Carlos Nuzman was coy on his intentions for the PASO presidency ©Getty Images

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman says he has not yet decided whether to run for the Presidency of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO).

Questioned by insidethegames here today, the Brazilian replied: “I am not a candidate for PASO.

“I never mentioned this in any place.

“I know that some National Olympic Committees (NOCs) come to speak with me, some leaders.

“I know that some press noticed, but I never declared I am officially a candidate.”

There could be as many as five candidates to replace Mario Vázquez Raña
There could be as many as five candidates to replace Mario Vázquez Raña

Asked to clarify whether this meant he had no intention of joining what is an increasingly crowded field in the race to succeed Julio Maglione of Uruguay, Nuzman - generally viewed as the favourite - added: “What will happen in the future we don’t know.

“I don’t know what I will do after the Games.

“I receive a lot of questions about this because the people know I love challenges.”

If Nuzman does decide eventually to throw his hat into the ring, it looks like there may be as many as five candidates to lead an organisation that was long headed by the late Mario Vázquez Raña of Mexico.

Dominican Republic’s José Joaquín Puello was the first contender to formally declare his intention to run.

He was followed last month by St Vincent and the Grenadines general secretary Keith Joseph, as well as Neven Ilic, President of the Chilean Olympic Committee.

St Lucia’s IOC member Richard Peterkin has also stated his intention of entering “when the time is right”.