Foreign fans to be banned from Tokyo Olympics.

 

Baring last minute change of heart brought about by superior argument, foreign fans will not be part of the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics it has been revealed.

A final decision on the issue is expected to be taken at the end of this month.

Athletes, coaches, officials and media will AVOID quarantine but must provide a negative Covid-19 test’ under IOC plans which are set to be approved at the end of the month

The Tokyo Olympics is set to be staged without overseas spectators, with final confirmation expected at the end of this month.

Japan’s government is behind plans to stop foreign fans coming to this summer’s Games because of concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

Organisers still hope some domestic supporters will be able to attend the Olympics. Talks are ongoing about how many may be allowed into venues and a decision on that is due to be made by next month

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach held a meeting with Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto on Wednesday and hinted at a ban on spectators from abroad to protect the local population.

Bach said: ‘We are doing everything to ensure the safety of the Games for all participants, but also for the Japanese people and the population of Tokyo in particular.

‘We are standing at your side, you have our full commitment. It is our interest as much as it is your interest, and it’s our common obligation to secure the safety for everybody.’

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Overseas athletes, coaches, officials and media will not have to quarantine on arrival in Japan but will have to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test and their movements will be restricted while in the country.

However, such restrictions would be difficult to implement for foreign fans and the Japanese government wants to focus on border controls to ensure the Games can go ahead.

Tokyo is still in a state of emergency due to the pandemic but those measures are expected to be lifted on Sunday after a fall in cases.