Tarpischev approached by IOC

London - The IOC ethics commission has contacted Russian tennis president Shamil Tarpischev to explain his comments about Venus and Serena Williams that led to him being fined and suspended by the women's tour.

Tarpischev was fined $25 000 and suspended from the WTA Tour for a year after referring to the Williams sisters as the "Williams brothers" and saying they were "scary" to look at. He made the comments on a Russian TV show.

Serena Williams, who called the comments sexist, racist and bullying, said she has received a written apology from Tarpischev.

Tarpischev has been an International Olympic Committee member since 1994.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams says "I understand the IOC ethics commission has contacted Mr. Tarpischev."

No decision has been made on whether the panel will open a case or consider sanctions.