Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori quits after the 83-year-old sparked a sexism row by declaring ‘annoying’ women ‘talk too much’ in another setback for organisers in a Games beset by Covid-19 problems
- Yoshiro Mori accepted his remarks had caused ‘chaos’ as he stepped down
- The IOC had said Mori’s remarks were ‘inappropriate’ but didn’t call for him to go
- It is another issue for organisers, with the Games already delayed by Covid-19
- Mori wanted Saburo Kawabuchi, former chair of the Japanese FA, to replace him
- Japan’s prime minister Yoshihide Suga is reported to want a woman in charge
Preparations for the Olympics were thrown into disarray on Friday as Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Mori resigned — then the Japanese government appeared to block the appointment of his preferred successor.
Mori, 83, quit as Tokyo organising committee president following a public backlash over sexist comments he made last week when he said women talked too much in meetings.
The former Japanese prime minister admitted: ‘My inappropriate remarks have caused chaos. The Games should continue under new leadership, so I am stepping down.’
Mori acknowledged his remarks had caused ‘chaos’ as he announced his resignation
Mori wanted Saburo Kawabuchi, a former chair of the Japanese FA, to replace him. But the 84-year-old withdrew his candidacy amid opposition to another old man being appointed into the role, and the backhanded way he was approached about the job.
Japan’s prime minister Yoshihide Suga is reported to want a woman in charge, with Seiko Hashimoto, the Olympic minister and former track cyclist and speed skater, a contender.
Mori wanted Saburo Kawabuchi, a former chair of the Japanese FA, to be his replacement
Seiko Hashimoto, the Olympics minister, is a contender to replace Mori as Olympics chief
Earlier this week, the IOC acknowledged Mori’s apology and didn’t call for him to quit his role
The Games are unpopular with residents amid the Covid-19 outbreak, with people in Tokyo protesting against them being held later this year