Yoshiro Mori's stepping down raises new doubts over the viability of holding the Games later this year.

While leading an Olympic committee board meeting earlier this month, the former Japanese prime minister had said that women talked too much, setting off a storm of criticism at home and abroad more.

He retracted his comments quickly after saying it was inappropriate and against the Olympic spirit.

But when pressed on whether he thought women talked too much, he said.

I don't listen to women that much lately, so I don't know.

Local media reported earlier that Morrie is likely to express his intent to resign on Friday, when Olympics board members are meeting to discuss Hiss sexist remarks.

A spokesman for the organizing committee declined to comment.

While Mori told Nippon TV that he would explain his thoughts at Friday's meeting, he did not confirm reports of his resignation.

He also vowed not to let the controversy drag on any longer.

Replacing Maury will be Subbarao Kawabuchi, according Toa local TBS News.