Stéphane Nomis has been appointed as the new President of the French Judo Federation ©EJU

Stéphane Nomis has been appointed as the new President of the French Judo Federation (FFJ) after winning an election against long-standing leader Jean-Luc Rougé.

The 50-year-old claimed 60 per cent of the vote to become head of one of France's most popular sports.

Rougé, who won World Championship gold at under-93 kilograms in 1975, had led the FFJ since 2005.

Nomis also competed for the French national team and takes on the top job at a key time for the organisation.

Allegations of sexual assault have rocked the sport in the country, while judo must also rebuild amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have many urgent matters to treat, and the consequences of the crisis to deal with," said Nomis.

"However, first we will deal with the issues of ethics and integrity, the fight against violence.

"Then, we are going to deploy a plan to help the clubs, which really need it. 

"At the same time, we have to deal with the economic situation of the Federation, which is not at its best. 


"And then we will structure ourselves in order to prepare for the Tokyo Games and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris."

Nomis said a "dream team" of Board appointments would help him in the role.

He pledged a new start after ousting the 71-year-old Rougé, who won four European titles.

"This is an important election at several levels," he said.

"The context first, the COVID crisis, the postponement of the Tokyo Games and our clubs at a standstill, all this is unprecedented. 

"Then, the Federation has been in a form of continuity for decades, it needs change, the world has changed, sport too.

"The Federation needed a new vision that we want to share."