Putting an end to a 22-year stint, Jorge Nery stepped down as the National Olympic Committee (CON) president amid a strong disapproval rating from local sports federations and past allegations of fraud and document forgery.

Nery made his announcement at a gathering of the general assembly organized by the Pan-American Sports Organization on Monday night.

The attorney left his longstanding post to avoid possible sanctions against the Costa Rican Olympic team and to spend more time with his family, according to CON spokeswoman Josebeth Azofeifa.

When a country is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, its athletes may not parade with their flag at the opening ceremonies.

Six athletes, so far, will represent Costa Rica in the summer Olympics in Beijing, China, Aug. 8-24.

After Nery's withdrawal, CON members chose Roberto Verdesia, former president of the track and field federation, by a 31-9 vote as interim president until September.

His only opponent was William Corrales, head of the volleyball federation.

Normally, the new president assumes power within 60 days. But an agreement was reached in which Nery would hand his baton to Verdesia within 20 days – on June 13, Azofeifa said.

The past year has been difficult for Nery.

Juan Carlos Bonilla, head of the institute's press and public relations department, said the government was disappointed with CON, especially after the latest Pan-American Games in which Costa Rica failed to send a single athlete.

Last October, the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) began investigating Nery for fraud and document forgery.

Azofeifa said all charges have been dropped against Nery, after the government ruled in favor of CON.

In March, representatives from 26 of the sports federations that make up CON's assembly voted to sack the committee.

A later meeting on April 30 to elect the executive board ended in disaster as well when dissidents refused to let Nery proceed with agenda items.

The Monday night meeting was held to finish business left behind last month.