No overseas fans will be permitted to attend the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, organisers have confirmed today at a five-party meeting.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Government met virtually to discuss the issue.
Japanese officials concluded that the current COVID-19 situation made it unlikely that they could guarantee entry to international fans for the Games.
“During the meeting, the IOC and IPC were informed about the conclusion of the Japanese parties not to allow entry into Japan for overseas spectators for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to the prevailing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement read.
“Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will be refunded.
“Currently, the COVID-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still very challenging and a number of variant strains have emerged, whilst international travel remains severely restricted globally.”
Inside the Games. By Michael Pavitt.
Read the full story at Inside the Games.
