Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose Apologises to Istanbul 2020 for Criticising the City

Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose has issued a ‘sincere apology’ for saying that Istanbul was less developed and equipped to host the 2020 Olympic Games than the Japanese capital.

Both cities join Madrid in an attempt to host the Olympics in 2020 and Inose’s remarks to the New York Times are in violation of IOC rules.

Inose said that the article only focused on a ‘small number of comments’ and did not reflect his ‘sincere and wider thoughts’ on the campaign.

He added: “I regrettably acknowledge, ed however, apoplectic that some of my words might be considered inappropriate and consequently would like to offer my sincere apology.”

The interview in the New York Times quoted Inose as saying: “Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes.

“For the athletes, where will be the best place to be? Well, compare the two countries where they have yet to build infrastructure, very sophisticated facilities.”

The statement goes against IOC rules that prohibit bid cities from commenting on rival candidates and Tokyo 2020 could find themselves in hot water with the ethics commission.

Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kilic was unimpressed with Inose’s comments and replied: “These remarks are not in accordance with the Olympic spirit.

“Istanbul is a candidate city for 2020, but we haven’t made any impairing comments about any other candidate city until now, and we won’t.

“We like the Japanese people. We respect their culture, their elders and their youth. If the subject is Istanbul then there is no need to talk much.”

Inose said he is ‘fully committed’ to abiding by the IOC rules and looks forward to a ‘respectful and friendly rivalry with the other bid cities.’

The IOC have been in touch with Tokyo 2020’s bid leader Tsunekazu Takeda seeking clarity on the matter. Takeda said: “Although his sincere thoughts differ from the content of the story published, he acknowledges that his comments related to another bid city and religion may have conflicted with the IOC guidelines and, as a result, offered his profound apologies,” Takeda said in a statement.

“We promise to reaffirm our utmost respect for the IOC guidelines,” Takeda added. “We will continue to respect the IOC rules and give our all during the remainder of the bidding process.”