Coates, who is also President of the Australian Olympic Committee, had held the position for 22 years, having been appointed in 1992. 

His decision coincides with his increasing workload, including being head of the IOC Coordination Commission overseeing Tokyo's preparations for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 22 years with FISA and the friendships I have made along the way," said 65-year-old Coates, awarded the FISA Medal of Honour following Sydney 2000. 

"The obvious highlights for me being the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand and I am of course indebted to FISA's Life Honorary President, Denis Oswald, for recommending me to the role.

"I am extremely passionate about the sport of rowing and will continue to be so with regards to promoting, developing and protecting it."

John Coates shakes hands with the victorious Australian men's four crew during the Rowing World Cup at the Sydney International Rowing Centre in March ©Getty Images

Coates, who first joined Sydney Rowing Club in 1965, has contributed significantly to the sport in Australia.

He has received life membership of Sydney Rowing Club, Rowing New South Wales and Rowing Australia in recognition of his support and leadership.

He had been President of Australian Amateur Rowing Council, the forerunner to Rowing Australia, between 1984 and 1988. 

"We will miss John's contribution in the FISA Council meetings and we would like to express our sincere gratitude on behalf of FISA for all the contributions and support he has shown our great sport," said FISA President Jean-Christophe Roland. 

Flavia Gobbo, President and chairman of Rowing Australia, also paid tribute to Coates' contribution to the sport. 

"Rowing Australia is extremely grateful to have had John representing it on the FISA Council for so many years, a gratitude that I'm sure extends across the Oceania region," she said.

"With his enormous passion for our sport as well as his shrewd leadership, John has well served all the Oceania members on the FISA Council.

"We thank John also for his amazing personal support and interest in our sport which we are sure will continue.

FISA will now look for a replacement to represent Oceania on the FISA Council.

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