Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori, who is also the former prime minister of Japan, is going to resign after outrage sparked over his sexist remarks in Japan and abroad, AFP reported on Thursday.

Major Japanese media outlets, quoting sources, said Mori wishes to step down and is planning to announce his resignation at a meeting of Games organisers on Friday.

The 83-year-old 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.