After a year postponement, the Toyko 2020 Olympics will go ahead in the summer of 2021, but there will be no foreign spectators allowed in the stadiums.
The Japanese authorities told the Olympic and Paralympic committees it was “highly unlikely” that entry to the country could be guaranteed and the organisers have decided that the decision to prevent foreign spectators will provide “clarity” to ticket holders and those who are seeking to attend.
They also said that the move will ensure “a safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public”.
The British Olympic Association said that while it is “a very disappointing situation”, it highlights the “determination to stage” a safe event during the pandemic, with the postponement to the summer of 2021 representing the first time that this had happened in history.
“This is very sad news, not only for British fans but particularly for the family and friends of athletes.”
The news will also raise doubt about the viability of the European Football Championships this summer, which are due to take place across the whole of Europe. The final and semi-finals were due to be held in London, at Wembley stadium, and there has been speculation that the whole tournament may be moved to the United Kingdom with only domestic spectators allowed to attend.
It has also been announced that the Wimbledon Tennis Championship will go ahead this summer, with tickets going on general sale, rather than being done through a ballot.
Determined campers will also be unable to attend Wimbledon this year, with the resale of tickets and the Henman Hill both being closed off for this year’s event.
