December 20, 2023 – In a surprising turn of events, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Executive Committee convened in an extraordinary meeting on December 19, 2023, leading to the dismissal of Mr. Willi Grill as the ISSF Secretary General. The decision, effective immediately, follows the conclusion of an independent internal investigation, the details of which remain undisclosed.
The ISSF, overseeing the global governance of shooting sports, announced that while Grill’s employment contract will officially terminate on March 31, 2024, he has been relieved of all duties effective immediately. This move signals a significant shift in the administrative structure of the ISSF, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining high professional standards within the organization.
In the interim, ISSF President Luciano Rossi will assume the duties of the General Secretary. Rossi, backed by the Vice-Presidents and ISSF staff, will oversee the federation’s operations until a new Secretary General is appointed. This temporary arrangement underscores the ISSF’s need for stable leadership in a period of administrative transition.
The ExCo has scheduled its next meeting for February 19, 2024, with a critical agenda that includes discussing potential candidates for the now-vacant Secretary General position. Additionally, the meeting will focus on proposed improvements to the office structure at the ISSF Headquarters in Munich. These developments are expected to enhance the operational efficiency and uphold the integrity of the ISSF’s management.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for the ISSF, as it navigates through administrative upheavals while striving to maintain its stature in the world of international sports governance. The federation’s next steps, particularly in selecting Grill’s successor, will be closely watched by the global shooting sports community.
Further details regarding the nature of the investigation leading to Grill’s dismissal have not been made public. The ISSF maintains that the decision was made after thorough consideration, reflecting their commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
