The 58-year-old, who had led the ETTU since 1996, has decided that he needs to step down now to restore unity within the sport with the implication being that his colleagues feared that they would be isolated internationally if he did not.

"It was a hard decision for me as I spent part of my life at the European Table Tennis Union's service, but I realised time has come," said Bosi.

"In the last few months the situation within ETTU was not the same I was used to.

"After the ITTF elections last May in Paris, where I was candidate in opposition to Adham Sharara, I perceived a very difficult atmosphere inside ETTU.

"For the benefit of our continent and for personal reasons I decided, after having consulted with the most of the Board members, to resign from the position of President."

Stefano Bosi unsuccessfully challenged Adham Sharara for the Presidency of the International Table Tennis Federation at a controversial election in Paris in May

Deputy President Jean-Francois Kahn, of France, is to take temporary charge until a new leader is elected at the ETTU Congress in Schwechat on October 5. 

"I hope my way out will help the table tennis family to re-establish cooperation and harmony," said Bosi.

"I always served the ETTU with all my heart and with loyalty.

"I shared so many years with some fantastic persons and friends.

"All the best to table tennis and ciao..."

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