Gontcharov, a long-standing figure in the Olympic Movement, has been associated with the bid since it was first conceived in 2011 but has not yet been officially unveiled in the chief executive role.

In this capacity, he will continue to work alongside bid leader, and Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister, Oleksandr Vilkul as the fledgling campaign aims to gather pace over coming months. 

Gontcharov claimed the bid has already been several years in the making because - as a first time bidder - they need to understand the requirements and how best to set up their actual concept.

In terms of challenges ahead, he admitted the concern of the ongoing political protests engulfing Ukraine as it hangs between the European and Russian spheres, but nonetheless tried to find positives

"Obviously the current situation in Ukraine is challenging", he told insidethegames here.

"But as a nation I hope we will come out stronger because of it.

"What makes me confident is that, despite the current situation, we are still committed to our bid. 

"It is a project that Ukraine needs, that our region needs for our development".

A key challenge for Gontcharov and the Lviv team is providing assurances that the ongoing protests in Ukraine should not affect their bid ©Getty Images




Since 2011, Gontcharov has acted as advisor to Sergey Bubka, President of the Ukraine National Olympic Committee, and played a key role in Sergey Bubka's unsuccessful campaign for the IOC Presidency last year. 

He has also been a member of the Event Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF, and served as chief executive of the successful campaign for Minsk to host the 2014 Ice Hockey World Championships.

Given the need to reassure people in the Olympic Movement that Ukraine is not too much of a risk, the choice of someone so experienced in the industry makes him a seemingly appropriate choice.

Gontcharov, was speaking here where Lviv, along with rival bids from Almaty, Beijing, Krakow and Oslo, are attending Sochi 2014 as official observers.

He insisted that Vilkul remains fully committed to his bid leadership role despite the Government instability following the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov - due to the protests - last month.

"Mr Vilkul continues his responsibilities and is very much involved in the bidding process", Gontcharov told insidethegames.

But the problems in Ukraine are set to dominate when Lviv 2022 give a press conference here tomorrow.