Head of Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee won’t rule out late cancellation of Olympics

An 11th-hour cancellation of the Olympic Games may still be on the cards according to the head of the event’s organising committee when speaking in a news conference on Tuesday.

Toshiro Muto promised that he will stay alert on COVID-19 infection numbers relating to Tokyo 2020 with over nine positive cases in the last 24 hours, with the total tally of people affected currently at 67.

Speaking in the news conference, Muto is quoted by Sky Sports, stating that he would also hold meetings with organisers if required.

“We can’t predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases. So we will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases,” said Muto.

“We have agreed that based on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, the coronavirus cases may rise or fall, so we will think about what we should do when the situation arises.”

Earlier in July, Japan decided that the Summer Olympics would take place behind closed doors due to the rising cases in Tokyo, having been postponed last year.