Stanislav Pozdnyakov’s statement comes just over two months after a delegation of 15 Russians competed at the Paris Olympics as “Individual Neutral Athletes” without the national flag or anthem as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov, president of the suspended Russian Olympic Committee, said Tuesday he plans to step down after six years in charge.

Russia's Olympic chief Stanislav Pozdnyakov said on Tuesday he was stepping down to make way for the election of a replacement, citing "geopolitical challenges" facing Russian sport.

The head of Russia's Olympic Committee announced his resignation on Tuesday, a surprise move that comes as Moscow faces isolation in international sporting organizations over its invasion of Ukraine.