Juan Antonio Samaranch looks set to lead the International Olympic Committee into the next century.

The IOC took the first step Tuesday toward changing or abolishing its age-limit rule, a move that would clear the way for Samaranch to seek re-election when his third term expires in 1997.

Samaranch, IOC president since 1980, reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75 in July. Under current provisions in the Olympic Charter, he would have to step down at the end of his current mandate.

But the former Spanish diplomat, apparently intent on staying in office, is asking IOC members if they want to change the rule and, if so, how.

The executive board agreed to ask the IOC session Thursday to vote on whether to keep the status quo or choose one of three options: Do away with the age limit for all IOC members, eliminate the limit for a president in office or raise the limit to 78.

Samaranch hasn’t announced officially that he would run for a fourth term, but is widely expected to do so if he is in good health. No one would likely run against him.

He would be 81 at the end of a fourth term in 2001.

The vote will be by secret ballot.