Moccia’s election was announced at a Special Assembly of the Executive Council held at the headquarters of the Argentine Equestrian Club in Buenos Aires.

Moccia, who has served as general secretary of the COA since 2009 described his election as "a special day."

"I want to thank the trust and say that these twelve years that we shared with Gerardo Werthein were very important to me and I hope to continue on the same path during my tenure," said Moccia.

"It really is a special day, which excites me a lot. I am very happy to be able to preside over this body that I love so much and with this progressive, modern and advanced statute that Gerardo Werthein proposed to us and that today allows the Argentine Olympic Committee, in my view, to be the most modern in the world."

Outgoing President Werthein paid tribute to his successor saying: "Mario, you taught me a lot. Your patience, your knowledge, how to structure things. 

"You were always a humble and loyal companion, with principles that have to do with your beliefs and that you never stopped practicing them. 

"Your loyalty, your humility, your wisdom and your knowledge are what lead you to be the new President of the Argentine Olympic Committee. 

"I am sure that you are going to have a great career and that you are going to lead this team to do things even better and with more success than it was my turn. 

"We leave you a platform, but I think you have all the attributes to continue and follow it.

"Now, I put myself in the right place to help you, especially when things are difficult. You know that you will be able to count on me."

Moccia also currently serves as first vice-president of Panam Sports, first vice-president of the South American Sports Organization and general secretary of ENARD, the country’s National High Performance Sports Entity.

Moccia is set to lead the COA Board of Directors for the next four years, with Alicia Masoni de Morea, Walter Pérez and Marcelo Achile the organisation’s three vice-presidents and Victor Sergio Groupierre succeeding Moccia as general secretary.

After standing down as President, a role he held since 2009, Werthein was appointed Honorary President of the COA.

Following the business of the COA’s Special Assembly entertainment was held for guests, while Argentine Olympians presented Werthein with a painting featuring photographic highlights of his tenure as COA President.