International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said on Sunday that he would make known in October whether he will stand for re-election next year at the IOC session in Copenhagen.

"I will announce my decision in October," Rogge told a press conference hours before the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. "It will be announced first to IOC members, and then to the media."

Rogge took over from long-time IOC chief Juan Antonio Samaranch in July 2001 and his first eight-year mandate ends in 2009.

The 66-year-old Belgian has led the organization through a period of change, advocating a much tougher stance on doping. He has faced criticism from time to time over a wide range of issues.

"If you are president of the IOC, you are bound to be criticized," said the IOC chief.

"I don't take this personal. I'm criticized because I'm heading an organization.

"It's true that the media criticize organizations, and it's not a problem," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)