Updated - Tokyo Governor Too Candid for Olympic Bid Rules?

(ATR) Istanbul 2020 bid leaders are said to be shocked by the remarks of Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Naoki Inose, quoted in an April 26 New York Times article belittling Turkey and Istanbul’s ability to host the Games.

" "For the athletes, where will be the best place to be?"" Inose is quoted through an interpreter by the newspaper.

" "Well, compare the two countries where they have yet to build infrastructure, very sophisticated facilities. So, from time to time, like Brazil, I think it’s good to have a venue for the first time. But Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes.""

Inose kept at bay any direct criticism of Madrid, other than to note Madrid, like Istanbul, has yet to host the Games. The IOCwill elect a host for the 2020 Olympics in September.

Inose, who is chairman of the Tokyo bid, is prohibited under IOC rules from engaging in any comparisons with the other bids. It’s a line that occasionally is crossed by bid cities which usually draws a reminder of the rules by the IOC, but never a dismissal from the race.

As of this article’s publication, Tokyo 2020 was seeking further clarification of Inose’s interview which took place in New York.

In a statement to Around the Rings, Tokyo 2020 insists it complies with IOC rulesm but admits Inose's comments may have been perceived the wrong way..

"Tokyo 2020 has noted the article published by the New York Times on 27 April.

"Tokyo 2020 fully respects and adheres to the IOC guidelines for the Candidate Cities. We have the utmost respect for all Candidate Cities and have always taken pride in bidding in a sprit based on the Olympic Values of excellence, respect and friendship.

"While the focus of the story took us by surprise, Tokyo 2020 regrettably acknowledge thatthe article may have been perceived to question Tokyo 2020's commitment to following our strong bidding principles.

"Japan and Tokyo's passion for sport and its dream to host the 2020 Games remains strong. We will continue to respect the IOC guidelines and our friendly rivals in the true spirit of the Olympic Values."

In the New York Times article, an aide to Inose provides some clarification:

"Asked later to elaborate on his characterization of Istanbul, a spokesman said Inose meant that simply being the first Islamic country to hold the Olympics was not a good enough reason to be chosen, just as being the first Buddhist country or the first Christian country would not be, either. The spokesman said Inose did not mean to refer to "class.""

For its part, Istanbul tells Around the Rings it will have no comment to make about Inose’s remarks, but bid leaders are reported to be taken aback by the comments..

Elected in December, Inose was a protégé of his ultra-national predecessor, Shintaro Ishihara, who led the Tokyo bid for 2016 and pushed to continue the effort for 2020.

In a March interview with Around the Rings, Inose, speaking through an interpreter, mentioned his belief in the uniqueness of Japanese culture.

"Japan is neither Orient or Occident. It can be said that Japan can both be Oriental or Occidental. So it is one unique organizational sphere. South America can be one organizational sphere like Islamic world. So the Japanese civilization can stand on equal footing with other civilizations. And I know I have to work further to make even a more effective appeal on this point," he told ATR.

His remarks in the New York Times may reflect that intent to ramp-up the appeal. Whether he’ll be told to dial back the rhetoric remains to be seen.

Written by Ed Hula.