The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics confirm that foreign fans are COMMANDED to attend this summer’s Games

The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics confirm that foreign fans are COMMANDED to attend this summer’s Games

by

BREAKING NEWS: Overseas fans are left out of the Olympics: Tokyo 2020 bosses confirm they will not allow spectators to travel to Japan as ticket holders are refunded for fear of spreading new variants

  • Overseas fans may not attend this summer’s Tokyo Olympics
  • Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents are refunded
  • Move is an unprecedented decision that will further reduce the Olympics
  • When the decision to postpone the Games was taken last year, officials said the delay would allow them to hold the event as proof of ‘triumph over the virus’.
  • But instead, the Games form a largely television-based event

By David Coverdale For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Team GB athletes will be without the support of their own fans and families during this summer’s Olympics after overseas spectators were unable to attend the Games in Tokyo.

The much-anticipated decision to ban foreign supporters was ultimately taken by organizers because it is ‘highly unlikely’ that access to Japan can be guaranteed to visitors amid the ‘very challenging’ current Covid-19 situation.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said he was “really sorry” but that the “first principle is safety”.

The delayed Olympics continue this summer, but without overseas spectators

The delayed Olympics continue this summer, but without overseas spectators

Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents are refunded

Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents are refunded

About one million tickets were allegedly sold to spectators from outside Japan, and about 3,000 were expected to travel from Britain.

They will now be offered the refund that the organizing committee, which expects revenue of £ 577 million from the total ticket sales, will repay.

Organizers remain confident that domestic spectators will be able to attend the Olympics and Paralympics, but a decision on how much will be allowed in each venue will only be taken next month.

Japan's Covid vaccination program has started slowly over the last four weeks

The Covid vaccination program in Japan has started slowly over the past four weeks

Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said decisions taken on Saturday were key to easing fears of the Games inside and outside Japan

Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said decisions taken on Saturday were key to easing fears of the Games inside and outside Japan.

JAPAN’S SLOW VACCINE ROLLOUT

Japan’s coronavirus vaccination program is hampered by a lack of supply and a shortage of specialist injections needed to inject the population.

As of March 5, just under 46,500 doses had been administered to medical workers in the front line.

At the current rate, it would take 126 years to vaccinate Japan’s population of 126 million. However, inventories are expected to increase in the coming months.

Unlike many other countries, Japan requires clinical trials for new medicines, including vaccinations, with Japanese patients, which slows down the approval process.

So far, only the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved. Clinical trials in Japan for AstraZeneca and Moderna’s vaccines have been carried out and the vaccines are now awaiting regulatory approval.

According to The Japan Times, the vaccination for older residents with vaccination tickets is expected to start from 12 April.

The country will receive 100 million doses of Pfizer vaccine between May and June, while the Moderna vaccine is expected to be approved during this time.

A statement from Tokyo 2020 said: ‘The Covid-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is currently still very challenging and a number of varieties have emerged, while international travel worldwide is severely restricted.

“Given the current situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that access to Japan will be guaranteed to people from overseas this summer.

‘To give clarity to the cardholders residing abroad and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they would not be able to Enter Japan during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This conclusion will further contribute to ensuring safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.”

The chairman of the International Olympic Committee, Bach, added: ‘We share the disappointment of all enthusiastic Olympic fans from around the world, and of course the families and friends of the athletes who were planning to come to the Games.

“I’m really sorry about that. We know this is a great sacrifice for everyone. We have said from the beginning of this pandemic that it will require sacrifices.

‘But we also said that the first principle is safety. Every decision must first respect the principle of safety. I know our Japanese partners and friends have not come to this conclusion. ‘

A spokesman for the British Olympic Association said: ‘This is very sad news, not only for British fans but especially for the family and friends of athletes. While this is a very disappointing situation, it underscores the organizers’ determination to set up a safe and secure Olympics.

‘We are now awaiting detailed explanation from the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee on various issues, including details of the restrictions, process and timing of refunds for international cardholders and will keep in touch with fans to keep them informed. We will communicate quickly and clearly as soon as information is available. ‘

There is still hope that the Japanese residents can still attend this summer's Games

There is still hope that Japanese residents can still attend this summer’s Games

The Olympic Rings sit in front of Japan's Olympic headquarters and the new National Stadium

The Olympic Rings sit in front of the Olympic headquarters in Japan and the new National Stadium

.Source