The International Olympic Committee said Tuesday the sexist remarks made by Tokyo Games organizing committee chief Yoshiro Mori were "absolutely inappropriate," in making clear its stance over the issue.
The IOC released a fresh statement following widespread criticism of the remarks, after having said Thursday it "considers the issue closed" following Mori's apology and retraction of the comments.
The comments are "in contradiction to the IOC's commitments and the reforms of its Olympic Agenda 2020," the latest IOC statement said, referring to Mori's remarks that women talk too much and tend to make meetings "drag on."
The 83-year-old former Japanese prime minister made the comments at an online meeting of the Japan Olympic Committee on Feb. 3.
The remarks have drawn public criticism at home and abroad as well as from athletes and sponsors, and are further complicating efforts to hold this summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, already postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Inclusion, diversity and gender equality are integral components of the work," the IOC said.
"As the leader of the Olympic Movement, we are committed to our mission to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures, as stated in the Olympic Charter," the IOC said.
As of Monday, around 390 volunteers for the games withdrew from their posts following Mori's remarks, while a telephone survey by Kyodo News over the weekend showed 59.9 percent thought Mori was "not qualified" to head the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee.
Public opposition to the games has grown amid the pandemic, with the survey also finding 47.1 percent in favor of again postponing this summer's Tokyo Games and 35.2 percent saying the games should be canceled.
The IOC listed its contribution to gender equality with female athlete participation at the Tokyo Games as almost reaching 49 percent and female IOC membership standing at 37.5 percent, up from 21 percent at the start of Olympic Agenda 2020.
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