Tokyo Olympics boss Mori to resign over sexist remarks: media

(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 24, 2019 (FILES) This file photo taken on July 24, 2019 shows president of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organising committee, Yoshiro Mori, delivering a speech during a ceremony to unveil the one-year countdown clock for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. - Mori is set to resign on February 11, 2021, over sexist remarks that have sparked outrage in Japan and abroad, reports said. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)

Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori is to resign over sexist remarks that have sparked outrage in Japan and abroad, reports said Thursday.

Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said Mori has told officials of his wish to step down and intends to announce his resignation at a meeting of Games organisers on Friday.

Gaffe-prone Tokyo 2020 boss Mori, 83, has come under increasing pressure after he said last week that women “have difficulty” speaking concisely.

He has apologised for the remarks, but dug a deeper hole when he insisted he had heard complaints that women speak at length.

Politicians and sports stars were quick to condemn the comments, with heavyweight sponsors also saying they ran contrary to the Olympic spirit.

The International Olympic Committee said they considered the matter closed, but then said the remarks were “completely inappropriate” as the backlash grew.

The sexism row has become yet another headache for Olympic organisers and officials already battling public disquiet over holding the Games this summer as the pandemic continues to rage.

Tom Kirkwood