Sheikh Joann replaces the Gulf nation’s ruling Emir, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is also his elder brother. 

The official orchestrated preparations for the World Handball Championships held in Doha earlier this year, and, as well as much prior experience in sports management, has also been heavily involved in equestrian sport.

He will become the sixth QOC President since the body was founded in 1979, following Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Thani. Sheikh Mohamed bin Fahad Al Thani and Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid Al Thani.

New secretary general Dr Thani was also heavily involved with preparations for the World Handball Championships, while he also serves as secretary general and executive director of the El Jaish Sport Club.

He will replace Sheikh Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, although no information has yet been given on what role Sheikh Saoud, a key figure associated with the success of Qatari sport in recent years, will continue to play.

insidethegames has contacted the QOC for more clarification regarding the impact of the changes. 

As well as hosting almost 90 major sporting events in the nation this year, preparations for next year's Olympic Games in Rio will also be key for the new officials, with Qatar hoping to gain more medals than the two bronzes won by skeet shooter Nasser Al-Attiyah and high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim at London 2012.

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