Former President of the International Ski Federation Gian-Franco Kasper has died at the age of 77, a month after standing down following 23 years at the helm of the organisation ©Getty Images

Former President of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Gian-Franco Kasper, who stood down last month after 23 years at the helm of the organisation, has died at the age of 77.

Kasper, who was succeeded by Johan Eliasch at a virtual Congress in June missed the event after being hospitalised with breathing problems.

At the Congress, he was named an Honorary President of the FIS.

Kasper had been due to return home following a spell in hospital but then his condition deteriorated rapidly, as reported by 24 Heures.

He remained in hospital until he died yesterday evening.

Current FIS President Eliasch paid tribute to his predecessor saying: "Gian-Franco Kasper was unique in the international sports community.

"He built FIS from a small federation, to the undisputed leader in winter sports, a testament to his vision and work ethic. 

"I had the privilege of knowing Gian-Franco for 25 years and shared many fond moments and stories with him. 

"His understated nature and his quick wit will be deeply missed within FIS and the international sports world. 

"On behalf of the entire FIS family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Kasper family."

Gian-Franco Kasper was involved with the International Ski Federation for 46 years - 23 as general secretary and 23 as President, before stepping down last month ©Getty Images
Gian-Franco Kasper was involved with the International Ski Federation for 46 years - 23 as general secretary and 23 as President, before stepping down last month ©Getty Images

Chief executive of the Swiss Ski Federation Bernhard Aregger said the organisation was "deeply saddened" to learn of Kasper's death.

"For 46 years he shaped snow sports in a leading position at FIS - 23 years as general secretary and another 23 years as President," said Aregger.

"We mourn the loss of a great snow sports personality and we will always keep an honourable memory of Gian-Franco Kasper."

Kasper was also an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a former President of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations, a member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations and a member of the SportAccord Council.

He also served as vice-president of the IOC Olympic Channel Services and the IOC Coordination Commissions for six Winter Olympic Games.

He was also involved with the IOC Coordination Commission for two Winter Youth Olympic Games, chairing the Commission for Innsbruck 2012 and acting as a member for Lillehammer 2016.

He had been due to stand down as FIS President in June 2020 but stayed on for an additional year after the coronavirus pandemic forced the Congress to be postponed twice.