Paris 2024 Olympic organisers are insisting that the surfing venue for the world's biggest multi-sport event be at Teahupoo, Reuters reported, citing a statement sent to the news agency by the organisers.

"As our President, Tony Estanguet, recently pointed out, our priority is to find a solution that will allow us to host the Games in Tahiti, at Teahupoo, in the best possible conditions. Tahiti was chosen for Teahupoo and its legendary wave, one of the most beautiful in the world," the statement said.

He added: “Discussions and studies will continue in the coming weeks to find a solution to host the event at the Teahupoo site. Together with all parties, and the Polynesian government in particular, Paris 2024 will continue to listen to all possible solutions to improve the project. Dialogue and work will continue with environmental associations and local residents.”

Faced with protests and more than 150.000 signatures on a petition saying they do not want the tower, Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson said Wednesday that the event could be moved to Taharuu, on the west coast of Tahiti.

The Paris 2024 authorities preferred to maintain their position, although according to the aforementioned statement to Reuters, with a spirit of dialogue that had not previously existed.

Reuters reported that they consulted the ISA but received no response.

Weeks ago, the Tahitian and international community protested that a five million dollar aluminum tower, designed to hold 40 people, including judges and staff, was planned to be built on the reef in the lagoon in front of Teahupoo.

They argue that the tower could cause irreparable ecological damage and are asking that the same tower that has always been used at WSL events be used, which is made of wood and is assembled and dismantled annually.