Japanese Olympic chief to quit amid corruption allegations scandal

71-year-old Tsunekazu Takeda, who has occupied the Japanese Olympic committee’s top post since 2001, has denied any impropriety

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Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda announces his planned resignation. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:41pm, 19 Mar 2019Updated: 8:41pm, 19 Mar 2019

Japanese Olympic Committee chief Tsunekazu Takeda said on Tuesday that he will step down at the end of his current term in June and resign as a member of the International Olympic Committee amid bribery allegations related to Tokyo’s successful bid for the 2020 Games.

The development is unlikely to affect the actual preparations for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, with less than 500 days to go. But it is the latest disappointment for the country that has seen a series of controversies over the event regarding costs and the official emblem since being awarded the hosting rights in 2013.

Takeda talks to journalists after announcing his resignation. Photo: EPA

The 71-year-old, who has been in the domestic committee’s top post since 2001, has denied the allegations. But he declared his intention to retire without seeking to be re-elected at a committee board meeting the same day, while apologising for the turmoil.

“It is most appropriate to leave the JOC to younger leaders as we await the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and have them open up a new era,” Takeda told reporters.

“I have not committed any wrongdoing. I will strive to prove my innocence,” he added.

Japanese Olympic chief to quit amid corruption allegations scandal

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}71-year-old Tsunekazu Takeda, who has occupied the Japanese Olympic committee’s top post since 2001, has denied any impropriety

71-year-old Tsunekazu Takeda, who has occupied the Japanese Olympic committee’s top post since 2001, has denied any impropriety