Big decisions still ahead as IOC considers new sports and members

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Copenhagen

HANGOVERS may still be throbbing after Rio's 2016 victory party - but the International Olympic Committee was back at work first thing this morning.

CAMPAIGN: Golf and Rugby Sevens are both seeking a place in the sports schedule at Rio 2016 - and need a majority of IOC members support at next Friday's crunch vote (Getty Images)

And they've got a packed agenda to discuss.

The first Olympic Congress in 15 years will be talking shop for a number of issues effecting the Olympic movement for the next three days - from encouraging more youngsters to take up sport to embracing digital media.

But later next week a number of key decisions will be taken when IOC members recommence their annual Session.

Golf and rugby sevens will be hoping for inclusion at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, after they were recommended by the IOC's Executive Board from a seven-sport shortlist.

They need to gain a simple 50 per-cent plus one majority to be added to the programme.

Rugby sevens has run a disciplined lobbying campaign and have employed the in-form Mike Lee as their advisor.

The former UEFA director was one of the key figures in London's 2012 victory and advised Rio on their successful communications strategy.

Rugby sevens is expected to earn its place - replacing one of the two team sports, baseball and softball, which were omitted from the 2012 Games.

Golf did not receive such glowing support from the IOC's key decision makers earlier this year but is bringing an all-star cast to Copenhagen, rumoured to include the legendary Jack Nicklaus.

LEAVING THE STAGE: IOC President Jacques Rogge will run unopposed for reelection in Copenhagen but has hinted he will quit in 2013 (Getty Images)

Jacques Rogge, who was elected in 2001, will be seeking another term as IOC President and will run unopposed.

However, behind the scenes a quietly waged battle for succession has already begun, with the Belgian hinting earlier this year he would step down after the London Olympics.

In addition an election will be held to nominate two IOC vice-presidents while a seat is also available on the Executive Board.

Great Britain's Sir Craig Reedie - the former chairman of the British Olympic Association and head of the World Badminton Federation - will be up for that spot.

It's nearly 50 years since Britain had a representative at the top table of Olympic decision making and, as next hosts, Reedie's case appears strong.

Last year he lost out by 17 votes to Puerto Rico's Richard Carrion, who is seen by some as a potential future IOC President.

However, the 68-year old - an IOC member since 1994 - faces opposition from Pat Hickey, the chairman of the European Olympic Committee, Australia's John Coates and Syria's Samih Moudallal.

Six new IOC members will also be proposed for election - Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik, St Lucia's Richard Peterkin, Nigeria's Habu Ahmed Gumel, Oman's Habib Abdul Nabi Macki, Burundi's Lydia Nsekera and Sweden's Goran Petersson.

Their election is considered a formality, while the IOC will also discuss the membership of Korea's Kun Hee Lee.

The former head of Samsung, a worldwide Olympic partner, accepted voluntary suspension after was found guilty of financial wrongdoing and tax invasion, which included allegations that he used company money to bribe Korean politicians, judges and prosecutors.

In addition to all that voting, members will also hear a formal report on last year's Olympic Games in Beijing, while Lord Coe and Paul Deighton lead a team from London 2012 that will bring them up to date on their latest plans.