Games.

Finally, the Executive Committee reviewed the state of progress of the preparations for the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. Recalling the mandate entrusted to it by the most recent General Assembly to ensure coordination with the Organizing Committee, the Executive Committee decided to authorize the President and the Secretary General to proceed with all actions necessary in order to ensure the proper preparation and successful delivery of the Games.

Through these decisions, the Executive Committee of the ICMG reaffirmed its commitment to institutional stability, international cooperation, and the fundamental values of the Olympic Movement, while honoring the memory of Davide Tizzano and ensuring the continuity and future development of the Mediterranean Games.