IOC Member Mentions "Possibility of Tokyo Olympics Cancellation"... Japan Says "Not an Official Position" (Summary)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has raised the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). While there are opinions suggesting postponing the Olympic Games, realistically, the likelihood of a delay is considered low. The Japanese government stated that this is not the official position of the IOC and that it will continue preparations for hosting the Olympics.

On the 25th (local time), IOC member Dick Pound said in an interview with the Associated Press, "If it is judged that holding the Olympics in Tokyo this summer amid the COVID-19 outbreak is very risky, the IOC is more likely to cancel the Olympics altogether rather than postpone or relocate the event." He added, "It is expected to take two to three months to decide the fate of the Tokyo Olympics," and predicted that the decision on whether to hold the Games will be made around the end of May.

As the longest-serving IOC member, he emphasized that security measures for guards, food, the Olympic Village, hotels, and other preparations must begin ahead of the opening of the Olympics. He added, "If the IOC determines that it cannot hold the Games in Tokyo as planned, it will probably cancel them." Regarding the possibility of postponement, he pointed out that many adjustments would be required, saying, "You cannot simply say, 'Let's hold it in October.'"

Regarding the option of hosting the Games in a location other than Tokyo, he responded that "there are hardly any places in the world that can prepare so many things in such a short time," making it practically difficult. This remark was made in response to London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey’s recent Twitter proposal to host the Olympics in London. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open on July 24. The IOC plans to decide on the progress of the Olympics in close cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following Pound’s remarks, the Japanese government immediately clarified that this was not the official position of the IOC and moved to manage the situation. Seiko Hashimoto, Japan’s Minister for the Olympics, appeared before the House of Representatives Budget Committee that day and stated that she requested an explanation from the IOC regarding the remarks. She added that she was told the comments were made in the context of explaining that the IOC is preparing for the Tokyo Olympics to proceed as scheduled. She also said, "Simulating the worst-case scenario is necessary for success," and added, "We will work to end the COVID-19 situation as soon as possible so that the Tokyo Olympics can be held safely and gain recognition from the IOC."

Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, also said, "As far as I know, there are no changes to the torch relay schedule starting next month," and added, "The government will work closely with the IOC, the organizing committee, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government to steadily prepare for the Games."