Coe, the London 2012 chairman, is one of four vice-presidents alongside Dahlan Al-Hamad of Qatar, Robert Hersh of America and Bubka, who is currently the senior vice president.

Diack, a former Senegalese Government Minister who took over as President of the IAAF in November 1999 following the sudden death of Primo Nebiolo, is set to stand for re-election later this year in Daegu, South Korea, but revealed he thinks that Coe would be one of a number of fantastic IAAF leaders when he finally vacates the role.

"Of course Seb Coe has the potential to be a great IAAF President," the 77-year-old told insidethegames.

"There is no question about this.

"He was a great athlete and he is London 2012 chairman.

"He is also a fantastic vice president and the role of a vice-president helps you to become the President.

"His credentials are superb.

"But it is not only Coe who has this potential.

"We also have Bubka as vice-president and there is no doubt he has the potential to become the next President.

"Al-Hamad and Hersh are important vice presidents too and we have other great people in our organisation like [Moroccan Council Member] Nawal El Moutawakel who has undoubted leadership abilities.

"Therefore I am not worried because I know that after me, we have many fantastic people that could become IAAF President and lead the organisation forward."

Diack, right, who also serves as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, added he was delighted to see the decision by the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) to choose West Ham to take over the London 2012 Olympic Stadium after the Games and maintain an athletics track.

The IAAF President had publically stated before the decision that Britain's sporting reputation would be "dead" if they reneged on the commitment to have an athletics legacy from the Games which they gave to the IOC in Singapore six years ago when London's bid for the 2012 Games won the vote.

"On behalf of the IAAF, I am delighted to see that the London Olympic Stadium will retain an athletics track and inspire future generations of athletes and athletics fans in the UK," he said.

"The Olympic Park Legacy Company has made a very wise decision which lives up to the promise made in Singapore five years ago, but will also demonstrate that top class football can co-exist happily with other sports.

"I have always said that Britain, whose history and legendary athletes have been an inspirational example, deserves a world class athletics venue.

"Now athletics can continue to thrive in the Olympic Park, long after the Olympic flame has gone out."

The decision also means that London is almost certain to bid to host the 2017 IAAF orld Championships in the venue after embarrassingly pulling out of race to host the 2015 competition at a late stage due to the then uncertain future of the stadium.

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