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.
© Agence France-Presse
The eyes of the trail world will be focused on the southern tip of Africa…
Competitive racing was the order of the day at the TCS New York City Marathon…
A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 has visited the Totalsport Safe-Hub in…
An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…
Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…
Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…