Gianpiero Armani has died at the age of 84 ©European Shooting Confederation

Gianpiero Armani, an Honorary President of the European Shooting Confederation (ESC), has died at the age of 84.

In 1981 he became President of the Italian Target Shooting Federation, a position he held for 12 years.

Three years later he was appointed leader of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shotgun Committee.

The Italian was then elected as ISSF vice-president in 1990, and in 1993 succeeded Bjorn Schullstrom of Sweden as President of the ESC.

Armani served two four-year Presidential terms and contributed significantly to the development of shooting at continental and international level.

Gianpiero Armani is a former President of Italian football club Novara Calcio ©Getty Images
Gianpiero Armani is a former President of Italian football club Novara Calcio ©Getty Images

In 2001, he decided to step down and was unanimously granted the title of Honorary President.

Armani is also a former President of Italian football team Novara Calcio.

The club are based in the Italian city of Novara and play in Serie B, the second-tier of Italian football.

The ESC has extended its condolences to Armani's family.