France, Feb. 12 -- Japan's Olympics overlord Yoshiro Mori quit on Friday more than a week after his comments about women talking too much in meetings drew worldwide condemnation.

Mori, the president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, formally stepped down during a session of the board in Tokyo.

The 83-year-old former prime minister had at first refused to resign after apologising for his remarks on 3 February during a session with members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

However, criticism from athletes around the globe as well as questions over his suitability from sponsors forced his hand.

Thomas Bach, the head of the International Olympic Committee, said: "The IOC fully respects President Mori's decision to step down and und...