Tokyo 2020: IOC set Olympic Games deadline for postponement decision due to coronavirus

The International Olympic Committee has given themselves a four-week deadline to decide whether Tokyo 2020 will be postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic or whether the Olympic Games will go ahead as planned from July 24.

The executive board of the IOC met on Sunday with increasing pressure on them to make a decision.

There will be no cancellation of Tokyo 2020 though with a postponement the most likely option due to the coronavirus pandemic worldwide.

A scaled-down Games is also an idea under consideration though.

IOC President Thomas Bach wrote to athletes providing them with an explanation of their approach.

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“Restrictions now in place have removed the ability of athletes to compete on a level playing field and it simply does not seem appropriate to continue on the present course towards the Olympic Games in the current environment.”

The IOC said one of the challenges they face is that a number of critical venues would no longer be available if the Games were to be postponed.

They add: “The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle, and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted.

“These are just a few of many, many more challenges.”