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Tokyo 2020 Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori to resign over sexist remarks

Mayor of the Olympics village, Saburo Kawabuchi, is likely to replace Mori

olympics-yoshiro-mori-file-reuters-n [File] President of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Organising Committee Yoshiro Mori | AP

Tokyo 2020 Olympics president Yoshiro Mori is expected to step down following sexist remarks he made about women that caused outrage, adding to the problems surrounding the Games which was postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 83-year-old made the sexist comments at a Japanese Olympic Committee board of trustees meeting earlier this month.

“If we increase the number of female board members, we have to make sure their speaking time is restricted somewhat, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying,” Mori was quoted as saying.

“Women are competitive. If one member raises their hand to speak, others might think they need to talk too,” he reportedly added.

However, after his comments were leaked to Japanese media, Mori retracted his remarks at a press conference. He offered an apology, adding that his comments were “inappropriate” and “thoughtless”, but refused to step down amid calls for his resignation.

The increasing public outrage against Mori has forced the former prime minister to change his stance. Several Japanese media outlets have confirmed the development as Mori told officials that he wished to step down.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics organising committee chief is expected to announce his resignation at a meeting of Games organisers on Friday.

The media have also reported that former Japan Football Association president and mayor of the Olympics village, Saburo Kawabuchi, is likely to replace Mori.

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