The Japan Sumo Association board of councilors demoted on Thursday sumo elder Takanohana from his director post over his handling of the assault scandal that led to the retirement of yokozuna Harumafuji.
It is the first time a JSA director has been dismissed before the end of his term.
The JSA unanimously agreed to remove the 45-year-old as director and demote him two ranks within the organization's hierarchy, leaving him as a board member, for his part in the scandal that has seen the image of the ancient sport again tarnished.