Cancellation, Schedule Postponement, Venue Change... IOC Faces Major Dilemma Over Tokyo Olympics

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has spread to all six continents except Antarctica, concerns about the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to open on July 24 are growing. Although the Japanese government continues to express its determination to hold the event, there is a premise that the spread of COVID-19 may not be fully contained before the opening date, and options such as postponement, relocation of the venue, or cancellation are being considered.

On the 26th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that five months ahead of the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and related organizations in Tokyo are struggling as they do not have good options. The impact on the Olympic-related industries and the countries involved is complex, making it difficult to make an easy decision regardless of the choice.

The first option mentioned in foreign media is relocating the venue. NYT reported that cities prepared to host, such as London or Los Angeles (LA), which recently held the Olympics, could be alternatives instead of Tokyo. During the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Women's World Cup, originally scheduled to be held in China, was hosted in the United States. NYT explained, "At that time, the event had fewer athletes, media, and sponsor companies than the Olympics, and it was a soccer tournament, which has many stadiums, making it possible."

Cancellation of the Olympics itself is also being discussed. So far, the Olympics have been canceled three times: in 1916, 1940, and 1944. However, unlike previous cases, the current Olympics involve billions of dollars in investments and numerous legal contracts, making cancellation difficult. There are various stakeholders, including athletes who have trained for years and broadcasters who have secured broadcasting rights.

Options such as postponing the Olympics by one year or holding the event with only athletes participating are also being discussed. When the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred in the United States in 2001, the Ryder Cup, a competition between the U.S. and Europe featuring top golfers who expressed concerns about flying, was postponed by 12 months. Considering this, if the Olympics are postponed until the summer of 2021, there could be scheduling conflicts with other sports events. Additionally, even if only athletes participate, since athletes, coaches, and safety personnel gather in one place, COVID-19 infection risks may still exist, NYT pointed out.