The 2020 Olympic Games will be postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) member chief Dick Pound.
The IOC has given itself four weeks to determine its future, with the Games due to get under way on July 24, but it appears a final decision has already been made.
Jose Mourinho delivers essential goods to vulnerable people in Enfield struggling due to coronavirus
Australia and Canada have already said they will not compete in Japan, while the chairman of the British Olympic Association said Great Britain would be unlikely to send a team to Tokyo this summer.
“On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound told USA Today.
“The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”
The BOA, the British Paralympic Association and funding body UK Sport will hold a conference call on Tuesday with bosses from the summer Olympic and Paralympic sports.
It is anticipated they will make a collective call for the Games to be rescheduled and advise athletes to prepare on that basis.
Giving COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pub, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
1. Practice social distancing by remaining two metres apart from others.
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Self isolate if you have a fever or cough
Stay at home if you have either:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued its guidance on social distancing.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson has urged the IOC to make a ‘definitive decision’.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: “Athletes are facing significant uncertainty in the current environment.
“Their health and safety, alongside that of sports fans and officials due to work at the Games, must be absolutely paramount.
“We want the International Olympic Committee to make a definitive decision soon to bring clarity to all of those involved.”
