Former Swiss President Samuel Schmid has taken over an International Olympic Committee investigation into doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics after a French judge resigned, the committee said on December 6.
French judge Guy Canivet was appointed earlier this year to lead the probe after revelations of widespread doping in Russia and systematic cheating during the 2014 Games by Russian athletes, who were allegedly helped by the country's secret service.
Canivet stepped down for "personal reasons," a committee spokesman said, but will continue to give advice on the matter.
His investigation was focusing on allegations of government involvement in Russian doping during the Sochi Games.
Schmid, 69, is a former president of the Swiss Confederation and ex-head of the federal council in charge of the army, population, and sport.
Canivet's resignation comes just days before Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren publishes the second part of his report into Russian doping in London on December 9.
His first report in July triggered a partial ban on Russian athletes at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games this year.