The approval was given to the ICF Board of Directors proposal at the governing body’s Extraordinary Congress in Baku.

Following the decision, the Continental Presidents of America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania will all feature on the Executive Committee, which also includes the Athletes’ Committee, canoe slalom and canoe sprints chairs.

The ICF President, secretary general, treasurer and three vice-presidents are also on the Executive Committee.

As part of the governance structure changes, there must now been an assurance of representation for both genders across the three elected vice-president positions.

Elections are scheduled to take place tomorrow, with José Perurena set to be confirmed as ICF President for a third term.

The Spaniard, who has led the governing body since 2008, is unopposed for the position.

Treasurer, the three vice-president posts and the canoe sprint chairs are also set to be decided during the Congress.

France's Jean-Michel Prono and Denmark's Jorn Cronberg, the canoe slalom and marathon chairs, are standing unopposed for re-election.

Medical and anti-doping chair Donald McKenzie of Canada, wildwater chair Jens Perlwitz of Germany and freestyle official Lluis Rabaneda i Caselles of Spain will also retain their posts.

As will ocean racing chair Mario Santos of Portugal and Paracanoe chair John Edwards of Canada.

They are set to be confirmed to serve for a further four-years in their respective positions.

There will be contested elections to be the chair of canoe sprint, dragon boat and canoe polo.

Elections are due to be held held tomorrow, with Congress set to draw to a close on Saturday (November 26).

More follows