IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn has resigned from the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund following his arrest in a alleged sexual assault case in New York.

Strauss-Kahn, who had been considered a leading Socialist Party challenger to French Premier Nicolas Sarkozy, released a statement late Wednesday announcing he would relinquish his post at the Fund.

While Kahn is under a suicide watch in New York's Rikers Island prison the world media is going gaga over stories of his dalliance with many women, the Daily Mail reports. The following are some of the women he is linked to:

Tristane Banon, 31, journalist

Allegation: Attempted rape and sexual assault.

Strauss-Kahn allegedly summoned her to a Paris apartment for an interview in 2002 and asked to hold her hand before pouncing on her. He undid her bra and jeans before she shouted 'rape' and kicked him off, she has said.

Piroska Nagy, 50, IMF official

Allegation: Coerced into a liaison.

The Hungarian-born blonde met Strauss-Kahn in Washington in 2007. She says his seniority made her feel pressured into a consensual fling. An investigation cleared him of abusing his authority but he admitted an 'error of judgement'.

Aurélie Filippetti, 37, Socialist politician

Allegation: Harassment.

The leading politician and novelist described a 'very heavy, very insistent' attempt by Strauss-Kahn to chat her up in 2008. She has since denied that he groped her, but said she would 'forever make sure' she was never 'alone in a room with him again'.

Yasmina Reza, 51, playwright

Allegation: Affair.

France's most celebrated dramatist has been romantically linked to Strauss-Kahn as well as his rival Nicolas Sarkozy, after she wrote an intimate account of the president's 2007 campaign. The book was dedicated to 'G', a socialist who is expected to become head of the IMF. Strauss-Kahn's middle name is Gaston.

Carmen Llera, 58, writer

Allegation: At least one dalliance.

The Spanish author was a member of Strauss-Kahn's academic inner circle. In two of her books, she hints at possible affairs with him.

Young actress, age unknown

Allegation: Gorilla-like behaviour.

The unnamed actress was invited to a Paris apartment with Strauss-Kahn, where he allegedly acted like a gorilla or 'randy monkey'. His alleged assault on Tristane Banon also saw him labelled a 'rutting chimpanzee'.

European journalist, age unknown

Allegation: Harassment.

The 'tall and willowy' reporter, using the name Martina, said he called her repeatedly and insisted 'almost directly that I had to sleep with him for an interview'. She did not succumb, but two years later he continued his efforts, when she was pregnant.

Mexican chambermaid, age unknown

Allegation: Fling

According to a book published by a member of Strauss-Kahn's inner circle, he had a fling with a maid in Mexico. If true, the episode echoes the charges he now faces in New York.

IMF Mexico New York International Monetary Fund